cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of local perfusion of DAMGO on extracellular GABA and glutamate concentrations in the rostral ventromedial medulla

Electrophysiological data suggest an involvement of rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) GABA and glutamate (GLU) neurons in morphine analgesia. Direct evidence that extracellular concentrations of GABA or GLU are altered in response to mu opioid receptor (MOP-R) activation is, however, lacking. We used in vivo microdialysis to investigate this issue. Basal GABA overflow increased in response to intra-RVM perfusion of KCl (60 mmol/L). Reverse microdialysis of the MOP-R agonist D-Ala(2),NMePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO) (20‐500 lmol/L) produced a concentrationdependent decrease of RVM GABA overflow. Behavioral testing revealed that concentrations that decreased GABA levels increased thermal withdrawal thresholds. A lower agonist concentration that did not increase GABA failed to alter thermal thresholds. DAMGO did not alter GLU concentrations. However, KCl also failed to modify GLU release. Since rapid, transporter-mediated uptake may mask the detection of changes in GLU release, the selective excitatory amino acid transporter inhibitor pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (tPDC, 0.6 mmol/L) was added to the perfusion medium for subsequent studies. tPDC increased GLU concentrations, confirming transport inhibition. KCl increased GLU dialysate levels in the presence of tPDC, demonstrating that transport inhibition permits detection of depolarization-evoked GLU overflow. In the presence of tPDC, DAMGO increased GLU overflow in a concentration-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that MOP-R activation decreases GABA and increases GLU release in the RVM. We hypothesize that the opposing effects of MOP-R on GLU and GABA transmission
The Influence of Women in Our Lives

This Especially for High School Teachers article identifies some of the ways women have impacted the author’s career as a chemist and how these influences have been incorporated into the author’s teaching methods. Celebrating the role of women, including the centenary of Marie Curie’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is one of the objectives of the International Year of Chemistry, and is the focus of this issue of the Journal of Chemical Education. Articles from the June 2011 issue of the Journal of Chemical Education are also highlighted.
Some Remarks on the Theory of the Photoelectric Effect

1. It is shown that the theory of photoelectric effect in a hydrogen-like atom can be successfully developed on the basis of the representation of the ejected electrons by means of plane waves, the results being exact with regard to angular distribution of the ejected electrons and satisfactory with regard to the dependence of the ejection probability on the frequency of the light.2. The theory is extended to take account of the mobility of the nucleus.3. The Tam-Schubin theory of the selective photoelectric action in metals is critically examined and replaced by an improvement of Fowler's theory, in connection with a discussion of the selective transparency of surface electric fields to electrons.
A clinical assessment of obturator-wearing cleft palate patients.

Abstract An attempt was made to understand why some obturator-wearing patients can tolerate systematic pharyngeal section reductions and eventually can discard their obturators without detriment to their speech and vocal quality while others cannot. The age of the patient when treated appears to be the most important and valuable factor in achieving success in an obturator reduction program. This approach for carefully selected young patients seems to be the most advisable step to take in providing them with socially acceptable speech. The probability of many patients eventually not needing to wear obturators appears reasonably good so long as factors such as sex, cooperation, immediate family history of cleft palate, follow-up, and the clinician's persistence are considered.
ITS Devices Used to Collect Truck Data for Performance Benchmarks

This paper documents the development of data collection methodologies that can be used to measure truck movements along specific roadway corridors in Washington State cost-effectively. The intent of this study was to design and test methodologies that could provide information to ascertain the performance of freight mobility roadway improvement projects. The benchmarks created would be used to report on speed and volume improvements that resulted from completed roadway projects. One technology tested consisted of Commercial Vehicle Information System and Networks electronic truck transponders, which were mounted on the windshields of approximately 30,000 trucks traveling in Washington. These transponders were used at weigh stations across the state to improve the efficiency of truck regulatory compliance checks. With transponder reads from sites anywhere in the state being linked through software, the transponder-equipped trucks can become a travel time probe fleet. The second technology tested involved G...
Serotonin inhibits epileptiform discharge by activation of 5-HT1A receptors in CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Abstract The anti-epileptiform effect of serotonin was characterized in cellular models of epilepsy using electrophysiological recording techniques. In the bicuculline model, both serotonin (20 μM) and its 5-HT 1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 10 μM) completely blocked the epileptiform discharge and caused membrane hyperpolarization and reduction in input resistance. These effects were completely antagonized by the 5-HT 1A receptor antagonist N -t-butyl-3(4-[2-methoxyphenyl]piperazin-1-yl)-2-phenyl-propanamide (WAY 100135) (10 μM). Epileptiform discharge induced by positive current injection was also blocked by serotonin. The presence of WAY 100135 renders serotonin ineffective in the same model. In the bicuculline model, epileptiform discharge blocked by serotonin reappeared and was also intensified when BaCl 2 was added to the medium. To rule out the possibility of serotonin-induced hyperpolarization strengthening the inhibitory effect of endogenous Mg 2+ on glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor we studied the antiepileptic effect of serotonin in the 0 Mg 2+ model. Spontaneous activity and evoked bursts seen with the OMg 2+ model were completely blocked by serotonin. WAY 100135 completely antagonized serotonin effects in this model as well. This study provides evidence suggesting that in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons, serotonin can inhibit epileptiform activity in a variety of accepted epilepsy cellular models and that inhibition of epileptiform bursts by serotonin may be mediated by activation of the 5-HT 1A receptor subtype.
Phase Transition upon K+ Ion Exchange into Na-Low Silica X: Combined NMR and Synchrotron X-ray Powder Diffraction Study

The mechanism by which K+ ions exchange into zeolite Na-low silica X (LSX) (Na96Al96Si96O384·nH2O) has been determined by studying structures of the Na-LSX and K-LSX end members in the Na−K LSX solid solution series as well as samples exchanged at the 20%, 42% and 80% K+ levels. A preliminary investigation using 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy revealed a two-phase region in the solid solution near 80% K+ exchange. Rietveld analysis of the powder diffraction data collected from hydrated samples showed that, up to 42% of K+ exchange, K+ ions were located preferentially at site I‘, just outside the double 6-ring (D6R) in the sodalite cage, and at site II, above the single 6-ring (S6R) in the supercage. Introduction of K+ ions into site I‘ repositioned Na+ ions into site I, at the center of the D6R. An abrupt change in the cubic lattice parameter from 25.0389(5) to 25.2086(5) A marked the formation of a second phase at the 80% K+-exchange level as K+ ions began to occupy site I. No coexistence of phases was observe...
Angular and vibrational effects in the direct dissociative chemisorption of deuterated methane and ethane on Ir(110)

Abstract We have measured the initial probability of dissociative chemisorption of deuterated methane and ethane on the reconstructed Ir(110) surface as a function of polar angle of incidence using vibrationally hot supersonic molecular beams. The probability of chemisorption scales Approximately with the component of translational energy normal to the surface (Eicos2θi) for deuterated ethane and methane, with slight systematic deviations. These deviations are explained in terms of the translational energy distribution of the incident molecular beam. We conclude that in the limit of a monoenergetic beam, normal-energy scaling is obeyed at a constant vibrational energy.
Acute cold exposure decreases plasma leptin in women.

We investigated whether cold exposure affects circulating leptin in humans. Five women (age, 32 ± 4 years ; body mass index, 23.1 ± 1.7 kg/m2 ) participated in two separate trials. Subjects sat at room temperature ([RT] 24.8° ± 0.3°C) or in the cold (6.3° ± 0.5°C) for 90 minutes. During RT exposure, plasma leptin and norepinephrine were unchanged over time. Cold exposure significantly decreased plasma leptin by 14%, 17%, and 22% at 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively (temperature x time interaction, P P P
Arthroscopic managementof wrist instabilities

Abstract The arthroscope has become an extremely important instrument in the evaluation and treatment of wrist instabilities.The instability patterns affecting the wrist have been described and traditionally treated using open techniques. With the advent of small joint arthroscopy, injury patterns affecting the ligamentous structures of the wrist can now be diagnosed and managed arthroscopically Scapholunate ligament tears, lunotriqetral ligament injuries, and midcarpal instabilities are three of the most common instabilities encountered in the wrist that can be managed arthroscopically. This report discusses the anatomy, diagnosis, and arthroscopic management of these commonly encountered injury patterns.
Determinants and kinetics of cytokine expression patterns in lungs of vaccinated mice challenged with respiratory syncytial virus

The development of a successful respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be advanced by an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of natural disease and vaccine-enhanced illness. Using a murine model, we have examined cytokine message expression and cytokine secretion in lungs of mice primed with killed or live antigens and challenged with RSV. Stable cytokine mRNA expression was achieved if the prime-challenge interval was 2 weeks. The pattern of expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-7 (IFN-gamma 1 mRNA was established by day 4 after challenge and was maintained at least through day 12, and was not affected by the concentration of priming immunogen or virus challenge. An enzyme-linked immunospot assay demonstrated that CD4+ T cells were responsible for the production of IL-4, while many cell types secreted IFN-gamma. These experiments begin to define the kinetics of cytokine expression and phenotypes of cytokine-producing cells following RSV infection, supporting previous findings that suggested aberrant infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes and excessive IL-4 secretion may play a role in the vaccine-enhanced disease associated with RSV.
Correlation of electrical conductivity with Mössbauer and Raman results in the alloy glass g-Ge1−xSnxSe20

Abstract The measured electrical conductivity of g - Ge 1− x Sn x Se 2 bulk alloy glasses is shown to be strongly correlated with the behavior of the Sn tetrahedral fraction and the Raman A 1 companion mode amplitude, both of which measure the density of intrinsic defects and which were previously found to be signatures of a molecular cluster network. The correlation is interpreted in terms of the variation with alloying of localized electronic states associated with the structure of this network.
Possible relations between meteorite impact and igneous petrogenesis, as indicated by the Sudbury structure, Ontario, Canada

Recent investigations indicate the importance of meteorite impact as a process which has operated throughout geologic time to produce numerous originally circular structures as much as 50 km in diameter. One such structure, at Sudbury, Ontario, is associated with large volumes of internally derived igneous rock. Geological and experimental studies have demonstrated that rocks subjected to intense shock waves produced by hypervelocity meteorite impacts and by nuclear or chemical explosions develop distinctive and uniqueshock-metamorphic features, including: (1) high-pressure minerals such as coesite and stishovite; (2) crystal lattice deformation features such as isotropic feldspar (maskelynite) and « planar features » (shock lamellae) in quartz; (3) ultra-high-temperature reactions not produced by normal geological processes, such as decomposition of zircon to baddeleyite and melting of quartz to lechatelierite. These petrographic features, currently regarded as unequivocal evidence for meteorite impact, can be preserved and recognized even in very old and deeply eroded structures. Such features have now been observed in more than 50 « crypto-explosion » structures ranging in size from 2 km to more than 60 km in diameter. The recent discovery of shock-metamorphic features in rocks of the Sudbury structure, Ontario, indicates that this old and complex structure was also produced by a large meteorite impact. Petrographic shock effects are widespread in inclusions of « basement » rock in the Onaping « tuff », a unit now regarded as afallback breccia deposited in the original crater immediately after impact. Similar shock effects also occur in the footwall rocks around the basin, associated with shatter cones and unusual Sudbury-type breccias. Study of Sudbury specimens has establishedgrades of progressive shock metamorphism comparable to those recognized at younger impact structures (Brent, Ontario; Ries basin, Germany). Igneous activity associated with known meteorite impact structures takes two forms: The inferred development of the Sudbury structure was a complex process involving: (1) impact of an asteroidal body, forming a large (100-km) diameter crater with a central uplift; (2) subsidence of the central uplift and simultaneous emplacement of the Nickel Irruptive; (3) metamorphism, deformation, and erosion to its present appearance. The post-impact history of the Sudbury structure thus corresponds closely to that established for many ring-dike complexes and caldera subsidences. Similar compound impact-igneous structures, in which internal igneous activity is superimposed on a large impact crater, probably exist on both the earth and the moon. Future examination of « roofed lopoliths » and « ring-dike structures » for shock-metamorphic effects, combined with serious consideration of the geophysical effects produced by large-energy meteorite impacts, will be a productive field for cooperative studies by astrogeologists and igneous petrologists.
Adrenergic influence on glucocounterregulation in man.

To investigate the adrenergic role in glucocounterregulatory mechanisms, single-blind randomised studies were performed in 7 normal males during severe insulin-induced hypoglycaemia with or without adrenergic blockade. Intravenous phentolamine administration (5 mg stat and 0.5 mg/ min) did not interfere with the restoration of euglycaemia from hypoglycaemia. However, recovery of blood glucose in the presence of propranolol (3 mg/ 3 min and 0.8 mg/min) was retarded when compared with control studies (mean plasma glucose levels ±SEM, 50±6 mg/dl versus 66±4 mg/dl at 120 min after insulin administration) despite appropriate glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone responses. Plasma norepinephrine response was unaffected by propranolol but augmented threefold by phentolamine. Increases in plasma lactate, pyruvate and non-esterified fatty acids were blunted with propranolol while rebound non-esterified fatty acid was observed with phentolamine infusion. These data suggest that complete recovery of blood glucose from severe hypoglycaemia requires full sympathetic nervous system activity despite the integrity of other counterregulatory mechanisms.
Surviving Two Disasters Does Reaction to the First Predict Response to the Second

Respondents (N = 414) studied after a California earthquake were recontacted 4 years later to determine if their prior experience with a disaster impaired or enhanced their ability to deal with a second natural disaster—a slow-onset El Nino weather pattern. Analyses addressed whether being emotionally injured in one disaster influences the extent to which one prepares for a future disaster, whether emotional injuries experienced in one disaster predispose individuals to emotional injury in a subsequent disaster, and whether other disaster-related parameters (physical injury and property damage) are similarly associated across two disasters. Emotional injury both facilitated preparedness, in terms of number of hazard-mitigation activities performed, and predisposed to a subsequent emotional injury. An unexpected finding emerged showing that emotional injury increased the chance of reporting damage in a second disaster—a relationship that was maintained after controlling for emotional injury in the second d...
Heat and moisture transfer in concrete slabs

Abstract To predict the moisture distribution in concrete slabs as functions of time, the dependence on the relevant material characteristics must be considered. The phenomena relevant for moisture, pressure, and temperature distribution are coupled. A diffusion theory with a linear or a nonlinear coefficient of diffusivity is not adequate for the description of the drying behavior of hardening concrete. A general mathematical description for the system has to be based upon a non-equilibrium, irreversible flow of heat and moisture. The distribution of pore size may be considered to be the most important parameter affecting moisture transfer in a porous medium. Based upon mass and energy transfer processes and on the liquid-vapor equilibria, a set of governing differential equations is developed for simultaneous heat and mass transfer during the pendular state of drying. Numerical examples, using the theory developed, are illustrated for natural drying of concrete slabs. They show that during the pendular state of drying, both diffusion and evaporation-condensation mechanisms are the governing processes in drying.
Relationship between Social Distance and Psychology Grades

A social distance scale and an IQ test were administered to 39 males and 40 females enrolled in general psychology courses. The following results were obtained: (1) females scored higher on social distance than males and (2) males or females with low social distance obtained better grades than males or females with high social distance.
A model for flame kernel growth at aircraft relight conditions

A one-dimensional (1D), comprehensive numerical model for the prediction of flame kernel development at high altitude relight conditions in aircraft gas turbines is proposed and tested. The main purpose of this study is to develop a new methodology to numerically solve the very complicated governing equations involved in the flame kernel initiation and propagation in turbulent flow fields. Generally speaking, the surface area of a wrinkled flame cannot be directly described by one-dimensional approaches. However, this problem is overcome by incorporating a fractal model into the one-dimensional governing equations. Meanwhile, the concept of high-activation-energy asymptotic analysis is also applied to provide the relationships between the average turbulent transport coefficients and reaction rate and their laminar counterparts. An artificial thermal conductivity submodel is used to reflect the fact that rapid mixing always existsinside spark kernels in the early stages of kernel development. The effect of flame stretch, which plays an important role in flame propagation, is also included in the model. Numerically, the governing equations are first discretized by the power-law scheme and then solved by the PISO algorithm. In general, the numerical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results. With minor modification, this numerical approach may be applied to spark ignition problems in SI engines as well.
Mixed oviposition in individual females of Gryllus firmus: Graded proportions of fast-developing and diapause eggs

Eggs of field crickets (Gryllus spp.) held at 25±1°C hatch in 2-4 weeks ("fast-developing" eggs) or 5-28 weeks (diapause eggs). Most species lay but one type: at least 10 species lay only fast-developing eggs, and pennsylvanicus and ovisopis lay only diapause eggs. Gryllus firmus from Gainesville, Florida, lays both types, and individual females do so for as long as 8 weeks. The proportion of diapause eggs laid weekly by captive females exposed to outdoor photoperiods and temperatures varies seasonally from <5% (March-June) to ca. 50% (November-December). At outdoor temperatures in late fall some eggs that are presumptively fast-developing (at 25° C) enter diapause.Some firmus from Carolina Beach, North Carolina, lay both diapause and fast-developing eggs. Outdoor rearing experiments established that spring adults could result from fast-developing eggs of fall adults, refuting the hypothesis that spring and fall adults at that locality represent temporally isolated demes.High variance in hatching times for eggs laid by one female is appropriate to the unpredictable extremes of moisture and temperature that occur in the open, sandy habitats of G. firmus. Physiological mechanisms of the mixed oviposition and specific environmental determinants of the varying proportions are unknown.
Direct Positive Inotropic Effect of Acetylcholine on Myocardium

The effects of acetylcholine and nicotine on isometric tension, in the presence and absence of atropine, hexamethonium, and endogenous norepinephrine stores, were examined in isolated cat atria and papillary muscles. Acetylcholine exerted a negative inotropic effect, competitively inhibited by atropine, in atrial and papillary muscle; in higher concentrations in papillary muscles, it produced a positive inotropic effect that was independent of cardiac norepinephrine stores and that was not blocked by atropine or hexamethonium. Nicotine, in addition to releasing norepinephrine, was found to exert, in higher concentrations, a direct positive inotropic effect, not antagonized by hexamethonium. These data are compatible with the existence of two distinct cholinergic receptors in the myocardium: a muscarinic receptor intimately associated with vagal nerve endings; and a spatially separate receptor, whose stimulation produces responses similar to those produced by nicotine. This hypothesis allows for the reconc...
Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging.

Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) proliferation and self-renewal, as well as insult-induced differentiation, decrease markedly with age. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these declines remain unclear. Here, we show that levels of NAD+ and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), the rate-limiting enzyme in mammalian NAD+ biosynthesis, decrease with age in the hippocampus. Ablation of Nampt in adult NSPCs reduced their pool and proliferation in vivo. The decrease in the NSPC pool during aging can be rescued by enhancing hippocampal NAD+ levels. Nampt is the main source of NSPC NAD+ levels and required for G1/S progression of the NSPC cell cycle. Nampt is also critical in oligodendrocytic lineage fate decisions through a mechanism mediated redundantly by Sirt1 and Sirt2. Ablation of Nampt in the adult NSPCs in vivo reduced NSPC-mediated oligodendrogenesis upon insult. These phenotypes recapitulate defects in NSPCs during aging, giving rise to the possibility that Nampt-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis is a mediator of age-associated functional declines in NSPCs.
High dose rate brachytherapy as a boost for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: We report the outcome and toxicities of high dose rate brachytherapy as a boost for localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Between 1996 and 2003, 309 patients with prostate carcinoma were treated with external beam radiation therapy and high dose rate brachytherapy. Furthermore, 36% of the patients received neoadjuvant/concurrent or adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. Patients were stratified into 3 groups. Group 1 of 67 patients had Gleason score 6 or less, pretreatment prostate specific antigen 10 ng/ml or less and clinical stage T2a or less. Group 2 of 109 patients had Gleason score 7 or greater, pretreatment prostate specific antigen greater than 10 ng/ml and clinical stage T2b or greater. Group 3 of 133 patients had 2 or more of these higher risk factors.Results: At a median followup of 59 months the 5-year biochemical control rate, as defined by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology, was 86%, cause specific survival was 98% and overall survival was 91%. Bi...
Developing an Information‐Based Marketing Strategy for a Consumer Protection Agency: A Case Study

Consumer protection agencies can improve their responsiveness and productivity by gathering and using market information to develop social marketing programs. The authors propose a strategic model using consumer complaint data and examine its application in the design of an information system for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Results obtained from this system are presented to illustrate how the analysis of complaint data can be used in formulating a consumer protection strategy.
E-MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF E-AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT Eliminating costly unscheduled shutdown maintenances and accordingly reducing the failures of production systems as a whole help deliver the promises on ordered products. In the exploration of more efficient maintenance and service strategies, the approaches of condition-based proactive maintenance, collaborative maintenance, remote maintenance and service support, provision for real-time information access, and integration of production with maintenance have evolved into a new phenomenon called e-maintenance to meet the needs of the future e-automation manufacturing world. This paper introduces the emerging field of e-maintenance by studying its critical elements in support of the deployment of next generation manufacturing systems; we focus on industrial wireless technology and artificial intelligence, which are two essential technological means in the realization of scalable and agile e-maintenance. The technical issues and challenges involved for applying these technologies in an e-maintenanc...
Hepatocyte growth factor modulates the hepatic acute-phase response in thermally injured rats.

OBJECTIVE Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to modulate the acute-phase response in vitro. The specific in vivo role of HGF in this multifactorial response, however, remains unknown. This study examines the effects of exogenous HGF on the acute-phase response in thermally injured rats. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, laboratory study. SETTINGS Shriners Hospital for Children and University of Texas Medical Branch laboratories. SUBJECTS Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight range, 300-325 g). INTERVENTION Animals received a 60% total body surface area third-degree scald burn and were randomly divided to receive either 400 microg/kg/day i.v. HGF or saline (control). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum acute-phase proteins, cytokines, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations, as well as liver weight, protein and triglyceride content, IGF-I concentrations, and cytokine gene expression were measured 1, 2, 5, or 7 days after burn. Serum albumin was increased on days 2, 5, and 7 after burn, and transferrin was increased on day 7 after burn in HGF-treated rats compared with controls (p<.05). HGF increased alpha2-macroglobulin concentrations on postburn days 2, 5, and 7 compared with controls (p<.05). Serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly higher within 2 days of burn in rats treated with HGF (p<.05). HGF increased the hepatic gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared with controls (p<.05). Serum IGF-I decreased in rats receiving HGF 1, 2, and 5 days after burn, whereas liver IGF-I concentrations were higher on days 1 and 7 after burn compared with controls (p<.05). Hepatic protein concentrations were higher in the HGF group compared with controls on postburn days 1, 2, and 7, with a concomitant increase in total liver weight (p<.05). HGF exerted a strong mitogenic effect on hepatocytes 1 and 2 days after thermal injury compared with controls (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that HGF modulates the acute-phase response in vivo after burn and causes changes in liver morphology.
Solid-phase electrochemical enzyme immunoassay with attomole detection limit by flow injection analysis

Abstract A sandwich electrochemical enzyme immunoassay with flow injection analysis for the model antigen mouse IgG has been developed with alkaline phosphatase as the enzyme label. The enzyme substrate, 4-aminophenyl phosphate and its enzymatic reaction product, 4-aminophenol have been studied by cyclic and hydrodynamic voltammetry. The determination of 4-aminophenol by flow injection analysis with electrochemical detection (FIAEC) has a linear range of 5.0 × 10 −8 to 1.0 × 10 −5 M, a detection limit of 2.4 × 10 −8 M, and a sample throughput of 72 samples/h. The detection limit is set by a background capacitance response, which depends on the ionic strength difference between the sample and the mobile phase. The sandwich immunoassay has been characterized with respect to substrate concentration for the enzymatic reaction, detection limit, dynamic range and sources of error. Mouse IgG can be determined with a detection limit of 0.81 pg ml −1 by a 30-min substrate incubation time and a six orders of magnitude linear dynamic range.
A Is for Assessment: The Other Scarlet Letter.

This is a personalized review of programs designed to assess student learning outcomes (SLOs) in higher education. In the last 30+ years, there have been few changes in the basic principles and pre...
Electrothermal atomization of copper from graphite and tantalum surfaces

Abstract The vaporization/atomization characteristics of Cu samples from graphite and Ta-lined tubes using both Ta and graphite platforms have been studied at atmospheric pressure. First order release of Cu from both Ta and graphite surfaces was found. The desorption rate of Cu is faster from Ta in spite of the larger activation energy of desorption for the Cu/Ta system over that for Cu/graphite, 54 and 42 kcal mol respectively. Neither activation energy corresponds to ΔHv for Cu from bulk. Copper is readsorbed onto the graphite and Ta upon secondary collisions with these surfaces. However, with vaporization from the platform, the wall temperature is sufficiently elevated that the Cu desorption rate from the wall is rapid, and Cu collisions with the wall appear to be elastic. The use of a platform may be advantageous from the analytical point of view; however, it may complicate the interpretation of results when fundamental studies on the basic interactions occurring in the furnace are investigated.
Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Testing: Who Should Be the Target?

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (iPTH) monitoring has significantly altered the approach to surgical management of hyperparathyroidism, from the traditional four-gland exploration to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Several published criteria for iPTH predict operative cure with good accuracy, though iPTH should always be interpreted against the background of a surgeon’s suspicion for multigland disease. Preoperative calcium and PTH levels as well a thorough understanding of the preoperative imaging modalities and their limitations is crucial. Current surgical strategies and iPTH utilization for four distinct patient populations are discussed.
Helpers in the New Economy

What 21st century occupation exemplifies a set of skills needed in a new market—accessibility, salesmanship, flexibility, and strength? How does one theorize affective relationships and labor? Examining the rise of the occupation of personal training, focusing particularly on the relationship between affective labor and market shifts that have led to job insecurity, this essay examines the fast rising occupation of personal training, asking questions about its occupational nature, its growth and popularity, its movement from everyday life to entertainment, and finally its relationship with self help and “helping” genres of both literature and fitness.
Sustainability options in pulp and paper making: Costs of conserved energy and carbon reduction in the US

Abstract Adoption of energy efficient technologies is considered a key sustainability strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in global industries. This article aims to assess costs of energy savings and carbon reduction from applying energy efficiency technologies in the US pulp and paper sector. Applicable efficiency measures were identified and their cost effectiveness was evaluated in two historical years – 1994 and 2006. Potential savings of final energy use resulting from applicable sustainability options were estimated as 707 PJ in 1994 and 1064 PJ in 2006, respectively, corresponding to approximately 32% of the sector's annual final energy use in 1994 and 62% in 2006. The associated carbon-emission reduction was 8.1 million ton of carbon (MtC) in 1994 and 11.8 MtC in 2006, corresponding to 26% and 45% of sector's total energy-related carbon emissions in 1994 and 2006, respectively. Using the concepts of cost of conserved energy and cost of carbon reduction, we estimated that cost effective sustainability options contributed to final energy savings in the range of 15–25% of the annual energy use, and carbon-emission reduction from 14% to 20% of annual carbon emissions from the sector.
The effect of trenbolone acetate on the bovine oestrous cycle

Abstract The anabolic steroid, trenbolone acetate, affected the bovine oestrous cycle in different ways depending on the timing of administration relative to oestrus and the plasma concentration of trenbolone achieved. Administration before oestrus caused failure of ovulation and a high incidence of a syndrome similar to cystic ovarian disease. High plasma concentrations of trenbolone during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle prevented luteolysis and maintained progesterone secretion for up to 42 days. Subsequent cycles were not affected.
Jump-starting team-based learning in the computer science classroom

In recent years we have witnessed a resurgence of learner-centered techniques in the college classroom--though not predominantly in the Computer Science classroom. Of all, Peer Instruction (PI) and Team-Based Learning (TBL) have proven themselves as the top two most successful evidence-based, interactive teaching methods. Both have been shown to cut failure rate in introductory classes by half (or more) while increasing self-reported learner satisfaction. However, as peer-based learning techniques with similar aims and outcomes but sharply different individual characteristics, they seem to be located at opposite ends of a spectrum for convenience of implementation. PI's minimal overhead in classroom management and overall setup is partly responsible for its recent, increasingly rapid, acceptance in Computer Science classes. TBL is a slightly more involved technique that however solves the free-riding problem: individuals participating in TBL develop a heightened sense of accountability and motivation. Neither can be reduced to the other, but in this paper I show that teams for TBL can be formed instantaneously during the first lecture in such an efficient and transparent way that it becomes comparable to the simplicity that makes PI so attractive. This process can be applied successfully prima facie (during the first day of class) to any group of any composition and size but is particularly effective if coupled with a series of classroom activities that can be used in the first lecture to jumpstart TBL in a CS0/CS1/CS2 type of course.
Properties of Microtubules with Isotropic and Anisotropic Mechanics

Microtubules (MTs) are intrinsic components of the cytoskeleton, and their mechanical properties are key for many of their functions in the cell. Here we present a coarse-grained model of a MT where we can explicitly control the mechanical properties and thus can explore the relative contributions of geometry and anisotropy. We begin with the isotropic mechanics case and then investigate various forms of anisotropic mechanics where we systematically vary the axial, circumferential and shear moduli. We find that the axial Young’s modulus is always the dominant factor in determining the persistence length, but the shear modulus is also a strong contributing factor for MTs less than a few microns in length. In the case of anisotropic mechanics, we find that MTs of different lengths have consistent mechanical properties, but the persistence length only depends on the MT segment length that is considered and not the overall length of the MT. Further, for MTs more than a few microns in length, anisotropic effects are only apparent in the higher-order fluctuations and thus would be difficult to detect in experiments.
The role of the private sector in health financing and service delivery.

When we debate the appropriate role of the private sector in health care, we often tend to stray from the evidence base and become ideological. To focus the debate it is imperative to use a clear definition of what we mean by a private sector role in health financing or service delivery. An easy to understand taxonomy, which is rooted in the real world also helps. Alone the word: ‘privatization’ immediately triggers an emotional response when it comes to health care. The appropriate role of the private sector in health care should be seen as a continuum, ranging from private financing and provision in one extreme, to full public financing and provision in the other extreme—and anything in between. The paper by Albreht cites a taxonomy used by Saltman, which largely focuses on care provision. However, in the real world, service delivery is much more complex: for example, in almost any country in Europe we see vibrant private markets in the health sector, irrespective of the general orientation of the health system. Usually such markets …
Scaling and soft errors: Moore of the same for SOI ?

The continued path on Moore's Law has increased the concern about soft errors, even in terrestrial applications. Multiple device (multiple bit) interactions and upsets are now one of the major challenges of analysis and mitigation in bulk CMOS devices. This is perhaps the major advantage for SOI with respect to single event effects. New SOI devices, including the MugFETS and ZRAMs, present opportunities for additional detailed study of single event effects as the devices approach the mainstream. One of the interesting aspects of the ZRAM is the difference in data state vulnerabilities compared to the conventional bulk DRAMs.
Observations on the heart in a case of combined Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan syndromes

Abstract Postmortem cardiac findings in a patient with severe valvular heart disease afflicted with both the Ehlers-Danlos and the Marfan syndromes are presented. Excluding the pathologic features of the heart, the clinical features of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome included hyperelasticity of the skin, fine scar tissue and marked joint hyperextensibility, while the patient's body habitus, kyphoscoliosis and myopia reflected characteristics of the Marfan syndrome. Gross and microscopic cardiac observations correlated well with a connective tissue defect. Comments are made on the present state of knowledge concerning the basic defect in each of these heritable disorders of connective tissue.
The solvent-dependent isomerization dynamics of 4-(dimethylamino)azobenzene (DMAAB) studied by subpicosecond pump–probe spectroscopy

Abstract The photoisomerization dynamics of 4-(dimethylamino)azobenzene (DMAAB) are studied using subpicosecond pump–probe spectroscopy. Following photoexcitation at 400 nm, resonant with the lowest-lying π–π * transition, excited-state internal conversion occurs with a time-constant of ∼0.8 ps in acetone and ethanol, and ∼1.4 ps in fluorotrichloromethane. Internal conversion is followed by ground-state vibrational relaxation on the ∼10 ps timescale. It is proposed that the solvent dependence of the excited-state decay reflects the solvent-polarity dependence of the excited-to-ground-state energy gap. The results presented here, in combination with earlier work, suggest that rapid isomerization following photoexcitation into the lowest-energy electronic state is a general feature of azobenzene photochemistry.
Maturation of the Clock-Timed Gonadotropin Release Mechanism in Hamsters: A Key Event in the Pubertal Process*

Gonadotropin secretion patterns were monitored in 10, 14 to 21-, and 35-day-old prepubertal female hamsters by RIA. Blood samples were obtained between 1500-1900 h to coincide with the time when the adult female hamster experiences a clock-timed surge in gonadotropin release. Before 16 days of age, the female hamster appears to exhibit a tonic pattern of gonadotropin release. On day 16 and thereafter, the female hamster exhibits a daily surge of gonadotropin release. Around the clock sampling (every 3 h) has shown that this cyclic pattern of gonadotropin release is not present at any time studied in female hamsters younger than 16 days of age, appears to be clock timed, and occurs at the same time of day as the proestrus surge in cyclic adults. The maturation of the clock timed gonadotropin release mechanism may indicate maturation of the reproductive control system, a key event in the pubertal process.
Mechanism and surface structural effects in methanol oxidation over molybdates

Abstract Ferric molybdate is 2–4 times as active as pure MoO 3 as a catalyst for methanol oxidation to formaldehyde but shows similar selectivities and kinetics. These catalysts were studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD), microbalance adsorption, transmission infrared spectroscopy and photoemission spectroscopy. TPD confirms that the mechanism of methanol oxidation, involving loss of a photon from surface methoxy in the rate limiting step, is the same over the two materials. The methanol adsorption kinetics suggest that methanol adsorption is activated and that there is a wider distribution of generally higher activation energies on MoO 3 than Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 . The wide distribution is the result of the anisotropic, layered structure of MoO 3 compared to the pseudo-cubic Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 structure. UPS and TPD measurements on the MoO 3 (010) surface support this idea, as no chemisorption of methanol was found on the (010) layer surface, but was found on powder surfaces and ion bombarded MoO 3 (010) surfaces. These results lead to the hypothesis that methanol adsorption leading to reaction is facile at coordinatively unsaturated Mo ions. All of the faces of Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 can expose such sites, resulting in the observed higher activity.
Predictive Validity Test of the Adolescent Domain Screening Inventory.

Objective: This study assesses the Adolescent Domain Screening Inventory (ADSI) to identify adolescents at high risk of substance use. Method: The sampling frame consisted of 26,781 surveys, and a secondary analysis was conducted. A random 25% sample was used, leaving 6,661 cases. Binary logistic regressions were run to determine the predictive validity of the total ADSI and its 4 domains. Results: The ADSI correctly predicted high risk 93% of the time and problematic use 84.3% of the time. Conclusions: The results indicate the ADSI should be considered for use to assess adolescents for high risk status for substance use, or to identify those already engaged in substance use.
Di-tert-butyl Phosphate Complexes of Titanium

Reactions of 1 equiv of HO(O)P(OtBu)2 with Ti(OR)4 (R = Et, iPr) give the new molecular titanium phosphates [Ti(OR)3O2P(OtBu)2]n (1, R = Et; 2, R = iPr). In the solid state, 2 exists as a centrosymmetric dimer containing five-coordinate metal centers. Addition of 2 equiv of KOEt to an ethanol solution of 1 led to the formation of [Ti2K(OEt)8O2P(OtBu)2]2 (3) and 1 equiv of KO2P(OtBu)2. A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of 3 revealed that this complex exists in the solid state as a centrosymmetric dimer containing two Ti-centered, face-sharing pseudooctahedra in the unique half of the dimer. Addition of 2 equiv of KOiPr to a 2-propanol solution of 2 led to the formation of KO2P(OtBu)2 (4) and Ti(OiPr)4 in high yield. Cooling a 2-propanol solution of 4 to −80 °C led to crystallization of the solvated tetramer [4·HOiPr3]4 (mp = −30 °C). A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that this tetramer possesses a cubelike K4O4 core with 4-fold improper rotation symmetry. Multinuclear NMR studies o...
Recursive cluster elimination (RCE) for classification and feature selection from gene expression data

Classification studies using gene expression datasets are usually based on small numbers of samples and tens of thousands of genes. The selection of those genes that are important for distinguishing the different sample classes being compared, poses a challenging problem in high dimensional data analysis. We describe a new procedure for selecting significant genes as recursive cluster elimination (RCE) rather than recursive feature elimination (RFE). We have tested this algorithm on six datasets and compared its performance with that of two related classification procedures with RFE. We have developed a novel method for selecting significant genes in comparative gene expression studies. This method, which we refer to as SVM-RCE, combines K-means, a clustering method, to identify correlated gene clusters, and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), a supervised machine learning classification method, to identify and score (rank) those gene clusters for the purpose of classification. K-means is used initially to group genes into clusters. Recursive cluster elimination (RCE) is then applied to iteratively remove those clusters of genes that contribute the least to the classification performance. SVM-RCE identifies the clusters of correlated genes that are most significantly differentially expressed between the sample classes. Utilization of gene clusters, rather than individual genes, enhances the supervised classification accuracy of the same data as compared to the accuracy when either SVM or Penalized Discriminant Analysis (PDA) with recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE and PDA-RFE) are used to remove genes based on their individual discriminant weights. SVM-RCE provides improved classification accuracy with complex microarray data sets when it is compared to the classification accuracy of the same datasets using either SVM-RFE or PDA-RFE. SVM-RCE identifies clusters of correlated genes that when considered together provide greater insight into the structure of the microarray data. Clustering genes for classification appears to result in some concomitant clustering of samples into subgroups. Our present implementation of SVM-RCE groups genes using the correlation metric. The success of the SVM-RCE method in classification suggests that gene interaction networks or other biologically relevant metrics that group genes based on functional parameters might also be useful.
On the dynamics of cell cleavage

Abstract A completely fluid model of cleavage dynamics is studied in which the forces exerted within the boundary structure of a cell are approximated by an effective surface tension. The hypothesis that surface tension depends in part on the concentration of tension elements implies a contraction of the surface towards the equator resulting from a dynamical instability that once triggered develops spontaneously into cleavage. The circulation of the cytoplasm induced by surface stresses collects and aligns the surface-bound tension elements into an equatorial belt. This flow may be a means of assembling a contractile ring.