cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brainprints: Computer-generated two-dimensional maps of the human cerebral cortex in vivo

We describe an in vivo method for the quantitative analysis of human necrotical anatomy. The technique allows unfolded regions of functional and morphological interest to be measured planimetrically. Two-dimensional cortical maps and surface area determinations derived from magnetic resonance images of monozygotic twins are presented. In addition, reconstructions and measurements of published post-mortem human and rhesus monkey hemispheres are reported. Potential applications for the study of brain organization in relation to cognitive, motor, and perceptual performance in normal and neurological populations are considered.
Ethanol-induced decrease of developmental PKC isoform expression in the embryonic chick brain.

Abstract Prenatal ethanol exposure can cause a number of physiological deficits known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Because protein kinase C (PKC) regulates the cell cycle and has been linked to growth, we examined the effect of ethanol on PKC isoform expression in a developing chick brain. Ethanol exposure causes decreased head weight in chickens at day 5 in a dose-dependent manner and a decreased brain weight at days 7 and 10 at an ethanol concentration of 1.0 g/kg. Antibodies specific for PKC-α, β, γ, δ, e, ι, λ, μ and ζ were used to examine ethanol's effect on PKC expression in the growth-suppressed brain at days 5, 7 and 10 of development. Only four of the PKC isoforms tested are expressed in the chick brain prior to day 10: α, γ, e, and ι. PKC-α, γ, and e are developmentally increased during the time period studied. Ethanol causes a decreased expression of PKC-α on days 5, 7 and 10 and a decreased expression of PKC-γ on days 7 and 10. Ethanol causes a decreased expression of PKC-e only on day 7. PKC-ι expression is unchanged over the developmental times studied and ethanol exposure has no effect on PKC-ι expression. These data suggest that only specific PKC isoforms are developmentally expressed in the embryonic chick brain and that ethanol may inhibit the expression of those PKC isoforms that are developmentally regulated.
Self-assembled 3D photonic crystals from ZnO colloidal spheres

Abstract We present a novel method for the controlled synthesis of monodisperse ZnO colloidal spheres. These spheres are self-assembled into fcc periodic arrays. Optical measurements, including reflection-mode optical microscopy and transmission and single-domain reflection spectroscopy, reveal that the periodic arrays exhibit a photonic band gap in the (1 1 1) direction of the fcc lattice, and calculations are presented to estimate the effective value of the refractive index of the colloidal spheres. Finally, photoluminescence (PL) measurements show that the ZnO lasing thresholds are lower in periodic structures than in random arrays of identical spheres.
Dielectric Constants of Apatite, Epidote, Vesuvianite, and Zoisite, and the Oxide Additivity Rule

The dielectric constants and dielectric loss values of 4 Ca-containing minerals were determined at 1 MHz using a two-terminal method and empirically determined edge corrections. The results are: vesuvianitel κ′ a=9.93 tan δ=0.006 κ′ c=9.79 tan δ=0.005 vesuvianitel κ′ a=10.02 tan δ=0.002 κ′ c=9.85 tan δ=0.003 zoisite1 κ′ a =10.49 tan δ=0.0006 κ′ b =15.31 tan δ=0.0008 κ′ c=9.51 tan δ=0.0008 zoisite2 κ′ a =10.55 tan δ=0.0011 κ′ b =15.45 tan δ=0.0013 κ′ c=9.39 tan δ=0.0008 epidote κ′ 11= 9.52 tan δ=0.0008 κ′ 22=17.1 tan δ=0.0009 κ′ 33= 9.37 tan δ=0.0006 fluorapatite1 κ′ a =10.48 tan δ=0.0008 κ′ c = 8.72 tan δ=0.0114 fluorapatite2 κ′ a =10.40 tan δ=0.0010 κ′ c=8.26 tan δ=0.0178 The deviation (δ) between measured dielectric polarizabilities as determined from the Clausius-Mosotti equation and those calculated from the sum of oxide polarizabilities according to α D (mineral)=∑ α D (oxides) for vesuvianite is ∼ 0.5%. The large deviations of epidote and zoisite from the additivity rule with Δ=+ 10.1 and + 11.7%, respectively, are attributed to “rattling” Ca ions. The combined effects of both a large F thermal parameter and possible F-ion conductivity in fluorapatite are believed to be responsible for Δ=+2–3%. Although variation of oxygen polarizability with oxygen molar volume (Vo) is believed to affect the total polarizabilities, the variation of Vo in these Ca minerals is too small to observe the effect.
Developing a collaborative model for environmental planning and management

Methods for involving the public in natural resource management are changing as agencies adjust to an increasingly turbulent social and political environment. There is growing interest among managers and scholars in collaborative approaches to public involvement. Collaboration is conceptually defined and elaborated using examples from the natural resource management field. This paper then examines how collaboration theory from the organizational behavior field can help environmental managers to better understand those factors that facilitate and inhibit collaborative solutions to resource problems. A process-oriented model is presented that proposes that collaboration emerges out of an environmental context and then proceeds sequentially through a problem-setting, direction-setting, and structuring phase. Factors constraining collaboration are also specified, including organizational culture and power differentials. Designs for managing collaboration are identified, which include appreciative planning, joint agreements, dialogues, and negotiated settlements. Environmental managers need new skills to manage collaboration within a dynamic social and political environment. Further research is needed to test the propositions outlined here.
Developmental and reproductive toxicity studies on artemisone.

BACKGROUND: In order to justify clinical studies in women of child-bearing age with artemisone, a new artimisinin derivative, studies to assess fertility and early embryonic development in rats, developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits, and peri-post natal development in rats were performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the study on fertility and early embryonic development (dose levels 0-5-20-80 mg/kg bw/day), doses inducing clinical and organ toxicity were used. Only in severe toxicity conditions, a reduction of the number of estruses, a prolonged time to insemination, decreased numbers of corpora lutea, implantation sites, and viable fetuses were found. Two developmental toxicity studies were performed in rats (dose levels 0-1-2 mg/kg bw/day) and rabbits (dose levels 0-2.5-5.0-7.5 mg/kg bw/day). It was shown that rats were about 5 times more sensitive than rabbits. In rats, artemisone induced total litter loss (late resorptions) at 2 mg/kg body weight and above with an increased incidence of a common vascular variation and retarded ossification at this dose. In rabbits, maternal toxicity, abortion and a slightly increased incidence of cardiac ventricular septal defects was observed at 7.5 mg/kg body weight. In a pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity study in rats (dose levels 0-1-2-4 mg/kg bw/day), 4 mg/kg body weight artemisone induced clinical symptoms and affected postnatal survival, body weight gain in the F1 pups, and motor activity. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, artemisone was shown to be embryo- and fetotoxic and induced cardiac ventricular septal defects and retarded ossification in dosages where total litter loss and abortions were observed. However, no effect on reproductive and developmental parameters below severe toxic dosages could be observed. Birth Defects Res (Part B)86: 131-143, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electronic structure and transport properties of N 2 AA -doped armchair and zigzag graphene nanoribbons

Substitutional doping in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) promises to enable specific tuning of their electronic properties. Recent work by Lv et al (2012 Nature Sci. Rep. 2 586) on large sheets of nitrogen-doped graphene determined that a highly predominant amount of nitrogen dopants (80%) are present in pairs of neighbouring atoms of the same sublattice A, denoted as N2AA dopants, following the notation of Lv et al. Here, we explore the electronic and transport properties of armchair (aGNR) and zigzag (zGNR) graphene nanoribbons under different orientations of the N2AA dopants with respect to the ribbon growth direction. For all dopant configurations of zGNRs and aGNRs, we find a substantial decrease in conductance, with new conductance gaps opening in some cases, and spatially localized states induced around the dopant sites. We also provide simulated scanning tunnelling microscopy images that will aid in the experimental identification of the presence of these structures in N-doped GNR samples.
Staging a new South Sudan in the USA: men, masculinities and nationalist performance at a diasporic beauty pageant

This article explores the gendering of cultural nationalism at a South Sudanese beauty pageant with a focus on the promotional work, organizing efforts and performances of men. Through a visual and textual discourse analysis of materials related to the event, as well as a series of interviews with participants, promoters, judges and audience members, I argue that these male participants articulate a distinctly masculinized form of South Sudanese nationalism. They do so by promoting notions of both a shared, militarized and oppressive past and a peaceful, proud and celebratory future. Central to the production of this nationalist imaginary is an emphasis on the healing of past ethnic-regional conflicts within the South and an image of South Sudanese unity and brotherly, non-violent masculinity. However, whilst pageantry emcees, speakers and musicians call on men to build and nurture the ‘New South Sudan’, the event itself emerges as a site for conflict both online and in incidences of physical violence amo...
Light-activated rhodopsin phosphorylation may control light sensitivity in isolated rod outer segments.

A central problem in understanding visual receptor function has been the lack of data correlating physio- logical changes related to light with the molecular events which might generate or regulate these changes. The problem arises because physiological studies are usually carried out on living intact receptor cells, where it is difficult to localize chemical or pharmaco- logical effects. Most chemical studies, on the other hand, are performed with isolated or fractionated outer segments which have lost their physiological activity. To meet this problem we have developed an in vitro assay for rod outer segment function which per- mits us simultaneously to monitor physiological and chemical changes. In this paper we present a correla- tion between this in vitro physiology and a light-acti- vated rhodopsin phosphorylation reaction [1-5]. We have observed that phosphorylation inhibitors increase sensitivity, the effectiveness of light in decreasing per- meability, but do not influence the maximum change in permeability which can be caused by illumination. 2. Materials and
Solvent composition effects on polar solutes with a silica—dimethyl sulfoxide—carbon tetrachloride chromatographic system

Abstract The Chromatographic adsorption model of Snyder was considered for the separation of polar solutes on a high-performance μPorasil silica stationary phase. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)—carbon tetrachloride mobile phases were used to evaluate the ability of the Snyder model to approximately describe the retention of nitrogen heterocycles and hydroxyl aromatics on the silica column. It was found that log k ′ vs. log mole fraction DMSO plots showed good linearity for all the solutes. Nitrogen heterocycles showed slight curvature in the plots, while the more strongly retained hydroxyl aromatics exhibited more linear behavior. Small slope values for the solutes were explained by a vertical adsorption configuration of the solute on the stationary phase.
On the smallest maximal increment of partial sums of i.i.d. random variables

We study the almost sure limiting behavior of the smallest maximal increment of partial sums of \(n\) independent identically distributed random variables for a variety of increment sizes \(k_n\), where \(k_n\) is a sequence of integers satisfying \(1 \le \ k_n \le n\), and going to infinity at various rates. Our aim is to obtain universal results on such behavior under little or no assumptions on the underlying distribution function.
The sequencing of instruction and the concept of assimilation-to-schema

The concept of assimilation-to-schema proposes that learning depends on three conditions: (1) the reception of the to-be-learned material, (2) the availability of a cognitive structure to which the new material may be assimilated, (3) the activation of the structure during learning. The concept provides weak (i.e., concerning amount of learning) and strong (i.e. concerning the structure of learning outcomes) predictions with respect to the effects of sequencing of instruction, ordering of instruction and organization of instruction. The present review demonstrates that studies of the role of instructional sequencing provide an important test of the assimilation-to-schema theory, and that many apparent inconsistencies in the literature may be better understood by an analysis of the internal assimilation process.
Applications of self-adjoint operators to electrophoretic transport, enzyme reactions, and microwave heating problems in composite media. I: General formulation

Analytical solutions for transient and steady-state convection, diffusion, and reaction problems in one-dimensional M-layer composite media are developed. Three cases are considered: (1) electrophoretic transport; (2) first-order reactions; and (3) zero-order reactions. Solutions are obtained for both Dirichlet and generalized well-mixed boundary conditions. Operator-theoretic methods are utilized to solve the transient problems. The structure of the eigenvalue problem is considered in order to illustrate the methodology for the construction of the solutions to the transient problems. Steady-state solutions are presented for all the cases investigated.
Gene-Regulatory Interactions in Neural Crest Evolution and Development

In this review, we outline the gene-regulatory interactions driving neural crest development and compare these to a hypothetical network operating in the embryonic ectoderm of the cephalochordate amphioxus. While the early stages of ectodermal patterning appear conserved between amphioxus and vertebrates, later activation of neural crest-specific factors at the neural plate border appears to be a vertebrate novelty. This difference may reflect co-option of genetic pathways which conferred novel properties upon the evolving vertebrate neural plate border, potentiating the evolution of definitive neural crest.
First-principles calculations for materials science: their power and limitations

Summary form only given. The use of parallel computers and that of sophisticated computational algorithms has made first-principle calculations feasible also for realistic models of systems of technological interest. Several successes have been obtained recently. In spite of this, there are still a number of problems to be solved, before this type of approach can assume a leading role in the investigation of materials. This talk will report on recent applications of parameter-free molecular dynamics to a variety of systems, with emphasis on the method, on the comparison of the results with experiment, on its useful outputs and also on its current limitations.
Alteration of brain phospholipid metabolites in cocaine-dependent polysubstance abusers

Cocaine use is associated with ischemic, occlusive, and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events. "~tPhosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (stp MRS) has demonstrated sensitivity to cerebral energy metabolism and phospholipid changes in brain regions affected by ischemia and infarction. Because ischemia secondary to chronic or repeated episodes of vasospasm may play a role in cerebral changes associated with cocaine use, we have utilized this technology to investigate high-energy phosphate and phospholipid metabolism in two brain regions that are susceptible to ischemic damage in chronic cocaine-dependent polysubstance abusing subjects and controls.
Pyridine nucleotide synthesis in 3T3 cells.

The biosynthesis of NAD has been examined in 3T3 cells. The net synthesis of pyridine nucleotides does not occur when cells are cultured in the absence of performed pyridine ring compounds; however, growth continues normally for up to four cell doublings resulting in cells with a total pyridine nucleotide content that is reduced by as much as 12-fold. The mechanism that adjust the relative amounts of NADP and NAD are also altered such that the amount of NADP relative to NAD increases 5-fold. Both nicotinate and nicotinamide can be used as a precursor for NAD biosynthesis, however nicotinate is utilized less efficiently than nicotinamide. The presence of functional pathways for the biosynthesis of NAD from nicotinate via nicotinate mononucleotide and nicotinate adenine dinucleotide and from nicotinamide via nicotinamide mononucleotide has been demonstrated by identification of biosynthetic intermediates following short term exposure of cells to radiolabelled precursors. When cells are grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium which contains 33 μM nicotinamide the biosynthesis of NAD proceeds by a single pathway with nicotinamide mononucleotide as the only intermediate. Nicotinamide ribonucleoside which previously has been postulated to be an intermediate in the conversion of nicotinamide to NAD is not an intermediate in NAD biosynthesis.
Nannoplankton productivity fluctuations and rhythmically-bedded pelagic carbonates of the greenhorn limestone (upper cretaceous)

Abstract Comparison of calcareous nannofossil assemblages from rhythmically-interbedded calcareous shales and adjacent bioturbated chalks of the Greenhorn Limestone (Cenomanian-Turonian) of the Western Interior Basin indicate significant changes in phytoplankton paleocommunity structure between lithotypes. Significantly higher Shannon diversity and evenness values in the chalk assemblages indicate more stable surface water conditions with lower fertility. Three taxa indicative of high surface water fertility are significantly more abundant in marlstone assemblages which suggests that calcareous shale/marlstone deposition corresponded with fluctuating surface water conditions with relatively high fertility. The higher surface fertility and concomitant production of organic matter resulted in sediment anoxia during marlstone deposition, leading to high rates of organic carbon storage. Reduced phytoplankton production during chalk deposition allowed oxygenation of the sea floor and establishment of diverse benthic invertebrate communities.
On an Efficient General Line-Clipping Algorithm

The purpose of this note is to bring to the attention of the computer graphics community a powerful, efficient, general two- and three-dimensional line-clipping algorithm originated by Cyrus and Beck.1 This algorithm appears to be virtually unknown to the computer graphics community. For example, the algorithm is neither referenced nor discussed by Newman and Sproull2 of Foley and van Dam.3 Further, it is not referenced in the current literature in the field. For example, the algorithm was unknown to Liang and Barsky at the time they developed their recent line-and polygon-clipping algorithms.
Purification and sequencing of cyanogen bromide fragments from ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum.

Abstract As a part of the goal to determine the total sequence of Rhodospirillum rubrum ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, the cyanogen bromide fragments were fractionated and sequenced (or partially sequenced). Twelve of the anticipated 14 peptides were obtained in highly purified form. The other two peptides were located, respectively, within a trytophanyl cleavage product (which overlapped with four CNBr fragments) and within an active-site peptide characterized earlier (which overlapped with three CNBr fragments). These overlaps coupled with amino and carboxyl terminal sequence information of the intact subunit and the availability of the sequence of the corresponding enzyme from higher plants permitted alignment of all fragments. Eight CNBr peptides were sequenced completely; four of the CNBr peptides consisted of more than 80 residues and were only partially sequenced as permitted by direct Edman degradation. Of the approximate 475 residues per subunit, 339 were placed in sequence. The lack of extensive conservation of primary structure between R. rubrum and higher plant carboxylases permits the tentative identifications of those regions likely to be functionally important.
Thin metal island plasmon sensor

The effects of the local dielectric environment on the surface-plasmon resonances of annealed gold-island films are studied experimentally and modeled theoretically. Gold- island films were annealed at 600 degree(s)C to produce spheroidal shape particles which exhibit well-resolved resonances in polarized, angle-resolved, absorption spectra. These resonances are shifted in different amounts by the depolarization effect of the surrounding medium (liquids with various refraction indices). Cross-section calculations based upon non-retarded, single-particle, dielectric interaction for these various configurations are presented and found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Reduction of Model Order Based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for Lithium-Ion Battery Simulations

A reduced-order model ROM is developed using proper orthogonal decomposition POD for a physics-based lithium-ion battery model. The methodology to obtain the proper orthogonal modes and to analyze their optimality is included. The POD-based ROM for a lithium-ion battery is used to simulate a charge/discharge process and the behavior of a battery pack. Compared to the physics-based model, the computational time to solve the ROM is significantly less, and the two models show excellent agreement.
Soil Carbon Sequestration by Switchgrass and No-Till Maize Grown for Bioenergy

Net benefits of bioenergy crops, including maize and perennial grasses such as switchgrass, are a function of several factors including the soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestered by these crops. Life cycle assessments (LCA) for bioenergy crops have been conducted using models in which SOC information is usually from the top 30 to 40 cm. Information on the effects of crop management practices on SOC has been limited so LCA models have largely not included any management practice effects. In the first 9 years of a long-term C sequestration study in eastern Nebraska, USA, switchgrass and maize with best management practi- ces had average annual increases in SOC per hectare that exceed 2 Mg Cyear �1 (7.3 Mg CO2year �1 ) for the 0 to 150 soil depth. For both switchgrass and maize, over 50 % of the increase in SOC was below the 30 cm depth. SOC seques- tration by switchgrass was twofold to fourfold greater than that used in models to date which also assumed no SOC sequestration by maize. The results indicate that N fertilizer rates and harvest management regimes can affect the mag- nitude of SOC sequestration. The use of uniform soil C effects for bioenergy crops from sampling depths of 30 to 40 cm across agro-ecoregions for large scale LCA is questionable.
Race and Insurance Differences in the Receipt of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Among Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer

Purpose Although the incidence and mortality of colon cancer in the United States has declined over the past two decades, blacks have worse outcomes than whites. Variations in treatment may contribute to mortality differentials. Methods Patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer were randomly sampled from the SEER program from the years 1990, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010. Patients were categorized as non-Hispanic white (n = 835) or black (n = 384). Treatment data were obtained from a review of the medical records, and these data were verified through contact with the original treating physicians. Log-binomial regression models were used to estimate the association between race and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. Effect modification by insurance was assessed with use of single referent models. Results Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy among both white and black patients increased from the period encompassing the years 1990 and 1991 (white, 58%; black, 45%) to the year 2005 (white, 72%; black, 71%)...
Genetic Evaluation of Captive Populations of Endangered Species and Merging of Populations: Gila Topminnows as an Example

To avoid extinction, captive populations of a number of endangered species have been established. While in captivity, these populations have been managed to retain genetic variation although direct evaluation of this strategy using molecular markers is not common. In addition, when the number of founders for a captive population is small, other founders or populations may be added to increase genetic variation. Here we examined refugial populations of the endangered Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis) from 4 locations in the southwestern United States. We found that over 5 years (about 10 generations), genetic variation as measured by 5 microsatellite loci was not lost, presumably because the adult census population size was 500 or greater. In addition, some variation not initially observed was observed later. Some of these variants may have been missed because of sampling but it appears that some may have been contributed by new mutations. In addition, 2 populations of successfully merged ancestry from the 4 source populations were examined. Based on population-specific markers and a quantitative evaluation of ancestry using a likelihood approach, it appears that ancestry from each of the source populations was retained in both populations.
NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS

Ubiquitous access to large quantities of information content is one of the main benefits anticipated from the emerging global interconnection of computer networks. One of several major factors in achieving this objective is the cost and performance of the distributed storage systems which will act as the repositories for the information. This article presents an overview of the architecture, major components and requirements for storage systems which can support distributed storage intensive applications.
Contact nucleation from aqueous potash alum solutions

Resultats experimentaux: les noyaux de contact d'alun de potasse croissent a une vitesse independante de leur dimension dans un systeme ou l'ecoulement ne provoque pas de collisions de cristaux; il est possible que la courbure des traces semi-logarithmiques de la densite de population en fonction de la dimension obtenus dans des etudes de cristallisation en continu, soit due a la dispersion de la vitesse de croissance et non pas a une croissance dependant de la dimension
Tailoring adverse drug event surveillance to the paediatric inpatient

Introduction Although paediatric patients have an increased risk for adverse drug events, few detection methodologies target this population. To utilise computerised adverse event surveillance, specialised trigger rules are required to accommodate the unique needs of children. The aim was to develop new, tailored rules sustainable for review and robust enough to support aggregate event rate monitoring. Methods The authors utilised a voluntary staff incident-reporting system, lab values and physician insight to design trigger rules. During Phase 1, problem areas were identified by reviewing 5 years of paediatric voluntary incident reports. Based on these findings, historical lab electrolyte values were analysed to devise critical value thresholds. This evidence informed Phase 2 rule development. For 3 months, surveillance alerts were evaluated for occurrence of adverse drug events. Results In Phase 1, replacement preparations and total parenteral nutrition comprised the majority (36.6%) of adverse drug events in 353 paediatric patients. During Phase 2, nine new trigger rules produced 225 alerts in 103 paediatric inpatients. Of these, 14 adverse drug events were found by the paediatric hypoglycaemia rule, but all other electrolyte trigger rules were ineffective. Compared with the adult-focused hypoglycaemia rule, the new, tailored version increased the paediatric event detection rate from 0.43 to 1.51 events per 1000 patient days. Conclusions Relying solely on absolute lab values to detect electrolyte-related adverse drug events did not meet our goals. Use of compound rule logic improved detection of hypoglycaemia. More success may be found in designing real-time rules that leverage lab trends and additional clinical information.
Performance simulation of baseband OOK modulation for wireless infrared LANs at 100 Mb/s

The authors present simulation results of a wireless indoor infrared communication link operating at 100 Mb/s using non-return-to-zero baseband on-off keying. They show that intersymbol interference induced by multipath dispersion significantly impairs detection efficiency. They demonstrate that a decision feedback equalizer adapted according to the least-mean square algorithm can recover most of this performance degradation. They evaluate the performance of a timing-recovery phase-locked loop operating independent of the adaptive equalizer, showing that it can accurately determine the sampling phase with negligible performance degradation. They also discuss strategies to counter low-frequency noise induced by fluorescent lighting. >
The effects of thermal softening and heat conduction on the dynamic growth of voids

Abstract This paper seeks to examine the dynamic growth of a single void in an elastic–plastic medium through analytical and numerical approaches. Particular attention is paid to the instability of void growth, and to the effects of inertia, thermal softening and heat conduction. A critical stress is known to exist for the unstable growth of voids. The dependence of this critical stress on material properties is examined, and this critical stress is demonstrated to correspond to the lower limit for the ductile spall strength in many materials. The effects of heat conduction on the dynamic growth of voids strongly depend on the time and length scales in the early stages of the dynamic void growth.
Induced loss of Syk in human basophils by non-IgE-dependent stimuli.

In the general population, Syk expression in human basophils is highly variable and correlates well with the IgE-mediated responsiveness of these cells. Previous studies established that IgE-mediated stimulation results in loss of Syk expression. The current studies investigated whether stimulation through other receptors results in loss of Syk. Two classes of stimulation were examined, those that operate through the kinase Syk and those that operate through a GTP-binding protein. These studies demonstrated that aggregation of leukocyte Ig-like receptor LILRA-2 resulted in phosphorylation of Syk and c-Cbl, was inhibited by a third generation Syk inhibitor with an expected IC 50 , and induced histamine release in strict proportion to release induced by anti-IgE Ab. Stimulation of LILRA-2 for 18 h resulted in modest loss of Syk that correlated with the more profound loss of Syk induced by anti-IgE Ab. Human recombinant histamine-releasing factor has also recently been shown to induce Syk phosphorylation and in the current studies has also been shown to induce loss of Syk in 18-h cultures. fMLP stimulation for 18 h was also found to induce modest loss of Syk. fMLP induced phosphorylation of c-Cbl that was sustained for at least 45 min. Phosphorylation of c-Cbl was inhibited by a Syk kinase inhibitor but with an IC 50 that was not consistent with Syk activity, suggesting another kinase was responsible for Cbl phosphorylation following fMLP. These studies demonstrate that it is possible to induce the loss of Syk expression in human basophils by a non-IgE-dependent mechanism and even by a mechanism that does directly involve Syk in the reaction complex.
A notch in time: midventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Imaging of a 62-year-old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy revealed mid-septal hypertrophy (22 mm), an apical aneurysm ( Panel A ), and midventricular obstruction (MVO) with an unusual continuous-wave Doppler (CWD) profile ( Panel B ). Initially, CWD showed an increase in midventricular systolic velocities to 2.7 m/s ( Panels B 1 and C 1). In midsystole, MVO became sufficiently severe to cause …
Progress in Neutrino Physics a Survey of Experiments and Theory

Recently a host of new experiments involving low energy neutrino reactions in nuclei are in progress or being planned. These are being undertaken at LAMPF and by the KARMEN collaboration at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory. Part of this resurgence of interest lies in the fact LAMPF faces a possible shutdown so that it may not be possible to undertake many of these experiments in for the foreseeable future if they are not done now. However the greatest impetus to these experiments stems from a desire to clear up the discrepancies which exist in both theory and experiment in this area. In particular, without a full understanding of these processes it is not possible to obtain and interpret solar neutrino data with any degree of reliability.
Screening for Metabolic Bone Disease in Preterm Infants

Objective. To determine which method(s) of metabolic bone disease (MBD) screening and treatment seem(s) to be most common in current neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the country. Methods. Used an anonymous survey to determine current practices of NICUs across the country regarding MBD screening and treatment methods. Results. Ninety-four percent of participants worked in NICUs where infants are checked for MBD. One hundred percent of participants used alkaline phosphatase to check for MBD in their NICUs, while other biochemical laboratory values were used less frequently. Conclusion. It is clear that further research is needed to identify biochemical laboratory values and/or radiological techniques that can be used as reliable MBD screening tools.
Surgical skill in bariatric surgery: Does skill in one procedure predict outcomes for another?

Background Recent data establish a strong link between peer video ratings of surgical skill and clinical outcomes with laparoscopic gastric bypass. Whether skill for one bariatric procedure can predict outcomes for another related procedure is unknown. Methods Twenty surgeons voluntarily submitted videos of a standard laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure, which was blindly rated by 10 or more peers using a modified version of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills. Surgeons were divided into quartiles for skill in performing gastric bypass, and within 30 days of sleeve gastrectomy, their outcomes were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to adjust for patient risk factors. Results Surgeons with skill ratings in the top ( n = 5), middle ( n = 10, middle 2 combined), and bottom ( n = 5) quartiles for laparoscopic gastric bypass saw similar rates of surgical and medical complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (top 5.7%, middle 6.4%, bottom 5.5%, P = .13). Furthermore, surgeons' skill ratings did not correlate with rates of reoperation, readmission, and emergency department visits. Top-rated surgeons had significantly faster operating room times for sleeve gastrectomy (top 76 minutes, middle 90 minutes, bottom 88 minutes; P P = .001). Conclusion Video ratings of surgical skill with laparoscopic gastric bypass do not predict outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Evaluation of surgical skill with one procedure may not apply to other related procedures and may require independent assessment of surgical technical proficiency.
Rat Neutrophils Express α4 and β1 Integrins and Bind to Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1)

The α4 integrins, which are constitutively expressed on all human leukocyte subtypes except neutrophils, interact with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM-1) on endothelium to mediate selective recruitment of leukocyte subpopulations, other than neutrophils, to sites of inflammation. However, here we report that a different paradigm of leukocyte recruitment may exist in the rat. Flow cytometric analysis of rat neutrophils using a panel of monoclonal antibodies which recognize rat α4 and β1 integrins showed consistent, low levels of expression. Although α4 was expressed at lower levels on neutrophils than all other rat leukocytes, this level of expression was sufficient to mediate significant levels of α4- and β1-dependent neutrophil adhesion to rat and human VCAM-1, and α4-dependent, but β1-independent, adhesion to human MAdCAM-1. These data suggest that rat neutrophils, unlike other species, may use α4 integrins to traffic to sites of inflammation in vivo.
Physicochemical parameters influencing the formation of biofilms compared in mutant and wild-type cells of Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6

Bacteria colonize surfaces as heterogeneous structures called biofilms. Intercellular communication using acyl homoserine lactones has been implicated in biofilm formation in some systems. Here, we investigate cell structure in biofilms and associated physiochemical properties of wild type and quorum sensing mutants of Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 ( Pc O6), a root-colonizing bacterium. The wild type strain generates multilayered biofilms under conditions where the quorum sensing mutant, deficient in the GacS sensor kinase, does not mature beyond a monolayer structure. However, this gacS mutant rapidly evolves to form a small colony variant ( gacS -SCV) that again produces a multilayered biofilm structure although AHSL production is not restored to wild type level. Biofilms formed by the gac S-SCV (114±12°) mutant were the most hydrophobic displaying a higher average ethylene glycol contact angle than those formed by the wild type (28±7°) and gac S (18±6°). Tapping mode atomic force microscopy revealed elongated cell structure in both of the mutant biofilm cells. Digital pulsed force mode adhesion mapping showed that the average adhesion followed the order gacS > gacS -SCV, wild-type. Certain of these gacS mutant cells displayed strong interactions of the AFM tip with cell boundaries, the role of which in biofilm formation is currently under investigation.
The Similarity and Appropriate Usage of Three Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Datasets for Longitudinal Studies

Honey bee (Apis mellifera L., Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies have experienced profound fluctuations, especially declines, in the past few decades. Long-term datasets on honey bees are needed to identify the most important environmental and cultural factors associated with these changes. While a few such datasets exist, scientists have been hesitant to use some of these due to perceived shortcomings in the data. We compared data and trends for three datasets. Two come from the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board: one is the annual survey of honey-producing colonies from the Annual Bee and Honey program (ABH), and the other is colony counts from the Census of Agriculture conducted every five years. The third dataset we developed from the number of colonies registered annually by some states. We compared the long-term patterns of change in colony numbers among the datasets on a state-by-state basis. The three datasets often showed similar hive numbers and trends varied by state, with differences between datasets being greatest for those states receiving a large number of migratory colonies. Dataset comparisons provide a method to estimate the number of colonies in a state used for pollination versus honey production. Some states also had separate data for local and migratory colonies, allowing one to determine whether the migratory colonies were typically used for pollination or honey production. The Census of Agriculture should provide the most accurate long-term data on colony numbers, but only every five years.
Cognitive Dissonance and the Classification of Consumer Goods

The theory of cognitive dissonance is one of the recently developed tools that marketing has borrowed from the behavioral sciences to investigate consumer behavior. The classification of goods into...
Splenic injury: trends in evaluation and management.

Background: Changing methods of evaluating blunt abdominal trauma and expanding selection criteria for nonoperative management (NOM) of splenic injury can increase the number of patients managed nonoperatively without affecting success rates. Methods: The charts of 164 patients with blunt splenic injuries from July 1, 1991, to June 30, 1996, were reviewed. Thirty-eight patients were excluded because of immediate laparotomy without adjunctive tests or expiration in the resuscitative period. Injuries were graded according to the Organ Injury Scale. Results: Overall, successful NOM occurred in 84% of patients (73 of 87). NOM was successful in 5 of 7 patients >55 years old and in 14 of 15 patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores 55 years or abnormal neurologic status should not preclude NOM, because success was related only to injury grade.
Relationship-Specific Hope and Constructive Conflict Management in Adult Romantic Relationships: Testing an Accommodation Framework

Using sequenced conflict interaction scenarios, this study tested Rusbult and colleagues’ partner accommodation framework. In addition, we examined the unique effects of relationship-specific hope, a variable we argue contributes to constructive conflict communication in adult romantic relationships. Results generally, but not completely, supported the predictive power of the partner accommodation model. Consistent with predictions, relationship-specific hope positively predicted partner accommodation in multiple scenarios. Moreover, relationship-specific hope positively predicted postconflict relational evaluations through its effects on partner accommodation. Supporting the tenets of hope theory, relationship-specific hope was found to be a more robust predictor of accommodation in multiple scenarios when partner responses were nonconciliatory (compared with conciliatory). This suggests that hope is most consequential to relational communication in especially trying relational circumstances. We interpre...
Energetics of base flipping at a DNA mismatch site confined at the latch constriction of α-hemolysin

Unique, two-state modulating current signatures are observed when a cytosine–cytosine mismatch pair is confined at the 2.4 nm latch constriction of the α-hemolysin (αHL) nanopore. We have previously speculated that the modulation is due to base flipping at the mismatch site. Base flipping is a biologically significant mechanism in which a single base is rotated out of the DNA helical stack by 180°. It is the mechanism by which enzymes are able to access bases for repair operations without disturbing the global structure of the helix. Here, temperature dependent ion channel recordings of individual double-stranded DNA duplexes inside αHL are used to derive thermodynamic (ΔH, ΔS) and kinetic (EA) parameters for base flipping of a cytosine at an unstable cytosine–cytosine mismatch site. The measured activation energy for flipping a cytosine located at the latch of αHL out of the helix (18 ± 1 kcal mol−1) is comparable to that previously reported for base flipping at mismatch sites from NMR measurements and potential mean force calculations. We propose that the αHL nanopore is a useful tool for measuring conformational changes in dsDNA at the single molecule level.
Reference Chat: Filling a Space in a Beautiful Way

ABSTRACTThis column is a collection of reference interview stories within a number of diverse mediums (chat, phone, face-to-face, immersive environments) sharing one librarian’s dialogues with a host of patrons. Some names, places, times, and events have been changed to preserve anonymity.In this reference chat transaction, you will:Consider the reference interview as artKnow what every patron deservesUnderstand two goals of chat referenceBe aware of the average time for picking up patronsPractice statistically significant time between librarian’s posts
China’s New Left

Emerging at first as a narrow intellectual critique in the mid-1990s, the New Left soon grew wings as it merged with supporters of populism, statism, and nationalism. The “Chinese New Left” is a term used to distinguish it from the Old Left, or conservatives, who are die-hard Maoists. Wang Hui, a professor at Tsinghua University whom many see as the academic leader of China’s “New Left,” suspected the term “New Left” was just being used as a cudgel to belabor liberals.1 The New Left developed out of several major streams of radicalism such as neo-Marxism, postmodernism, dependency theory, world system theory, and postcolonialism. It has used these perspectives for its criticism of global capitalism and issues in China’s market reforms.
Transport: Shipping emissions in East Asia

Large growth in East Asia's sea-borne trade has increased premature deaths and atmospheric warming in the region. New legislation could reduce these impacts in areas around China, but joint efforts are needed for region-wide benefits.
The Professional Designer

Before proceeding with the chapters on teaching work itself, I would like to delve a bit deeper into my views about the working context of the professional building designer. My book is developed from this background, so it may be helpful for the user to know what peculiar attitudes have flavored the work.
Beyond Fever: Comparative Perspectives on Sickness Behavior

A wild animal, sick with a fever from an infectious disease, typically shows behavioral signs referred to as sickness behavior. The fever is advantageous because it inhibits the growth of pathogens and activates the immune system. But fever is very energy intensive. Sickness behavior induces the animal to conserve energy through anorexia, depression, sleepiness, and inactivity. The elements of sickness behavior are not a result of debilitation, but an organized and adaptive response to a febrile illness. Current research now reveals that the sickness–behavior syndrome may be altered according to fitness payoffs such as the need to avoid predators and to care for dependent young.
Critiques [of “Black” or “African American”; What’s In a Name? by Johnny Washington]

Aside from examining the ways people ascribe meaning to the terms “Black” and “African-American” and possible “underlying social dynamics” impeding or precipitating ethnic label changes, Washington concludes that these above mentioned “sign-posts” may be justifiable periodic changes which an ethnic group should constantly re-interpret on its ever evolving “cosmic” journey. Washington presents an interesting case from a philosophical/metaphysical standpoint. From a social scientific perspective, however, there is much to be determined.