cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The attractiveness of obstetrics and gynecology as a professional career

Abstract We have attempted to define and elaborate on certain weaknesses within our specialty as they relate to attractiveness and, in doing so, have touched upon imagery, teaching practices, financial resources, and a proposal for a new program of undergraduate teaching. Periodic self-evaluation is needed to provoke meaningful argument and create change. Our greatest asset has been the ability to listen to the student and to assess his thoughts. A fitting quotation from a recent monograph on the life of Frank Lloyd Wright summarizes the medical student's plight: “Unfortunately, America is only comfortable with her geniuses after their hair has turned white.”
Oxide melt solution calorimetry of rare earth oxides

Key to the evaluation of the long-term durability and reactivity of REE-materials is the accurate determination of their thermodynamic properties. High-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry offers an effective methodology for the determination of enthalpies of formation for REE-materials. Calorimetric techniques and crosschecks are summarized that demonstrate that consistent and correct thermodynamic data can be generated using lead borate and sodium molybdate solvents. A summary of recent calorimetric studies of REE-orthophosphates and REE-oxyapatites illustrates the successful application of our techniques in quantifying formation enthalpies and elucidating energetic trends.
Bayesian Exploration of Multivariate Orographic Precipitation Sensitivity for Moist Stable and Neutral Flows

AbstractRecent idealized studies examined the sensitivity of topographically forced rain and snowfall to changes in mountain geometry and upwind sounding in moist stable and neutral environments. These studies were restricted by necessity to small ensembles of carefully chosen simulations. Research presented here extends earlier studies by utilizing a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to create a large ensemble of simulations, all of which produce precipitation concentrated on the upwind slope of an idealized Gaussian bell-shaped mountain. MCMC-based probabilistic analysis yields information about the combinations of sounding and mountain geometry favorable for upslope rain, as well as the sensitivity of orographic precipitation to changes in mountain geometry and upwind sounding. Exploration of the multivariate sensitivity of rainfall to changes in parameters also reveals a nonunique solution: multiple combinations of flow, topography, and environment produce similar surface rainfall amo...
Behaviorally determined dark adaptation functions in the turtle, Pseudemys

Dark adaptation in the turtle, Pseudemys, is complete at about 90 sec in the dark. This figure may be compared to 6 min for the cone dominated human fovea.
Drug-induced nutrient deficiencies

Good clinical care extends beyond mere diagnosis and treatment of disease to appreciation that nutrient deficiencies can be the price of effective drug therapy. The major risk factors for developing drug-induced nutrient deficiencies are lack of awareness by the prescribing physician and long duration of drug therapy. The field of pharmacogenomics has potential to improve clinical care by detecting patients at risk for complications from drug therapy. Further improvements in patient safety rely on physicians voluntarily reporting serious suspected adverse drug reactions.
Studies on the synthesis of gymnodimine. construction of the spiroimine portion via Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

An azaspiro[5.5]undecadiene corresponding to a subunit of the shellfish toxin gymnodimine was synthesized by Diels−Alder cycloaddition. One member of the pair of stereoisomeric adducts was transformed to a spiroimine, which will serve as the core around which the macrocyclic portion of the toxin will be assembled.
THE EFFECT OF SPECTRAL IRRADIANCE ON THE ISOMERIZATION OF BILIRUBIN IN VIVO

The initial event during phototherapy is the isomerization of native bilirubin to more polar configurational isomers (Z,E) and a structural isomer called lumirubin (LUM). The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of narrow spectrum blue light (B) versus broad spectrum white light (W) on the production of photoisomers in jaundiced infants. Thirteen preterm neonates (BW 1.68 ± .45 kg, GA 32 ± 2.3 wks) were studied under both B and W light. Irradiance at 450 nm was controlled at 12 uwatt/cm2/nm for both B and W. Infants were assigned to one of two study orders: B,W,B (n=4) or W,B,W (n=9). Each light condition (B or W) was administered for 12 hrs. Serum for Z,E and LUM were obtained before treatment and every 12 hours thereafter. Results were expressed as a percent of the total bilirubin. For all study infants % Z,E and LUM under B were compared with % under W for the two possible treatment sequences: W to B and B to W These data suggest that B is more effective than W in producing Z,E. The inability to demonstrate differences in % LUM may be due to more rapid excretion of this photoproduct.
Positron emission tomography imaging of amyloid-beta plaque deposition: a decade of translation

Positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer developments over the past decade have enabled in vivo measurement of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque deposition, a key neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This presentation will provide an overview of the translational research path for one of the most widely used PET Aβ imaging agents, 11C-lableled Pittsburgh compound-B ([11C]PiB). Early preclinical ex-vivo characterization revealed the capacity of [11C]PiB to bind to fibrillar Aβ plaques [1]. Real-time in vivo multiphoton microscopy demonstrated that [11C]PiB labeled individual Aβ plaques in transgenic mouse models of AD [2]. Human proof-of-concept studies then showed nearly 2-fold greater uptake of [11C]PiB in AD patients relative to controls in areas of brain known to contain amyloid in AD (frontal cortex, p 0.2) [3]. These semi-quantitative studies were followed by fully quantitative arterial-based kinetic modeling PET studies that supported the validity of simplified (non-arterial) [11C]PiB PET retention outcomes that exhibited good test-retest reliability (5-10%) needed for improved study feasibility for clinical application on cross-sectional and longitudinal bases [4] and for large collaborative multi-site studies, such as the Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI). Early translational findings include cross-sectional evidence of amyloid deposition (i.e., [11C]PiB retention) in 20-30% of cognitively normal elderly controls, variable retention in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that ranged from negligible to AD-like levels and additional findings in those at risk for the development of AD [[5], for review]. Emerging longitudinal results indicate small significant increases in [11C]PiB retention in AD and MCI groups, and in controls who had high baseline retention [6]. Efforts are ongoing to establish relationships between in vivo imaging measures and post-mortem measures of Aβ deposition in those scanned with [11C]PiB PET imaging before death. Anti-amyloid therapies have shown promise based on [11C]PiB PET imaging results in early treatment trials. Lastly, the development of 18F-labeled Aβ imaging agents (several-fold longer radioactive half-life than 11C) has allowed greater distribution and translational capability, with one such agent recently being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the rejection of AD diagnosis in patients under evaluation for AD. A decade of translation has further clarified the need for sensitive early detection of AD pathophysiology in order to identify those who might benefit most from future therapeutic intervention.
Generation and preliminary characterization of an antibody library with preferential reactivity to human colorectal cancer cells as compared to normal human blood cells.

Abstract We are developing recombinant polyclonal antibody libraries (PCALs) reactive to human colorectal cancer cells as an anti-cancer therapeutic approach. To test the hypothesis that PCALs with preferential recognition of tumor cells as compared to normal cells could be generated, a Fab phage display library reactive to human colorectal cancer cell lines was absorbed with normal human blood cells. ELISA analysis of the absorbed Fab phage display library showed that 70% of tested clones reacted to colorectal cancer cells. Reactivity of the library to blood cells was reduced 4–10-fold, with many clones unreactive to one or more of the blood cell types. DNA fingerprint analysis of colorectal cancer-binding clones showed that the absorbed library remained polyclonal. The H and L chain V region gene pairs of the absorbed library were transferred in mass from the Fab phage display vector to a mammalian vector and expressed as IgG following transfection into Sp2/0 myeloma cells. ELISA analysis showed that 79% of transfectants expressed IgG and of those 74% were positive for binding to the SW480 human colorectal cancer cell line. A template of 95 SW480-reactive wells was assembled, designated Lib-Col2.1, and IgG purified from a consolidated mass culture. The purified Lib-Col2.1 IgG was compared to the clinically used anti-colorectal cancer mAb 17-1A, by ELISA and flow cytometry, for binding density on SW480 colorectal cancer cells and on normal human blood cells. The results showed that Lib-Col2.1 bound to SW480 cells at higher density than mAb 17-1A and that its binding to normal human blood cells was reduced 2.4–24-fold relative to an unabsorbed anti-SW480 serum. Furthermore, Lib-Col2.1 was more effective than mAb 17-1A at inhibiting the growth of SW480 cells in culture. These results suggest that a polyclonal antibody library with preferential reactivity to cancer cells as compared to normal cells could be generated.
Measuring D-serine efflux from mouse cortical brain slices using online microdialysis-capillary electrophoresis

Efflux of a number of important neurochemicals, including D-serine, L-serine, taurine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), from mouse cortical brain slices housed in a 7 microL perfusion chamber was monitored using online microdialysis-CE (MD-CE). Analyte concentrations could be measured every 20-27 s using the MD-CE instrument. Stimulation with high potassium induced increased release of D-serine. Kainic acid (KA) induced D-serine release, but this release was not blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, suggesting that alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid/KA receptors do not mediate D-serine release. Application of L-serine, the precursor of D-serine, resulted in increased extracellular D-serine concentrations. L-Cysteine also increased extracellular D-serine levels in a partially Na+-dependent manner. The observed effects upon application of L-serine and L-cysteine support the involvement of ASC neutral amino acid transporters in regulating the extracellular concentration of D-serine concentration through competitive inhibition of uptake or increased release through heteroexchange.
A 10-Year Climatology of Amazonian Rainfall Derived from Passive Microwave Satellite Observations

In this study we present and describe a satellite-derived precipitation climatology over northern South America using a passive microwave technique, the Goddard Profiling Algorithm. A period of data slightly longer than 10 years is examined. The climatologies take the form of the mean estimated (adjusted) rainfall for a 10-year (+) period, with sub-divisions by month and meteorological season. For the six-year period 1992-1997, when two satellites were in operation, diurnal variability (to the extent it is discerned by four unequally spaced observations) is presented. We find an alternating pattern of morning and maxima stretching from the northeast (Atlantic coast) clear across the continent to the Pacific. The effects of topography, coastlines and geography (river valleys) on the rainfall patterns are clear. Interannual variability is examined by computing the deviations of yearly and warm season (DJF) rainfall from their respective long-term means. Interannual variability of the diurnal nature of the rainfall is presented, and the strong El Nino event of 1997-1998 is discussed.
Use of Osgood's Semantic Differential:

Summary.-This research was designed to demonstrate the heuristic value of Osgood's semantic differential method for assessing the psychological meaning of concepts and attitudes. Using citations listed in the Psychological Abstracts, semantic differential frequencies for 751 articles were tallied. Articles were extracted on an annual basis from 1952 through 1976. Employing 3 cl3ssification scheme based on types of research, the semantic differential studies identified were further analyzed by content-domain areas. Charles Osgood published the first formulation for the semanric differential method in the Psychological B~lletin in 1952. Since then, use of this method of measuring meaning and attitudes ( Osgood, Suci, 8: Tannenbaum, 1957 ) has increased considerably and been applied in many areas including social psychology, educational settings, marketing, language and cross-cultural studies (Snider & Osgood, 1969). The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the heuristic nature, frequency, and use of the method in areas to which it has been applied. The frequency of use was determined by tallying the annual number of entries in the Psychological Abstracts. The first topical citation occurred in 1959, seven years after Osgood's initial introduction of the instrument. Prior to 1959 listings were tallied from Osgood's name in the author index of the Psychological
Technical Note: Corrosion Protection of Electrogalvanized Steel by a Cerium-Based Conversion Coating

Abstract A new conversion coating process for electrogalvanized (EG) steel based on a cerium nitrate (Ce[NO3]3) solution with some additives has been developed that reduces the total treatment time...
Mathematical properties of the r2 measure of linkage disequilibrium

Statistics for linkage disequilibrium (LD), the non-random association of alleles at two loci, depend on the frequencies of the alleles at the loci under consideration. Here, we examine the r(2) measure of LD and its mathematical relationship to allele frequencies, quantifying the constraints on its maximum value. Assuming independent uniform distributions for the allele frequencies of two biallelic loci, we find that the mean maximum value of r(2) is approximately 0.43051, and that r(2) can exceed a threshold of 4/5 in only approximately 14.232% of the allele frequency space. If one locus is assumed to have known allele frequencies--the situation in an association study in which LD between a known marker locus and an unknown trait locus is of interest--we find that the mean maximum value of r(2) is greatest when the known locus has a minor allele frequency of approximately 0.30131. We find that in 1/4 of the space of allowed values of minor allele frequencies and haplotype frequencies at a pair of loci, the unconstrained maximum r(2) allowing for the possibility of recombination between the loci exceeds the constrained maximum assuming that no recombination has occurred. Finally, we use r(max)(2) to examine the connection between r(2) and the D(') measure of linkage disequilibrium, finding that r(2)/r(max)(2)=D('2) for approximately 72.683% of the space of allowed values of (p(a),p(b),p(ab)). Our results concerning the properties of r(2) have the potential to inform the interpretation of unusual LD behavior and to assist in the design of LD-based association-mapping studies.
Defect and surface asperity dependent yield during contact loading of an organic molecular single crystal

The onset of plastic deformation was investigated using nanoindentation in single crystals of the explosive cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX). Cleavage and habit planes were tested revealing a range of yielding behaviors. Smooth habit planes of unprocessed single crystals exhibited distinct yield points near the theoretical shear strength; planes produced by cleavage yielded at lower applied stresses. Cumulative probability distributions of maximum shear stresses at yield were used to illustrate the representative yielding behavior for samples prepared by the different methods. A statistically significant difference was observed for cleavage and habit planes. This suggested that structural defects, such as dislocations from growth and sample preparation, were being probed and nanoindentation can be used to correlate the mechanical response of organic molecular crystals with defect density. This capability may help explain the observed range of measurement differences in fundamental properties in this c...
Brainstem location of serotonin neurons projecting to the caudal neurosecretory complex

Serotonergic fibers in the caudal neurosecretory complex (CNc) of poeciliids originate from neurons within, and extrinsic to this spinal cord nucleus. In the present study, retrograde tracing and immunofluorescence techniques were combined to localize extrinsic serotonergic projection neurons. The entire spinal cord and brain were sectioned after Fast Blue (FB) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was implanted in the CNc. No HRP or FB filled neurons were found in the spinal cord. Retrogradely filled neurons were found bilaterally in dorsolateral and ventromedial reticular nuclei, and the dorsal midbrain tegmentum. Fusiform cells in the medullary fasciculus longitudinalis medialis filled with FB but not HRP. Serotonin immunopositive neurons were found surrounding the third ventricle, in the raphe and in medullary reticular nuclei. Double labelled neurons in the medial reticular nucleus were determined to be the source of serotonergic projections to the CNc. Reticular projection nuclei are strategically situated to receive visceral sensory input from rhombencephalic cranial nerves. These putative pathways may provide an anatomical substrate by which visceral sensory information is transmitted to the CNc.
Pressure broadening in the 0 4 through 0 7 overtone bands of H35Cl and H37Cl

Abstract We have measured the pressure broadening coefficients of a number of rotation-vibration lines in the 0–4 through 0–7 overtone bands of HCl utilizing a Fourier transform spectrometer and a 409 m path length White cell. These data, when included with previous measurements on the fundamental and lower overtone bands, show a systematic variation of pressure broadening with increasing overtone band. This result reflects a change in the collision dynamics between molecules in the upper state of the transition with ground state molecules.
Factorial Experiments in Life Testing

This paper discusses procedures for analyzing factorial experiments, where the experiment deals with the life testing of components or equipment. These procedures assume an underlying general distribution of “times-to-failure”, of which the exponential, Weibull, and extreme value distributions are special cases. Statistical tests and confidence procedures are outlined, and an example illustrating the procedure for life-test results of glass capacitors is included. Small sample approximations, which are adequate for practical applications, are given for the proposed procedures. This is shown empirically by generating thousands of life-test experiments on an electronic computer. An empirical sampling investigation is given of the robustness of the proposed procedures. From the sampling results, it is concluded that these techniques are sensitive (non-robust) to departures from the original assumptions on the probability distribution of failure-times. An investigation is also given of a transformation which ...
The Two-Wrongs model explains perception-action dissociations for illusions driven by distortions of the egocentric reference frame

Several studies have demonstrated a dissociation of the effects of illusion on perception and action, with perception generally reported to be susceptible to illusions, while actions are seemingly immune. These findings have been interpreted to support Milner and Goodale's Two Visual Systems model, which proposes the existence of separate visual processing streams for perception and action. However, an alternative interpretation suggests that this type of behavioral dissociation will occur for any illusion that is caused by a distortion of the observer's egocentric reference frame, without requiring the existence of separate perception and action systems that are differently affected by the illusion. In this scenario, movements aimed at illusory targets will be accurate if they are guided within the same distorted reference frame used for target encoding, since the error of motor guidance will cancel with the error of encoding (hence, for actions, two wrongs do make a right). We further test this Two-Wrongs model by examining two illusions for which the hypothesis makes very different predictions: the rod-and-frame illusion (which affects perception but not actions) and the simultaneous-tilt illusion (which affects perception and actions equally). We demonstrate that the rod-and-frame illusion is caused by a distortion of the observer's egocentric reference frame suitable for the cancellation of errors predicted by the Two-Wrongs model. In contrast, the simultaneous-tilt illusion is caused by local interactions between stimulus elements within an undistorted reference frame, precluding the cancellation of errors associated with the Two-Wrongs model such that the illusion is reflected in both perception and actions. These results provide evidence for a class of illusions that lead to dissociations of perception and action through distortions of the observer's spatial reference frame, rather than through the actions of functionally separate visual processing streams.
Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight measurements of the velocity and internal energy content of thermal and photochemical methyl radical sources

A single-stage time-of-flight mass spectrometer used in conjunction with resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization has been employed to study the dynamics of surface photodissociation processes as well as methyl radicals produced from a continuous source. By utilizing ion rather than neutral flight times, species that have an impressed velocity along the detection axis can be readily distinguished from species that exhibit an isotropic velocity distribution. This allows for experimental discrimination between photofragments produced from adsorbate photolysis and those produced as a result of probe laser photolysis of gas-phase species photodesorbed from the surface. For species generated in continuous sources, such as methyl radicals produced from azomethane pyrolysis, the same approach permits an unambiguous determination of the total-energy content, despite the presence of additional radicals within the ionizing volume that have scattered from the chamber walls.
(6) Bibliographical services in Nigeria: a study in the humanities and social sciences

(1975). (6) Bibliographical services in Nigeria: a study in the humanities and social sciences. International Library Review: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 93-113.
Words Are a Place to Stand Journals by Young Women in Kibera, Kenya

The study analyzes 5 months of daily journal entries by young women residing in Kibera, the largest slum in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings are similar to previous findings about young women in impoverished urban environments, revealing few female support networks among this population. However, results show many supportive, one-to-one relationships between among women, indicating that poverty and socialization may impede larger networks that could otherwise occur. They also reveal flexible relationships between so-called street and non-street women as well as the use of journals to create a private space in an otherwise completely public existence.
Functionalized cubanes. Oxidative displacement upon methyl 4-iodocubane carboxylate using hypervalent iodine reagents

Abstract Methyl 4-iodocubane carboxylate undergoes substitution via ligand exchange with the hypervalent reagents C6H5I(OH)OTs, C6H5I(OH)OMs and C6H5ICl2.
Role of depression in heart failure — Choosing the right antidepressive treatment

Major depression is a common feature of heart failure patients and possibly stems from their common biochemical background. Depression and heart failure co-morbidity has several clinical implications on the prognosis of these patients. Furthermore antidepressive drugs have known cardiovascular side effects, while their safety and efficacy in heart failure has not been fully elucidated yet. The right choice of antidepressive treatment in heart failure constitutes an issue of high importance as it can affect the clinical outcome of these patients. In this article we highlight the role of major depression in heart failure and demonstrate their common biochemical background. Moreover we review the acquired so far knowledge on the use of the various categories of antidepressants in heart failure by reference to the existing clinical studies on antidepressants efficacy and safety in heart failure. Even though certain conclusions cannot be drawn yet, evidence suggests that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have a beneficial effect on clinical outcome of heart failure patients.
Identification of NR1I2 genetic variation using resequencing.

The nuclear receptor NR1I2 (also called PXR or SXR) is primarily expressed in mouse and human liver and intestines. Direct activation of NR1I2 occurs in response to a range of xenobiotics, which causes the formation of a heterodimer with the RXR receptor. This heterodimer binds to the nuclear receptor response elements of downstream genes such as ABCB1, CYP2C, and CYP3A. This study determined the extent of NR1I2 variation in three world populations. Variation in NR1I2 was identified by pooled resequencing in African, Asian, and European populations. Validation was performed in European and African populations using PCR and Pyrosequencing technology. RNA expression of NR1I2, ABCB1 and CYP3A4 was assessed using real-time PCR. Of 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified, 24 were in the untranslated region, 8 were intronic, and 4 exonic. Thirty-six percent were unique to the African population. In comparison with previously published data, we identified 13 novel polymorphisms. The NR1I2 −566A > C polymorphism was significantly associated with ABCB1 and CYP3A4 RNA expression in colon tumor (P = 0.04 in both cases), however, this polymorphism was not associated with NR1I2 expression. With NR1I2 playing such a large role in the regulation of genes involved in drug metabolism and transport, genetic variation contributing to altered NR1I2 function may have an important clinical impact.
Design for Supply Chain: Evaluation of Supply Chain Metrics

This paper describes the first phase of the authors’ Design for Supply Chain research that seeks to address supply chain excellence the product design process. In a global economy, companies must address supply chain issues beyond the traditional viewpoint of logistics, trucking, warehousing and include other considerations that affects design and manufacturing decisions. To include supply chain perspectives in the design of products and manufacturing processes, supply chain performance data play a critical role. This paper examines the source of data pertinent to design for supply chain using methods such as Customer Value Chain Analysis and Quality Function Deployment. A multi-industry benchmarking study also highlights the different approaches to Design for Supply Chain and emerging challenges of Social and Environmentally Responsible Supply Chains. The study revealed that lead time, quality and social/environmental metrics are the most important metrics for design for supply chain. Future research will address the refinement of metrics, the definition of the relevant data for product design, and effective approaches to incorporate the information into the product definition process.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Parent-Focused Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious public health issue. Current after-the-fact approaches to treating victims and punishing offenders are not adequate to address a problem of this magnitude; development and rigorous evaluation of CSA prevention strategies are critical. We propose that CSA prevention efforts should target parents of young children. Parents have been neglected as a focus of CSA prevention; they merit attention given their potential to improve children's safety via effective communication and monitoring. This paper provides an overview of current strategies for reducing CSA prevalence and their limitations, presents a rationale for parent-focused CSA prevention, and discusses considerations pertinent to development of an effective parent-focused approach. Parent-focused CSA prevention offers potential as a public health approach to prevention of CSA, and it is time that we devote resources toward developing and studying this important area.
The role of drug disposition kinetics on cellular transport of the antineoplastic agent VM-26.

(1978). The Role of Drug Disposition Kinetics on Cellular Transport of the Antineoplastic Agent VM-26. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 119-135.
An ion exchange liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the determination of reduced and oxidized glutathione and glutathione conjugates in hepatocytes.

Abstract A rugged LC-MS/MS method was developed to quantify reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively) in rat hepatocytes. In addition, GSH conjugates can be detected, characterized and measured in the same analysis. Samples were treated with acetonitrile and iodoacetic acid to precipitate proteins and trap free GSH, respectively. These highly polar analytes were separated by ion exchange chromatography using conditions that were developed to be amenable to electrospray ionization and provide baseline chromatographic resolution. A solvent gradient with a total run time of 13 min was used to elute the analytes, as well as any highly retained components in the samples that would otherwise accumulate on the HPLC column and degrade the chromatography. The analytes were detected using either selected ion monitoring (SIM) using an ion trap mass spectrometer or selected reaction monitoring (SRM) using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ranges for quantification of GSH and GSSG using an ion trap were 0.651–488 μM and 0.817–327 μM, respectively. Using SRM with the triple quadrupole instrument, the ranges of quantification for GSH and GSSG were 0.163–163 μM and 0.0816–81.6 μM, respectively. The accuracy and precision for both methods were within 15%. The utility of the method was demonstrated by treating rat hepatocytes with model compounds menadione and precocene I. Menadione, which contains a quinone moiety that undergoes redox cycling and induces concentration- and time-dependent oxidative stress in hepatocytes, resulted in decreased GSH concentrations with concomitant increase in concentrations of GSSG, as well as a GSH–menadione conjugate. When hepatocytes were incubated with precocene I, a time-dependent decrease in GSH concentrations was observed with concomitant increase in a GSH–precocene conjugate. GSSG concentrations did not increase in the presence of precocene I, consistent with its lack of redox activity. This analytical method has general utility for simultaneously investigating the potential of test compounds to induce both oxidative stress from redox cycling in vitro and the formation of GSH conjugates.
Multiphoton imaging of quantum dot bioconjugates in cultured cells following Nd:YLF laser excitation

Quantum dot bioconjugates offer unprecedented opportunities for monitoring biological processes and molecular interactions in cells, tissues, and organs. We are interested in developing applications that permit investigation of physiological processes and cytoskeletal organization in live cells, and allow imaging of complex organs, such as the auditory and vestibular sensory structures of the inner ear. Multiphoton microscopy is a powerful technique for acquiring images from deep within a sample while reducing phototoxic effects of laser light exposure on cells. Previous studies have established that a solid-state Nd:YLF laser can be used to acquire two-photon and three-photon images from live cells while minimizing phototoxic side effects (Wokosin et al., 1996, Bioimaging, 4:208-214; Squirrell et al., 1999, Nature Biotechnology, 8:763-767). We present here the results of experiments using an all-solid-state Nd:YLF 1047 nm femtosecond laser (Microlase DPM1000) source to excite quantum dot bioconjugates. Cells were labeled with Qdot (Quantum Dot Corporation) bioconjugates or with Alexa Fluor (Molecular Probes) bioconjugates and then imaged with a BioRad 1024 confocal microscope configured for multiphoton imaging using internal or external (non-descanned) detectors. Results demonstrate that the Nd:YLF laser can be used to stimulate fluorescence emission of quantum dots and Alexa Fluor bioconjugates in cultured amphibian (Xenopus) and mammalian (rat, chinese hamster) cells. We conclude that the Nd:YLF laser is a viable excitation source that extends the applicability of quantum dots for investigation of biological processes using multiphoton microscopy.
Quantitative cytology and cytopathology. VI. Chromosomal mass in germinal cells and in cancer cells of the mouse.

Abstract In this study the mass (dry weight, fat-free) of each of the twenty metaphase chromosomes in meiotic cells of the mouse testis was estimated by interference microscopy and arranged in order of magnitude from largest to smallest. Utilizing the data of the present and previous work, the conclusion is reached that the total dry weight of chromosomes per chromatid set is constant, within the limits of error of measurement, during the prophase and the metaphase of meiosis. The total mass of metaphase chromosomes in mouse tumor cells, comprising several cytologie varieties in the ascites form, was measured in the present investigation. Leukemia 1210, near diploid in chromosome number, was found to be deficient in chromosomal (or chromatid) mass in comparison with germinal cells; whereas the chromosomal masses in Ehrlich carcinoma, Krebs-2 carcinoma, and sarcoma 180 were commensurate with the chromosome numbers, known to be predominantly near-tetraploid in these cancer cells.
Penicillin amidase and penicillinase production in nitrogen- and sulfur-limited chemostats

The production of penicillin amidase fromBacillus megaterium ATCC 14945 was examined in a sulfur-limited chemostat. Below 50% of the maximum growth rate, enzyme production was independent of dilution rate; above this point production decreased as growth rate increased. A simple and defined medium forBacillus licheniformis 749/C was developed, and extracellular penicillinase production was studied in a chemostat under sulfur- and nitrogenlimited conditions. While the yield of this enzyme differed little between these growth-limiting conditions, the specific activity of the penicillinase per unit weight of extracellular protein was increased 50% under nitrogenlimited conditions. Furthermore, the proportion of extracellular enzyme was greater in continuous, than in batch culture.
Conformational studies of poly(methacrylic acid). I. Conformational energy calculations on lsotactic and syndiotactic poly(methacrylic acid)

Abstract The conformational energies of isotactic and syndiotactic poly (methacrytic acid) were calculated for isolated chains in order to determine the most probable helical conformations. It was concluded that the most probable backbone conformation of the isotactic polymer is either a 52 or 83 helix, where the internal rotations of the two helices are nearly equal. The left-handed and right-handed conformations were also essentially equienergy conformations. Two lowenergy helical conformations were found for the syndiotactic polymer. One of these conformations had backbone internal rotations nearly identical to those of the 52 and 83 helices of isotactic poly(methacry1ic acid). The second conformation was a nearly planar structure containing two monomer units in the axial repeat unit, with backbone rotation angles nearly identical to those of the 52 and 83 helices or their negatives. Deformation of the backbone C─C─C bond angles was considered in the conformational energy calculations. The optimum bond...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in a multi-ethnic urban outpatient clinic: Initial presentation and treatment outcome with exposure and ritual prevention

There are no naturalistic treatment outcome studies in the literature investigating the effectiveness of exposure and ritual prevention across diverse ethnic groups for OCD. We present data on the naturalistic treatment of 62 outpatients with OCD who presented at an anxiety disorders clinic in an inner-city area. More of our African American and Caribbean American patients, compared to Caucasians with OCD, were female and were more likely to be initially diagnosed with panic disorder only. On initial assessment both groups were similar on psychometric measures as well as reporting similar types of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Both groups showed moderate improvement with treatment, although significant residual symptoms remained. Our results are discussed within the need for further cross-cultural clinical research and outreach.
On the temporal equivalence of sequential circuits

The authors extend the abstract notion of temporal behavior to compare arbitrary circuits with arbitrary multiphase clocking schemes. They consider the input-output behavior of circuits with respect to time. Properties are discussed that remain invariant under certain transformations. Constraints are derived that permit a legal retiming in the case of multiphase sequential circuits with edge triggered and/or transparent latches. For a particular design style an efficient procedure is described to check for temporal equivalence of sequential circuits. A model and a formal definition for the temporal behavior of an arbitrary multiphase circuits and an algorithm for formal verification of the temporal behavior of circuits are outlined. >
Ortho-planar linear-motion springs

Abstract This paper presents an ortho-planar spring design that operates by raising or lowering its platform relative to the base with no rotation. The compact nature of the design, and its non-rotating motion, eliminates the problem of rotation against adjoining surfaces and is less sensitive to variation in assemblies than many current compact springs. Nomenclature is presented to identify different configurations, mathematical equations are provided that accurately model the force–deflection relationships, and a pneumatic valve positioner application is demonstrated.
Inconsistent Impact Hypotheses for the Younger Dryas.

Israde-Alcantara et al. (1) presented evidence from Lake Cuitzeo sediments and argued that it supports the Younger Dryas (YD) impact hypothesis of Firestone et al. (2) for a major extraterrestrial impact event “involving multiple airburst(s) and/or ground impact(s) at 12.9 ka.” Firestone et al. (2) did not specify the details of the impact but proposed that it had “continent-wide effects” and was “most likely a comet.” The YD hypothesis “requires an energy of 107 …
`Mobilizing Masculinities': Women's Experiences of Men at:

To understand gender relations in organizations, I use feminist standpoint theory and critical scholarship on men and masculinities to guide an analysis of accounts from six women about their experiences with/interpretations of men at work. Restricting these accounts to those in which women perceived men as not intending harm to themselves or other women, I conclude that men routinely act in concert to `mobilize masculinities' at work, that men routinely conflate masculinities and work dynamics, that often men are only liminally aware of mobilizing masculinities, and that women experience masculinities mobilization, especially when conflated with work, as harmful. The discussion notes how the gender institution makes men's masculinities mobilizing behavior possible, and shapes women's interpretations and experiences of these behaviors. To subvert gender practices that harm people, I call for more research on how these practices are mobilized and conflated with work relations.
Glycinergic synaptic transmission in the cochlear nucleus of mice with normal hearing and age-related hearing loss.

The principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian cochlear nucleus (CN) is glycine. During age-related hearing loss (AHL), glycinergic inhibition becomes weaker in CN. However, it is uncle...
Prey responses to pulses of risk and safety: testing the risk allocation hypothesis

Abstract The risk allocation hypothesis predicts that prey responses to predation risk should depend on the temporal pattern of risk. In systems where activity is dangerous, predicted activity levels should be ranked as follows: activity during a pulse of safety>activity during continual safety>activity during continual risk>activity during a pulse of risk. We conducted the first experimental test of the basic predictions of the risk allocation hypothesis by examining responses of freshwater physid snails, Physa gyrina, to chemical cues associated with predation on snails by predatory crayfish,Orconectes juvenilis . As predicted, the snails' pattern of activity, microhabitat use and response to risk depended on the temporal pattern of risk. Snails held in continual risk had very low activity levels, but showed an immediate, large increase in activity during a brief period of safety. In contrast, snails held in continual safety showed moderate levels of activity, but surprisingly, only a weak reduction in activity when exposed to a pulse of danger. Further studies are needed to identify general patterns for how temporal variation in risk influences antipredator behaviour.
Passion Plays: The Dominican Diaspora in Waddys Jáquez’s P.A.R.G.O.

This article analyzes how the play P.A.R.G.O. (2001), written, directed, and performed by the Dominican Waddys Jaquez represents the contemporary experience of the Dominican diaspora. Jaquez himself forms part of a new generation of diasporic artists who frequently return “home,” to the Dominican Republic, and who, unlike the previous generation of diasporic artists and writers, continue to find their most valuable audience there. This tendency towards an increasing interconnectivity between diaspora and homeland is represented and a/effectively reinforced in P.A.R.G.O. The play brings the experience of the diaspora close to home for the audience, not by compelling them to identify with the characters’ particular identities, but rather by placing center stage their ongoing negotiations and “making do” with personal and economic difficulties that define their lives both at home and abroad. This article is available in Studies in 20th & 21st Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol32/iss2/7 Passion Plays: The Dominican Diaspora in Waddys Jaquez’s P.A.R.G.O. By Maja Horn Barnard College Until fairly recently, accounts of the experience of the Hispanic Caribbean diaspora were likely to coalesce around the significant break that immigration caused in immigrants’ lives.1 Migration histories were structured by the “before” and “after” of immigration and emphasized the stark cultural differences between “here” and “there,” the real and imaginary distance between diasporas and their homeland. Similarly, diasporic cultural production tended to be perceived as far-flung and removed from national cultural developments at “home.”2 Nowadays, increasing awareness of the connections and continuities between diasporas and countries of origin has shifted the emphasis in scholarship from the “before” and “after” of immigration to a concern with circular migration— migrants moving back and forth between the home and destination country—and with the ties that continue to bind migrants to, rather than separate them from, their home countries. As Ernesto Sagas and Sintia E. Molina in their introduction to the anthology Dominican Migration: Transnational Perspectives (2004) emphasize: Nowadays, modern transportation provides easy and cheap travel back and forth between host and receiving societies. New communications technology allows migrants to stay in touch 1 Horn: Passion Plays: The Dominican Diaspora in Waddys Jaquez’s P.A.R.G. Published by New Prairie Press
Differential scanning calorimetry study of linseed oil cured with metal catalysts

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been used to study the autoxidative curing process of linseed oil catalyzed by conventional metal driers and two metal sol-gel precursors, Ti(Oi-Pr)2(acac)2 and Ti(Oi-Pr)4, at elevated temperatures. Linseed oil resins with a range of 0–5.0 wt.% metal sol-gel precursor and 0–9.0 wt.% zirconium dric have been investigated by both dynamic and isothermal methods. The onset, peak and end temperatures of the reaction exotherms were observed as a function of metal catalyst type and content. The Borchardt and Daniels kinetics method was used to quantify the heat of reaction of the dynamic DSC scans. The indention hardness of the resultant coatings in the DSC sample pans was measured as an indication of crosslink density. The inclusion of small quantities of metal catalyst (0–5.0 wt.% titanium alkoxide, 0–2.0 wt.% zirconium drier) caused the reaction exotherm to broaden and shift to lower temperatures. At higher metal catalyst content (>5.0 wt.% Ti(Oi-Pr)2(acac)2 or 5.0 wt.% Ti(Oi-Pr)4) the reaction exotherms became imperceptible. Overall, as the metal catalyst content was increased, the heat of reaction decreased while indention hardness increased. The effects of the two sol-gel precursors on the reaction exotherms were similar to the effects of conventional driers. Combinations of conventional driers were also studied.
Dynamic duopolies with non-convex adjustment costs

Abstract There are numerous situations in which firms compete in a variable with non-convex adjustment costs, such that each form either does not change its variable or changes it by a large amount. I show that if the variables are strategic complements, the equilibrium has synchronous adjustments. Furthermore, I present several important economic applications of this result.
Compact MEMS-based adaptive optics: optical coherence tomography for clinical use

We describe a compact MEMS-based adaptive optics (AO) optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with improved AO performance and ease of clinical use. A typical AO system consists of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and a deformable mirror that measures and corrects the ocular and system aberrations. Because of limitations on current deformable mirror technologies, the amount of real-time ocular-aberration compensation is restricted and small in previous AO-OCT instruments. In this instrument, we incorporate an optical apparatus to correct the spectacle aberrations of the patients such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. This eliminates the tedious process of using trial lenses in clinical imaging. Different amount of spectacle aberration compensation was achieved by motorized stages and automated with the AO computer for ease of clinical use. In addition, the compact AO-OCT was optimized to have minimum system aberrations to reduce AO registration errors and improve AO performance.