cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Velocity filtering of seismic core phases

Recent studies have proposed complexities in the velocity-depth function for the region surrounding the inner core which require additional branches in the travel time curve for PKP in the epicentral range of 125° to 160°. The proposed PKP arrivals can be separated on the basis of their apparent velocities, which range from 24 km/sec to 100 km/sec. Using the Tonto Forest array in Arizona coupled with adjoining LRSM stations in the western United States, an effective linear array of 400 km in size is attained. Data from several events in the distance range from 130° to 160° recorded on this array have been velocity filtered and show some evidence of two precursors to PKP in the distance range from 135° to 143° and at least one intermediate branch between PKP1 and PKP2 at distances greater than 143°. The results appear to support the velocity solution for the core proposed by Adams and Randall, although more data are required before a conclusive discrimination can be made between competing velocity models.
Reconstruing Codependency Using Self-in-Relation Theory: A Feminist Perspective

Judging from advertisements for professional books, continuing education workshops, and speakers, social workers appear to believe that codependency is a problem about which they should be knowledgeable. This article traces the evolution of the codependency construct and its burgeoning popularity in the 1980s. It critically examines codependency from the perspective of researchers who have found little empirical support for the constellation of characteristics used to define the term and from the perspective of feminist analysis. In addition, the article analyzes the assumptions about health and relationships that are embedded in the concept of the codependency and contends, from the perspective of self-in-relation theory, that the concept does not provide a useful framework for social work conceptualization and intervention with women.
Testing Statistical Hypotheses

The two main tasks of inferential statistics are parameter estimation and testing statistical hypotheses. In this chapter we will focus on the latter. Although the expositions on estimation and testing are separate, the two inference tasks are highly related, as it is possible to conduct testing by inspecting confidence intervals or credible sets. Both tasks can be unified via the so-called decisiontheoretic approach in which both the estimator and the selection of a hypothesis represent an optimal action given the model, observations, and loss (utility) function.
Pacing the Human Cardiac Conduction System During Open-heart Surgery

Specialized fiber electrograms were recorded from selected sites along the His bundle and bundle branches during open-heart surgery in 26 patients. The heart was then paced from the same recording sites. Stimuli applied to the proximal His bundle recording site always resulted in His bundle pacing, which was characterized by a stimulus artifact-to-QRS interval which equaled or very nearly equaled the previously recorded His bundle electrogram-to-QRS interval, and no change in QRS duration or waveform from that recorded with a conducted atrial beat. When stimuli were applied to distal His bundle recording sites, the response was variable: in some instances, ventricular pacing occurred; in other instances, His bundle pacing occurred; and in still other instances, ventricular pacing occurred when high stimulus amplitudes were applied, while His bundle pacing occurred when the stimulus amplitudes were reduced below a range of 0.5-3.5 ma. Stimuli applied to the right or left bundle branch recording sites always resulted in ventricular pacing. Therefore, when stimuli are applied to specialized fiber recording sites and His bundle pacing results, it is certain that the site of origin of the previously recorded specialized fiber electrogram is the His bundle, but when ventricular pacing results, the site of origin of the previously recorded specialized fiber electrogram could be the distal His bundle or the bundle branches.
Infra-red absorption studies of the aqueous cyanide complexes of mercury cadmium, and zinc

Abstract Characteristic infra-red absorption was observed for several aqueous cyanide and mixed ligand complexes of mercury, cadmium and zinc. Characteristics absorption maxima in aqueous solution are: Hg(CN) 4 =, 2143 cm −1 , e = 113 mole −1 1. cm −1 ; Hg(CN) 3 − , 2161 cm −1 ; Hg(CN) 2 OH − , 2180 cm −1 ; Hg(CN) 2 Cl − , 2189 cm −1 ; Hg(CN) 3 Cl=, ∼2157 cm −1 ; Cd(CN) 4 =, 2140 cm −1 , e = 75 mole −1 1. cm −1 ; Cd(CN) 3 − , 2148 cm −1 ; Cd(CN) 2 Cl − , 2147 cm −1 ; Cd(CN) 3 Cl=, 2145 cm −1 , and Zn(CN) 4 =, 2149 cm −1 , e = 113 mole −1 1. cm −1 . Contrary to the interpretation of a polarographic study involving Cd(CN) 4 = in excess KCN, we find no infra-red evidence for formation of Cd(CN) 6 −4 . Direct infra-red determination of the constant for equilibrium involving the di, tri, and tetracyanide mercuric complexes gave the value, K = 0·1 = [Hg(CN) 2 ][Hg(CN) 4 =]/[Hg(CN) 3 − ] 2 . This equilibrium was also observed qualitatively in anhydrous HCN and in CH 3 OH. Concentrated solutions of Hg(ClO 4 ) 2 containing low CN/Hg ratios (0·1 to 1·2) showed infra-red absorption from three species, two of which are shown to involve previously unknown polymeric species containing more than one metal ion per ligand.
Generation and assembly of spheroid-like particles.

This paper reports a straightforward approach in generating spheroid-like particles and also the orientational orders observed in the self-assembly of these particles. Nonspherical particles, such as spheroid-like particles, are useful in both fundamental studies and industrial applications due to the geometry impact that they bring to the bulk properties of various material systems. Developing processes to generate nonspherical particles is an ongoing quest to meet the need of using such particles in different applications. The approach reported here takes advantage of a controlled chemical etching process. Exposing the spherical silica particles partially to carbon tetrafluoride in a reactive ion plasma-etching chamber transformed the particles from spherical shape into spheroid-like shape. A simple model is proposed to predict the geometry of the resulting nonspherical particles. The shape and dimension of the nonspherical particles generated through such a process matched well with the prediction of t...
Evaluation of liver cell proliferation during ciprofibrate-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Abstract To determine if the carcinogenic potential of peroxisome proliferators is dependent upon their ability to induce cell proliferation, we have investigated the extent of cell proliferation in the livers of rats fed ciprofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator. Male rats were maintained on a diet containing ciprofibrate (0.025% w/w) and killed at selected intervals following 1 week of continuous [3H]thymidine labeling. Evaluation of labeling indices demonstrated a significant increase in cell proliferation during the first week but not in rats killed at the end of 5 and 20 weeks of treatment. Increases in hepatocyte nuclear labeling were found at 40 and 70 weeks of ciprofibrate administration which coincided with the appearance in livers of putative preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. In a short-term feeding study, ciprofibrate and ethoxquin were fed to rats at a dietary concentration of 0.025% and 0.5%, respectively, either alone or in combination for 7 days. Ciprofibrate and ethoxyquin either alone or in com- bination produced marked hepatomegaly and a significant increase in DNA synthesis as demonstrated by [3H]thymidine incorporation and autoradiographic studies. DNA synthesis in the group receiving ciprofibrate and ethoxyquin simultaneously, was slightly more than in animals that received either compound alone, suggesting a synergistic effect, although chronic feeding of these agents together resulted in inhibition of liver carcinogenesis (Rao, M.S. et al. (1984) Cancer Res., 44, 1072–1076). The results of this study further suggest that cell pro-liferation induced by peroxisome proli-ferators may be less important in carcinogenesis than peroxisome proliferation induced by these compounds.
The Effects of Intense Submicrosecond Electrical Pulses on Cells

A simple electrical model for living cells predicts an increasing probability for electric field interactions with intracellular substructures of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells when the electric pulse duration is reduced into the sub-microsecond range. The validity of this hypothesis was verified experimentally by applying electrical pulses (durations 100 μs–60 ns, electric field intensities 3–150 kV/cm) to Jurkat cells suspended in physiologic buffer containing propidium iodide. Effects on Jurkat cells were assessed by means of temporally resolved fluorescence and light microscopy. For the longest applied pulses, immediate uptake of propidium iodide occurred consistent with electroporation as the cause of increased surface membrane permeability. For nanosecond pulses, more delayed propidium iodide uptake occurred with significantly later uptake of propidium iodide occurring after 60 ns pulses compared to 300 ns pulses. Cellular swelling occurred rapidly following 300 ns pulses, but was minimal following 60 ns pulses. These data indicate that submicrosecond pulses achieve temporally distinct effects on living cells compared to microsecond pulses. The longer pulses result in rapid permeability changes in the surface membrane that are relatively homogeneous across the cell population, consistent with electroporation, while shorter pulses cause surface membrane permeability changes that are temporally delayed and heterogeneous in their magnitude.
Effect of Polymer Coating (Poly 2-Methoxyethylacrylate) of the Oxygenator on Hemostatic Markers During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Children

Objective: Heparin and other oxygenator coatings have been used in attempts to reduce hemostatic activation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study evaluated whether an oxygenator coated with poly 2-methoxyethylacrylate (PMEA) (X-coating; Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) would cause less activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems during CPB in children than a noncoated oxygenator. Design: Observational study. Setting: University-affiliated children’s hospital. Patients: Twenty-six patients, 3 months to 5 years old, who underwent congenital heart surgery for repair of a ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, or both. Interventions: Patients were divided into 2 age-matched groups based on the type of oxygenator used: a noncoated oxygenator (group NC) versus a PMEA-coated oxygenator (group C). Measurements and Main Results: Blood samples for coagulation and fibrinolytic markers were compared before, during, and after CPB. Despite increases in thrombin generation markers (F1.2 and TAT) at certain times during CPB in group C compared to group NC, a comparison over all times during CPB were not statistically different between groups. Overall D-dimer concentrations during CPB were elevated in group C compared to group NC ( p = 0.02). Active tPA and active PAI-1 were not different between groups during or after CPB. Group C had higher platelet counts (181,000 ± 29,000) during CPB than group NC (155,000 ± 57,000, p = 0.04) but not postoperatively. Twelve hours postoperatively, chest tube outputs were 8.8 ± 3 mL/kg in group C and 19.1 ± 12 mL/kg in group NC ( p = 0.003). The corresponding outputs 24 hours after surgery were 12.4 ± 3 mL/kg and 24 ± 11 mL/kg, respectively ( p = 0.005). Conclusions: Except for a somewhat higher platelet count during CPB, there was no indication that PMEA coating resulted in less activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. The lower postoperative chest tube output observed after CPB with PMEA-coated oxygenators needs to be studied further.
Metal ion-protein complex formation: Buffer competitive effects

The association constants reported for the formation of metal ion : polyampholyte complexes can be in substantial error due to buffer effects. The magnitude of the error is a function of the affinity constants of the metal ion to the polyampholyte and to the buffer, the pH and the concentrations. A mathematical and graphical analysis of the depletion of the free metal ion concentration by formation of multiple metal ion: buffer complexes, MBi, (where j ranges from 1 to n) is presented. An analysis is made of the dependence of the experimentally determined association constant for the formation of a 1:1 metal ion: polyampholyte complex in a system where a 1:1 complex of metal ion: buffer is also produced. Other sources of error considered include the formation of mixed complexes consisting of polyampholyte, metal ions and buffer components. By determining the pH shift resulting from protein: metal ion coordination in a buffer-free system it is possible to establish the extent of metal ion binding, gain insight about to the mechanism of the association process and ascertain whether certain types of structural transitions occur.
Identification and Characterization of TEX101 in Bovine Epididymal Spermatozoa

Several studies exhibit the presence of Ricinus Communis Agglutinin I (RCA) binding glycocalyx in mammalian spermatozoa. However, the molecular characterization of RCA binding glycocalyx in sperm membranes and its mechanism of action are poorly understood. The objective of the study was to identify and to characterize RCA binding glycoprotein of the bovine sperm plasma membranes (PM). Lectin blots of caput and cauda sperm PM revealed a 38 kDa polypeptide exhibiting the highest affinity to RCA among the several major RCA binding polypeptides. The 38 kDa RCA binding polypeptide of cauda sperm PM was purified and exhibited a charge train of three distinct spots with isoelectric points (pH 5.3 and 5.8). Proteomic identification yielded ten peptides that matched the sequence of Testis Expressed 101 protein (TEX101). Western blots data revealed that bovine sperm TEX101 is present in both testicular and epididymal sperm PM fractions. The native TEX101 polypeptide contains ~17 kDa N-linked oligosaccharides and the polypeptide is anchored to sperm membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid linkage. Immunofluorescence staining of sperm with anti-TEX101 demonstrated that the polypeptide is localized at the head of cauda sperm. Our biochemical results provide evidence on the presence of TEX101 in bovine epididymal sperm plasma membranes and may have a potential role in sperm-egg interaction.
The Effect of 5 α‐Reductase Inhibitors on Erectile Function

The 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, which inhibit conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, are used for miscellaneous clinical applications, including the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern hair loss, and for possible reduction of the risk of prostate cancer. Erectile dysfunction has been associated with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. Overall, reports in the literature suggest rates of erectile dysfunction to be between 0.8%-33% in men using these medications. However, randomized controlled studies report the rates of erectile dysfunction to be between 0.8%-15.8%. The possible risk association is that these medications impact androgen function, which is understood to contribute to normal erectile physiology. The 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors result in a drop in median serum dihydrotestosterone levels by 60%-93% within 2 years, but there is no major change in testosterone levels. In this review, we surveyed studies on erectile dysfunction in patients treated with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and critically examined the evidence that associates 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and erectile dysfunction. We conclude that 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors do not lead to erectile dysfunction to a significant degree, and we support the position that dihydrotestosterone is less relevant than testosterone in erectile function.
Ionic effects in a paraffin-chain salt solution as measured by the primary salt effect☆

Abstract The ionic effect of sodium dodecanesulfonate has been measured by studying its influence on the rate constant of the reaction between thiosulfate and bromoacetate ions. Below the critical concentration of the sodium dodecanesulfonate the rate constant is constant as required by the primary salt effect. Above the critical concentration the rate constant increases, indicating that the ionic effect of paraffin-chain salt micelles is greater than that of a uni-univalent electrolyte. The increase in rate constant is also evidence which appears to be in disagreement with a recent suggestion that the rate constant of an ionic reaction does not depend upon the ionic strength of the medium.
Current and Proposed Uses of Technology for Training Part-Time Faculty

This article reviews current uses of technology in the training of part‐time faculty in U.S. community colleges. Current uses range from the use of print and visual media for orienting part‐time faculty members to training part‐time faculty in how to teach and how to use technology within their classroom teaching. Other than the traditional print medium, video is most often included in both orientation and professional development activities. Video is frequently used in training and mentoring programs that tape teacher performances for critique. Recommendations for further incorporating technology into part‐time faculty programs and services are provided. Teleconferences that provide training in teaching and in using classroom technology offer viable tools for professional development of part‐time faculty. Some colleges produce or make these teleconferences available to their part‐time faculty, incorporating them into professional development activities. Interactive technologies, which combine video and c...
Sponsor's Foreword.

Advances in neuroscience continue to fuel a revolution in our fundamental understanding of the nature of drug abuse and addiction. The growing understanding that addiction is a brain disease that is expressed as a form of compulsive behavior is influencing the direction of basic research and revitalizing drug abuse prevention and treatment efforts. The application of powerful new scientific tools and emerging technologies is accelerating advances in neuroscience research, and affording a glimpse into the mechanisms underlying the psychoactive and addicting effects of drugs of abuse. In addition, new technologies are revealing the complex interrelationship among molecular, cellular, neurobiological, and behavioral systems, and how they are altered by drugs of abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) sponsored research has supported many advances in our understanding of this disease. Indeed, NIDA’s mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. This charge has two components. The first is the strategic support and conduct of research across a broad range of disciplines. The second is ensuring the rapid and effective dissemination of the research to improve significantly the prevention, treatment, and policy related to drug abuse and addiction. The mini-review papers published in this NIDA-sponsored special issue of TheScientificWorldJOURNAL on “Frontiers in Addiction Research” exemplify the depth, breadth, and sophistication of the research in the field, and fulfill NIDA’s mission to disseminate scientific knowledge rapidly and effectively. The mini-reviews in this special issue are written by speakers from the 2007 NIDA-supported satellite meeting, “Frontiers in Addiction Research”, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), and from NIDA-supported symposia presented during the annual SfN meeting itself. The editorials in this issue, provided by symposia chairs, summarize the science and highlight research gaps and opportunities captured by the various symposia. The four symposia from the 2007 NIDA satellite meeting include:
Controlled amylophagia in female mice

Es wird gezeigt, dass die Amylophagie bei der Maus keine Anamie, dagegen eine Verminderung der Graviditaten und Abnahme der pro Geburt geborenen Jungtiere herbeifuhrt.
Biomass yield and nutritional quality of forage species under long-term irrigation with saline-sodic drainage water: Field evaluation

Abstract On the Westside of California's San Joaquin Valley, the discharge of subsurface agricultural drainage water (DW) is subject to strict environmental regulations due to its high selenium (Se) content and potential risks to wildlife. Re-use of saline-sodic DW to irrigate salt-tolerant forage crops is attractive because it reduces the volume of DW requiring disposal and the land area affected by salinity, while producing forages to satisfy the large demand for animal feed resulting from rapid expansions in dairy and beef cattle operations in this area. The biomass production and nutritional quality of six forages (‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass, creeping wildrye, alkali sacaton, ‘Alta’ tall fescue, puccinellia and ‘Salado/801S’ alfalfa) were evaluated under DW irrigation on a commercial farm near Five Points in Fresno County, California. The forage fields were in their second to fifth year of DW application and most had soil salinities higher than 12 dS/m ECe (electrical conductivity of the saturated soil paste extract). In addition to being very saline, the fields had high levels of boron (B), Se and sodicity [high sodium (Na) relative to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)]. ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and creeping wildrye had acceptable dry matter (DM) production (7.0 and 11.5 t/ha year) under highly saline conditions of 19 and 13 dS/m ECe, respectively. Alfalfa produced 16–20 t/ha year of DM under low salinity conditions of
The limits of critical pedagogy: teaching about structural obstacles to students who overcame them

This article focuses on efforts to critically analyze the social reproductive functions of schooling with a group of pre-service teachers in the US–Mexico border region, and on students’ reactions to these efforts. The students – all female, predominantly Mexican-American – had experienced both educational discrimination and academic success, and heavily invested in the dominant view of schooling as a meritocracy where individual talent and motivation regularly overcome structural obstacles. We argue that the students’ ideologies and experiences of class, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and language predisposed them to resist analysis of systemic inequalities in schools; we also examine the implications of this resistance for their future success as teachers. We conclude with recommendations for balancing structural pessimism and strategic optimism in the classroom, and for bringing students’ personal and social histories to bear on the contradictions between schooling’s promise of social mobility and its...
A comprehensive fracture diagnostics instrumentation fielding program

Economic development of low permeability gas reservoirs often necessitates the use of massive hydraulic fracturing. Assessment of the effectiveness of the induced fracture requires knowledge of the dimensions, orientation, and spatial characteristics of the fracture in relation to the gas-bearing formation. A comprehensive characterization of fracture propagation not only aids in fracture treatment design for the reservoir, but can also help specify well spacings which will minimize interference of drainage patterns and thus maximize economic-recovery potential. This paper presents an approach to the development of a comprehensive fracture diagnostics program. The fracture diagnostics subprogram for the Multi-Well Stimulation Experiment I is discussed in detail, including fielding descriptions and operational procedures. Synopses of measurement techniques are given with emphasis on the fracture parameters one would expect to estimate from the individual instrumentation systems.
Structural basis for the functional differences between type I and type II human methionine aminopeptidases.

Determination of the crystal structure of human MetAP1 makes it possible, for the first time, to compare the structures of a Type I and a Type II methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) from the same organism. Comparison of the Type I enzyme with the previously reported complex of ovalicin with Type II MetAP shows that the active site of the former is reduced in size and would incur steric clashes with the bound inhibitor. This explains why ovalicin and related anti-angiogenesis inhibitors target Type II human MetAP but not Type I. The differences in both size and shape of the active sites between MetAP1 and MetAP2 also help to explain their different substrate specificity. In the presence of excess Co 2+ ,a third cobalt ion binds in the active site region, explaining why metal ions in excess can be inhibitory. Also, the N-terminal region of the protein contains three distinct Pro-x-x-Pro motifs, supporting the prior suggestion that this region of the protein may participate in binding to the ribosome.
Affinity labeling of yeast mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase by reduction with [3H]borohydride.

Abstract Oligomycin-sensitive adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) has been purified in large yields from yeast mitochondria by a procedure employing Sepharose 6B chromatography. The nature of the oligomycin binding site in this purified preparation has been studied by an affinity labeling technique in which oligomycin binding to the ATPase complex was followed by reduction of the complex with sodium [3H]borohydride. A major incorporation of label into protein with a molecular weight near 8000 was noted. This incorporation is dependent on the presence of oligomycin, is blocked by dicyclohexylcar-bodiimide, and is altered by mutations conferring oligomycin resistance to the ATPase. The evidence suggests that the low molecular weight proteolipid component of the ATPase complex is the site of oligomycin binding.
Sustained hypertension increases the density of AMPA receptor subunit, GluR1, in baroreceptive regions of the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat.

AMPA-type glutamate receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) are necessary for the baroreceptor reflex, a primary mechanism for homeostatic regulation of blood pressure. Within NTS, the GluR1 subunit of the AMPA receptor is found primarily in dendritic spines. We previously showed that both GluR1 and dendritic spine density are increased in NTS of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We hypothesize that both receptor and synaptic plasticity are induced by a sustained elevation in arterial pressure. To test the general nature of this hypothesis, we examined whether similar changes in GluR1 density are found in a renovascular model of hypertension, the DOCA-salt rat, and if these changes are preventable by normalizing blood pressure with hydralazine, a peripherally acting vasodilator. Using immunoperoxidase detection, GluR1 appears as small puncta at the light microscopic level, and is found in dendritic spines at the ultrastructural level. Following the development of hypertension, GluR1 spine and puncta counts were significantly greater in DOCA-salt rats than controls. Hydralazine treatment (4 - 5 weeks) prevented the development of hypertension in DOCA-salt rats and reduced blood pressure of SHRs to normotensive levels. The density of GluR1 puncta in the NTS was significantly reduced by hydralazine treatment in the SHR model. These results show that hypertension alters dendritic spines containing AMPA-type glutamate receptors within NTS, suggesting that adjustments in GluR1 expression within NTS are part of the synaptic adaptations to the hypertensive state.
Status report on the ROBOT natural language query processor

This is the first in a series of reports to acquaint the AI community with the first commercially available natural language processor for data base query. The system, called ROBOT, is being marketed by the Artificial Intelligence Corporation of Kensington, Maryland, and is currently installed in three commercial sites. In this report we trace the origins of the system, the installation and acceptance testing performed by the user sites, and the impact the system has had on the trade media's view of AI.
A new algorithm for quantifying binding site pattern similarity with applications for Next Generation Sequencing

New sources of regulatory data, such as transcription factor ChIP-seq experiments, can yield important insights into biological function through downstream analysis of motifs. Position Frequency Matrices (PFMs) are a standard format for representing transcription factor binding patterns. Comparison measures between these binding patterns are necessary to allow more sophisticated detection and classification of regulatory sequences. In this work we have developed a novel algorithm for gapped alignment of PFMs called PfmSim. We compare our measure with a standard measure, Sandelin and Wasserman, on similarity and classification tasks. Our measure gives better similarity values as evaluated by multiple tests.
Effect of phthlate esters on energy coupling and succinate oxidation in rat liver mitochondria

Isolated rat liver mitochondria were exposed to mono- and di-n-butyl phthalate (MBP and DBP) and mono- and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP and DEHP) and examined for effects on mitochondrial energy-dependent processes, including oxidative phosphorylation and active K+ uptake. Additional studies on the effects of these phthalate esters on succinate oxidation and on mitochondrial membrane integrity are also included. DBP and MEHP stimulated succinate state 4 respiration, impaired K+-valinomycin induced swelling with succinate, ascorbate, or ATP as the energy sources, and inhibited succinate state 3 respiration and succinate cytochrome c reductase activity. MEHP was found to act as a non-competitive inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase activity, with an apparent Ki = 2.4 X 10(-4) M. At concentrations which uncouple energy linked reactions, MEHP and DBP produced only slight energy-independent swelling and release of soluble proteins from isolated mitochondria. MBP caused only slight stimulation of state 4 respiration and impairment of K+-valinomycin induced swelling with each of the 3 energy sources, however, of the 4 phthalate esters, it produced the greatest energy-independent swelling and led to the greatest release of soluble mitochondrial proteins. DEHP had no apparent effect on any of these processes except for slight impairment of ATP-dependent K+-valinomycin induced swelling. It is concluded that phthalate ester toxicity in liver mitochondria is due to uncoupling of energy linked reactions and/or inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase activity. Uncoupling by MBP may involve disruption of mitochondrial membrane integrity, while uncoupling by DBP and MEHP is probably due to an increase in membrane permeability to H+ and other small ions.
Characteristics of compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier

Substances cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by a variety of mechanisms. These include transmembrane diffusion, saturable transporters, adsorptive endocytosis, and the extracellular pathways. Here, we focus on the chief characteristics of two mechanisms especially important in drug delivery: transmembrane diffusion and transporters. Transmembrane diffusion is non-saturable and depends, on first analysis, on the physicochemical characteristics of the substance. However, brain-to-blood efflux systems, enzymatic activity, plasma protein binding, and cerebral blood flow can greatly alter the amount of the substance crossing the BBB. Transport systems increase uptake of ligands by roughly 10-fold and are modified by physiological events and disease states. Most drugs in clinical use to date are small, lipid soluble molecules that cross the BBB by transmembrane diffusion. However, many drug delivery strategies in development target peptides, regulatory proteins, oligonucleotides, glycoproteins, and enzymes for which transporters have been described in recent years. We discuss two examples of drug delivery for newly discovered transporters: that for phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and for enzymes.
Technical quality versus user responsiveness in evaluation practice

Abstract Use-oriented approaches to evaluation have been challenged by those contending that the responsiveness of such evaluations undermines their technical quality. This discussion analyzes the debate about purported conflicts between these evaluation criteria of utility and accuracy by surfacing and examining underlying assumptions related to evaluation's purpose and politics. The analysis suggests that this debate is actually about evaluation's “political inherency,” rather than about the relative importance of metaevaluative criteria. (Editor's note: This paper continues the discussion of defining quality in evaluation that was begun in volume 13 (2). See the papers by Schwandt and Moran in that volume.)
Solution of linear systems in arterial fluid mechanics computations with boundary layer mesh refinement

Computation of incompressible flows in arterial fluid mechanics, especially because it involves fluid–structure interaction, poses significant numerical challenges. Iterative solution of the fluid mechanics part of the equation systems involved is one of those challenges, and we address that in this paper, with the added complication of having boundary layer mesh refinement with thin layers of elements near the arterial wall. As test case, we use matrix data from stabilized finite element computation of a bifurcating middle cerebral artery segment with aneurysm. It is well known that solving linear systems that arise in incompressible flow computations consume most of the time required by such simulations. For solving these large sparse nonsymmetric systems, we present effective preconditioning techniques appropriate for different stages of the computation over a cardiac cycle.
A Phenomenological Investigation of Altruism as Experienced by Moral Exemplars

This research study used descriptive phenomenological methods (Giorgi, 1989, Methods, 1, 39-61) to investigate and document the lived experience of altruism as described by moral exemplars. Six moral exemplars wrote descriptions of situations in which they engaged in spontaneous altruism. Altruism was defined for the purpose of this study as a motivational state with the ultimate goal of increasing another's welfare (Batson, 1991, The altruism question: Toward a social psychological answer). These descriptions were then expanded and clarified through follow up interviews. The results of this descriptive phenomenological analysis produced two structures: the structure of the lived experience of altruism as described by moral exemplars, and the structure of the lived experience of helping as described by moral exemplars. The differences between these two structures suggest that altruistically motivated pro-social behavior is more committed, extensive and effective than egoistically motivated helping, and results in a higher level of concern for the long-term well-being of the individuals helped. Although differentiated by primary motivations, altruistic or egoistic, both structures identify the motivating factors of empathy, personal historical life experiences, moral values, and personal identity as essential to the experience of assisting another individual in need.
Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of Capillary Force Actuators

Abstract Capillary force actuators provide forces via the alteration of the capillary pressure within a conducting liquid bridge through the application of electrical potential. A dynamic model of a capillary force actuator is developed. Separate models of the fluid / flexured platen and electrodynamics are constructed and linked together via the Young-Lippmann relation. Since the bridge height is small in comparison to the diameter, the liquid slug is shown to have a parabolic velocity profile. The radial pressure variation is then readily determined. Integration of the pressure and summation of the contact line tension term yields the actuation force. Combining this model with the electrodynamics and mechanical components yields a nonlinear model relating applied voltage to platen movement. The equilibria of this equation are determined as a function of voltage and their stability are analyzed. We show that the equilibrium will be stable if the displacement is less than one-third of the nominal bridge height, a result similar to that obtained with parallel plate electrostatic actuators.
Formation of toxic aldehydes in cod liver oil after ultraviolet irradiation

Formaldehyde, acrolein, malonaldehyde (MA), acetaldehyde and propanal produced from cod liver oil upon ultraviolet irradiation (λmax=300 nm) were derivatized into nitrogenor sulfur-containing compounds and then analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector or a flame photometric detector. Acrolein and MA were formed at levels of 10.9±3.06 and 190.2±38.4 nmol/mg of fish oil, respectively. Maximum levels of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and propanal formed were 7.0±0.90, 49.1±4.5 and 35.8±4.0 nmol/mg of oil, respectively. Formation of propanal in large quantities corresponded to the high content of ɛ-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil.
Effect of Diet and Strain on Growth and Performance in Hybrid Bluegills

Abstract Little is known about the diets and genetic strains that are optimal for the production of hybrids of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. The objective of this study was to determine whether there are differences in feed, nitrogen and amino acid conversion, lipid deposition, liver lysine oxidation, and liver glycogen in two such hybrids—Georgia Giant (GG, a proprietary strain of hybrid bluegill) and a commercial hybrid bluegill (CHBG, green sunfish L. cyanellus × bluegill)—fed five commercially available diets. The diets were formulated to the following minimum crude protein (CP)–fat ratios: 32/3, 38/8, 40/10, 42/16, and 45/20. Fish were randomly allotted to 20 tanks, with two tanks per diet within each strain. After 12 weeks in experimental conditions, GGs had higher feed intake (P < 0.001), higher weight gain (P < 0.001), better feed conversion (P < 0.05), and lower liver glycogen (P < 0.05) than CHBG. Liver lysine oxidation and whole-body lipid deposition was not significantly different between stra...
Morphology of the pedal circulatory system of the marine gastropod Busycon contrarium and its role in locomotion (Gastropoda, Buccinacea)

Dissections, injections, and histological preparations of the foot of Busycon contrarium show that the “open” circulatory system of the snail foot consists of discrete arteries and veins that anastomose throughout the foot in a pattern similar to the “closed” circulatory system of annelids and vertebrates. As the major arteries penetrate the foot, their diameter decreases and the thickness of their muscular walls diminishes. Near the ventral surface of the foot, the blood is channeled through the venous sinus, a fine network of discrete spaces delimited by the muscle and connective tissue of the sole. Small nuclei at the edges of some of these vessels indicate that they may have an incomplete endothelial lining. From the venous sinus, blood is channeled into two major veins on either side of the foot that join and return the blood to the kidney.
Modulation of diaphragm action potentials by K+ channel blockers

K+ channels regulate diaphragm contractility. The present study examined the electrophysiological mechanisms accounting for diversity among K+ channel blockers in their inotropic actions on the diaphragm. Rat diaphragmatic muscle fibers were recorded intracellularly in vitro at 37°C. Apamin and charybdotoxin (Ca2+-activated K+ channel blockers) did not alter resting membrane potential or action potentials. Glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker) slowed action potential repolarization by 12% (P<0.05) and increased action potential area by 25% (P<0.005). Tetraethylammonium (which blocks several types of K+ channels) increased action potential overshoot by 20% (P<0.01) and prolonged action potential rise time by 17% (P<0.02). 4-Aminopyridine and 3,4-diaminopyridine (which also block several types of K+ channels) slowed action potential repolarization by 163% (P<0.0001) and 253% (P<0.0001), and increased action potential area by 183% (P<0.0001) and 298% (P<0.0001), respectively. Slowing of repolarization for the aminopyridines was especially marked at voltages approaching resting membrane potential, thereby changing action potential repolarization from a first to a second order decay. Previously reported variability in inotropic effects among K+ channel blockers correlated significantly with the extent to which they slowed action potential repolarization and increased action potential area, but not with changes in other action potential properties.
Effect of sinusoidal ripple in refractive index distribution on total dispersion in single mode parabolic-index fibers

Abstract Total dispersion in single mode parabolic-index fibers is computed from the exact numerical solution of the scalar wave equation in the presence and absence of ripples in refractive index profile. Tables displaying the variation of the zero dispersion wavelengths and optimum core radii with ripple amplitude and spatial frequency are given. It is observed that for larger values of ripple amplitude, the zero dispersion wavelength and optimum core radius increase. However we find that if the ripple amplitude is up to 5% of the core-cladding refractive index difference (this is the value reported in practical fibers) the effect on zero dispersion wavelength and core radius is very small (about 2–3%).
Overdetermined linear systems satisfying nonnegativity constraints

Abstract Let A be a nonnegative m × n matrix, and let b be a nonnegative vector of dimension m . Also, let S be a subspace of R n such that if P S is the orthogonal projector onto S , then P S ⩾ 0. A necessary condition is given for the matrix A to satisfy the following property: For all b ⩾ 0, if min[boxV] b − Ax [boxV] is attained at x = x 0 , then x 0 ⩾ 0 and x 0 ϵ S . It is also shown that if a nonnegative matrix A has a nonnegative generalized inverse, then any submatrix of A also possesses a nonnegative generalized inverse.
ATAC: Ambient Temperature-Aware Capping for Power Efficient Datacenters

The emergence of cloud computing has created a demand for more datacenters, which in turn, has led to the substantial consumption of electricity by computing systems and cooling units. Although recently built warehouse-scale datacenters can nearly completely eliminate cooling overhead, small to medium datacenters, which still spend nearly half of their power on cooling, still labor under heavy cooling overhead. Often overlooked by the cloud computing community, these types of datacenters are not in the minority: They are responsible for more than 70% of the entire electrical power used by datacenters. Thus, to tackle the cooling inefficiencies of these datacenters, we propose ambient temperature-aware capping (ATAC), which maximizes power efficiency while minimizing overheating. ATAC senses the ambient temperature of each server and triggers a new performance capping mechanism to achieve 38% savings in cooling power and 7% savings in total power with less than 1% degradation in performance.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Treatment for Varicocele Related Infertility

ABSTRACTPurpose: We compared the cost-effectiveness of 4 treatment strategies for varicocele related infertility from the perspective of the health care payor and patient.Materials and Methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by studying 4 treatment strategies, namely observation, surgical varicocelectomy followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) if unsuccessful, gonadotropin stimulated intrauterine insemination (IUI) followed by IVF if unsuccessful, and immediate IVF. The main outcome measure was incremental cost per live delivery of any number of newborns.Results: Immediate IVF cost more per live delivery and was less effective than varicocelectomy/IVF or IUI/IVF. When electing the latter 2 procedures, the preferred approach depended on the choice of perspective. From the health care payor viewpoint each additional birth that resulted from choosing varicocelectomy/IVF over observation cost $52,152, while each additional birth that occurred by electing IUI/IVF over varicocelectomy/IVF cost $561,...
Quarks in nuclei

Abstract Some features of quark degrees of freedom in nuclei are discussed in the light of recent developments in QCD. The principal aim of this talk is to propose, and give a tentative support to, the notion that one can study through nuclear matter different facets of the vacuum structure implied by quantum chromodynamics (QCD) . This will be done using the recent (exciting) results obtained in particle physics, in particular lattice gauge calculations. Relevance of this aspect of problem to quark degrees of freedom as well as meson degrees of freedom in nuclei will be discussed.
Sliding friction and wear of plain carbon steels in air and vacuum

Abstract Factors which influence the unlubricated sliding wear of steels are briefly reviewed. Then new results from tests on the sliding of AISI 1045 steel in air and vacuum are described for load and sliding speed combinations near the T 1 mild/severe transition of Welsh. Results in air were consistent with those of Welsh and with the wear map of Lim and Ashby. Wear rates in vacuum were less than severe wear rates in air. Significant transfer was not detected. A smooth coating of Fe 3 O 4 developed on one surface during mild wear.
Automatic Eye Enhancement by Sclera Whitening

We propose a method for automatically enhancing the eyes of all the faces in a digital image by whitening their scleras (i.e., the white part of their eyes). The scleras are identified by combining existing face detection and feature alignment technology with a color-based sclera probability map. We then smooth, brighten, and desaturate the scleras. This reduces the appearance of blood vessels and produces a healthier, more "refreshed" look.
Functional knee braces increase intramuscular pressures in the anterior compartment of the leg

The effect of three different functional knee braces on intramuscular pressures in the anterior compartment of the leg was investigated in 8 healthy subjects. Pres sures were recorded with the microcapillary infusion technique while the subjects were either supine, sitting, or standing. Pressures at rest in the anterior tibial muscle increased significantly following application of each of the three knee braces regardless of posture. Similarly, muscle relaxation pressure during exercise also increased significantly on brace application. A pres sure of 40 mm Hg was exceeded in 9 of 18 intramus cular pressure measurements with the subject stand ing. The tested functional knee braces increased mus cle pressures at rest and muscle relaxation pressure during exercise to levels that, according to other stud ies, might decrease muscle blood flow significantly. External compression from a knee brace on leg muscles might, therefore, induce premature muscle fatigue be cause of local insufficient perfusion of the wo...