cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate change impacts on maritime mountain snowpack in the Oregon Cascades

Abstract. This study investigates the effect of projected temperature increases on maritime mountain snowpack in the McKenzie River Basin (MRB; 3041 km2) in the Cascades Mountains of Oregon, USA. We simulated the spatial distribution of snow water equivalent (SWE) in the MRB for the period of 1989–2009 with SnowModel, a spatially-distributed, process-based model (Liston and Elder, 2006b). Simulations were evaluated using point-based measurements of SWE, precipitation, and temperature that showed Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficients of 0.83, 0.97, and 0.80, respectively. Spatial accuracy was shown to be 82% using snow cover extent from the Landsat Thematic Mapper. The validated model then evaluated the inter- and intra-year sensitivity of basin wide snowpack to projected temperature increases (2 °C) and variability in precipitation (±10%). Results show that a 2 °C increase in temperature would shift the average date of peak snowpack 12 days earlier and decrease basin-wide volumetric snow water storage by 56%. Snowpack between the elevations of 1000 and 2000 m is the most sensitive to increases in temperature. Upper elevations were also affected, but to a lesser degree. Temperature increases are the primary driver of diminished snowpack accumulation, however variability in precipitation produce discernible changes in the timing and volumetric storage of snowpack. The results of this study are regionally relevant as melt water from the MRB's snowpack provides critical water supply for agriculture, ecosystems, and municipalities throughout the region especially in summer when water demand is high. While this research focused on one watershed, it serves as a case study examining the effects of climate change on maritime snow, which comprises 10% of the Earth's seasonal snow cover.
New issues and challenges facing e-banking in rural areas: an empirical study

This paper describes an empirical study of investigating recent trend and development of the application of e-banking (banking though internet) in rural areas and its economic impact on local financial institutions. The data used in this research are collected through a web-based questionnaire survey. The research objective is to investigate how those smaller and community banks located in rural areas have attempted to catch up with their counterparts in larger cities in terms of the application of e-banking, focusing on emerging issues and challenges. The results are discussed with managerial implications along with suggestions for future research.
Just Say No to Affirmative Action

The assumption behind the fierce competition for admission to elite colleges and universities is clear: The more elite the school one attends, the brighter one’s future. That assumption, however, may well be flawed. The research examined recently by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights provides strong reason to believe that attending the most competitive school is not always best—at least for students who aspire to a degree in science or engineering. Majoring in science or engineering can be difficult. As one Yale University student told the Wall Street Journal, the science course he took “scared the hell out of me.” “In other classes, if you do the work, you’ll get an A,” he complained. “In science, it just doesn’t work that way.” Well...yes, the feeling that one is flailing about in science and engineering courses can be very disconcerting. Many students who start out with such a Acad. Quest. (2011) 24:449–466 DOI 10.1007/s12129-011-9257-4
Augmented aldosterone and insulin responses to potassium infusion in dogs with renal failure.

Augmented aldosterone and insulin responses to potassium infusion in dogs with renal failure. The present study examines acute potassium–induced insulin and aldosterone responses in renal failure, and the role of chronic dietary potassium intake in modifying these acute responses. Plasma aldosterone (PA) and insulin (IRI) responses to acute KC1 infusion were examined in control and remnant kidney dogs on two potassium intakes. Dogs (N = 8) received the KC1 infusions after 10 days of a 60, and then 10 days of a 200, mEq daily potassium intake during control and after surgical–induced renal failure (CRF). A one hour intravenous infusion of KC1 (2mEq KCl/kg/hr) in dextrose and water was performed with blood samples for PA, IRI, creatinine and electrolytes, and urine for electrolytes and creatinine at 20 minute intervals one hour preceding, during, and after the infusion. Pre-infusion PA was higher (P K V was markedly blunted in CRF in response to the KC1 infusion. Analysis of potassium distribution revealed a marked increase in potassium transfer from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment of CRF dogs. Thus, the sensitivity of adrenal PA and pancreatic IRI secretion to acute potassium loading is augmented in renal failure. The close temporal relationship between the high levels of PA and IRI and enhanced intracellular uptake of potassium indicate they could participate in the extrarenal disposal of potassium in renal failure. It could be postulated that the increased tissue uptake of potassium in CRF also occurs in the adrenal gland and pancreas and further activates hormonal secretion.
Targeting pain-evoking transient receptor potential channels for the treatment of pain

Chronic pain affects billions of lives globally and is a major public health problem in the United States. However, pain management is still a challenging task due to a lack of understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of pain. In the past decades transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have been identified as molecular sensors of tissue damage and inflammation. Activation/sensitization of TRP channels in peripheral nociceptors produces neurogenic inflammation and contributes to both somatic and visceral pain. Pharmacological and genetic studies have affirmed the role of TRP channels in multiple forms of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Thus pain-evoking TRP channels emerge as promising therapeutic targets for a wide variety of pain and inflammatory conditions
Unusual Role of a Cysteine Residue in Substrate Binding and Activity of Human AP-endonuclease 1

The mammalian AP-endonuclease (APE1) repairs apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites and strand breaks with 3' blocks in the genome that are formed both endogenously and as intermediates during base excision repair. APE1 has an unrelated activity as a redox activator (and named Ref-1) for several trans-acting factors. In order to identify whether any of the seven cysteine residues in human APE1 affects its enzymatic function, we substituted these singly or multiply with serine. The repair activity is not affected in any of the mutants except those with C99S mutation. The Ser99-containing mutant lost affinity for DNA and its activity was inhibited by 10 mM Mg(2+). However, the Ser99 mutant has normal activity in 2 mM Mg(2+). Using crystallographic data and molecular dynamics simulation, we have provided a mechanistic basis for the altered properties of the C99S mutant. We earlier predicted that Mg(2+), with potential binding sites A and B, binds at the B site of wild-type APE1-substrate complex and moves to the A site after cleavage occurs, as observed in the crystal structure. The APE1-substrate complex is stabilized by a H bond between His309 and the AP site. We now show that this bond is broken to destabilize the complex in the absence of the Mg(2+). This effect due to the mutation of Cys99, approximately 16 A from the active site, on the DNA binding and activity is surprising. Mg(2+) at the B site promotes stabilization of the C99S mutant complex. At higher Mg(2+) concentration the A site is also filled, causing the B-site Mg(2+) to shift together with the AP site. At the same time, the H bond between His309 and the AP site shifts toward the 5' site of DNA. These shifts could explain the lower activity of the C99S mutant at higher [Mg(2+)]. The unexpected involvement of Cys99 in APE1's substrate binding and catalysis provides an example of involvement of a residue far from the active site.
Ionic conductivity, lithium insertion and extraction of lanthanum lithium titanate

The lithium ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability of perovskite La{sub 2/3-x}Li{sub 3x}TiO{sub 3} (LLTO) have been determined with AC impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. Ionic conductivity of La{sub 0.55}Li{sub 0.35}TiO{sub 3} and La{sub 0.57}Li{sub 0.29}TiO{sub 3} pellets sintered from four different powders was measured in the temperature range from 30 to 110 C. Bulk conductivity was found to be closely related to the calcination temperature of the powders. Pellets from 1100 C-calcined powders had higher bulk conductivity than from 1200 C-calcined powders. The grain-boundary conductivity was mainly determined by the sample composition. The activation energies were 0.14-0.18 eV for bulk conduction and 0.41-0.43 eV for grain-boundary conduction. Lithium was intercalated into LLTO below about 1.8 V vs. Li. With addition of acetylene black, about 0.48 Li was reversibly inserted into and extracted out of La{sub 0.55}Li{sub 0.35}TiO{sub 3}. A phase transition is proposed to take place during the lithium insertion.
Oil and Agression

Book reviewed in this article: The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and the Economics of the New World Order: Mary Ann Tetreault The Iraqi Aggression Against Kuwait: Strategic Lessons and Implications for Europe: Wolfgang F. Danspeckgruber and Charles R. H. Tripp, editors
Atmospheres of space: the development of Alvar Aalto's free-flow section as a climate device

This paper is part of a broader research agenda, which aims at an environmental re-reading of selected icons of Modern Architecture that share one characteristic, the development of a free-flow open section. The complex relationship between spatial composition and thermal and climatic conditions within buildings is explored both qualitatively, using analytic drawing, and quantitatively, using simulations with computational fluid dynamics. I am seeking patterns common to both and the work has become an investigation of the concept of architectural space at the intersection between art, technology, climate and perception. Most architects of the Modern Movement addressed this relationship in one way or another. They either praised technology and the emerging ‘machine age’ or rejected it. Today most architectural production appears to have an ambivalent and sometimes contradictory position on technology.
Intensity range as a function of task and training

Summary This study examined intensity range as a function of elicitation task (reading and automatic speech sequences), musical training, and the interaction between task and musical training in 31 college students. The results indicated significant differences in loudness range by experiental task. Intensity range for the descending automatic sequence was significantly greater than that for the ascending and reading tasks. While the overall effect of musical training was nonsignificant, there was a significant interaction between task and training, with musicians having a significantly greater mean range on the ascending task. A comparison between ascending and descending tasks indicated a significant mean difference between lower limits and no significant mean difference between upper limits. The range for the reading probe was located approximately in the middle of the total available intensity range.
Obesity, hope, and health: findings from the HOPE Works community survey.

According to hope theory, hope is defined as goal-directed thinking in which people perceive that they can find routes to desired goals and the motivation to use those routes. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between hope and body mass index and hope and self-rated health among women completing a community survey conducted in four rural counties in eastern North Carolina. The survey was administered as part of Hope Works, a participatory, community-led intervention program to improve weight, health and hope among low-income women in rural North Carolina. Survey data from 434 women were analyzed. In multivariate models adjusting for age, race, education and income, higher hope was positively related to self-reported health (OR:0.92; 95% CI: 0.89–0.95) and negatively related to BMI (P < 0.01). These results indicated that women who reported better self-rated health also had higher hope scores and women who were heavier had lower hope scores. While these findings are exploratory, they suggest directions for further research. State-based hope is considered to be a characteristic that is malleable and open to development. Future interventions should examine the importance of hope as a construct to examine in weight loss studies. For example, programs could be designed to increase hope by focusing on goal setting and providing support, information and resources to help women work toward their goals.
Parent Relationships, Emotion Regulation, Psychosocial Maturity and College Student Alcohol Use Problems

This study tested associations between problems in parent-youth relationships and problems with alcohol use among college students (N = 1592) using structural equation modeling. Hypotheses were that relationships between both substance-specific parenting factors (parental drinking) and non-substance-specific parenting factors (parental intrusive control and lack of support) and college student drinking behaviors would be mediated by the developmental tasks of managing difficult emotions and establishing a mature psychosocial identity. Sex, ethnicity and age were entered as control variables in the analyses and were tested for moderating effects. Results showed that the unconstrained model for males and females differed significantly from a model in which the two groups were constrained to be similar. Among young women, emotion regulation and psychosocial maturity were partial mediators of the effects of parent problems on alcohol use problems. Among young men, parent problems were indirectly related to alcohol use problems through emotion regulation. Implications for alcohol use prevention activities on college campuses are discussed.
Science, politics and economics of the Peruvian anchoveta fishery

involved in the management of the Peruvian anchoveta industry. Within this framework he discusses the 1972-73 El Niiio, and traces the social, political and economic repercussions of this phenomenon at local, regional and international levels. Following an analysis of the previous studies of the industry and El Nirio conditions, he makes several recommendations for future policy makers with regard to the regulation of the industry and conservation of anchoveta stocks.
Kanic acid alters cholinergic responses in the rat retina: A 2-deoxyglucose study

Intraocular injections of the neuroexcitatory toxin, kainic acid, did not alter the output of the retinal ganglion cells, as determined by the rate of glucose use in the stratum griseum superficialis of the superior colliculus. However, significant differences were observed in cholinergic interactions of the ganglion cells after kainic acid treatment. Intraocular injection of kainic acid prevented the increase in the stratum griseum superficialis activity typically produced by systemic injection of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). In addition, the retinal ganglion cells were strikingly sensitive to intraocular injections of acetylcholine 1 week after exposure to kainic acid, as reflected in the marked increased glucose utilization in the stratum griseum superficialis. This responsiveness to acetylcholine may be entirely due to the 80% decrease in acetylcholinesterase in the retina observed 1 week after kainic acid exposure or in part to a supersensitivity of the ganglion cells following the period of acetylcholine depletion.
Cell composition studies in batch microbial reactors: Biphasic growth of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract Flow microfluorimetry, which provides measurements of composition distributions in microbial populations, substantially augments standard characterization instrumentation for microbial processes. In this study the ability of flow microfluorimetry to characterize the state of the microbial cells in a fermentation is illustrated by investigation of Bacillus subtilis batch growth in media of differing glucose concentrations .
Simulation of Blast-Induced Early-Time Intracranial Wave Physics leading to Traumatic Brain Injury

The objective of this modeling and simulation study was to establish the role of stress wave interactions in the genesis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from exposure to explosive blast. A high resolution (1 mm3 voxels) five material model of the human head was created by segmentation of color cryosections from the Visible Human Female data set. Tissue material properties were assigned from literature values. The model was inserted into the shock physics wave code, CTH, and subjected to a simulated blast wave of 1.3 MPa (13 bars) peak pressure from anterior, posterior, and lateral directions. Three-dimensional plots of maximum pressure, volumetric tension, and deviatoric (shear) stress demonstrated significant differences related to the incident blast geometry. In particular, the calculations revealed focal brain regions of elevated pressure and deviatoric stress within the first 2 ms of blast exposure. Calculated maximum levels of 15 KPa deviatoric, 3.3 MPa pressure, and 0.8 MPa volumetric tension were observed before the onset of significant head accelerations. Over a 2 ms time course, the head model moved only 1 mm in response to the blast loading. Doubling the blast strength changed the resulting intracranial stress magnitudes but not their distribution. We conclude that stress localization, due to early-time wave interactions, may contribute to the development of multifocal axonal injury underlying TBI. We propose that a contribution to traumatic brain injury from blast exposure, and most likely blunt impact, can occur on a time scale shorter than previous model predictions and before the onset of linear or rotational accelerations traditionally associated with the development of TBI.
Caregiving: The impact on emotional support for single women

Even though filial caregivers are typically daughters rather than sons, examinations of caregiving have not adequately considered the impact of gender and marital status differences on the support systems that mediate the strain of caring. Because of competing demands on time and energy, caregivers make many changes in their personal activities while maintaining work and immediate family responsibilities. The friendships that provide emotional support for singles are perceived as less important than familial relationships. Therefore, the assumption is made that the single adult daughter has less to give up as compared to her married siblings. The parallel emotional support systems of the married and single caregivers go unrecognized. This study of never-married women over age 30 reveals that these caregivers essentially foreclosed social relationships in order to provide care.
"How dare you sport thus with life?": Frankensteinian fictions as case studies in scientific ethics.

Fictional scenarios involving “hard” science offer what are in effect case studies of scientific ethics. From his analysis of Shelley's novel, biologist Leonard Isaacs constructed a model of a “Frankenstein scenario,” applicable to the dilemmas posed by the advancement of science in our time, as well as to fiction about science by such contemporary writers as Robin Cook and Michael Crichton. The special contribution of fiction to the study of ethics is that it both reflects and evaluates reality's infinite permutations. In reflecting and judging, the fictional scenarios engage our moral imagination and compel us to confront our personal ethos in relation to the evolving ethos of science.
Facile Synthesis of the Trans-Fused Azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane Core of the Palau’amines and the Tricyclic Core of the Axinellamines from a Common Intermediate

A facile synthesis of the trans-fused azabicyclo[3.3.0]octane core of palau'amine and related pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids is described. Following gamma-lactam cleavage with concomitant epimerization at C12 of a previously reported tricycle, a facile intramolecular Mitsunobu reaction delivered the fully functionalized tricyclic core common to several members of the oroidin-derived alkaloids including palau'amine. An alternative cyclization of a related intermediate provides the tricyclic "aza-angular triquinane" core of the axinellamines.
Recombination of DNAs in Xenopus oocytes based on short homologous overlaps

Abstract Linear molecules of pBR322 and closely related plasmid DNAs were injected into Xenopus oocyte nuclei. Such molecules were degraded unless their ends were recombined. Non-homologous ends were joined rarely, if at all, but measurable recombination was supported by homologous sequences of less than 10 base pairs (bp). The efficiency of recombination increased as the length and degree of homology improved, in the range of about 8-20 bp. The homologous sequences had to be very close to the original molecular ends (within about 20 bp); internal homologies, even when they included better matches, were never used. These observations are best accommodated by a model of recombination which envisions exonucleolytic resection to expose homologous sequences, followed by annealing of single-stranded tails, tidying up and sealing of the new joint. Some of the recombined plasmids had novel tetracycline resistance genes; their properties give some insight into the function of the tet gene product.
Dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking with top-quark and neutrino condensates.

Recently it has been suggested that electroweak symmetry is broken by a top-quark vacuum condensate. In that model, the prediction for the top-quark mass seems to be in conflict with indirect experimental upper bounds. We propose a new scenario in which electroweak symmetry is broken by a combination of top-quark and third-generation neutrino condensates, involving a right-handed gauge-singlet neutrino. We show that the top-quark mass comes out smaller in this model and can easily lie in the experimentally favored window. The resulting neutrino spectrum is phenomenologically acceptable if we make the natural assumption that the right-handed neutrino has a large Majorana mass.
Electric fields in the ionosphere and the excitation of the red lines of atomic oxygen

Abstract A detailed formulation for obtaining the excitation rate of optical emissions by electrons heated by a d.c. electric field is presented. The energy distribution of the electrons is obtained by solving the Boltzmann equation, including all the inelastic collisions of importance in the region of the atmosphere from which airglow and auroral radiations originate. An electric field of 2 × 10 −3 V/cm orthogonal to the geomagnetic field results in an intensity of the red lines of atomic oxygen of about 5 kR, such as is observed in the midlatitude subvisual red arcs, with the height of maximum emission at approximately 400 km. The magnitude of electric fields considered are not sufficient to produce any measurable magnetic effects; however, appreciable heating may result. The origin of the electric field is not explored here.
The influence of environmental salinity on respiratory oxygen demands in the euryhaline teleost, ambassis interrupta bleeker

1. 1. The rates of oxygen consumption of large Ambassis interrupta are not significantly altered by salinity variations in the range from 10% to 100% sea water, while oxygen consumption of small individuals is increased in 70% sea water. 2. 2. It is suggested that there are 4 basic patterns of response in oxygen consumption of teleost fishes to altered salinity and adult Ambassis demonstrate the pattern most adaptive to a euryhaline existence. 3. 3. Adult Ambassis and other forms whose rates of oxygen consumption are little influenced by salinity variations show the least variation in plasma concentrations with varying salinities.
Endocast of Sambungmacan 3 (Sm 3): A new Homo erectus from Indonesia

A new fossil calvaria, Sambungmacan 3 (Sm 3), described in New Fossil Hominid Calvaria From Indonesia--Sambungmacan 3 by Marquez et al., this volume, yields one of the most advanced and complete endocasts yet recovered from Java. This communication provides a thorough interpretation of the external anatomical landmarks observable on Sm 3. Using computer tomography (CT) and traditional morphological measurements, our comparative paleoneurological analyses show that while Sm 3 has a mosaic of features that are similar to both Indonesian and Chinese H. erectus, it also possesses significant characters reminiscent of later hominins. These include a greater degree of asymmetry characterized by a possible left-occipital, right-frontal petalial pattern, left-right volumetric cerebral asymmetry, and marked asymmetry in Broca's cap. Moreover, the frontal lobe offers a more rounded, shortened appearance in contrast to the flat, elongated appearance of other Indonesian fossils (e.g., Sangiran 17). Another unique trait is exhibited in the transverse plane where the widest breadth of Sm 3 occurs more superiorly than in other Indonesian H. erectus. Thus, the endocast of Sm 3 presents a unique morphology not seen previously in the hominin fossil record. While the strong modern human characteristics in this endocast may not represent a particular ancestry, they do allow us to recognize a new dimension of the remarkable variation in Indonesian Homo erectus.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccines : An Update for Gynecologists

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause several common gynecologic problems. Oncogenic HPV infections are responsible for abnormal cervical cytology, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. In 2006, a vaccine was introduced to prevent these common problems in women's health. The currently available HPV vaccine is quadrivalent, with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Recently published clinical trials have consistently shown efficacy approaching 100%. Current clinical recommendations are for universal vaccination of adolescent and young adult women. This review will discuss the natural history and epidemiology of HPV, the diseases associated with these infections and current clinical usage of this vaccine. Future developments in this area will also be discussed.
Evidence for noradrenergic involvement in mediating the FG 7142 discriminative stimulus.

Abstract Rats were trained to discriminate the stimulus properties of the benzodiazepine receptor partial inverse agonist β-carboline-3-carboxylate acid methyl amide (FG 7142) (5.0 mg/kg) or the α 2 -adrenergic receptor antagonist 17α-hydroxyyohimban-16α-carboxylic acid methyl ester (yohimbine) (3.0 mg/kg) from vehicle in a two-lever, food-motivated operant task. These compounds have in common a β-carboline structure and anxiogenic behavioral profiles. The yohimbine discriminative stimulus was mimicked by the α 2 -adrenergic receptor antagonist idazoxan and antagonized by the α 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine, indicating that the yohimbine stimulus was mediated through the α 2 -adrenergic receptor. THe anxiogenic β-carbolines FG 7142, 1,2,3,4,-tetrahydro-β-carboline (THBC), and norharmane, the anxiogenic/convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), and two physiological stressors failed to mimic the yohimbine discriminative stimulus. In contrast, both yohimbine and idazoxan dose responsively mimicked the anxiogenic FG 7142 stimulus. The present results demonstrate that an asymmetrical generalization exists between the discriminative stimuli produced by yohimbine and FG 7142. Furthermore, these data suggest that yohimbine can produce a multicomponent discriminative stimulus, part of which may be anxiogenic in nature. The ability of α 2 -adrenergic receptor antagonists to mimic the FG 7142 cue suggests that activation of the noradrenergic system may underlie cues produced by benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonists.
Sulfur, sulfides, oxides and organic matter aggregated in submarine hydrothermal plumes at 9°50′N East Pacific Rise

Abstract Deep-sea hydrothermal plume particles are known to sequester seawater trace elements and influence ocean-scale biogeochemical budgets. The relative importance of biotic versus abiotic oxidation–reduction and other particle-forming reaction, however, and the mechanisms of seawater trace element sequestration remain unknown. Suspended particulate material was collected from a non-buoyant hydrothermal plume by in situ filtration at 9°50′N East Pacific Rise during a 3-day, 24 sample, time-series. Twenty-three samples were digested for total elemental analysis. One representative sample was selected for particle-by-particle geochemical analyses including elemental composition by X-ray fluorescence, speciation of Fe, S, and C by 1s X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Consistent with past studies, positive linear correlations were observed for P, V, As, and Cr with Fe in the bulk chemistry. Arsenic was associated with both Fe oxyhydroxides and sulfides but not uniformly distributed among either mineral type. Particle aggregation was common. Aggregates were composed of minerals embedded in an organic matrix; the minerals ranged from 10 μm in diameter. The speciation of major mineral forming elements (Fe, Mn, S) was complex. Over 20 different minerals were observed, nine of which were either unpredicted by thermodynamic modeling or had no close match in the thermodynamic database. Sulfur-bearing phases consisted of polysulfides (S6, S8), and metal sulfides (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn). Four dominant species, Fe oxyhydroxide, Fe monosulfide, pyrrhotite, and pyrite, accounted for >80% of the Fe present. Particulate Mn was prevalent in both oxidized and reduced minerals. The organic matrix was: (1) always associated with minerals, (2) composed of biomolecules, and (3) rich in S. Possible sources of this S-rich organic matter include entrained near vent biomass and in situ production by S-oxidizing microorganisms. These results indicate that particle aggregation with organic material is prevalent in dispersing hydrothermal plume fluxes, as well as in sinking particulate matter at this site. Particle aggregation and organic coatings can influence the reactivity, transport, and residence time of hydrothermal particles in the water column. Thus a biogeochemical approach is critical to understanding the net effect of hydrothermal fluxes on ocean and sedimentary trace element budgets.
Limitations on the validity of effective field theory in QCD

Abstract In the heavy quark, weak confinement limit of QCD hadron properties such as charge radii are easily calculated from the Schrodinger equation. We examine these calculations from the viewpoint of dispersion theory and show how attempts to describe hadronic phenomena entirely in terms of an effective field theory of mesons and baryons can go wrong.
Prenatal cocaine exposure alters potassium-evoked dopamine release dynamics in rat striatum.

Abstract The emerging profile for the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure presents two prominent features in the exposed offspring: cognitive/attention deficits and an age-associated trend toward motor/tone abnormalities up to 2 years of age. One candidate mechanism underlying these clinical features is long-lasting alterations to dopamine (DA) neuron function. However, the impact of prenatal cocaine exposure on DA release in dopaminergic terminal fields in vivo in mature offspring is poorly understood. Long-Evans female rats were implanted with an i.v. access port, bred, and given saline or cocaine-HCl (3 mg/kg/ml) for gestational days (GD) 8–14 (1×/day), GD 15–21 (2×/day), or GD 8–21 (1×/day-GD 8–14, 2×/day-GD 15–21). Using in vivo high-speed chronoamperometric recordings, potassium-stimulated DA release was measured in striatum of anesthetized male offspring 90–150 days after birth. There was a trend toward increased potassium-evoked DA signal amplitudes in offspring exposed to cocaine at any time period examined. In offspring exposed to cocaine during GD 8–21 and GD 15–21, but not at GD 8–14, there were significant decreases in the clearance capacity of the potassium-evoked DA signal compared with control offspring. The time required to clear 80% of the evoked DA signal (T 80 ) in striatum for DA was significantly prolonged (approximately 150% of control) and this effect was further increased in the mean-evoked DA concentration range for these two groups. We also measured total dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels in these offspring by blot immunolabeling and found a small, but significant, decrease in DAT protein in striatum from offspring exposed at GD 8–21 and GD 15–21. Collectively, these data demonstrate that prenatal cocaine exposure during dopamine neuron neurogenesis has long-lasting effects on DA neuron function lasting into early adulthood which may be related in part to steady state DAT protein levels. These molecular events may be associated with established cognitive deficits and perhaps the trends seen in altered motor behavior.
Mode control in VCSELs using guided-mode resonant filters

The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) by now has almost completely supplanted the edge-emitting laser in the data communication market. Although there are a number of reasons behind this, including superior beam shape, wafer-level testing prior to dicing, ease of packaging, improved reliability, and much lower drive current, one particular advantage is that the VCSEL has one longitudinal mode and multiple transverse modes with relatively narrow spectral bandwidth (~<2 nm). The latter property assures excitation of multiple guided modes in large core graded-index fiber (typically, either 50 µm or 62.5 µm diameter), thus minimizing one of the dominant noise sources in optical data communications - modal noise. However, there are very many other applications, such as optical storage, sensing, and barcode scanning, where operation in the ftindamental single mode with polarization control is required. Several methods have been proposed to achieve lasing in only the lowest-order transverse mode; most involve some form of spectral or spatial filtering. Here, we report on our continuing efforts [1,2] to use the combined spectral, spatial, and polarization selective properties of Wang and Magnusson's guided-mode resonant filter [3,4] to provide modal control in VCSELs.
Electron backscatter diffraction analysis of a CZT growth tip from a vertical gradient freeze furnace

Abstract Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to characterize the growth-tip region of a 4.2-cm diameter CdZnTe (CZT) boule grown using low-pressure Bridgman method in a vertical gradient freeze furnace. The boule was sectioned and polished and a section taken along the boule longitudinal centerline with an approximate surface area of 1-cm2 was used for optical and scanning electron microscopy. A collage was assembled using EBSD/SEM images to show morphological features, e.g., twin structure, grain structure, and overall crystal growth direction. Severely twinned regions originating from the tip and side walls were observed. The overall growth orientation was close to 〈1 1 0〉 and 〈1 1 2〉 directions. In some regions, the (0 0 1) poles of the CZT matrix aligned with the growth direction, while twins aligned such that (1 1 1) and (1 1 2) poles aligned with the growth direction. In some other areas, (1 1 2) or (0 1 1) poles of the CZT matrix aligned with the growth direction. New relationships between the CZT matrix and large Te polycrystalline particles were revealed: {1 1 2}CZT∣∣{1 1 0 0}Te and {0 0 1}CZT∣∣{0 1 1 1}Te.
Unusual varients of congenital pouch colon with anorectal malformations

Anorectal malformations are common worldwide. Several classifications were used to describe the different types, but in spite of this, there are rare variants. This report describes 2 unusual cases of congenital pouch colon and anorectal malformations.
Geographic Information Retrieval and the World Wide Web: A Match Made in Electronic Space

This article looks at the access to geographic information through a review of information science theory and its application to the WWW. The two most common retrieval systems are information and data retrieval. A retrieval system has seven elements: retrieval models, indexing, match and retrieval, relevance, order, query languages and query specification. The goal of information retrieval is to match the user's needs to the information that is in the system. Retrieval of geographic information is a combination of both information and data retrieval. Aids to effective retrieval of geographic information are: query languages that employ icons and natural language, automatic indexing of geographic information, and standardization of geographic information. One area that has seen an explosion of geographic information retrieval systems (GIR's) is the World Wide Web (WWW). The final section of this article discusses how seven WWW GIR's solve the the problem of matching the user's information needs to the information in the system.
Immunization to reduce the frequency and severity of herpes zoster and its complications

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a localized disease that results from reactivation of an endogenous varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection that has persisted in latent form within sensory ganglia following an earlier attack of varicella. The incidence and the severity of HZ and its complications increase with advancing age, and this is temporally associated with an age-related decline in cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to VZV. Information on the cellular site and mechanism of VZV latency and on the events that follow reactivation appears to explain many of the clinical features of HZ and to provide a pathophysiologic basis for the presumption that immunity to VZV plays a critical role in limiting the frequency and consequences of VZV reactivation. The close temporal correlation between the decline in VZV-specific CMI and the increased frequency and severity of HZ and its complications in older individuals suggests that HZ may actually develop because VZV-specific CMI falls below some critical threshold. The development of a live attenuated varicella vaccine provides a means of stimulating VZV-specific CMI and thus of determining its role in the pathogenesis of HZ. Levin and his colleagues have demonstrated that waning VZV-specific CMI in elderly persons can be stimulated by varicella vaccine to levels typical of those observed in younger persons, in whom the incidence and severity of HZ are much reduced. Thus the stage is set for a large placebo-controlled clinical trial that will test directly the hypothesis that restoration of waning CMI to VZV will reduce the frequency and severity of HZ and its complications in the elderly. NEUROLOGY 1995;45(Suppl 8): S41-S46
Asymptotic behavior of confidence regions in the change-point problem

Abstract The confidence estimation of the change-point is considered. The asymptotic behavior of the coverage probability and the expected width of a traditional confidence region is derived as the threshold constant increases. The nature of this bound is related to information numbers and first passage probabilities for random walks. In the situation when pre- and after-change distributions belong to a one-parameter exponential family but are otherwise unknown, similar results are obtained for the confidence region based on the maximum likelihood procedure.
FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE ACCURACY OF STUDENTS' SELF-REPORTED GRADE POINT AVERAGES, SAT SCORES, AND COURSE GRADES

Previous research indicates that, although students' self-reported and actual GPAs and SAT scores are correlated, on average, students overestimate these data. This study extended prior research by surveying 132 mostly upper-level students and by including other information (grades in selected prior course work). Our results provide further evidence that students overestimate their past academic achievements.
Validation of a photography-based goniometry method for measuring joint range of motion

Background A critical component of evaluating the outcomes after surgery to restore lost elbow motion is the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow. This study examined if digital photography-based goniometry is as accurate and reliable as clinical goniometry for measuring elbow ROM. Materials and methods Instrument validity and reliability for photography-based goniometry were evaluated for a consecutive series of 50 elbow contractures by 4 observers with different levels of elbow experience. Goniometric ROM measurements were taken with the elbows in full extension and full flexion directly in the clinic (once) and from digital photographs (twice in a blinded random manner). Results Instrument validity for photography-based goniometry was extremely high (intraclass correlation coefficient: extension = 0.98, flexion = 0.96). For extension and flexion measurements by the expert surgeon, systematic error was negligible (0° and 1°, respectively). Limits of agreement were 7° (95% confidence interval [CI], 5° to 9°) and −7° (95% CI, −5° to −9°) for extension and 8° (95% CI, 6° to 10°) and −7° (95% CI, −5° to −9°) for flexion. Interobserver reliability for photography-based goniometry was better than that for clinical goniometry. The least experienced observer’s photographic goniometry measurements were closer to the reference measurements than the clinical goniometry measurements. Conclusions Photography-based goniometry is accurate and reliable for measuring elbow ROM. The photography-based method relied less on observer expertise than clinical goniometry. This validates an objective measure of patient outcome without requiring doctor-patient contact at a tertiary care center, where most contracture surgeries are done.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 in lung remodeling.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 (Gelatinase B, 92-kD type IV collagenase, EC 3.4.24.35) is an MMP that is present in low quantities in the healthy adult lung, but much more abundant in several lung diseases, including asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite numerous reports of MMP-9 in these and other lung diseases, whether MMP-9 is causal in lung remodeling or part of the inflammatory and reparative response remains to be determined. Many intrinsic lung cells can be stimulated to produce MMP-9, but much of the information regarding MMP-9 in the lung deals with MMP-9 from inflammatory cells. The multiple locations and cell types producing MMP-9 are consistent with multiple functions in different microenvironments. In addition to digestion of structural proteins and antiproteases, MMP-9 can modify cellular function by regulation of cytokines and matrix-bound growth factors. Determining the role of MMP-9 in health and disease will be important,...
Role of the gene B product in bacteriophage φX174 development

Abstract An intermediate in the assembly of bacteriophage φX174 virions that sediments at 12 S and contains equimolar amounts of the capsid proteins coded by genes F and G was characterized. A functional B gene product seems necessary for the synthesis of this aggregate, that results from the joining of one 6 S particle (containing five molecules of G protein) to one 9 S particle (a pentamer of F protein). B protein is not found in the 12 S structure.
Long-term Complications Following Childhood and Adolescent Cancer: Foundations for Providing Risk-based Health Care for Survivors

Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are one of the higher risk populations seen by health care professionals. The curative therapy administered for the cancer also affects growing and developing tissues. Following chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, many survivors will experience chronic or late-occurring health problems, often not becoming clinically apparent until decades after therapy. Survivors face an increased risk of morbidity, mortality, and diminished quality of life associated with their previous cancer therapy. Risk is further modified by the survivor's genetics, lifestyle habits, and comorbid health conditions. Over their lifetime, survivors will see health care professionals from an array of specialties and disciplines. The aim of this review is threefold: (1) to convey a sense of the risk faced by survivors to clinicians unfamiliar with the population; (2) to provide an up-to-date tool for clinicians, regardless of specialty or discipline, when providing care for a survivor; and (3) to complement the recently completed recommendations for screening, prevention, and management of childhood cancer survivors.
Believing Doesn't Make It So: Forensic Education and the Search for Truth

The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) was organized in 1969, in large part through the efforts of Dr. Jonas Rappeport. The founders of AAPL emphasized that an important purpose of the organization was to advance knowledge in the area of psychiatry and the law. The science of forensic psychiatry has since been vigorously debated. In 2005, Congress enacted a statute authorizing the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study on the state of the forensic sciences in the United States. As a result of this legislation, a forensic science committee was formed, and the report, "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward," was produced, emphasizing the need for research in the forensic disciplines, particularly those that rely on more subjective assessments. The committee also identified two important factors relevant to standards of evidence admissibility: the scientific methodology used and the impact of bias on the interpretation of data. In this article, I apply the NAS committee's findings to the field of forensic psychiatry, with specific recommendations to assist educators in achieving more objective assessment methodologies, critical in forensic education and the search for truth.
Intermediate States of Ribonuclease III in Complex with Double-Stranded RNA

Summary Bacterial ribonuclease III (RNase III) can affect RNA structure and gene expression in either of two ways: as a processing enzyme that cleaves double-stranded (ds) RNA, or as a binding protein that binds but does not cleave dsRNA. We previously proposed a model of the catalytic complex of RNase III with dsRNA based on three crystal structures, including the endonuclease domain of RNase III with and without bound metal ions and a dsRNA binding protein complexed with dsRNA. We also reported a noncatalytic assembly observed in the crystal structure of an RNase III mutant, which binds but does not cleave dsRNA, complexed with dsRNA. We hypothesize that the RNase III•dsRNA complex can exist in two functional forms, a catalytic complex and a noncatalytic assembly, and that in between the two forms there may be intermediate states. Here, we present four crystal structures of RNase III complexed with dsRNA, representing possible intermediates.