cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Egocentricity” in Adult Conversation

(1938). “Egocentricity” in Adult Conversation. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 227-234.
Chromatography of renin substrate on concanavalin A--Agarose.

Abstract Renin substrate, the serum prohormone of angiotensin, is a glycoprotein which is shown to bind to concanavalin A. This interaction permits the use of lectin affinity chromatography in overcoming a major problem in the protein's purification, namely the separation of renin substrate from albumin and similar serum proteins. Low concentrations of either α-methyl mannoside or d -glucose displace renin substrate from the affinity column with no significant loss of pharmacological activity.
XAS study of AsO43− and SeO42− substituted schwertmannites

Abstract Synthetic schwertmannite samples with varying amounts of arsenate and selenate substituting for sulfate were examined by XAS methods in an attempt to characterize the location of the anion complexes. Selenate appears to both substitute directly for sulfate within tunnels in the structure, and sorb onto the outside of crystallites. No disruption of the basic structure appears with selenate substitution. However, arsenate appears mainly to sorb to the outside of crystallites, destabilizing the structure and poisoning growth.
Undelivered summary remarks for the 1974 Squaw Valley meeting on assembly mechanisms.

The status of research on macromolecular assembly is similar in several respects to that of research on macromolecular synthesis in the late 1950’s. The work of that era can teach us some lessons, but it also has left us with some preconceptions that may be misleading us in our attempts to understand assembly mechanisms.
Predicting worker exposure--the effect of ventilation velocity, free-stream turbulence and thermal condition.

Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to predict the flow field and resulting worker exposures when toxic airborne contaminants were released into the wake region of a mannequin that had its back to the airflow while holding the source of airborne contaminants. The effects of ventilation velocity, free-stream turbulence, and various thermal conditions on fluid flow and exposure levels were evaluated. The results showed good agreement between predicted and experimental concentrations at the mouth at a broad range of airflow velocities when the mannequin was both heated and unheated. When the mannequin was unheated, the exposure level decreased as the ventilation velocity increased. The expectation that buoyancy provided by the heat from the mannequin would be most important at very low velocities and decreasingly important at high velocities was proved true for both the predicted and observed exposures. The result was that when the mannequin was heated to normal human b...
A Simplified Technique for Laser Iridectomy in Blue Irides

Although some investigators have successfully performed argon laser iridectomies in blue irides, penetration is frequently difficult, particularly in light blue and gray irides with filmy stroma and poorly defined or absent crypts. Among the problems are an inability to penetrate the stroma with routine penetrating burns (spot size, 50 μm; power, 500 mW; and duration, 0.1 or 0.2 second), partial penetration, the need to use more than one site, failure to penetrate at one session, and the necessity of administering large numbers of burns.
Comparison of outcome of paramedic-witnessed cardiac arrest in patients younger and older than 70 years

To obtain further information concerning differences in the mechanism of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between elderly and younger patients, 381 consecutive patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and whose arrest was witnessed by paramedics, were studied. In 91% of cases the arrest occurred at the time the patient's cardiac rhythm was monitored. Patients were divided into 2 age groups: elderly patients were greater than 70 years (187) and younger patients were less than 70 years (194). Elderly patients more commonly had a past history of heart failure (25 vs 10%, p less than 0.003) and were more commonly taking digoxin (40 vs 20%, p less than 0.005) and diuretics (35 vs 25%, p less than 0.004). Before the cardiac arrest, elderly patients were more likely to be complaining of dyspnea (53 vs 40%, p less than 0.009), whereas younger patients were more likely to complain of chest pain (27 vs 13%, p less than 0.001). Forty-two percent of younger patients demonstrated ventricular fibrillation as the initial out-of-hospital rhythm associated with the arrest, compared to only 22% of elderly patients (p less than 0.001). Besides patient age, initial cardiac rhythm varied according to the patient's complaint preceding the arrest. Sixty-eight percent of patients with chest pain demonstrated ventricular fibrillation, whereas only 21% of patients with dyspnea demonstrated ventricular fibrillation. Elderly patients could be as successfully resuscitated as younger patients; however, 24% of younger patients survived, compared to only 10% of elderly patients (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Thermal expansion coefficients of rare earth metal disilicides and their influence on the growth of disilicide nanowires

The lattice parameters of rare earth metal disilicides at high temperature play a crucial role in the growth of these disilicide nanowires, which takes place at about 873 K. In the present study, the lattice parameters of Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Sc and ErxGd1-x disilicides with AlB2 structure were measured from room temperature to about 873 K by high temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD), from which the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) along each crystallographic axis was determined. The influence of the CTEs on the growth of nanowires will be discussed in terms of anisotropic strain. With these CTEs, the composition of a ternary disilicide, (ErxGd1-x)Si1.67, for example, with optimal lattice parameters at nanowire growth temperature can be engineered to meet the requirement for the growth of high-quality nanowires.
Isolated fracture of the manubrium of the malleus.

Objective To describe a series of five patients with isolated fracture of the manubrium of the malleus.
A pseudoatomic model of the dynamin polymer identifies a hydrolysis-dependent powerstroke.

The GTPase dynamin catalyzes membrane fission by forming a collar around the necks of clathrin-coated pits, but the specific structural interactions and conformational changes that drive this process remain a mystery. We present the GMPPCP-bound structures of the truncated human dynamin 1 helical polymer at 12.2 A and a fusion protein, GG, linking human dynamin 1's catalytic G domain to its GTPase effector domain (GED) at 2.2 A. The structures reveal the position and connectivity of dynamin fragments in the assembled structure, showing that G domain dimers only form between tetramers in sequential rungs of the dynamin helix. Using chemical crosslinking, we demonstrate that dynamin tetramers are made of two dimers, in which the G domain of one molecule interacts in trans with the GED of another. Structural comparison of GG(GMPPCP) to the GG transition-state complex identifies a hydrolysis-dependent powerstroke that may play a role in membrane-remodeling events necessary for fission.
Social Revolution in Russian Female Monasticism: The Case of the Convent of the Intercession, 1700–1917

Focusing on central Orthodox regions in post-Petrine Russia, Marlyn Miller investigates the changing social composition of nuns in Orthodox convents from 1700 through 1917 through a case study on the Convent of the Intercession in Suzdal. Primarily based on a careful study of archival documents, Miller reveals a dramatic drop in the percentage of noblewomen among the ranks of the nuns in Russian convents and a growing predominance of women from the ranks of the peasantry—a “democratization”, as Marlyn characterizes it, among the social composition of female monastics. This trend was already in place following Catherine II’s secularlization policies and continued throughout the nineteenth century. In post-reform Russia, this accompanied a general growth in the number of female monastics, which tripled from 1869 to 1914, in part following general population trends, but also corresponding to the spiritual revivalism of this era. Intriguingly, however, Miller finds that key motivations for women to enter monasteries remained largely unchanged and centered on economic need, dedication to their faith, or personal reasons of family or marriage avoidance up to 1917.
Machine vision for solar cell characterization

An in-line, non-destructive process is being developed for characterizing polycrystalline thin-film and other large area electronic devices using computer vision based imaging of the manufacturing and inspection steps during the device fabrication process. This process is being applied specifically to Cadmium Telluride/Cadmium Sulfide (CdTe/CdS) thin film, polycrystalline solar cells. Our process involves the acquisition of reflective, transmission and electroluminescence (EL) intensity images for each device. The EL intensity images have been processed by use of a modified median cut segmentation. The processed images reveal different gray level regions corresponding to different intensities of EL originating from radiative recombination events occurring within a biased solar cell. Higher efficiency devices show a more uniform intensity distribution in contrast with lower efficiency devices. The uniform intensity regions are made up of gray level intensity values found near the mean of the histogram distribution these are identified as regions of good device performance and are attributed to better material quality and processing. Low intensity regions indicate either material defects or errors in processing. This novel characterization process and analysis are providing new insights into the causes of poor performance in CdTe-based solar cells.
Post-fire management regimes affect carbon sequestration and storage in a Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest

Abstract Forests mitigate climate change by sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere and accumulating it in biomass storage pools. However, in dry conifer forests, fire occasionally returns large quantities of CO2 to the atmosphere. Both the total amount of carbon stored and its susceptibility to loss may be altered by post-fire land management strategies. Forest managers face a great challenge when asked to manage these lands for C sequestration and simultaneously reduce fire hazard. The objective of our study was to understand how differing post-fire management strategies affect C sequestration and the size of storage pools in the 10 years after a wildfire in a Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest. Post-fire management regimes included: (1) salvage-logged, planted, and intensively managed plantation (IM); (2) salvage-logged and planted (SP); (3) no salvage (NS); and (4) green canopy (GC), where fire burned through, but 95% of the overstory trees survived. Carbon sequestration and storage were estimated from measurements of individual ecosystem carbon pools. These pools included: aboveground trees, saplings, snags, stumps, and understory, coarse wood and fine wood, duff, and soil. We found total ecosystem carbon storage was 282 ± 15 Mg ha−1 of C in the NS treatment, 206 ± 31 Mg ha−1 in the GC, 137 ± 13 Mg ha−1 in the SP, and 101 ± 15 Mg ha−1 in the IM treatment. There were no significant treatment differences in C storage among the pools that would constitute labile/fine fuels, but there were differences in recalcitrant (coarse fuel) C pools. The greatest C storage in recalcitrant C pools was 258 ± 10 Mg ha−1 in the NS and 197 ± 30 Mg ha−1 in the GC treatments. Post-fire carbon sequestration rates were 1.6 ± 0.7 Mg ha−1 year−1 of C in the GC, 0.7 ± 0.3 Mg ha−1 year−1 in the SP, 0.5 ± 0.1 Mg ha−1 year−1 in the NS, and 0.5 ± 0.1 Mg ha−1 year−1 in the IM treatments, but these differences were not statistically significant. Tree carbon sequestration rates were highest in the GC treatment and lowest in the NS treatment. Overall, our results suggest that a mature green-canopy stand provides most benefit in terms of C sequestration, wildfire resilience, and other ecosystem services at a point 10 years after severe wildfire. For forests that suffer high fire mortality, unsalvaged (NS) stands will retain the most carbon onsite.
Perceptions of Low-Income African-American Mothers About Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

A rising number of low-income African-American mothers gain more weight in pregnancy than is recommended, placing them at risk for poor maternal and fetal health outcomes. Little is known about the perceptions of mothers in this population that may influence excessive gestational weight gain. In 2010–2011, we conducted 4 focus groups with 31 low-income, pregnant African-Americans in Philadelphia. Two readers independently coded the focus group transcripts to identify recurrent themes. We identified 9 themes around perceptions that encouraged or discouraged high gestational weight gain. Mothers attributed high weight gain to eating more in pregnancy, which was the result of being hungrier and the belief that consuming more calories while pregnant was essential for babies’ health. Family members, especially participants own mothers, strongly reinforced the need to “eat for two” to make a healthy baby. Mothers and their families recognized the link between poor fetal outcomes and low weight gains but not higher gains, and thus, most had a greater pre-occupation with too little food intake and weight gain rather than too much. Having physical symptoms from overeating and weight retention after previous pregnancies were factors that discouraged higher gains. Overall, low-income African-American mothers had more perceptions encouraging high gestational weight gain than discouraging it. Interventions to prevent excessive weight gain need to be sensitive to these perceptions. Messages that link guideline recommended weight gain to optimal infant outcomes and mothers’ physical symptoms may be most effective for weight control.
Metronome pacing and age: The effect of irrelevant stimuli

Community resident and institutionalized elderly were compared with young subjects in their ability to ignore task-irrelevant stimuli in a time estimation task. Production and reproduction estimates were compared under three metronome conditions: no metronome, 40 beats per minute (bpm), and 80 bpm. The no-metronome estimates of both old groups were significantly shorter and more accurate than those of the young subjects; estimates were more accurate with the reproduction than with the production method. A significant "metronome driving" effect was seen in the estimates of the two old groups, especially the institutionalized one. The results are consistent with an increase in perceptual noise with age and also suggest that the social conformity of older persons and their susceptibility to irrelevant stimuli can be represented as an increase in field dependence with age.
Hybridizing Evolutionary Algorithms with Variable-Depth Search to Overcome Local Optima

Hybridizing evolutionary algorithms with local search has become a popular trend in recent years. There is empirical evidence for various combinatorial problems where hybrid evolutionary algorithms perform better than plain evolutionary algorithms. Due to the rapid development of a highly active field of research, theory lags far behind and a solid theoretical foundation of hybrid metaheuristics is sorely needed. We are aiming at a theoretical understanding of why and when hybrid evolutionary algorithms are successful in combinatorial optimization. To this end, we consider a hybrid of a simple evolutionary algorithm, the (1+1) EA, with a powerful local search operator known as variable-depth search (VDS) or Kernighan-Lin. Three combinatorial problems are investigated: Mincut, Knapsack, and Maxsat. More precisely, we focus on simply structured problem instances that contain local optima which are very hard to overcome for many common metaheuristics. The plain (1+1) EA, iterated local search, and simulated annealing need exponential time for optimization, with high probability. In sharp contrast, the hybrid algorithm using VDS finds a global optimum in expected polynomial time. These results demonstrate the usefulness of hybrid evolutionary algorithms with VDS from a rigorous theoretical perspective.
Verruculotoxin, a new mycotoxin from Penicillium verruculosum.

Abstract A toxigenic mold identified as Penicillium verruculosum Peyronel was found during screening for toxic fungal isolates from green peanuts. The major toxic metabolite, purified by column chromatography, had an LD50 of about 20 mg/kg when given orally to 1-day-old cockerels. Chemical and physical data on the purified toxin showed a molecular formula of C15H20N2O and strongly suggested that it contained a secondary amide with a monosubstituted aromatic ring not in conjugation with the amide function. Data from this toxin did not correspond to those from any previously reported toxic fungal metabolite; therefore, this toxin may represent a totally new class of mycotoxins.
A robust and efficient curve skeletonization algorithm for tree-like objects using minimum cost paths

A comprehensive 3-D curve skeletonization algorithm using minimum cost pathA non-parametric local significance factor for fuzzy centers of maximal ballsA path cost function ensuring skeletal branches along object centerlinesThe new method outperforms existing ones with respect to accuracy and noisy branchComputation complexity reduced from the number of terminal branches to tree-depth Conventional curve skeletonization algorithms using the principle of Blum's transform, often, produce unwanted spurious branches due to boundary irregularities, digital effects, and other artifacts. This paper presents a new robust and efficient curve skeletonization algorithm for three-dimensional (3-D) elongated fuzzy objects using a minimum cost path approach, which avoids spurious branches without requiring post-pruning. Starting from a root voxel, the method iteratively expands the skeleton by adding new branches in each iteration that connects the farthest quench voxel to the current skeleton using a minimum cost path. The path-cost function is formulated using a novel measure of local significance factor defined by the fuzzy distance transform field, which forces the path to stick to the centerline of an object. The algorithm terminates when dilated skeletal branches fill the entire object volume or the current farthest quench voxel fails to generate a meaningful skeletal branch. Accuracy of the algorithm has been evaluated using computer-generated phantoms with known skeletons. Performance of the method in terms of false and missing skeletal branches, as defined by human experts, has been examined using in vivo CT imaging of human intrathoracic airways. Results from both experiments have established the superiority of the new method as compared to the existing methods in terms of accuracy as well as robustness in detecting true and false skeletal branches. The new algorithm makes a significant reduction in computation complexity by enabling detection of multiple new skeletal branches in one iteration. Specifically, this algorithm reduces the number of iterations from the number of terminal tree branches to the worst case performance of tree depth. In fact, experimental results suggest that, on an average, the order of computation complexity is reduced to the logarithm of the number of terminal branches of a tree-like object.
Effects of composition and age hardening on precious metal electrical contacts

A pin-on-plate experimental configuration was used to evaluate two different palladium-alloy pins (ASTM B540 and ASTM B563) sliding on a gold-alloy plate (ASTM B541) age-hardened at two temperatures. For all combinations of test conditions except the higher-palladium-content alloy (ASTM B563), two stages of wear were observed: (1) a prow of Au alloy was formed on the palladium-alloy pin, and (2) work hardening and roughening of the wear track occurred with transfer and backtransfer of Au-alloy material. With the higher-palladium-alloy pin, a friction polymer was formed for laboratory air testing. Results of pin-on-plate tests for air, low partial pressures of O/sub 2/, and atmospheric pressure He are reported. >
Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) Receptor Involvement in the Down-regulation but not Up-regulation of Serum IgE Levels in Immunized Mice

Marijuana cannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been shown in experimental systems to bias T helper immunity towards Th2 and away from Th1. This effect if broadly applicable to humans could have important implications in Th2-mediated diseases such as allergy. In the current study, we examined the effect of cannabinoids on serum immunoglobulin IgE levels in immunized mice and also examined the role of cannabinoid receptors in the response. The method involved pre-injecting mice with cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists followed 18–24 h later with an immunizing injection with two different antigen/adjuvant combinations. This treatment was followed 2–3 weeks later with a booster injection of antigen and the subsequent bleeding of mice 1–2 weeks later for serum immunoglobulin analysis by ELISA. Our results showed that THC injection enhanced total IgE serum levels in response to antigen immunization even under conditions of deficient cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) activity and furthermore the increase in IgE was accompanied by a decrease in serum IgG2a. In addition, we observed that l-α-lysophosphatidyliniositol (LPI) increased serum IgE levels and that IgE levels were higher in CB2 deficient mice and suppressed by the CB2 agonist, Gp1a. These results suggest that in this IgE induction model in mice, non-selective cannabinoids such as THC increase IgE through receptors other than CB1 and CB2 but that CB2 receptors do play a suppressive role in the control of serum IgE levels.
The Search for Monogenic Causes of Kidney Stones

That kidney stones are heritable has been known at least since Archibald Garrod characterized cystinuria and noted its occurrence in siblings.[1][1] Cystinuria has a special place in the history of genetics because by including it in a group of four disorders for which he famously termed the phrase
A rough-surface thermophysical model for airless planets

A model for determining diurnal temperatures in spherical-section depressions and which encompasses both subsurface heat-flow and direct and scattered sunlight effects is presently applied to the disk-integrated thermal emission of a rough planetary surface with nonzero thermal inertia. Attention is given to the variation with roughness and thermal inertia of the beaming parameter eta, which characterizes zero-phase thermal emission by comparison with a smooth, nonrotating body and is almost independent of albedo for a given surface roughness. The thermal phase curve of Ceres is noted to be well matched by the model features of (1) prograde rotation, (2) 44-deg rms surface slope, and (3) a thermal inertia that is 30 percent of the lunar value.
The Imaginary Audience, Self-Consciousness, and Public Individuation in Adolescence

In this study, we examined the construct of the imaginary audience (Elkind & Bowen, 1979), presumably a precipitant of adolescent egocentrism, as it relates to public individuation and self-consciousness. We hypothesized that the imaginary audience inhibits public individuation and represents a critical form of public self-consciousness. We also argued that the imaginary audience is a normal aspect of early adolescent development that diminishes in the context of secure parental relationships by late adolescence but remains salient if these relationships are insecure. These hypotheses were examined in a cross-sectional study of 850 adolescents in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grades. Support was generally found for the hypothesized relations. The validity and limitations of the imaginary audience and public individuation constructs are discussed, along with more general theoretical issues concerning adolescent self-consciousness.
The effect of central nervous system stimulation on plasma erythropoietin levels in rhesus monkeys

Elektrische Reizung der Nuclei supraoptici und preoptici hypothalami, ebenso der eminentia mediana hatte eine signifikante Erhohung des Plasma Erythropoietins zur Folge, nicht aber bei Reizung der Nuclei mammillaria hypothalami und commissura anterior. Es wird der hypothalamische Einfluss auf die Erythropoiese kurz erortert.
Extracting genetic information from coarse clastic modes

Abstract Information gained from analysis of the mineralogical and petrological properties of the framework components of coarse-grained sedimentary rocks is central to most exploration and exploitation projects. Such data sets, characterized by the fact that the sum of the framework components equals 1.0 or 100%, pose a major stumbling block in attempting to analyze variation and strength of association among the components being studied. Common sense and knowledge of the principles of physical geology argue that variability among the framework components records information concerning the source area, the slope (dispersal system) or the sink (environment of accumulation) or a combination of some or all of these parameters. However, it is possible that a smooth variation on a framework component plot is due to the fact that percentages or proportions were formed in order to be able to make such comparisons in the first place. In this paper we present the results of the application of a set of procedures designed to overcome difficulties inherent in the statistical analysis of percentages/proportions to modal analyses of a set of sandstones selected from the literature. These procedures allow the investigator to assess systematically the entire data set for statistical independence. Unfortunately, these tests fail when applied to sets of ternary percentages. This argues for abandoning the practice of measuring the amounts of a number of components (for example, monocrystalline quartz, chert, alkali feldspar, plagioclase, igneous and metamorphic rock fragments) and reducing the number of components to three by forming linear combinations of the original variables (for example, total feldspar equals alkali feldspar plus plagioclase). Multivariate procedures, such as principal components analysis, should be examined as they make use of all of the available information.
Costs and benefits of communal rearing to female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

Communal rearing of offspring may help mothers maximize their investment in offspring at a reduced cost to their own bodily condition, thus maximizing their potential for reproductive success. The objective of this study was to quantify the costs and benefits of communal rearing to prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) pups and mothers. Mothers were assigned to one of three social units: solitary mothers, singularly breeding groups (i.e. one mother and one non-reproductive sister) and plurally breeding groups (i.e. two lactating sisters). For each type of social unit, some replicates were provided with food ad libitum, while others were provided with limited food. The body mass of focal mothers (i.e. the first mother to produce a litter) was a significant predictor of pup growth. Regardless of food availability, litters of focal mothers in plurally breeding groups gained more weight than litters reared by solitary mothers. Pups reared in singularly breeding groups were intermediate in weight gain, but did not gain significantly more weight than solitary offspring. There was no difference in the body mass of focal mothers from each type of social unit, regardless of food availability. Within plurally breeding groups, the weight gain of the two litters and body mass of focal and second mothers did not differ. However, focal mothers from plurally breeding groups nursed fewer pups than solitary mothers and also fewer pups than their nestmates when food was limited. Our results suggest that plural breeding results in greater fitness to mothers than solitary and singular breeding.
Reversal of fulminant hepatic failure using an extracorporeal liver assist device.

Liver transplantation is currently the only effective therapy for patients with fulminant hepatic failure. The availability of an artificial liver could bridge these patients through the relatively brief crisis period and allow their own livers to regenerate, providing a more favorable outcome and sparing the trauma and expense of transplant. We have developed a device consisting of a highly differentiated human liver cell line cultured in a hollow fiber cartridge. This device is capable of supporting dogs with acetaminopheninduced fulminant hepatic failure for a period long enough for their own livers to resume function. Even though liver function tests such as albumin and prothrombin time became extremely abnormal during the course of the experiment, the dogs did not become encephalopathic. Two of the three treated animals recovered sufficient liver function after 42 to 48 hr of treatment that they could be disconnected from the device, and they survived the experiment. Histological results and serum ALT levels suggest that the device affected the course of the disease in two animals, allowing recovery of hepatocytes that would otherwise have lysed. In the third animal, regenerative nodules demonstrated that, even in the presence of severe liver injury, the device was capable of supporting total liver function. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;16:60–65.)
“Exactly Like My Father”: Feminist Hermeneutics in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Non-fiction

Harriet Beecher Stowe partage l'engagement de son pere en faveur d'une pensee independante qui lui permet de regarder la tradition a laquelle elle appartient d'une maniere neuve, mais aussi d'articuler une vision reformee de cette tradition. Elle suggere des conceptions alternatives de l'autorite et remet en question les canons bibliques a propos des femmes. En depit de la mefiance traditionnelle des protestants envers la figure de la Vierge, Stowe insiste sur sa qualite theologique centrale: l'incarnation est devenue une extension divine de la maternite
Ultrasensitive detection of proteins and antibodies by absorption-based laser wave-mixing detection using a chromophore label.

Abstract Nonlinear laser wave mixing is presented as an ultrasensitive absorption-based method for the detection of proteins and antibodies using a nonfluorescing chromophore label, Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB). The complexes are flowed through a 150-μm (i.d.) capillary cell and detected using a low-power He–Ne laser. The wave-mixing signal is detected after 10 min of room temperature incubation for the antibody complex and after 18 min for the protein complex. All solutions are prepared in an aqueous buffer without the addition of organic modifiers. Concentration detection limits of 3.4 × 10–19 and 6.4 × 10–14 M (signal-to-noise ratio [S/N] = 2) are determined for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human papillomavirus (HPV) antibody, respectively. Based on the small laser probe volume used (i.e., overlap volume of the two input beams), mass detection limits of 1.7 × 10–22 and 2.6 × 10–17 mol are determined for BSA and HPV antibody, respectively.
The economics of exploitation: The Japanese in the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands, 1915–1940

(1976). The economics of exploitation: The Japanese in the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands, 1915–1940. The Journal of Pacific History: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 189-211.
Hymes' theory of ethnography

Abstract In his critical essay, Joel Sherzer (1978) discusses several theoretical and methodological issues concerning the ethnography of speaking. However, he does not address the question of the theory of the method Hymes advocates. This is the topic of the present paper. I will attempt to analyze the type of ethnography Hymes suggests be used in the “ethnography of communication”;. By “theory of ethnography”; I refer to the set of theoretical propositions used to define “what is ethnography”;, both by Hymes and other anthropologists. The paper will first set a contrast between two major variations in Hymes’ writing on the subject. An explanation will then be suggested for what appears to be a shift in Hymes’ concerns. Finally, a few questions will be raised about the pertinence of Hymes’ present position.
The electromagnetic interactions of composite systems

Starting from Lagrangian field theory, we derive the interaction Hamiltonian of a composite system with an external electromagnetic field. Upon this basis, we develop the theoretical foundations of the atomic Zeeman effect, with specific reference to the fine structure and Lamb shift measurements. We also explicitly verify the Drell-Hearn-Gerasimov sum rule and the low energy theorem for Compton scattering for composite systems. An essential result of our investigation is that the interaction of a loosely bound composite system with an external electromagnetic field can be well approximated by the sum of the relativistic interaction Hamiltonians appropriate to the free constituents, but that in general the nonrelativistic reduction of this Hamiltonian does not yield the sum of the corresponding free reduced (e.g. Foldy-Wouthuysen) Hamiltonians. New features of this work include an extended Salpeter equation which includes interactions with an external electromagnetic field, explicit wave packet solutions to a two-body relativistic equation, and a calculational approach to perturbation theory with composite systems in which sums over intermediate or final states preceed nonrelativistic approximations. Our explicit calculation of the DHG sum rule illustrates its super-convergent nature.
Hepatitis A and B immunizations of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus

All persons at risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2, including men who have sex with men, those with multiple heterosexual contacts, abusers of illegal injection drugs, and persons frequently exposed to blood and blood products, are also at high risk for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. HIV can prolong the duration and increase the level of HAV viremia and augment HAV-related liver abnormalities. HIV also magnifies HBV viremia and the risk of HBV reactivation, chronic active HBV infection, cirrhosis, and death. Because of these concerns, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all HIV-positive/HAV seronegative persons, with 2 standard doses given 6 to 12 months apart. Immune response to hepatitis A vaccines is excellent, even in moderately immune-suppressed individuals. Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended for all HIV-positive persons lacking prior immunity. However, immune reactivity to hepatitis B vaccines is frequently suboptimal in terms of patients' rate of response, antibody titer, and durability. Relatively high CD4+ T-cell counts (> or =500/mm3) and low levels of HIV viremia (<1,000 RNA genome copies/mL plasma) are necessary to ensure adequate hepatitis B vaccine response. Higher hepatitis B vaccine doses, prolongation of the vaccination schedule, or both, as prescribed for many patients with non-HIV-related immune deficiencies, may be considered initially. Revaccination should be instituted if postvaccination titers of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen are <10 mIU/mL (<10 IU/L). Nonresponders may also react to a subsequent vaccine course if CD4+ T-cell counts rise to 500/mm3 following institution of highly active antiretroviral therapy; vaccine adjuvant trials are under way. Universal, age-based immunization of all young and middle-aged adults appears to be the most comprehensive way of protecting all populations who are at high risk.
Spinal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) produces hyperalgesia in normal mice while antisense directed against either BDNF or trkB, prevent inflammation-induced hyperalgesia

Although known primarily for its role in neuronal development, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has also recently been implicated in processes mediated by the adult nervous system, such as spinal nociception. Peripheral inflammation increases expression of BDNF preferentially in dorsal root ganglion cells that contain substance P and/or calcitonin gene-related peptide, known nociceptive transmitters for which synthesis is also increased during inflammatory states. Expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor that selectively binds BDNF, trkB, is increased in the spinal dorsal horn during inflammation as well. Additionally, intrathecal (i.t.) administration of the BDNF-scavenging protein trkB-IgG attenuates inflammation-induced behavioral responses. Collectively, this evidence implicates BDNF in spinal nociceptive processes. Here we show that, in normal mice, i.t. BDNF produces an acute, dose-dependent thermal hyperalgesic response. Selective inhibition of BDNF expression by i.t. antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment produces antinociception in normal mice and attenuates carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. Further, we demonstrate that i.t. antisense treatment directed against the full-length trkB receptor (trkB.FL) attenuates carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. Consistent with a trkB.FL-mediated mechanism, the i.t. administration of another trkB ligand, neurotrophin-4/5, also produces hyperalgesia while the trkC agonist neurotrophin-3, which weakly cross-reacts with trkB, has little effect. Finally, with the accumulating evidence linking BDNF to synaptic plasticity, we investigated whether BDNF-induced hyperalgesia in normal mice involves the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Interestingly, i.t. co-administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV) with BDNF dose-dependently inhibits BDNF-induced hyperalgesia, suggesting that BDNF induces acute hyperalgesic responses and affects central sensitization in a process dependent on NMDA receptor activation.
Niobium oxide catalyst for delignification of switchgrass for fermentable sugar production

Abstract In this research, niobium oxide, a solid acid catalyst was evaluated as a pretreatment agent for delignification of Alamo switchgrass. The objectives were to determine the effects of temperature, catalyst loading, and pretreatment time on delignification and enzymatic hydrolysis of switchgrass and evaluate reusability of the catalyst. Batch experiments were performed using a Box–Behnken statistical model to study the effects of temperature, pretreatment time, and catalyst loading followed by hydrolysis using Cellic ® Ctec2 (Novozymes). Niobium oxide was able to reduce total lignin concentrations up to 44.6 ± 0.97%. Hydrolysis experiments performed for 72 and 168 h (7% enzyme loading) indicated that a maximum glucose yield of 0.169 g g −1 (59.94% conversion)–0.196 g g −1 (77.51% conversion) was obtained. Catalyst reusability studies suggested that niobium oxide was able to pretreat four separate batches of switchgrass without losing activity. Niobium oxide is expected to serve as a reusable pretreatment catalyst and make ethanol production inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Endogeneous brain potentials associated with selective auditory attention

In a selective attention experiment, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 12 subjects who listened to sequences of high and low frequency tone pips, presented binaurally in random order at a rapid rate. Their task was to attend selectively to either the high or low frequency tones and to press a button upon detection of occasional longer-duration tones at the appropriate frequency. The effect of attention was manifest in difference wave forms obtained by subtracting ERPs to the shorter tones when they were unattended from their ERPs to the same stimuli when they were attended. The difference waves consisted of a broad, multiphasic negative component (Nd) with its later phase (300-400 msec) being more frontally distributed on the scalp than either its early phase (100-300 msec) or the N1 component that was evoked in a reading condition. The amplitude and latency of onset of Nd varied systematically as a function of the frequency separation between the tones. It was concluded that the effect of selective auditory attention on the N1 component (ca. 100 msec latency) is not due solely to an enlargement of the exogenous N1 component of the vertex potential, but rather includes the addition of a prolonged endogenous component. A simple gating mechanism for human selective attention was thus rejected.
Space as a limiting resource in freshwater systems: competition between zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) and freshwater sponges (Porifera)

Species interactions between two types of sessile benthic invertebrates, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and freshwater sponges (Porifera), were evaluated in Michigan City IN Harbor in southern Lake Michigan during 1996. The study objective was to define whether competition plays a role in structuring benthic communities using experimental techniques commonly employed in marine systems. Sponges were uninhibited by zebra mussel presence and overgrew zebra mussel shells on hard vertical substrata. In contrast, zebra mussels did not overgrow sponge colonies, but did show an ability to re-capture hard substrata if relinquished by the sponge. The negative affect of sponges on zebra mussels through overgrowth and recruitment suggests interactions that could eventually displace zebra mussels from these benthic communities. However, seasonal reduction of sponge biomass from autumn through winter appears to allow the zebra mussel a periodic respite from overgrowth, preventing exclusion of zebra mussels from the community and allowing these two taxa to co-exist.
Detecting bluetongue virus RNA in cell culture by dot hybridization with a cloned genetic probe.

Abstract A 70% copy of genome segment 7 of bluetongue virus (BTV)-17 has been cloned into the plasmid pBR-322. This cloned BTV segment when used as a radioactive probe will hybridize to BTV doublestranded RNA extracted from cell cultures and dotted onto nitrocellulose paper. This dot hybridization technique is therefore suitable for detecting and identifying BTV in cell culture. The specificity of cloned probes is discussed in relation to detecting gene sequences specific for either the bluetongue serogroup or different serotypes of BTV.
Manipulations of dynamic response data for use in inductive learning methods to identify damage

Various dynamic response data manipulations are presented as part of the ongoing process of developing a complete, model-independent, inductive learning, damage identification method. Dynamic response data, that consist of spatial and temporal information, are verified to be dependent on changes in physical properties of a structure (i.e., mass, stiffness, damping, damage). Simulated experiments were performed on a 500 mm X 600 mm X 3 mm steel plate with simply supported boundary conditions. As a method to test the procedure, a point mass was added to the model in various locations of the structure. Using an array of sensors and a piezo-electric actuator, impulse-response functions and frequency-response functions were determined for the entire domain of sensor-actuator pairs. These impulse- response functions and frequency response functions of different sensor-actuator pairs were input into an inductive algorithm. Inductive learning methods require definitions of a dependent variable, independent variables, and specific examples. Using piecewise manipulations of the aforementioned functions and repeated data acquisition (to take into random transduction errors), these definitions were specified. An automated damage identification method incorporating the use of inductive learning is presented and shown to be successful..
Every school a school of choice: school choice in Ireland as viewed through American eyes

‘Choice’ and ‘freedom’ as measured by the ability of parents to select their children's schools are deeply embedded in the national ethos of the United States of America. Wealthy American parents have always exercised school choice but minority and lowincome students are often trapped in failing schools. This paper is based on research conducted in a purposive sample of Irish primary schools into the nature of school choice. The authors examine five aspects of the Irish national primary school system that could provide models for American educators, whose vision often stops at the boundaries of the United States: education law, school choice for all, a national curriculum framework, the role of assessment, and the role of parents and educators in the creation of new schools. While arguably the five relate directly to school choice of different degrees, they collectively weave a web whereby school systems in the Republic of Ireland and the USA may productively be compared to the benefit of both.
Fibrin sealant in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery; reflection on risk and benefit.

In 2002 the retrospective observational study of Lamm et al. [1] identified a statistical association (without causality confirmation) between the utilization of fibrin sealant and increased mortality after CABG surgery. He reported 57 fatalities as being possibly related to the application of the fibrin sealant. It was hypothesized that improper thawing and mixing of the sealer components may release free thrombin leading to occlusion of the anastomosed coronary grafts with subsequent myocardial infarction and death. As the leader of the Baxter Vigilance Team investigating the statistical signals of the publications of Lamm et al. [1] and Goerler et al. [2], I’d like to clarify a few issues raised by these publications and share the facts with your readers. Our investigation has resulted in the 2006 regulatory and pharmacovigilance resolution of this suspected safety signal. Although we commend Lamm and associates for bringing this important observation to everyone’s attention, we’d like to share the conclusions of our scientific investigation to put these observations into the right perspective with regard to therapies that have been repeatedly proven to be effective and safe in CABG surgery in two RCTs in more than 580 patients [3,4]. The parallel Baxter and Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) investigations concluded that use of fibrin sealant is a predictor and not the cause of increased mortality, and have ruled out the speculative pathophysiological explanations provided by Lamm et al. In both publications [1,2] the difference in occurrence of myocardial infarction between treatment and control groups was not significant, clearly indicating that graft occlusion is not the reason for the reported difference in mortalities. To determine if the ‘statistical signal’ versus our investigational evidence requiresvigilant correctiveaction, thefindings have been evaluated against the Bradford-Hill causality criteria [5]. Out of the 10 criteria indicating a possible causal relationship, seven criteria were pointing into the direction of a non-causal association. This would favor an increased