cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BaTiO3–SrTiO3 layered dielectrics for energy storage

Abstract BaTiO 3 –SrTiO 3 (BST) thick films (~ 250–390 μm) with layered structures were fabricated by tape-casting and lamination process. Layered composites with various Ba/Sr ratios were obtained by lamination of BaTiO 3 (BT) and SrTiO 3 (ST) tapes in different spatial configurations (2–2). As-prepared BST ceramics showed much improved sinterability over the laminates of pure BT or pure ST tapes. Dielectric properties of materials were measured in the temperature range of 25 °C to 200 °C. The method of utilizing of layered structures offered flexibility to maximize the energy storage capability at specific operating conditions: (temperature and electric field) by tailoring the dielectric properties through varying the spatial configurations of BT and ST films.
A Thematic Analysis of “Love” and “Truth” in Caritas in Veritate

The encyclical Caritas in veritate uses love as its guiding theological theme, and this innovation exposes the encyclical to critical reflections from some of the greatest theological minds of the mid-twentieth century. This article attempts to revive these critiques in order to analyze Benedict XVI’s use of caritas. Does Benedict’s use of love differ from his predecessors, and is it in any way more adequate? Are the critiques leveled against a social ethic of love merely the product of a hopelessly cynical age, or is love merely a species of interpersonal amity-inapplicable to broader social contexts? Does the fusion of love with the fundamentally contested notion of truth clarify what the Pope means by caritas, or is this conceptual marriage fraught with imprecision and inconsistencies?
Assessment of Response Surface Models Using Independent Confirmation Point Analysis

This paper highlights various advantages that confirmation-point residuals have over conventional model design-point residuals in assessing the adequacy of a response surface model fitted by regression techniques to a sample of experimental data. Particular advantages are highlighted for the case of design matrices that may be ill-conditioned for a given sample of data. The impact of both aleatory and epistemological uncertainty in response model adequacy assessments is considered.
Leucine enkephalin-tyrosinase reaction products — Identification and biological activity

Abstract Leucine enkephalin (1 mM) was reacted with mushroom tyrosinase under reductive conditions (ascorbic acid, 50 mM). Reaction products were isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The products of the reaction were found to be hydroxylated at the Tyr 1 moiety of the peptide. The major product was a monohydroxylated derivative of leucine enkephalin ([HO-Tyr 1 ]LE) and the minor product of the reaction was a dihydroxylated derivative ([(HO) 2 -Tyr 1 ]LE). The affinity of [HO-Tyr 1 ]LE to receptors in rat brain homogenate was compared to that of leucine enkephalin itself. Hydroxylation of LE was found to decrease receptor affinity to both μ and δ opioid receptor sites by a factor of about 20.
Money and Risk Sharing

We study the use of money for sharing consumption risk. In our model, agents randomly receive endowments at some points in time and produce at other points. Due to information frictions, agents cannot use intertemporal contracts to share risk. The use of money allows agents to overcome these information frictions. The Friedman rule is shown to generate efficient risk sharing. Furthermore, we quantify the welfare costs of incomplete risk sharing and find that with 10% inflation, the welfare cost of inefficient risk sharing is approximately 1%-1.5% of steady-state consumption.
Mass spectrometry of fluorescamine derivatives of amino acids and peptides.

Summary Amino acids and dipeptides may be identified from the mass spectra of their derivatives with 4-phenylspiro-[furan-2(3H),1′-phthalan]-3,3′-dione (fluorescamine) or 2-methoxy-2,4-diphenyl-3(2H)-furanone (MDPF). These compounds may also be used for the determination of the N-terminal amino acids of peptides.
The relation between the white light and XUV coronas on 7 March, 1970

The white-light corona from 3–9 Rs and the XUV (170–500 A) corona, photographed from a rocket at 1930 UT on 7 March, 1970, are compared with the X-ray corona photographed from a rocket flown at 1900 UT by AS & E, the H Ly-α corona obtained during totality by Speer et al., the Fexiv 5303 A corona from Hawaii, and total eclipse photographs in white-light and infrared.
QuickSilver: application-driven inter- and intra-cluster communication in Vanets

Support for efficient vehicle-to-vehicle communication is increasingly more important with the emergence of newer vehicles equipped with one or more wireless interfaces. While the applications aimed at such networks range from car-to-car chats to sharing dynamic map data, current approaches to inter-vehicular networking have been designed based on either node-centric or content-centric communication, but not both. The challenge for a comprehensive solution arises from the high mobility of nodes as well as the heterogeneity of contact patterns. In this paper, we propose QuickSilver, a system architecture that meets this challenge by leveraging an intrinsic characteristic of vehicular networks - clustering. By being aware of such clustering, Quicksilver enables a seamless integration of two networking paradigms, one for node-centric communication between members of the same cluster, the other for effective content dissemination and exchange during short cluster-to-cluster contacts. To achieve this goal efficiently, Quicksilver employs a novel combination of channel management and light-weight clustering that enables detection and management of headless, multi-hop clusters at very low cost. Evaluation results show that Quicksilver enables close-to-optimal performance when nodes across different clusters communicate.
Network flow modeling for escape routing on staggered pin arrays

Recently staggered pin arrays are introduced for modern designs with high pin density. Although some studies have been done on escape routing for hexagonal arrays, the hexagonal array is only a special kind of staggered pin array. There exist other kinds of staggered pin arrays in current industrial designs, and the existing works cannot be extended to solve them. In this paper, we study the escape routing problem on staggered pin arrays. Network flow models are proposed to correctly model the capacity constraints of staggered pin arrays. Our models are guaranteed to find an escape routing satisfying the capacity constraints if there exists one. The correctness of these models lead to an optimal algorithm.
The cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial: Background, interim results and implications

The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) was designed to test the hypothesis that suppression of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) in survivors of acute myocardial infarction would reduce arrhythmic death risk. Instead, a preliminary finding from the CAST was that the encainide and flecainide groups had a 3.6-fold increase in arrhythmic death compared with their placebo group. These unfortunate results were especially surprising in that the CAST population represented patients in whom the risk of arrhythmic death was only moderate and the risk of proarrhythmia was thought to be low. In contrast, the arrhythmic death rate of the CAST placebo group was unusually low, to the extent that it paralleled the arrhythmic death rate in previous clinical trials of patients surviving myocardial infarction with no ventricular arrhythmia. The excessive arrhythmic death rate in patients taking encainide and flecainide occurred over the duration of the CAST, implying a proarrhythmic effect that may be due to mechanisms that are unique in this population, and thus challenging traditional concepts of proarrhythmia. The existing knowledge regarding the proarrhythmic and negative inotropic effects of encainide and flecainide are reviewed. The previous pharmaceutical database experience with these 2 antiarrhythmic drugs exceeded 3,000 patients; however, there was no indication of this serious proarrhythmic effect. In contrast, the CAST population taking encainide and flecainide totaled only 725 patients who were followed for 10 months and had an extremely high proarrhythmic event rate. The reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. The results of the CAST emphasize the power of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to uncover previously unsuspected benefits or liabilities of traditional therapies.
The Mississippi Delta Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey: Study Design and Methods

Assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality in subnational areas is limited. A model for regional CVD surveillance is needed, particularly among vulnerable populations underrepresented in current monitoring systems. The Mississippi Delta Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey (CHES) is a population-based, cross-sectional study on a representative sample of adults living in the 18-county Mississippi Delta region, a rural, impoverished area with high rates of poor health outcomes and marked health disparities. The primary objectives of Delta CHES are to (1) determine the prevalence and distribution of CVD and CVD risk factors using self-reported and directly measured health metrics and (2) to assess environmental perceptions and existing policies that support or deter healthy choices. An address-based sampling frame is used for household enumeration and participant recruitment and an in-home data collection model is used to collect survey data, anthropometric measures, and blood samples from participants. Data from all sources will be merged into one analytic dataset and sample weights developed to ensure data are representative of the Mississippi Delta region adult population. Information gathered will be used to assess the burden of CVD and guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of cardiovascular health promotion and risk factor control strategies.
Transcription of repeat DNA invitro by RNA Polymerase III in cytosol extracts is inhibited when the extract is of the same species as the DNA

Abstract Cytosol extracts containing RNA Polymerase III were obtained from cultured human (HeLa) and bovine (MDBK) cells. Human extract efficiently transcribed genomic bovine DNA and cloned bovine alu-type repeat DNA while genomic human DNA and cloned human alu repeat DNA were inefficient templates. Conversely, genomic bovine DNA and cloned bovine alu-type repeat DNA were less effective templates for bovine extract than were genomic human DNA and alu repeat DNA. These results suggest that species specific factor(s) present in mammalian cells are responsible for the observed in vivo inhibition of transcription of most alu-type repeat DNA.
Productivity, mechanization and skills: A test of the Hirschman hypothesis for Latin American industry

Abstract This paper attempts to test the paradoxical Hirschman hypothesis relating to the suitability of certain capital-intensive industries for less industrialized countries based on the ‘process-centred’ or ‘machine-paced’ nature of those industries which makes their productivity less dependent on the quality of local labour. Following extensive discussion of the methodology (e.g. problems of selection and specification of the variables explaining productivity differentials, and problems in specifying the appropriate variables to be explained), the author presents and analyses results for seven Latin American countries. These countries were chosen because of their more highly developed industrial structure, i.e. higher industrial value added per capita and a more diversified product mix, in order to provide a more severe test of the hypothesis. Although the results are not definitive, they seem to indicate that the industries which did better in relative productivity terms were those based on abundant local resources or of a traditional character on the whole; rather a reaffirmation of comparative advantage with little paradox.
Padé-Type Approach to Nonlinear Random Vibration Analysis

A new approach is proposed for the prediction of the response statistics of nonlinear systems under additive and multiplicative white noise excitation. The prime concept of this approach is to use ordinary perturbation expansion techniques, not for representing the random system response itself, but its statistical moments. Specifically, it is shown that the infinite hierarchy of stationary moments equations may be solved in a closed form by expressing each unknown moment in the form of a perturbation expansion in powers of the parameter quantifying the system nonlinearity. Then, by recasting the series solutions by means of Pade-type transformations, quite reliable approximations are found for even strongly nonlinear systems. The method is applied on various nonlinear systems. The derived results are validated by comparison with pertinent Monte Carlo simulation data.
Case report: Hypothenar hammer syndrome with embolic occlusion of digital arteries

Although the hand is highly vascular and subjected to frequent and often repeated trauma, only 52 cases of true aneurysms have been described up to 1982 (Martin and Manktelow, 1982). Of these cases, 60% involved the ulnar artery. These injuries have a distinct tendency to occur in workers who routinely use hammers and screwdrivers, thus it can be considered an occupational disease (Middleton, 1933). A single violent traumatic event is rarely the cause, but rather repeated minor trauma over several months or years appears to be the more common history. A case with arteriographic demonstration of occlusion of the common and proper digital arteries secondary to emboli originating from a traumatic true aneurysm of the ulnar artery is presented.
Structure of the hard segments in polyurethane elastomers

Abstract A new model is proposed for the chain conformation and packing of MDI-butandiol hard segments in polyurethane elastomers. The model is based on the structure of methanol-capped MDI (MeMMe), which we have recently determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. Planar zig-zag -CH2CH2-sections connect successive MeMMe units, which have the same conformation as in the monomer structure. Successive monomer units along the chain are related by a centre of symmetry at the central CH2CH2 bond. The chains are linked together in stacks through CO…HN hydrogen bonds which involve half of the urethane groups. The remaining urethanes are similarly hydrogen-bonded to adjacent stacks, and thus the structure is stabilized by hydrogen-bonding in both directions perpendicular to the chain axis. A triclinic unit cell is proposed for the structure with approximate dimensions a = 5.2 A , b = 4.8 A , c = 35.0 A , α = 115°, β = 121° and γ = 85°. The space group is P1 and the cell contains two repeat units of a single chain.
Formation of alternative femininities through Islam: Feminist approaches among Muslim converts in Sweden

Synopsis Islamic feminism might sound like an oxymoron for some. However, for an increasing number of Muslim women, Islam provides a salient framework within which they struggle for gender equality. Islamic feminism is an emerging global movement, a feminist discourse grounded in the sacred text of the Qur'an. Drawing on the life stories of two Swedish female converts to Islam, the article discusses their feminist approaches to Islam. I argue that it is through their feminist understanding that they integrate seemingly irreconcilable gender discourses. Through the conversion they explore an alternative femininity, triggering a critical commentary of both Western and Islamic discourses. Thus, a religious identity as “Muslim” lies not necessarily in the realm of patriarchy, as assumed by many feminists, perpetuating traditional gender roles, but rather constitutes a space in which resistance against patriarchal ideas can take form.
Effects of CnTAB Chain Length and Concentration on the Rheological Properties of Aqueous Suspensions of Alkylated Alumina Powders

Alumina particles have successfully been alkylated via a condensation reaction between surface hydroxide sites and different, long chain alcohol molecules, specifically decanol, dodecanol, and octadecanol. These hydrophobic particles have been successfully dispersed in water using different CnTAB surfactant molecules, where n=10, 12, 14, 16. The effect of the length of the surfactant molecule and its concentration was quantified with rheological experiments. Rheology and conductivity measurements were used to determine the minimum amount of the surfactant needed to disperse the alkylated powder. Slurries formulated with the alkylated powder and the proper amount of CnTAB exhibited Newtonian rheology for n≥10. ξ potential measurements showed that the surface charge on the particles was always positive confirming that the CnTAB molecules, with a positive head group, surrounded the alkylated particles. Such powder did not have an isoelectric point. In addition, the Newtonian behavior of the alkylated-alumina/CnTAB slurry systems were independent of pH.
Loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability at the Xq28 and the A/G heterozygosity of the QM gene are associated with ovarian cancer.

The QM gene is located at Xq28 of the X chromosome. QM may act as a tumor suppressor but may also participate in the 60S ribosomal subunit assembly. We studied loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI) of microsatellite markers DXS15A, DXS1107, WI12360 and WI9327 for the Xq28 region in 29 ovarian cancer biopsies. The results showed that the LOH frequencies were 18.2%, 30%, 26.3% and 20.8% for WI12360, WI9327, DXS1107 and DXS15A, respectively, whereas the MSI rates were 18.2%, 50.0%, 31.6% and 12.5%, respectively. All tumors showed LOH or MSI for at least one of these markers. Sequencing the QM cDNA did not identify any mutation other than the adenine (A)/guanine (G) replacement at the 605th nucleotide which changes the coding from serine to asparagines. In 17 (58.6%) of the 29 tumors, both A and G types of QM mRNA were detected, indicating that the QM was A/G heterozygous and escaped the X-inactivation. However, cDNA and genomic DNA sequencing revealed that the adjacent normal tiss...
Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Murine Cytomegalovirus Protease and Capsid Assembly Protein Genes

The murine cytomegalovirus UL80 open reading frame was cloned and the predicted amino acid sequence compared with those from other herpesviruses. The open reading frame encodes a fused protease-capsid assembly protein precursor and maintains conserved features including the active site serine, conserved regions CD1 through CD5, the release and maturation sites, and a potential internal cleavage site within the protease. However, the murine cytomegalovirus protease differs in comparison with the other proteases because it contains a unique 15-16 amino acid insertion between CD3 and CD1. The assembly protein sequences are relatively divergent, but they can be arranged into groups defined by herpesvirus subfamily, with each group possessing a conserved motif at its carboxyl terminus.
Computer Program for the Selection and Computation of Measures of Relationship

Relative to given scale properties of each of two paired variables, a computer program for the identification and computation of the following indices of relationship is provided: phi, Spearman rank order, Kendall's Tau, Pearson's product moment (involving two continuous variables), biserial, and point biserial.
Bile Acid Synthetic Defects and Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Bile acid synthetic defects (BASD), uncommon genetic disorders that are responsible for approximately 2% of persistent cholestasis in infants, are reviewed with emphasis on morphology of associated liver disease. The associated liver diseases may be life threatening, and are treatable, usually by replacement of deficient primary bile acids. Specific diagnosis is made by analysis of body fluids (bile, blood, and urine) using fast atom bombardment-mass spectroscopy (FAB-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Inborn errors have been demonstrated for four single enzymes involved in modification of the sterol nucleus and in five steps in modification of the side-chain to form cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids, the primary bile acids. With few exceptions, BASD cause liver diseases that vary from severe to mild depending on the defect. In three of four known defects of sterol nucleus modification, liver disease is progressive. Progression of liver disease is most rapid when the defect results in accumulation of toxic monohydroxy and unsaturated oxo-bile acids. Liver disease may be transient, delayed in onset and mild. Reduced bile flow caused by atypical bile acids contributes to cholestasis and may be the dominant factor in defects of side-chain synthesis, peroxisomal abiogenesis and S-L-O syndrome. Pathological findings may include intralobular cholestasis with giant cell transformation, prevalence of necrotic hepatocytes including giant cell forms, and hepatitic injury confined to the portal limiting plate where the smallest bile ductules may be injured and where fibrosis typically develops. Interlobular bile ducts are usually spared. Ultrastructure of liver reveals nonspecific changes with the possible exception of unusual canalicular morphology in some defects. The course of BASD may be modified by replacement of deficient primary bile acids, which produces beneficial feedback inhibition of abnormal bile acid production and enhances choluresis. Giant cell transformation is present in all symptomatic infants with BASD and seems to have a more consistent association with BASD than with the many other liver diseases in infants where it occurs. We hypothesize that immature hepatocytes of infants may fuse to form multinucleate hepatocytes whenever atypical or toxic bile acids are present and the pool of normal bile acids is critically reduced.
Predictors of success with the use of donor sperm

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the effect of multiple factors that influence the success rate and time to conception among couples undergoing donor sperm insemination. Study Design: A retrospective analysis of 960 cycles of frozen donor sperm insemination was performed at the University of Florida. Cycle pregnancy rates and cumulative probability of pregnancy were compared using several variables. Results: The pregnancy rate was 12.1% per treatment cycle, and the cumulative probability of pregnancy exceeded 80% for the entire cohort. Seventy percent of pregnancies resulted in a liveborn infant. Age had a profound impact on the cycle pregnancy rate. The cycle pregnancy rates for women younger than 30 years, between the ages of 30 and 35 years, between the ages of 35 and 40 years, and older than 40 years were 15.8%, 14.6%, 8.2%, and 0%, respectively. There was a trend toward higher cycle pregnancy rates in women with prior pregnancies versus women without prior pregnancies of 14.4% and 12.3%, respectively. Parity had no effect on the cycle pregnancy rate or the cumulative probability of pregnancy. There was a trend toward higher cumulative probability of pregnancy in women whose partners were azoospermic versus oligospermic. There was no difference in pregnancy rates obtained with the Percoll wash gradient versus the Isolate gradient. At >20 million total motile sperm per insemination, there was no threshold above which the pregnancy rate was improved. Conclusion: The most significant influence on pregnancy rates in the donor sperm insemination program at the University of Florida was maternal age. Nulligravidity and a diagnosis of mild oligospermia in the man may have a negative impact on pregnancy rates. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:332-37.)
Efficient eigenvalue assignments for general linear MIMO systems

Abstract This paper deals with the transformation of linear, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems into Frobenius canonical form, with the ultimate objective of developing a new, computationally efficient methodology for a poleplacement procedure. Both time-invariant and time-varying systems are considered. The conventional pole placement steps for time-invariant SISO (single-input single-output) systems are generalized for both classes. This is a unique study of the expansion of the pole placement capability, in particular for time-varying MIMO systems. This depth of generalization has been neglected in the past due to its complex formulation. The practical advantage of the proposed technique is that it does not require the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial, the eigenvalues of the original system, or the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of the transformed system. The repercussions of such a development are expected in nonlinear systems theory as well, considering the fact that some recently developed techniques yield exact I O linearization with time-varying coefficients.
The recent pelagic status of the short-tailed albatross (Diomedea albatrus)

Abstract The Short-tailed Albatross of the North Pacific Ocean has been near to extinction since 1933, when fewer than 100 birds were known. Recent breeding-ground counts (as high as 63 in 1967) suggest that the world population is holding on more or less steadily. The fact that some individuals spend at least part of the breeding season at sea has been ignored. Thus, the world population of the species is higher than the breeding-ground counts indicate, being perhaps as high as 75–100 birds. Of a nominal 24 sightings at sea between 1940 and 1970, 14 to 16 are probably valid. Care should be exercised in identifying Short-tailed Albatrosses at sea as immatures resemble Black-footed Albatrosses and adults superficially resemble Laysan Albatrosses.
Packing density of HS(CH2)nCOOH self-assembled monolayers

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of HS(CH2)nCOOH, n = 5, 10, 15 deposited from ethanol solution onto gold are prepared by five approaches, and their packing densities are evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The five approaches are: (1) direct deposition; (2) acetic-acid-assisted deposition; (3) butyl-amine-assisted deposition; (4) displacement of a preformed HS(CH2)nCH3 (n = 5, 10, 15) SAMs; and (5) co-deposition with HS(CH2)nCH3 (n = 5, 10, 15). Packing density metrics are calculated from measurements of SAM and substrate photoemission intensities and their attenuations by two methods. In one case the attenuated photoemissions are expressed as a ratio relative to comparable measurements on an experimental HS(CH2)nCH3 model system. In the other case a new method is introduced where a calculated attenuation based on theoretical random coil and extended chain models is used as the reference to determine a packing density fraction. Packing densities are also correlated with the S2p(Au-bonded):Au4f peak area ratios and with shifts in the C1s binding energies. SAMs prepared by the direct deposition are a partial multilayer where a second molecular layer is physisorbed onto the SAM and not removable by solvent washing. The addition of acetic acid to the deposition solution disrupts dimer associations of HS(CH2)nCOOH in solution and at the surface of the monolayer and yields the most ordered monolayer with the highest density of –COOH groups. The addition of butyl amine results in a labile ammonium carbonate ion pair formation but results in a lower packing density in the SAM. The displacement of the preformed HS(CH2)nCH3 SAM and the co-deposition of HS(CH2)nCH3 with HS(CH2)nCOOH result in SAMs with little incorporation of the –COOH component.
Electronic Communication With Patients for Breastfeeding Support

The Internet has become an important tool for patients seeking to expand their knowledge of health conditions and medications. Breastfeeding initiation and duration increase because of physician encouragement. Therefore, electronic communication potentially provides additional opportunities for physicians to inform, reassure, encourage, and support breastfeeding families. An e-mail from a breastfeeding mother may deal with a topic well-suited to e-mail communication, such as information on the safety of specific medications during breastfeeding, or may deal with a concern that would make observation of breastfeeding necessary. Physicians have expressed qualms about electronic communication with patients due to privacy, malpractice liability, time, and reimbursement issues. Strategies to optimize e-mail communication include establishing a turnaround time for responses, informing patients of privacy issues, establishing what types of messages are appropriate over e-mail, and setting limits for when an e-ma...
A gas-jet system for the study of short-lived, light fission products

For the study of short-lived fission products, a gas jet system has been set up in a beam port of the Ford Nuclear Reactor at the University of Michigan. The system consists of a target chamber joined to three polyethylene tubes which serve as gas inlet, fission product outlet and an outlet for pressure monitoring. The target chamber is housed in a 7.6 cm (ID) aluminum tube supported inside a radial beam port. This tube can be withdrawn by ∼1 m, allowing the target chamber to be positioned either close to or ∼1 m from the core. The aluminum tube is surrounded by water, which provides shielding and protects the target when not in use (at ∼1 m position). The target is ∼1 mg of235U, chemically plated on an aluminum planchett. The uranium is covered with 2.7 mg·cm−2 of aluminum. The aluminum covering stops most of the heavy fission fragments; the light fission fragments pass through the foil and are thermalized in a gaseous mixture of nitrogen and ethylene. The transport time of fission products from the target chamber to the detector position was measured to be 970 msec. Preliminary experiments indicate that the transport time can be reduced further. The gas jet system is being utilized for the development of fast, gas-phase chemistry for the separation of bromine from fission products.
Downregulation of μ-opioid receptor mRNA in the mediobasal hypothalamus of the female guinea pig following morphine treatment

Abstract Ribonuclease protection assays were performed on the basal hypothalamus (BH), the preoptic area (POA) and the thalamus (THAL) from female guinea pigs that were ovariectomized and implanted with morphine ( n = 8) or placebo ( n = 8) pellets for 1 week. An antisense [ 32 P]rUTP labeled riboprobe, representing a 280 bp fragment of the guinea pig μ-opioid receptor gene (spanning putative TM II through eight residues of TM IV), protected a single RNA band of 280 bp. In contrast to the rat, the guinea pig THAL expressed less μ-opioid receptor mRNA than both POA and BH. Morphine treatment caused a significant decrease (15.6 ± 5.8%) in μ-opioid receptor mRNA expression in the BH, while POA and THAL were not different from placebo controls. Therefore, in conjunction with our previous findings of a downregulation of μ-opioid receptors, μ-opioid receptor mRNA is downregulated in the mediobasal hypothalamus of female guinea pigs following chronic morphine treatment.
The limits of human stereopsis in space and time.

To encode binocular disparity, the visual system determines the image patches in one eye that yield the highest correlation with patches in the other eye. The computation of interocular correlation occurs after spatiotemporal filtering of monocular signals, which leads to restrictions on disparity variations that can support depth perception. We quantified those restrictions by measuring humans' ability to see disparity variation at a wide range of spatial and temporal frequencies. Lower-disparity thresholds cut off at very low spatiotemporal frequencies, which is consistent with the behavior of V1 neurons. Those thresholds are space–time separable, suggesting that the underlying neural mechanisms are separable. We also found that upper-disparity limits were characterized by a spatiotemporal, disparity-gradient limit; to be visible, disparity variation cannot exceed a fixed amount for a given interval in space–time. Our results illustrate that the disparity variations that humans can see are very restricted compared with the corresponding luminance variations. The results also provide insight into the neural mechanisms underlying depth from disparity, such as why stimuli with long interocular delays can still yield clear depth percepts.
A Note on Georg Simmel

Simmel was, in the original sense of the word, a dilettante, an amateur passiond. He appears to have written about human society, art, philosophy, religion and money because he took delight in doing so. It was characteristic of nineteenth century English that it should have given the term dilettante the pejorative connotation of smatterer, a person of shallow and passing interests. Simmel was by no means a dilettante in that sense, but neither was he devoted to any particular practical problem or reform of his day. He was committed to the study of society itself, rather than to any of its particular troubles. Thus it is that Simmel is seldom re-
Carbonic anhydrase activity develops postnatally in the rat optic nerve

We examined the appearance of carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in rat optic nerves (RONs) 5-77 postnatal days of age and correlated the appearance of enzyme activity with structural and physiological alterations. CA activity was nearly absent before 10 days of age and appeared in this CNS white matter tract with a developmental time-course similar to that of oligodendrogliogenesis and myelinogenesis. When oligodendrocytes and myelin were depleted in the RON by treatment with a mitotic inhibitor, CA activity was markedly reduced. These observations support the hypothesis that CA is contained primarily in oligodendrocytes and myelin. Neural activity in the RON caused changes in extracellular pH (pHo) and the character of these pHo responses was very age dependent; older nerves exhibited much larger acid shifts than neonatal nerves. The development of CA activity may be a factor contributing to this physiological alteration.
Superconformal ghost correlations on Riemann surfaces

Abstract We give a short summary of chiral bosonization on Riemann surfaces, with emphasis on commuting fermions, so-called (β, γ) systems. Employing Fay's trisecant identity a new, fermionic representation for superconformal ghost correlations is found. Especially useful for multi-loop superstring calculations, it completes an earlier proof that the cosmological constant vanishes up to eight loops.
Tony Atkinson's 1973 manuscript “More on the measurement of inequality”

When Tony Atkinson submitted his paper “On the Measurement of Inequality” to the newly-introduced Journal of Economic Theory in 1969, he cannot have imagined that it would become one of the most widely-cited papers in the economics research literature. As the Social Science Citations Index reveals, Atkinson [1] has been cited some 1,013 times by other authors in the last 37 years (50 times in 1996 alone, evidently a good year). Tony wrote a follow-up piece, “More on the Measurement of Inequality” in 1973, but somehow this never was published. We are delighted to be able to reproduce Tony's 1973 manuscript here, with his kind permission. “More on the Measurement of Inequality” is replete with intuition and applicability. We can now see how Tony was thinking, when pushing forward the implications of his measurement system. What is more remarkable, though, is that his follow-up manuscript is also replete with developments which only appeared in print, in the work of other authors, years later. Consider Tony's treatment of third-order stochastic dominance in the 1973 manuscript. He based its welfare rationale on Kolm's Principle of Diminishing Transfers, which itself did not enter the research literature until 1976 (in the first of Kolm's two Journal of Economic Theory papers that year, see [6, 7]). This kind of dominance—for utilities with a positive third derivative—permits prescriptions to be given for distributions whose Lorenz curves cross, and brings in the coefficient of variation as a sometimes-decisive statistic—yet this empirically significant development took many more years to see the light of day in any journal (see Shorrocks and Foster [9], Dardanoni and Lambert [2], Davies and Hoy [3, 4]). Tony refers to supplementary work on higher orders of dominance still, with some percipience. For published treatments of this topic, we had to wait until the papers of Menezes et al. [8] and Ekern [5] appeared. One of Tony's closest collaborators, Francois Bourguignon, upon learning of this project, commented: “I think it is an excellent idea to publish this piece, even though it makes some publications by some of us somewhat trivial. I remember very well how I was struck some J Econ Inequal (2008) 6:275–276 DOI 10.1007/s10888-007-9074-8
Chromatographic reactions of three components: application to separations

Consider three chemical components in a chromatographic system that interact according to A1 ⇌ A2 ⇌ A3 or the cyclic reaction A1 ⇌ A2 ⇌ A3 ⇌ A1 and move with different velocities . This problem has application in a variety of chromatographic reaction systems, including the case of three interacting isomers undergoing separation by electrophoresis or sedimentation. A particular example is the separation of proteins that fold and unfold. A mathematical model consisting of three partial differential equations, accounting for convection, longitudinal dispersion and chemical reaction, describes these chromatographic reactions. For the unsteady-state case, Fourier transformation with symbolic and numeric manipulations by computer allow the determination of the spatial moments and their asymptotic behavior, which provide the shape characteristics of the pulse responses. The concentration profiles are constructed using the moment expressions in a polynomial expansion. In addition, generalization to any number of components interacting according to a first-order reaction mechanism is discussed for large and small time asymptotes. At short times (relative to the reaction time), the components move independently; at long times, the interacting components move as a group. For the steady-state reactor with adsorption, similar computer techniques provide concentration distributions and show entrance and exit discontinuities (in the absence of diffusion and longitudinal dispersion).
Summarization strategies of hearing-impaired and normally hearing college students.

The purpose of this study was to compare the summary writing skills of hearing-impaired and normally hearing college Students. Summarization was defined in terms Of the following measures: deletion...
Proton Transfer in Adenine−Thymine Radical Cation Embedded in B-Form DNA

On the basis of pKa measurements, it has been predicted that proton transfer will not occur in the radical cation of the A/T base pair (A: adenine, T: thymine). Testing this prediction, we have performed simulations as a function of time on an A/T oligomer missing one electron, in solution, using the code CP2K. We find that proton transfer occurs rapidly at temperatures below room temperature. We suggest that the difference in behavior of (A/T)·+ from that predicted on the basis of pKa measurements is the effect of hydration. Hydration also appears to have effects not previously considered on hole motion in solution.
Distributional Implications of the Extended Economic Zone: Some Policy and Research Issues in the Fishery

At a recent conference on the economics of extended fisheries jurisdiction, Bishop and I argued that distributional considerations had been largely ignored by economists as they sought to influence public policy. Among the reactions to that paper, the least surprising was that efficiency analysis is scientific and value free, while distributional matters are value laden, mercantilistic, and concern "love." Another reaction was that to pay undue attention to distributional concerns would freeze us into total incapacity in attempting to "rationalize the fishery." The historical justification for this emphasis on efficiency was that it was difficult enough convincing biologists and policy makers (often one and the same) of the relevance of economics and that therefore it was better to get "half a loaf" rather than nothing. Besides, everyone else is already a "specialist in distribution." The premise of this paper is that there are important insights to be gained by a more careful specification of the traditional steadystate/yield-effort models and by viewing the economics of extended jurisdiction in a welfare theoretic framework. Length restrictions preclude a comprehensive treatment, yet it is possible to offer some analysis that is suggestive of directions for research. More importantly, I am hopeful that useful policy recommendations might also result. In the following section I briefly introduce my view of distributional matters as they pertain to the fishery. Then, I present a simple model for assessing the distributional implications of extended jurisdiction in an international setting. Next, I discuss access to the enlarged "domestic" fishery with the primary motive of reminding economists of the elements hidden in that raw number "fishing effort." Finally, I discuss some research and policy implications.
A case for prodrugs: Fosphenytoin

Abstract The objective of this paper is to review the development of fosphenytoin (3-hydroxymethyl-5,5-diphenylhydantoin, phosphate ester, disodium salt), a parenterally useful prodrug form of phenytoin, a sparingly water-soluble (20–25 μg/ml) weakly acidic (p K a 8.3) drug. Sodium phenytoin for parenteral administration is formulated as a very alkaline solution (pH 12) containing 10% ethanol and 40% propylene glycol. Intravenous administration of this formulation must be given undiluted, or minimally diluted, over an extended period for acute safety reasons (local irritation is still a problem) and intramuscular administration leads to erratic systemic delivery due to probable crystallization of phenytoin at the injection site due to pH adjustment and co-solvent dilution. Fosphenytoin is water-soluble, intrinsically safe and readily bioreverts to phenytoin through the action of phosphatases once administered. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in animals and humans have shown that it quantitatively releases phenytoin on parenteral administration and provides far greater safety than sodium phenytoin. Intramuscular administration of fosphenytoin gives plasma phenytoin levels comparable to intravenous administration allowing for possible phenytoin delivery to patients for which intravenous administration is not possible. Fosphenytoin is a good example of a novel prodrug that can overcome the parenteral delivery problems associated with a sparingly water-soluble drug.
When Domestic Violence is not "Intimate Partner Violence": Cases from Turkey and Elsewhere

I was acquainted with Hatice for a year before I first heard of her situation. Hatice was a cheerful, talkative woman who was a domestic worker in the homes of a number of middle-class households in Izmir, including in the household of a good friend. One day in 1999 when I went to visit the friend, Sevil, to discuss my research on religion and politics, I saw that Hatice's eye was black and blue. I refrained from asking about it for fear that she would be embarrassed, but she openly told me that her husband hit her and their four daughters when he was very drunk. And he drank a lot. This time, she said, he hit her hard on the side of the head just as she stepped through the front door. She talked about getting beaten without embarrassment or shame, and seemed to think that it was quite funny. In fact, Sevil's eye was also swollen from an infection, and Hatice joked that Sevil's husband had really beaten her. Then Hatice commented that it was too bad that my husband wasn't there to beat me, then we would a...
Language Brokering in Linguistic Minority Communities: The Case of Chinese- and Vietnamese-American Students

Abstract Language brokers facilitate communication between two linguistically and/or culturally different parties. Unlike formal interpreters and translators, brokers mediate, rather than merely transmit, information. Recent research suggests that language minority (LM) students who broker assume parental duties that include making educational decisions and communicating directly with schools, which greatly impacts their own educational experiences. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of this phenomenon among Chineseand Vietnamese-American bilingual students, and to explore the linguistic, cultural, and affective factors associated with brokering. The results suggest that nearly all of the subjects brokered for a variety of people in the home and at school, among many other settings, and that brokering has a number of affective and linguistic consequences for LM students. The implications of these findings for educators and policy makers are discussed.
Experimental investigation of the stratified flow in the horizontal pipework of nuclear reactors

Abstract Laboratory tests have been performed to study the behaviour of a stratified fluid flow in horizontal piping. Concentrated calcium chloride brine and fresh water at room temperature were used to model the density difference due to thermal effects in nuclear reactors. Flow phenomena relating to the interface and mixing of the two layers were observed through the plexiglass piping by means of a flow visualization technique involving a longitudinal laser beam section through the flow. The measurements have established that, at the representative flow conditions modelled by the experiments, despite the presence of strong surface waves on the interface, little mixing occurs between the two layers. Quantitative correlations for the depth of the interface between the two layers, its surface slope and the height of surface waves have been established by the definition and use of two dimensionless Froude numbers.
SU-E-J-19: A Feasility Study: Tube Current Modulation as a Dose Savings Technique for Cone-Beam CT-Based IGRT

Purpose: In image‐guidedradiotherapy(IGRT), cone‐beam CT(CBCT) scan parameters do not take into account patient size information, which can result in unnecessary dose. So‐called “smart scans” in radiology attempt to customize exposure parameters to reduce dose without sacrificing image quality. This work presents the feasibility of tube current modulation as a dose reduction technique in CBCT‐based IGRT. Methods: A CATPHAN® phantom with water‐equivalent annulus was used to evaluate noise. A CIRS phantom was used to evaluate dose characteristics. Gies et. al.[Med Phys, 26:1999], tells us that noise for the central pixel is minimal for tube current modulated by the square root of the given angular attenuation. This formulation is used to calculate modulation factors for each 10 degree imaging arc. Modulated image dataset was generated by compositing projection data from scans performed with each modulated current setting. Noise characterization was performed by analyzing the standard deviation of the uniformity section of the CATPHAN. Imagingdose was measured using an ionization chamber located in the phantom. For the modulated scan, each ten degree segment was measured separately and then accumulated to get a composite dose reading.Results: Central axis dose reduction of 31% was attained using this modulation scheme. Visual inspection of a modulated CBCT slices shows appreciable image quality relative to the conventional CBCT. The noise characteristics of the modulated scan were about 20 HU worse than a conventional scan, likely due to the presence of scatter in the enlarged CATPHAN phantom because theoretical predictions are based on primary beam attenuation alone Conclusions: Initial results demonstrate that the use of a modulated scanning technique, developed by taking into account patient anatomic variation, may be a feasible method to reduce dose while preserving image quality in CBCT‐based IGRT.