cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultra-long range, ultracold polar and non-polar Rydberg molecules

Summary form only given. The discovery of ultracold and dilute ensembles of atoms and molecules in magneto-optical traps (MOT) and in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) has ushered in a new era of precision atomic and molecular spectroscopy. Since the atoms in such cold environments predominantly interact via long-range forces, the creation of BECs and dilute atomic samples has made the study of very long-range molecular states possible. In this work (Greene et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. vol. 85, p. 2458, 2000), we discuss a particular interatomic arrangement that should be favored in modern-day MOT and BEC setups and should result in the production of molecular Rydberg states whose vibrational wave functions are localized at internuclear distances of order n/sup 2/ Bohr radii, where n is the principal quantum number. The vibrational binding energies of these molecules for n=20-50 fall in the MHz and GHz range, for molecules excited from /sup 87/Rb ultracold atomic gas. We predict two distinct classes of molecular Rydberg states. The nonpolar class of Rydberg molecules form from the interaction between a Rb(nl/sub j/) Rydberg atom with low orbital angular momentum l/sub j//spl les/2 and a distant Rb ground state atom. Rydberg molecules of the second class form from the interaction between an excited Rb atom in high (l/sub j/>2) orbital angular momentum states with a ground state Rb atom.
The Descent into Solidarity: Christ’s Descent into Hell as Stimulus for Justice

In the Apostle’s Creed, undoubtedly the most enigmatic phrase is Christ “descendit ad inferos,” descended into hell. After surveying various interpretations of the doctrine, this paper seeks to integrate the Reformed tradition’s view of the descent as the subjective experience of God-forsakenness with Hans Urs von Balthasar’s proposal that Christ entered into solidarity with the dead in hell with no hope of being found by God. The paper then draws three ethical implications from this reading of the descent: the importance of self-surrender, the necessity of solidarity with the oppressed and a chastened confidence towards the prospect for social change in our world.
The Effect of Triglycerides on Cognitive Function in Aging Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study (S58.004)

Objective: Vascular risk factors like hyperlipidemia may adversely affect brain function. We hypothesized that increased serum triglycerides are associated with decreased executive function and memory in non-demented elderly subjects . We also researched possible cerebrovascular mediators for this relationship with Diffusion Tensor Imaging to represent white matter integrity. Design/Methods: Participants were 251 non-demented elderly adults (54% male) with a mean age of 78 (SD=6.4; Range: 62-94) years and a mean education of 15.6 (SD=2.9; Range: 8-23) years. Fasting blood samples were used to detect serum triglyceride and LDL levels as well as ApoE4 status. DTI was used to determine whole brain FA. Composite executive (EXEC) and memory (MEM) scores were derived from item response theory. Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores were assigned based on self-reported changes in cognition. Results: Triglycerides are significantly correlated with lower executive function, but not with memory. Controlling for demographic factors like age, gender, and education did not affect this correlation. This relationship persisted when vascular risk factors like LDL, ApoE4 status and additional measures of severity and genetic risk like CDR scores were controlled for. Lastly, adding whole brain fractional anisotropy to the model did not affect the correlation between triglycerides and executive function. Conclusions: Triglycerides are significantly correlated with worse executive function in non-demented elderly adults after controlling for age, education, gender, LDL, ApoE4 status, and CDR. This correlation cannot be attributed to cerebrovascular injury as measured by DTI. Lastly, this relationship is specific to executive function and is not related to memory. Disclosure: Dr. Parthasarathy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Frazier has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jastrzab has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chui has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the Archives of Neurology. Dr. Bettcher has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kramer has nothing to disclose.
Molecular weight and rheology of acetal copolymers

Methods have been developed for the determination of weight and number average molecular weights of copolymers of trioxane containing oxyethylene units by light scattering and osmotic pressure measurements, respectively. The ratio Mw/Mn for a number of whole polymers is close to 2, in good agreement with the estimate of this ratio indirectly determined from the effect of chain transfer agent. Dilute solution and melt viscosity measurements have also been made. The melt viscosity at zero shear rate is approximately proportional to the 3.4 power of Mw, both for polymers as polymerized and for a blend of two such polymers. The dependence of melt viscosity on shear rate can be fitted to the BUECHE-HARDING emperical equation, but the values of MR calculated from this equation are much smaller than Mw. For the blend MR is higher than that of either component. All of the results are in accord with those found for other polymers of about the same molecular weight distribution. Ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Gewichts- und Zahlenmittel des Molekulargewicht von Trioxancopolymeren mit geringem Gehalt an Oxyathylenbausteinen wurde mit Hilfe von Lichtstreuung und osmotischen Messungen entwickelt. In guter Ubereinstimmung mit indirekten Schatzungen uber den Effekt von Kettenubertragern wurde das Verhaltnis Mw/Mn fur eine Anzahl unfranktionierter Polymerer zu ungefahr 2 bestimmt. Ferner wurden Viskositatsmessungen in verdunnter Losung und in der Schmelze ausgefuhrt. Die Schmelzviskositat bei der Schergeschwindigkeit Null ist fur einfache Polymere und fur Mischungen zweier Polymere ungefahr proportional zu M. Die Abhangigkeit der Schmelzviskositat von der Schergeschwindigkeit gehorcht der empirischen BUECHE-HARDING-Gleichung; aber die Werte fur MR, die sich mittels dieser Gleichung berechnen lassen, sind viel Kleiner als Mw. In Mischungen sind die MR-Werte groser als diejenigen der Komponenten. Alle Ergebnisse stehen in Ubereinstimmung mit Messungen an anderen Polymeren, welche ungefahr dieselbe Molekulargewichtsverteilung besitzen.
Hepatic regulatory T cells and Kupffer cells are crucial mediators of systemic T cell tolerance to antigens targeting murine liver

The mechanisms of tolerance in the liver that limit susceptibility to food allergy and that mediate the acceptance of liver transplants, even with a complete major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatch, remain poorly defined. Here we report that in a model of liver-directed gene transfer, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to non-self antigens are controlled by hepatic regulatory T cells (Tregs) that secrete the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 in response to the antigen. In addition, Kupffer cells (KCs), normally thought to initiate immune responses, are rendered tolerogenic in this context. The depletion of KCs results in a complete abrogation of IL-10 production by hepatic Tregs, indicating an interaction between Tregs and KCs in the induction of tolerance. Conclusion: Our study suggests that hepatic Tregs together with KCs create a local suppressive microenvironment that prevents the establishment of the CTL response. These mechanisms provide pivotal insights and may prove instrumental in the tolerization toward non-self therapeutic proteins delivered to the liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
18650 Li-ion cells with reference electrode and in situ characterization of electrodes

At Sandia National Laboratories, we have built 18650 Li-ion cells with Li reference electrode for in situ characterization of electrodes including impedance and other electrochemical properties. At a 200 mA (∼C/5 rate) discharge, the cell gave ∼900 mAh. Impedance measurements indicate that the anode dominates the cell impedance. For example, at 0 °C, the anode and cathode impedances at 10 mHz were around 149 and 53 mΩ, respectively, and the total cell impedance at 10 mHz was ∼203 mΩ. The three-electrode configuration also permits measurement of individual electrode voltages during charge and discharge. During discharge, while the cell voltage drops from 4.1 to 3 V, the cathode and the anode voltages change from 4.1 to 3.7 and from ∼0 to 0.7 V, respectively. During charge, the cathode and anode voltages trace back to their initial values before discharging. The voltage swing for the anode is higher than that for the cathode. This also indicates that the impedance for the anode is higher than for the cathode. Pulse measurements on the cells indicate the voltage drop of the full-cell is equal to the sum of the anode and cathode voltage drops for a 2 A discharge pulse.
Meatpacking workers' perceptions of working conditions, psychological contracts and organizational justice

What are Latino immigrants' beliefs about the obligations of their employers in the meatpacking industry? Do they feel they are treated fairly as workers? This study explores the working conditions...
Presence and Diversity of Streptomyces in Dendroctonus and Sympatric Bark Beetle Galleries Across North America

Recent studies have revealed several examples of intimate associations between insects and Actinobacteria, including the Southern Pine Beetle Dendroctonus frontalis and the Spruce Beetle Dendroctonus rufipennis. Here, we surveyed Streptomyces Actinobacteria co-occurring with 10 species of Dendroctonus bark beetles across the United States, using both phylogenetic and community ecology approaches. From these 10 species, and 19 other scolytine beetles that occur in the same trees, we obtained 154 Streptomyces-like isolates and generated 16S sequences from 134 of those. Confirmed 16S sequences of Streptomyces were binned into 36 distinct strains using a threshold of 0.2% sequence divergence. The 16S rDNA phylogeny of all isolates does not correlate with the distribution of strains among beetle species, localities, or parts of the beetles or their galleries. However, we identified three Streptomyces strains occurring repeatedly on Dendroctonus beetles and in their galleries. Identity of these isolates was corroborated using a house-keeping gene sequence (efTu). These strains are not confined to a certain species of beetle, locality, or part of the beetle or their galleries. However, their role as residents in the woodboring insect niche is supported by the repeated association of their 16S and efTu from across the continent, and also having been reported in studies of other subcortical insects.
The localization of tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system: Methodological considerations

Abstract The ideal methodologies for the localization of tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity were investigated using the quantitative capabilities of the Leitz MPV-3 microspectrofluorometer to determine the best protocol. The following method was found to give the best results. The animals were perfused with the two-stage procedure [1] consisting of an initial perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde at pH 6.5 and a second perfusion of 4% paraformaldehyde at pH 11. The brains were sectioned on a cryostat and the loose sections were placed in the primary antibody for 80 hours (the time of saturation of the reaction). The primary antibody solution contained 0.1–0.5% lambda-carregeenan and 0.3% Triton-X 100 in phosphate buffered saline. The sections were rinsed and placed in a 0.1–0.3% carregeenan solution with 0.1% Triton-X 100 and containing the secondary antibody. The sections were mounted onto chrome alum subbed slides and allowed to dry. The sections were coverslipped with buffered glycerine (pH 8.6) containing 2 mg/ml paraphenylene diamine as a mounting medium. This medium provided excellent protection from fading but certain subsequent enzyme staining (notably acetylcholinesterase) required the use of buffered glycerine alone. Various counterstains were evaluated for their compatability with the FITC fluorescence. A detailed methodology is presented.
Habituation of the pyramidal response in unanesthetized cat.

Abstract Evoked pyramidal activity characteristics in unanesthetized cats were studied in relation to the intensity and frequency of repeated somatic stimuli. An early component of the evoked pyramidal activity exhibited habituation while a later component showed sensitization. Both habituating and sensitizing components were affected by stimulus manipulations. The results are consistent with a dual-process theory of habituation.
Carbon dioxide transport through enzymatically active synthetic membranes

The facilitated transport of CO2 through thin liquid membranes, Millipore filter membranes, and cross-linked protein membranes has been investigated using a tracer 14CO2 technique. Both the uncatalyzed reactions and the enzymatic reactions catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase in homogeneous solution and immobilized in several membrane configurations were studied. The steady-state transport data were reduced in terms of an analytical model for simultaneous reaction and diffusion which permitted the direct determination of the diffusional and enzyme kinetic parameters. The experimental method illustrates a powerful technique for measuring rapid reaction kinetics. In addition, a general multi-layer membrane model is developed which is capable of treating membrane kinetic heterogeneities. The multi-layer model yields a useful definition for the reaction boundary layer and provides a comparison among different membrane kinetic configurations for membrane design purposes.
Characterization and N-terminal amino acid sequence of multiple ferredoxins in kidney and adrenal mitochondria.

Two separate ferredoxins that differ in molecular mass by about 1.5 kDa were isolated from both pig kidney and bovine adrenal mitochondria. The proteins had different biochemical and immunological properties and appeared to be distinct gene products. The smaller ferredoxin from pig kidney (renodoxin, Mr∼ 13 500) was very similar to bovine adrenodoxin (Mr= 14048). Both proteins had nearly identical N-terminal amino acid sequences and electron-transfer activities. However, renodoxin and adrenodoxin expressed distinct antigenic determinants, although they were immunologically cross-reactive. The larger kidney (∼ 15-kDa) and adrenal (∼ 15.3-kDa) ferredoxins were biochemically similar to each other but they had lower specific activities and their N-terminal sequences were different when compared to renodoxin and adrenodoxin. Each of the four ferredoxins had a visible absorption spectrum characteristic of a [2Fe-2S] chromophore. But in addition, the larger ferredoxins displayed a prominent A276 peak due to their higher tyrosine content and the presence of tryptophan, which is absent in adrenodoxin and renodoxin. Consequently, the larger ferredoxins were termed Trp-ferredoxin. Using antibody to pig kidney Trp-ferredoxin, the larger adrenal and kidney ferredoxins were found to be very similar immunologically; however, the Trp-containing and adrenodoxin-type ferredoxins did not cross-react in immunoblot analysis. Nevertheless, it was shown from competition ELlSA and activity-inhibition analysis that the two ferredoxin types had limited common antigenic determinants. Trp-ferredoxin was the major iron-sulfur protein in kidney whereas adrenodoxin was the dominant molecular form in adrenal gland.
Total elbow arthroplasty for distal humerus fractures

Total elbow arthroplasty has become increasingly popular for the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly patients with poor bone quality, comminution, and/or pre-existent elbow abnormalities. The procedure is performed without violating the extensor mechanism; the fractured fragments are exposed and resected on both sides of the triceps, and the components can be implanted through the same exposure. Early outcomes are satisfactory in most elbows and compare favorably with internal fixation in this same group of elderly patients. Advances in elbow arthroplasty for fractures will likely combine refinement of the indications and development of implants with lower rates of failure.
Examining Correlates of Civic Engagement Among Immigrant Adolescents in the United States

Using a diverse urban sample of immigrant adolescents in the United States (N = 345) followed from 10th grade (Mage = 15.69) to 12th grade, this study examined the extent to which ecological assets (i.e., community connections and social network resources) predicted civic commitments (i.e., community engagement, social responsibility) as potentially mediated by fair society beliefs. The authors also examined whether ethnicity and generation status moderated these associations. As hypothesized, fair society beliefs were higher and predicted greater civic commitments only among Asian youth. Ecological assets were associated with greater civic commitments for all participants; these links were primarily direct for Latino immigrants and indirect (via fair society beliefs) for Asian youth. First-generation immigrants had more ecological assets and were more civically committed, however social network resources predicted fair society beliefs and community engagement only for second-generation youth. These diffe...
2,2‘;9‘,2‘ ‘-Ter[1,10]phenanthroline

The title molecule, 2,2‘;9‘,2‘ ‘-ter[1,10]phenanthroline can be prepared from 2,9-dichloro-1,10-phenanthroline in three steps through the corresponding diacetyl intermediate. The ligand acts as a hexadentate with K+, while two molecules form a trinuclear, helical complex with Cu(I), which evidences π-stacking interactions and Cu−Cu distances of 3.01−3.04 A. Electrochemical analysis shows a strong interaction between the Cu(I) centers.
Studies of the Involvement of an Endogenous Rhythm in the Photoperiodic Response of Hyoscyamus niger.

An attempt was made to determine the involvement of an endogenous circadian rhythm in the flowering response of the long-day plant Hyoscyamus niger L. grown in a modified White's medium. Both variable-cycle-length and light interruption experiments were employed in this attempt. In the variable-cycle experiments, plants were subjected to light periods of 6, 12, or 18 hours followed by varying lengths of darkness. The total lengths of the cycles varied from 12 to 72 hours. In experiments utilizing a 6-hour photoperiod, a high level of flowering occurred in cycle lengths of 12, 36, and 60 hours. Flowering was suppressed in the 24-, 48-, and 72-hour cycles. When a 12-hour photoperiod was used the flowering response was low between 24 and 36 hours and flowering did not indicate a rhythmic response. When an 18-hour photoperiod was used, the flowering response was suppressed in the 36- and 60-hour cycles.Light-break experiments were conducted to study further the flowering response in Hyoscyamus. These experiments consisted of a 6-hour main photoperiod followed by varying lengths of darkness to make cycles of 24, 48, and 72 hours. At given intervals the dark period was interrupted by 2-hour light breaks. In a 24-hour cycle, flowering was promoted when a light break was given at either the twelfth or eighteenth hour of the cycle. In a 48-hour cycle, flowering was strongly promoted by light breaks given near the beginning or at the end of the dark period. In a 72-hour cycle, light breaks given at the eighteenth, forty-second, and sixty-sixth hour of the cycle stimulated flowering as compared with light breaks given at the thirtieth and fifty-fourth hour. These results are indicative of the involvement of an endogenous rhythm in the flowering response of Hyoscyamus niger.
Characterization of DNA synthesis during the 2‐cell stage and the production of tetraploid chimeric pig embryos

The DNA content of nuclei during the 2-cell stage as well as in presumptive tetraploid embryos was investigated. In vivo produced pig zygotes were cultured to the 2-cell stage and either monitored for cleavage to the 4-cell stage or mounted at various times post-cleavage and DNA content determined. The length of the 2-cell stage was 14.8 +/- 3.0 hr. There was a significant increase in the length of the 2-cell stage due to the time in vitro as a zygote (P < 0.001: R2 = 0.866). The DNA content increased (P < 0.05) each 2 hr postcleavage until 10 hr postcleavage. This suggested that there is a short G1 and G2 phase and a relatively long phase of DNA synthesis. Next, 2-cell stage embryos were pulsed with electricity to induce cell-to-cell fusion. Whereas only about half fused within 30 min (55%), most (96%) developed to the blastocyst stage. The DNA content of the nuclei of the embryos was consistent with them being tetraploid. A final experiment was designed to evaluate the ability of the tetraploid embryo to form a chimera with isolated inner cell mass (ICM) cells. Inner cell masses were isolated from d 6 embryos, cut into thirds, labeled with DiO (a membrane die) and injected into the perivitelline space of 4-cell-stage tetraploid embryos. Twelve of 17 formed blastocysts. In most (8/12), the ICM of the resulting blastocyst was labeled, whereas in one the only fluorescence was in the trophectoderm, and in two fluorescence was evenly distributed between the ICM and trophectoderm. These results suggest that it may be possible to create a fetus derived from ICM cells, or potentially stem cells, that has a tetraploid trophoblast.
Use of oral potassium salts in the assessment of T-wave abnormalities in the electrocardiogram: A clinical test

Abstract The oral administration of 10 grams of potassium chloride in a single dose has been found to restore repolarization toward normal in a series of patients without organic heart disease, but has little or no effect on T abnormality in patients with organic heart disease. The test has been shown to be safe in the patients for whom it would be useful, but potentially dangerous in patients with documented heart disease. In addition, the dose and mode of administration are critical to the result.
Visualizing Flexibility at Molecular Resolution: Analysis of Heterogeneity in Single-Particle Electron Microscopy Reconstructions*

It is becoming increasingly clear that many macromolecules are intrinsically flexible and exist in multiple conformations in solution. Single-particle reconstruction of vitrified samples (cryo-electron microscopy, or cryo-EM) is uniquely positioned to visualize this conformational flexibility in its native state. Although heterogeneity remains a significant challenge in cryo-EM single-particle analysis, recent efforts in the field point to a future where it will be possible to tap into this rich source of biological information on a routine basis. In this article, we review the basic principles behind a few relatively new and generally applicable methods that show particular promise as tools to analyze macromolecular flexibility. We also discuss some of their recent applications to problems of biological interest.
A finite volume method on general surfaces and its error estimates

Abstract In this paper, we study a finite volume method and its error estimates for the numerical solution of some model second order elliptic partial differential equations defined on a smooth surface. The discretization is defined via a surface mesh consisting of piecewise planar triangles and piecewise polygons. The optimal error estimates of the approximate solution are proved in both the H 1 and L 2 norms which are of first order and second order respectively under mesh regularity assumptions. Some numerical tests are also carried out to experimentally verify our theoretical analysis.
Transcriptome characterization and polymorphism detection between subspecies of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is one of the most widely distributed and ecologically important shrub species in western North America. This species serves as a critical habitat and food resource for many animals and invertebrates. Habitat loss due to a combination of disturbances followed by establishment of invasive plant species is a serious threat to big sagebrush ecosystem sustainability. Lack of genomic data has limited our understanding of the evolutionary history and ecological adaptation in this species. Here, we report on the sequencing of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and detection of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in subspecies of big sagebrush.
Use of the AutoAnalyzer for determining the blue value of the amylose-lodine complex and total carbohydrate by phenol-sulfuric acid

Abstract The blue value determination of the amylose-iodine complex and the phenol-sulfuric acid procedure for the determination of total carbohydrate were each adapted to the Technicon AutoAnalyzer for automated analyses. Linear relationships between absorbance and amount of material were obtained for each method. It was found that the phenol-sulfuric acid procedure gave identical standard plots for six different α-glucans.
GLC Determination of Theophylline in Biological Fluids

A specific GLC procedure for the determination of theophylline in plasma and saliva is described. The method selectively measures theophylline in the presence of its metabolites and other xanthines. The GLC method is sufficiently sensitive to detect 1 μg theophylline/ml plasma or saliva. Analysis for theophylline in plasma and saliva samples obtained from patients showed a saliva-plasma ratio of approximately 0.5.
Perceptual encoding in comparative judgments of race.

Ss made comparative judgments along the black-white racial dimension using opposite response sets ("Which is blacker?" or "Which is whiter?"). Three classes of pictures were used: B (black),W (white), and M (racially mixed). I or the BM judgments. "Which is whiter?" took significantly longer. The MW and BW judgments showed no difference between response instructions. Analysis of the stimuli showed that skin tone was not the primary perceptual attribute used in racial encoding. The observation of a funnel effect in the judgment latencies is shown to be consistent with other research demonstrating the effect of response set in comparative judgments Further. the results support sociological observations about the cultural use of the linguistic labels "black" and "white"
Western Business History

In recent decades, Western business history has grown in volume and sophistication, creating important benchmarks for students of Chinese and other non-Western business systems. At its best, it has emphasized the limitations of traditional historical scholarship, blurred customary distinctions among business history, economic history, and the history of technology, and underlined the common features of market economies characterized by diverse economic activities. Business history thus serves as a forceful reminder of the power of economics and technology over culture. It also illustrates the obstacles that lie ahead for Chinese business historians. Western business historians have emphasized change over time under conditions of relative economic freedom, where risk-taking and technical and organizational creativity are the principal routes to individual wealth and power. To study the operation of business in a context where change has been slower, economic freedom more circumscribed, and market stimuli m...
DESIGN AND DEPLOYMENT OF A SPACE ELEVATOR

Abstract The space elevator was first proposed in the 1960s as a method of getting into space. The initial studies of a space elevator outlined the basic concept of a cable strung between Earth and space but concluded that no material available at the time had the required properties to feasibly construct such a cable. With the discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991 it is now possible to realistically discuss the construction of a space elevator. Although currently produced only in small quantities, carbon nanotubes appear to have the strength-to-mass ratio required for this endeavor. However, fabrication of the cable required is only one of the challenges in construction of a space elevator. Powering the climbers, surviving micrometeor impacts, lightning strikes and low-Earth–orbit debris collisions are some of the problems that are now as important to consider as the production of the carbon nanotube cable. We consider various aspects of a space elevator and find each of the problems that this endeavor will encounter can be solved with current or near-future technology.
Thickness-displacement relationships for deformation zones

Abstract Empirical relationships between thickness and displacement for different types of deformation zones in quartzofeldspathic rocks are presented. Faults exhibit a linear correlation of thickness with displacement and an average displacement/thickness ratio of 63; mylonite zones may show a similar correlation (with an average ratio of 2), though the data are problematic. The thickness-displacement relationships provide information on the growth of deformation zones with time and the role of strain softening and hardening during progressive displacement.
Developmental toxicity study of 60 Hz (power frequency) magnetic fields in rats.

Considerable public concern has developed regarding possible adverse reproductive outcomes resulting from exposure to power frequency magnetic fields (MF). To identify possible effects of MF exposure on fetal development, timed-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats (55/group) received continuous exposure to linearly polarized, transient-free 60 Hz MF at field strengths of 0 Gauss (G ; sham control), 0.02 G, 2 G, or 10 G, or intermittent (1 hr on/1 hr off) exposure to 10 G fields. Dams received MF or sham exposures for 18.5 hr/day on gestation days 6 through 19. A positive control group of 15 dams received daily oral doses of 85 mg ethylenethiourea (ETU)/kg body weight on gestation days 11, 12, and 13 ; positive control dams received no MF exposure. Ambient and experimentally generated MF were monitored continuously throughout the study. Experimentally generated MF were within 2% of the target field strengths at all times, and ambient MF to which sham controls were exposed did not exceed 0.7 mG at any point in the study. No evidence of maternal toxicity was identified in any MF-exposed dam ; mean maternal body weight and organ weights in groups exposed to MF did not differ from those in sham controls. Comparisons of fetal viability and body weight demonstrated no biologically significant differences between MF-exposed groups and sham controls. Similarly, a battery of gross external, visceral, skeletal, and cephalic examinations demonstrated no significant differences in the incidence of fetal malformations or anomalies in MF-exposed groups vs. sham controls. By contrast, 100% of the fetuses in the positive control group treated with ETU demonstrated malformations and reduced body weight. Exposure of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to 60 Hz at field strengths up to 10 G during gestation days 6-19 did not produce biologically significant effects in either dams or fetuses. These results do not support the hypothesis that exposure to pure, linearly polarized 60 Hz MF is a significant risk factor for the developing fetus.
Identification of plumbagin and sanguinarine as effective chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of schistosomiasis.

Abstract Schistosomiasis, a snail-borne parasitic disease, affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Currently the treatment of schistosomiasis relies on a single therapy of praziquantel, a drug developed over 30 years ago. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop alternative antischistosomal drugs. In the pursuit of novel antischistosomal drugs, we examined the antischistosomal activities of 45 compounds that had been reported to exhibit antimicrobial and/or antiparasitic activities. Two plant-derived compounds, plumbagin and sanguinarine, were found to possess potent antischistosomal activities in vitro . For both the compounds, a concentration of 10 μM (equivalent to 1.88 μg/ml for plumbagin and 3.68 μg/ml for sanguinarine) resulted in 100% mortality at 48 h, which meets the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criterion of “hit” compounds for the control of schistosomiasis. Morphological changes and tegumental alterations of the dead worms treated by the two compounds were quite different. The significant morphological changes of worms after treatment by the two compounds suggest the two compounds target different biological pathways, both of which result in parasite’s death. This study provides evidence to suggest plumbagin and sanguinarine have real potential as effective alternative chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Combining Judgmental and Statistical Forecasts: An Application to Earnings Forecasts

This study investigated the accuracy of combinations of statistical and judgmental forecasts of annual accounting earnings. Combined forecasts were generated as equally weighted (i.e., simple averages) and unequally weighted combinations of individual forecasts from time-series models of quarterly and annual earnings (statistical forecasts) and security analysts' forecasts of quarterly and annual earnings (judgmental forecasts). The effect of the number of individual forecasts combined on the accuracy of the combined forecasts was also examined. The empirical results indicated that, on the average, combined forecasts were more accurate than individual forecasts. The results also indicated that although analysts' forecasts are based on a wider information set, the accuracy of their forecasts could be improved by combining them with forecasts generated from statistical models. Even if the best individual forecast could be identified in advance, gains in accuracy could be achieved by using combinations of two other forecasting methods. Several of the combined forecasts were superior to the most accurate individual forecast. Forecasts combined by using unequal weights derived from a regression model proved more accurate than equally weighted combinations. Forecasting accuracy improved and the variability of accuracy across different combinations decreased as the number of forecasts in the combination increased.
Preliminary Investigation of Airgap Electrospun Silk-Fibroin-Based Structures for Ligament Analogue Engineering

The process of electrospinning has proven to be highly beneficial for use in a number of tissue-engineering applications due to its ease of use, flexibility and tailorable properties. There have been many publications on the creation of aligned fibrous structures created through various forms of electrospinning, most involving the use of a metal target rotating at high speeds. This work focuses on the use of a variation known as airgap electrospinning, which does not use a metal collecting target but rather a pair of grounded electrodes equidistant from the charged polymer solution to create highly aligned 3D structures. This study involved a preliminary investigation and comparison of traditionally and airgap electrospun silk-fibroin-based ligament constructs. Structures were characterized with SEM and alignment FFT, and underwent porosity, permeability, and mechanical anisotropy evaluation. Preliminary cell culture with human dermal fibroblasts was performed to determine the degree of cellular orientation and penetration. Results showed airgap electrospun structures to be anisotropic with significantly increased porosity and cellular penetration compared to their traditionally electrospun counterparts.
Calculation of Three-Dimensional Flow Field for Moving Pressure Distributions

Three-dimensional flow field generated by a moving surface pressure distribution is calculated with an emphasis on estimating the bottom pressure signature of an air cushion vehicle. Analytical studies yield singularities and periodic functions with large oscillations in the integrals. The singularities are removed by the Cauchy’s residue theorem and the resulting integrals are numerically evaluated by the use of adaptive quadrature integrations.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Validity of a rapid assay for antisperm antibodies in semen

Abstract Objective To determine the validity of a rapid assay for antisperm antibodies in semen. Design Prospective comparison of the results of standard and rapid antisperm antibody assays performed simultaneously. Setting Tertiary care infertility center. Patient(s) Couples who presented for infertility evaluation. Intervention(s) Semen analysis and measurement of antisperm antibodies in semen using a standard and a rapid immunobead binding test (IBT). Main outcome measure(s) [1] Comparison of sperm parameters between semen-containing antisperm antibodies and semen free of antisperm antibodies. [2] Validation of the rapid test by calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the rapid assay using the standard assay as a gold standard. [3] Cost comparison of the standard and rapid test. Result(s) [1] Nine semen specimens with antisperm antibodies had a significantly lower sperm concentration, motility, and total motile fraction compared to 44 specimens without antisperm antibodies. Also, specimens with antisperm antibodies had a significantly higher percentage of vibratory sperm and percent of bound antisperm antibodies. The strict morphology, liquefaction time, semen volume, and white blood cell concentration were no different between the two groups. [2] Using a threshold of ≥12% of bound antisperm antibodies in the rapid assay, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the test are 100% when correlated with a threshold of ≥20% in the standard assay. Increasing the threshold in the standard assay decreases the specificity and positive predictive value of the rapid assay but not the sensitivity and the negative predictive value. [3] The cost of the rapid assay was 16% that of the standard test and its performance took 20% of the time it took to set and perform the standard test. Conclusion(s) A rapid test for antisperm antibodies is valid, reliable, and more cost and labor effective than a standard IBT.
Hysterical again: the gastrointestinal woman in medical discourse.

This article suggests increased attention to how medical discourses of gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and distress are fraught with social assumptions and consequences by examining nineteenth-century and contemporary medical texts focused on chronic constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I suggest that these medical discourses present what I call the “gastrointestinal woman,” who is characterized as having unjustified anxiety and is to blame for her condition. My approach to understanding, and ultimately revising, the representation of the gastrointestinal woman is shaped by disability studies scholarship, which encourages intervention in problematic medical discourses and more active shaping of discourses of chronic pain and illness by those who have these conditions.
Particularism and the Point of Moral Principles

According to radical moral particularists such as Jonathan Dancy, there are no substantive moral principles. And yet, few particularists wish to deny that something very like moral principles do indeed play a significant role in our everyday moral practice. Loathe at dismissing this as mere error on the part of everyday moral agents, particularists have proposed a number of alternative accounts of the practice. The aim of all of these accounts is to make sense of our appeal to general moral truths in both reaching and justifying our particular moral judgments without thereby violating the particularists' stricture against substantive moral principles. In this paper, I argue that the most prominent non-substantive accounts of moral generalities appealed to by radical particularists – the heuristic account and default reasons accounts – fail in this aim.
Multidimensional quantum dynamics with trajectories: a novel numerical implementation of Bohmian mechanics

Abstract A novel implementation of the de Broglie–Bohm mechanics is presented. The method employs the use of n-dimensional Delaunay tesselation for the purpose of computing the quantum potential term and is fully generalizable for the multidimensional case. We simulate the scattering of a Gaussian wavepacket from an Eckart barrier in two- and three-dimensions and compare our results against the dynamics obtained using a numerically exact propagation scheme.
Imaging of local flame extinction due to the interaction of scalar dissipation layers and the stoichiometric contour in turbulent non-premixed flames

This paper presents images of local flame extinction that occurs when strong scalar dissipation layers overlap with the stoichiometric contour in a turbulent non-premixed flame. Previous experimental techniques to image mixture fraction (ξ) and scalar dissipation rate (χ) fields are not suitable for flames experiencing a high degree of local flame extinction. To measure ξ and χ near regions of flame extinction, a new combined laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and Rayleigh scattering technique is used that allows mixture fraction, scalar dissipation rate, temperature, and fuel consumption rate to be measured simultaneously. Local extinction events were identified and analyzed with this new technique. Local extinction was defined to occur where both the fuel consumption rate and temperature were sufficiently lowered. It was found that local flame extinction was associated with an overlap of a strong dissipation layer and the stoichiometric contour. A strong correlation was found between an increase in the scalar dissipation rate at the stoichiometric contour and a decrease in the fuel consumption rate. This implies that the interaction of a strong dissipation layer and the stoichiometric contour is an important cause of local extinction.
Formal and Informal Mentoring: Complementary, Compensatory, or Consistent?

Informal mentors likely play a substantial role in novice teacher learning, yet we know little about them, especially in relation to formal mentoring, which is the cornerstone to most induction pro...
Energy Drinks: A Review of Use and Safety for Athletes

Energy drinks have increased in popularity in adolescents and young adults; however, concerns have been raised regarding the ingredients in energy drinks and their potential negative effects on health. Caffeine, the most physiologically active ingredient in energy drinks, is generally considered safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although adverse effects can occur at varying amounts. Guarana, which contains caffeine in addition to small amounts of theobromine, theophylline, and tannins, is also recognized as safe by the FDA, although it may lead to caffeine toxicity when combined with caffeine. The amount of ginseng in energy drinks is typically far below the amount used as a dietary supplement, and is generally considered safe. Taurine, an intracellular amino acid, has been reported to have positive inotropic effects; however, this claim is not supported by research. Most energy drinks also contain sugar in an amount that exceeds the maximum recommended daily amount. Young athletes are increasingly using energy drinks because of the ergogenic effects of caffeine and the other ingredients found in these beverages. Energy drinks combined with alcohol are also gaining popularity in young adults, which poses significant concerns about health risks. Other health concerns related to consumption of energy drinks include case reports of seizures and cardiac arrest following energy drink consumption and dental enamel erosion resulting from the acidity of energy drinks.
Design Reference Mission Set for RPS Enabled Missions in Support of NASA's SSE Roadmap

NASA's 2006 Solar System Exploration (SSE) Strategic Roadmap identified a set of small, medium and large missions, to address exploration targets, set out by the National Research Council (NRC) in the SSE Decadal Survey. Large size Flagship class missions are proposed to target Europa, Titan / Enceladus, Venus, and the Neptune system. Under the current candidate architectures, all of these Flagship class missions would require Radioisotope Power Systems (RPSs), as enabling technologies. Medium size New Frontiers (NF) class missions could also consider RPSs, although the ones targeting the 3rd NF opportunity would not likely utilize them. To constrain costs, small size Discovery class missions are not allowed to use RPSs. The proposed SSE Roadmap missions represent the highest priority subset of a broader collection of mission concepts, called NASA's SSE Design Reference Mission (DRM) set. In line with the SSE DRM set, the RPS DRM set includes a collection of potential future missions, which could be enabled or enhanced by the use of RPS technologies. Currently, NASA has proposed the development of the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), with static power conversion; and the Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG), with dynamic conversion. Advanced RPSs under consideration for possible development target increased specific power levels, consequently increasing electric power generation for the same amount of fuel, or reducing fuel requirements for the same power output, compared to the proposed MMRTG or SRG. It is expected that the RPSs will need modifications to operate in the extreme environments of Titan or Venus. An RPS on the proposed Titan Explorer would use smaller fins to minimize heat rejection in the extreme cold environment; while the Venus Mobile Explorer long-lived in situ mission would require the development of a new RPS, in order to tolerate the extreme hot environment, and to provide active cooling to the payload and other electric components. This paper discusses NASA's SSE RPS DRM set in line with the SSE DRM set, and gives a qualitative assessment of the impact of various RPS options on the potential mission architectures. The assessment could aid NASA with RPS technology development planning, and with the understanding of fuel needs over the next three decades.
The nuclear dependence of RNA synthesis in Acanthamoeba sp.

Abstract Acanthamoeba sp. were cut into nucleated and enucleated portions and exposed to either 14C uracil, 14C orotic acid, 14C adenine or a mixture of all three under aseptic conditions in a complete nutrient medium. Following 3 days of exposure to the radioactive medium, the nucleates and enucleates were autoradiographed. Nucleated cells grow, divide, and incorporate large amounts of all three precursors into RNA. Enucleated cells decrease slightly in size over the 3-day period and fail completely to incorporate radioactivity into RNA. Enucleated cells survive in the nutrient medium for at least several weeks. The data are taken as evidence that RNA synthesis in Acanthamoeba is an exclusively nuclear function.