cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconsolidation: the samsara of memory consolidation

Memory formation is a complex and very dynamic process. After a learning event, the acquired information undergoes a number of changes that eventually result in memory storage. Stored memories are very malleable. Recent rediscoveries show that after reactivation, for example by retrieval, an established memory can become transiently sensitive to disruption and needs to undergo a process of restabilization, known as reconsolidation, to be maintained. The findings that stabilized memories can become labile have challenged the classical view of how memories are consolidated over time and stored. On the other hand, the reconsolidation process is not fully understood, and theories about the nature and function of memory reconsolidation remain controversial. In this paper, I will present my view on some of the controversial issues of memory reconsolidation and propose a hypothetical model for how this process contributes to memory stabilization. The debated issues that will be discussed are: (1) The term reconsolidation; (2) Temporal constraints of memory reconsolidation; (3) Classical theory of memory consolidation versus theory of memory reconsolidation; (4) Procedural constraints: what is it that needs to be reactivated to produce memory fragility? (5) Functions of memory reconsolidation; (6) Disrupting reconsolidation: an impairment of memory stabilization or retrieval?
The Influence of Temperature On the Survival of Some Species of the Genus Meloidogyne, in the Absence of a Host 1)

Der Einfluss von Temperaturen (32 bis 100° F.) auf das Uberleben der Eier und Larven von Meloidogyne incognita acrita wurde bestimmt. Von den gepruften Temperaturen lag 50° F. dem Optimum fur das Uberleben von Eiern und Larven am nachsten. Bei dieser Temperatur uberlebten beide Stadien langer als I Jahr. Das Uberleben der Larven bei Temperaturen von 32, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 und 100° F. betrug 8,7-14, > 365, 120-150, 120-150, 90-120, 45-60 und 21 Tage. Das Uberleben der Eier bei denselben Temperaturen (ausgenommen 100° F.) lag bei 90, 90-180, > 365, 120-150, 120-150, 120-150 und 90 Tagen. M. hapla war im Eistadium resistenter gegenuber einer Temperatur von 32° F. und im Larvenstadium resistenter bei 40° F. als Eier und Larven von M. incognita acrita und M. javanica. Versuche, die Larven gegenuber letalen Temperaturen durch eine Reihe subletaler Temperaturen zu beeinflussen, waren erfolglos. Die Schlupfhohe der Eier von Wurzelgallenalchen erwies sich als abhangig von der Temperatur. Bei 40 und 50° F. war das Schlupfen gering und sank innerhalb einiger Tage schnell ab. Bei 60° F. setzte sich das Schlupfen in fast gleicher Hohe wenigstens 22 Tage fort. Sie erreichte ihren Hohepunkt zwischen dem vierten und dem siebenten Tag bei Temperaturen von 70, 80 und 90° F. und sank dann plotzlich ab. Es bestanden Anzeichen, dass bei 90° F. das Schlupfen zum Teil behindert wird, aber es setzte sich fort, wenn die Temperaturen erniedrigt wurden.
The absence of 3-methylhistidine in red, cardiac and fetal myosins.

Abstract Myosin prepared from a muscle containing 98% red fibers (cat soleus) does not contain 3-methylhistidine (3MH)1. Cardiac myosin, which is similar to red muscle myosin, is also devoid of 3MH. On re-examining the 3MH content of myosin from a mixed muscle (red and white fibers), there was significantly less than two residues of 3MH per molecule (1.3–1.7 residues per 500,000 grams). This fractional content of 3MH is explained by assuming that myosin from white fibers contains two residues of 3MH per molecule (one residue per heavy chain) whereas myosin from red fibers contains no 3MH. This is the first clear demonstration of a difference in chemical structure in the heavy chains of myosin.
The disparity between extreme rainfall events and rare floods - with emphasis on the semi-arid American West.

Research beginning 40 years ago suggested that semi-arid lands of the USA have higher unit discharges for a given recurrence interval than occur in other areas. Convincing documentation and arguments for this suspicion, however, were not presented. Thus, records of measured rainfall intensities for specified durations and recurrence intervals, and theoretical depths of probable maximum precipitation for specified recurrence intervals and areal scales are considered here for comparing extreme rainfalls of semi-arid areas with those of other climatic areas. Runoff from semi-arid lands, as peaks of rare floods, is compared with that of other areas using various published records. Relative to humid areas, semi-arid parts of the conterminous USA have lower 100-year, 6-h rainfall intensities and smaller depths of 100-year probable maximum precipitation for 26-km 2 areas. Nonetheless, maximum flood peaks, flash-flood potentials, and runoff potentials are generally larger in semi-arid areas than in more humid parts of the nation. Causes of this disparity between rainfall and runoff appear to be results of soil and vegetation that in humid areas absorb and intercept rainfall and attenuate runoff, but in semi-arid areas limit infiltration and enhance runoff from bare, crusted surfaces. These differences in soil and vegetation conditions are indicated by the relatively high curve numbers and drainage densities that are typical of semi-arid areas. Owing to soil and vegetation conditions, rare floods in semi-arid areas are more likely to cause landform change than are floods of similar magnitude elsewhere.
On Sociological Exploitation: Why the Guinea Pig Sometimes Bites

Resistance to community research is growing, in part, because applied sociologists have not delivered the answers sought by their clients. Current analyses of this phenomenon are too simple because they overlook the setting in which the client-practitioner transaction takes place. The situation is complicated by “role strains” felt on both sides. An overlooked component of this is the exploitation of subjects and applied research by the reformulation of projects in “scientific and respectable” terms. One possible structural change at least to lessen this pattern and hence bolster the contract between applied sociology and its clients is suggested.
Erratum to “Comparison of simulated gravity wave-driven mesospheric airglow fluctuations observed from the ground and space” JASTP 64 (2002) 397–403

J.J. Lekoa ; ∗, M.P. Hickeyb, P.G. Richardsc aAtmospheric Sciences Department and Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Technology Hall, Room S-118, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA bDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, 308 Kinard Laboratory, Clemson, SC 29634, USA cComputer Science Department and Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
Physical Symptoms and Self-Image in a Group of Normal Adolescents

The relationship of physical symptoms and self concept were evaluated in a group of 122 adolescents using a brief Adolescent Symptom Checklist and the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire. Adolescents with “normal” self concepts were notably free of complaints of physical symptoms. Adolescent girls with many physical complaints displayed specific disturbances in their psychologic functioning. Adolescent boys with many physical complaints displayed a global disturbance in all aspects of their self concept. The authors conclude that adolescents who have multiple physical complaints are at a high risk for having significant psychologic disturbance.
Comments on ''The Effects of Mesoscale Surface Heterogeneity on the Fair-Weather Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer''

Kang and Davis, in their paper ‘‘The Effects of Mesoscale Surface Heterogeneity on the Fair-Weather Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer,’’ (Kang and Davis 2008, hereafter KD08) use large-eddy simulation (LES) to investigate the response of the convective atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) to surface heat flux heterogeneity. The authors make a number of good points. They rightly question the performance, for certain regimes, of turbulence parameterizations typically used in mesoscale models, and their use of LES to explore mesoscale processes is appropriate and encouraging in this context. In addition, their approach of comparing, in detail, simulated ABL structures and processes with observations
The effects of a systematic training program on the attitudes and behaviors of white people

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a systematic step-by-step curricular-affective program of race relations training on the attitudes and behaviors of white people. Two attitude scales, the Attitude Exploration Survey and the Steckler Attitude Inventory, are used to assess changes in attitudes. A Behavioral Rating Scale is used by participants and their significant others to assess change in behavior in relations to their behavioral objective. The results indicate that both attitudes and behavior are changed as a result of the training program and that the change is retained eight weeks after completion of the program.
Possible role of CRF peptides in burn-induced hypermetabolism.

Hypermetabolism and anorexia are significant problems associated with major burn trauma. Recent studies have shown that hypothalamic corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) elevates metabolic rate, while neuropeptide Y (NPY) reduces it. CRF also elicits anorexia, while NPY stimulates feeding. We hypothesized that elevation of CRF and decrease of NPY may be mediators of these negative effects of burn trauma. Therefore, we assessed concentrations of CRF and NPY in hypothalamus of burned rats one, three, and twenty-one days after a 30% body surface area, full-thickness, open flame burn. In addition we determined whether a biochemical lesion of CRF receptors using 3rd ventricle injections of a saporin–CRF conjugated peptide would decrease resting energy expenditure (REE). We found a three-day period of anorexia, with REE significantly increasing three days after the burn trauma. Concentrations of NPY were increased in the PVN-containing dorsomedial region of the hypothalamus 1 and 3 days after burn trauma, but were increased further in the day 1 pair-fed rats suggesting this change was a consequence of the anorexia. Levels of CRF were decreased in the ventromedial region of the hypothalamus in day 1 and day 3 burned and PF rats. Treatment with the saporin–CRF conjugate normalized REE and reduced CRF receptor-2 density in the hypothalamus of burned rats, and blocked CRF-induced hypermetabolism in sham-burned rats. Although these results suggest a role of CRF receptors in mediating burn-induced hypermetabolism, CRF itself may not be the principle ligand, as suggested by the significant elevation of hypothalamic urocortin 15 days after burn injury.
Nanotribology studies of Cr, Cr2N and CrN thin films using constant and ramped load nanoscratch techniques

Abstract The nanotribological behavior of DC magnetron sputtered Cr, Cr 2 N and CrN thin films has been studied using nanoscratch techniques. Constant and ramped load (5 mN) scratches were made using a Nano Indenter II system on 500-nm-thick Cr, Cr 2 N and CrN thin films. Ramped-load scratch studies have been carried out on 10-nm-thick Cr, Cr 2 N and CrN. Wear tracks were imaged by atomic force microscopy. The dependence of the displacement, residual wear depth, percent elastic recovery, and friction coefficient on load is compared in constant load and ramped load tests. Under the same (maximum) load, constant load tests exhibit higher displacements, residual depths and friction coefficients, but lower percent elastic recoveries. The chromium nitride films (Cr 2 N and CrN) show less permanent damage, lower coefficients of friction and higher percent elastic recovery than pure chromium under the same (maximum) load. However, the adhesive strength of Cr 2 N needs to be improved.
Visualizing the future: technology competency development in clinical medicine, and implications for medical education.

In this article, the authors ask three questions. First, what will physicians need to know in order to be effective in the future? Second, what role will technology play in achieving that high level of effectiveness? Third, what specific skill sets will physicians need to master in order to become effective? Through three case vignettes describing past, present, and potential future medical practices, the authors identify trends in major medical technological and cultural shifts that will shape medical education and practice. From these cases, the authors generate a series of technology-related competencies and skill sets that physicians will need to remain leaders in the delivery of medical care. Physicians will choose how they will be end-users of technology, technology developers and/or the interface between users and developers. These choices will guide the types of skills each physician will need to acquire. Finally, the authors explore the implications of these trends for medical educators including the competencies that will be required of educators as they develop the medical curriculum. Examining historical and social trends, including how users adopt current and emerging technologies, allows us to anticipate changes in the practice of medicine. By considering market pressures, global trends and emerging technologies, medical educators and practicing physicians may prepare themselves for the changes likely to occur in the medical curriculum and in the marketplace.
MUDCOM: Cost Modeling Framework for Design of Telecommunications Software Systems

Virtual prototyping for large scalable systems such as networks and services are inherently expensive. On the other hand, extensive multi-domain simulation and virtual prototyping based design can be a beneficial from quality of design perspective. Thus detailed prototyping for a system under design is often a question of design economics. In this paper, we create a cost modeling framework (MUDCOM) which may help choose a prototyping based design approach based on the characteristics of the system. The proposed cost modeling framework is an estimator for cost of different life-stages of a product. Before embarking on a complex endeavor of multi-domain virtual prototype development, impact of such a model on the overall life-cycle cost can be evaluated using MUDCOM. MUDCOM integrates a series of existing cost modeling ideas and extends it for telecommunications network and services. The paper describes different component of the framework and uses a communications service design as a case study to demonstrate the framework.
Rewriting executable files to measure program behavior

Inserting instrumentation code in a program is an effective technique for detecting, recording, and measuring many aspects of a program's performance. Instrumentation code can be added at any stage of the compilation process by specially-modified system tools such as a compiler or linker or by new tools from a measurement system. For several reasons, adding instrumentation code after the compilation process - by rewriting the executable file - presents fewer complications and leads to more complete measurements.This paper describes the difficulties in adding code to executable files that arose in developing the profiling and tracing tools qp and qpt. The techniques used by these tools to instrument programs on MIPS and SPARC processors are applicable in other instrumentation systems running on many processors and operating systems. In addition, many difficulties could have been avoided with minor changes to compilers and executable file formats. These changes would simplify this approach to measuring program performance and make it more generally useful.
Acute Toxicity of Sodium Selenite to Juvenile Walleye

Selenium is a trace element normally found in surface waters at concentrations of approximately 0.1-0.3 μg/L (Lemly 1985). At slightly elevated concentrations (1-5 μg/L), it can bioaccumulate in the aquatic food chain, becoming highly toxic to fish and wildlife (Lemly and Smith 1987). Sandholm et al. (1973) found that fish accumulate selenium primarily through the food chain, although uptake across gills is very efficient at low waterborne concentrations (Hodson and Hilton 1983). Selenium can also be passed to offspring from maternal transfer to the eggs where it is possible to cause complete reproductive failure (Gillespie and Baumann 1986; Coyle et al. 1993; Lemly 1993).
Effects of platelet-activating factor on single potassium channel currents in guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated as one of the mediators of cardiac anaphylaxis. This phospholipid has been shown to have numerous effects on a variety of tissues, including the heart. Among these effects are alterations in the resting potential and generation of arrhythmias at very low concentrations. This suggests that PAF may modulate the activity of the background, inwardly-rectifying potassium current (IK1). Thus, the effects of PAF on IK1 were examined at the single channel level. Ventricular cells were isolated from adult guinea pig hearts and single channel currents recorded from cell-attached patches. PAF had substantial effects on the single channel currents at sub-nanomolar concentrations (10−11 to 10−10 M). PAF initially caused flickering of the channels, followed by a gradual prolonged depression of channel activity. Since these potassium channels play a major role in determining the resting potential and excitability of the cardiac cell, the effects of PAF on IK1 may play a major role in the deleterious electrophysiological actions of PAF on the heart.
The Chief Justiceship of Warren Burger, 1969-1986

A summary and analysis of the Supreme Court's impact on American law and government during the tenureship of Warren Burger. Earl M. Maltz contends that in many areas of constitutional law the Burger Court produced the most liberal jurisprudence in history.
Implementing calcium fortification: An industry case study

Abstract Food manufacturers bear the responsibility of providing accurate nutritional information for the products they produce. Consumers and health professionals increasingly request more detailed information beyond what is supplied on the “Nutrition Facts” panel. Providing this information is a complex process due to confidential new product development and reformulation. Product reformulation regularly occurs for several reasons, including product improvement and flavor enhancement. This case study illustrates a major U.S. food manufacturer's experience with calcium fortification of children's cereals. Focus groups, modeling studies, and bioavailability tests were conducted prior to the products' introduction. Early dietary intake research determined that children's average daily calcium intake was declining and that no gender or age group over age nine met the new recommended daily intake of 1300 mg. Cereal was found to be an appropriate vehicle to fortify with calcium, in the form of calcium carbonate. Bioavailability of calcium in cereal was found to be equivalent to the bioavailability of calcium in milk. From this case study, one can observe the difficulty of providing detailed nutritional information when a product is in the reformulation stage of its life cycle.
Energy analyzed secondary ion mass spectroscopy and simultaneous Auger and XPS measurements of ion bombarded surfaces

Abstract Secondary ion yields and the energy distribution of sputtered ions have been measured using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) with simultaneous Auger and in situ XPS measurements to characterize the chemical composition and state of oxidation of the surface being sputtered. The SIMS instrument consists of a quadrupole mass filter and a retarding-dispersive energy analyzer and is capable of high resolution energy analysis to several keV. Experimental results are reported for secondary ion yields and molecular/atomic ion ratios as a function of surface oxygen concentration. These results are compared with published values for Ti, Al and K. On clean and oxidized metal surfaces, the mean energy and shape of the energy distribution vary substantially as a function of primary ion energy and angle of emission. The observed behavior indicates an inability, in some cases substantial, of the random collision cascade model of sputtering to account for either the secondary ion yield or the details of the secondary ion energy distribution. This failure becomes most pronounced when there is structure in the high energy tail of the energy distribution, such as would be caused by channeling and surface recoils. Consequently, the kinetic energy limitations of the conventional energy filter-mass quadrupole SIMS arrangement results in a small, and in some instances, very unrepresentative sampling of the secondary ion yield. The extent of the resulting discrepancy will be investigated for various primary energies and angles of emission.
Effects of hPTH(1‐34) Infusion on Circulating Serum Phosphate, 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D, and FGF23 Levels in Healthy Men

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) promotes phosphaturia and suppresses 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] production. PTH also promotes phosphaturia, but, in contrast, stimulates 1,25(OH)2D production. The relationship between FGF23 and PTH is unclear, and the acute effect of pharmacologically dosed PTH on FGF23 secretion is unknown. Twenty healthy men were infused with human PTH(1-34) [hPTH(1-34)] at 44 ng/kg/h for 24 h. Compared with baseline, FGF23, 1,25(OH)2D, ionized calcium (iCa), and serum N-telopeptide (NTX) increased significantly over the 18-h hPTH(1-34) infusion (p < 0.0001), whereas serum phosphate (PO4) transiently increased and then returned to baseline. FGF23 increased from 35 ± 10 pg/ml at baseline to 53 ± 20 pg/ml at 18 h (p = 0.0002); 1,25(OH)2D increased from 36 ± 16 pg/ml at baseline to 80 ± 33 pg/ml at 18 h (p < 0.0001); iCa increased from 1.23 ± 0.03 mM at baseline to 1.46 ± 0.05 mM at hour 18 (p < 0.0001); and NTX increased from 17 ± 4 nM BCE at baseline to 28 ± 8 nM BCE at peak (p < 0.0001). PO4 was 3.3 ± 0.6 mg/dl at baseline, transiently rose to 3.7 ± 0.4 mg/dl at hour 6 (p = 0.016), and then returned to 3.4 ± 0.5 mg/dl at hour 12 (p = 0.651). hPTH(1-34) infusion increases endogenous 1,25(OH)2D and FGF23 within 18 h in healthy men. Whereas it is possible that the rise in PO4 contributed to the observed increase in FGF23, the increase in 1,25(OH)2D was more substantial and longer sustained than the change in serum phosphate. Given prior data that suggest that neither PTH nor calcium stimulate FGF23 secretion, these data support the assertion that 1,25(OH)2D is a potent physiologic stimulator of FGF23 secretion.
An Existence Theorem for Group Divisible Designs of Large Order

In this paper we establish an asymptotic existence result for group divisible 3-designs of large order. Let k and u be positive integers, 3==m"0 if and only if1.u-2=0(mod(k-2)), 2.(u-1)(u-2)=0(mod(k-1)(k-2)), 3.u(u-1)(u-2)=0(modk(k-1)(k-2)). An analogous theorem was proved by Mohacsy and Ray-Chaudhuri for group divisible 2-designs in a previously published paper in 2002. The u=k case of this theorem gives an asymptotic existence result for transversal 3-designs which was proved by Blanchard in his unpublished manuscript as well.
Management Without Borders? A Survey of Landowner Practices and Attitudes toward Cross-Boundary Cooperation

Ecosystem management requires cross-jurisdictional problem-solving and, when private lands are involved, cross-boundary cooperation from many individual landowners. Fragmented ownership patterns and variation in ownership values, as well as distrust and transaction costs, can limit cooperation. Results from a landowner survey in California were analyzed using an audience segmentation approach. Landowners were grouped into four clusters according to ownership motivations: rural lifestyle, working landscape, natural amenity, and financial investment. All clusters showed willingness to cooperate for all three topics addressed in the survey (pest and disease control, fire hazard reduction, and wildlife conservation), but their degree of willingness differed by cluster, who they were expected to cooperate with, and the natural resource problem addressed. All were more willing to cooperate with neighbors and local groups than with state and federal agencies. Landowners were most willing to cooperate to reduce f...
Erythromycin use during pregnancy in relation to pyloric stenosis.

Abstract Objective: Newborn infants treated with erythromycin may be at risk for developing pyloric stenosis. Because erythromycin is known to cross the placenta and is a recommended treatment for chlamydia and other infections in pregnancy, we explored whether erythromycin taken during pregnancy might similarly lead to an increase in risk of pyloric stenosis. Study Design: We used data collected between 1976 and 1998 as part of an ongoing case-control surveillance program. Cases were 1044 infants with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis. Two control groups were used: 1704 nonmalformed infants and 15,356 infants with a wide range of other malformations. Odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated by using data from each control group. Results: All odds ratio estimates are close to 1.0, all CIs include 1, and all upper 95% confidence bounds are less than 2.0. Conclusion: We found no evidence of an increased risk of pyloric stenosis among infants born to mothers exposed to erythromycin during pregnancy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:288-90.)
Tests for the mechanism of hadronic decays of heavy quarkonia.

We discuss tests of the sequential-pair-creation mechanism in the decays of heavy quarkonia into three light mesons.
Mixing enhancement via the release of strongly nonlinear longitudinal Görtler vortices and their secondary instabilities into the mixing region

Mixing enhancement in a mixing layer is considered in terms of a 'vortex generator' that uses fluid dynamically generated counter-rotating longitudinal vortices rather than explicit winglets or similar devices. This view is reached through considering the centrifugal instability of weak initial Gortler vortices on a slightly concave wall that are allowed to develop to their various nonlinear stages through selecting the cutoff lengths of the trailing edge prior to their release into the mixing region. These vortices are released from one side of the (say, upper) stream in the present work. The quantitative entrainment properties of the longitudinal vortices are studied to select an optimal trailing-edge cutoff for fixed upstream conditions. As the vortices develop along the wall, they are intensified because of the centrifugal instability mechanism and because of the work done by the Reynolds stress of the vortices against the local mean flow rate of strain; simultaneously, the region of strong streamwise vorticity moves away from the wall
EVOLUTION OF INCOMPATIBILITY-INDUCING MICROBES AND THEIR HOSTS.

In many insect species, males infected with microbes related to Wolbachia pipientis are "incompatible" with uninfected females. Crosses between infected males and uninfected females produce significantly fewer adult progeny than the other three possible crosses. The incompatibility-inducing microbes are usually maternally transmitted. Thus, incompatibility tends to confer a reproductive advantage on infected females in polymorphic populations, allowing these infections to spread. This paper analyzes selection on parasite and host genes that affect such incompatibility systems. Selection among parasite variants does not act directly on the level of incompatibility with uninfected females. In fact, selection favors rare parasite variants that increase the production of infected progeny by infected mothers, even if these variants reduce incompatibility with uninfected females. However, productivity-reducing parasites that cause partial incompatibility with hosts harboring alternative variants can be favored once they become sufficiently abundant locally. Thus, they may spread spatially by a process analogous to the spread of underdominant chromosome rearrangements. The dynamics of modifier alleles in the host are more difficult to predict, because such alleles will occur in both infected and uninfected individuals. Nevertheless, the relative fecundity of infected females compared to uninfected females, the efficiency of maternal transmission and the mutual compatibility of infected individuals all tend to increase under within-population selection on both host and parasite genes. In addition, selection on host genes favors increased compatibility between infected males and uninfected females. Although vertical transmission tends to harmonize host and parasite evolution, competition among parasite variants will tend to maintain incompatibility.
Clinical outcomes associated with high, intermediate, and low rates of failed extubation in an intensive care unit

Abstract Purpose Extubation failure is associated with adverse outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients, and it is believed that high rates of failed planned extubation (FPE) should be avoided. However, many believe that very low rates may also correlate with adverse outcomes if resulting from overly conservative weaning practices. We examined the relationship between the percentage of FPE (%FPE) and associated outcomes, with the aim of elucidating a favorable middle range. Methods A total of 1395 extubations were analyzed in mechanically ventilated subjects. Monthly %FPE values were separated into tertiles. Ventilator-free days (VFDs), intensive care unit–free days (IFDs), and mortality were compared among tertiles. Results Monthly %FPE tertiles were as follows: low, less than 7%; intermediate, 7% to 15%; and high, greater than 15%. There were significant differences in VFDs and IFDs by tertile from low to high (VFDs: low, 11.8; intermediate, 12.1; high, 9.9 [P = .003]; IFDs: low, 10.5; intermediate, 10.7; high, 9.0 [P = .033]). Post hoc comparisons demonstrated significant differences between the middle and high tertiles for both VFDs and IFDs. Conclusions Although exact rates may vary depending on setting, this suggests that a high %FPE (> 15) should be avoided in the intensive care unit and that there may be an intermediate range where ventilator outcomes are optimized.
Ecological Indicators of Global Climate Change: A Research Framework

Large-scale environmental research efforts are conducted under frameworks that provide a common basis for evaluating research in many diverse fields. Such frameworks should be subjected to critical review to determine if they meet crucial expectations. In the case of the US Global Change Research Program, we perceive that most research follows a framework that we define as the predictive model framework. We believe this framework is insufficient for resolving the unprecedented predicaments posed by global change. We recommend a complementary framework, the system response framework, which directs research toward useful indicators of change rather than precise predictions. We further argue that, even if research is complementary and effective under the two frameworks, conclusive results prior to decisions should not be expected. The burden of proof must itself be a continuing topic of open discourse and inquiry.
Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in canine intervertebral disc cells in situ and in collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrices in vitro

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of a contractile actin isoform, alpha-smooth muscle actin, in annulus fibrosus cells in situ and in two and three-dimensional cultures. Annulus fibrosus cells were isolated from healthy adult dogs, serial passaged, and then injected into porous collagen-glycosaminoglycan copolymers consisting of either type-I or type-II collagen. Alpha-smooth muscle actin was detected in the cells in tissue samples and in culture by immunohistochemistry. The number of cells and glycosaminoglycan content of the matrices were determined after 1, 7, and 14 days, and the diameters of the specimens were measured every 2 days. Although few annulus fibrosus cells in vivo displayed the presence of the alpha-smooth muscle actin isoform, most cells in two-dimensional culture demonstrated this phenotype. The contractile behavior of these cells was shown by the cell-mediated contraction of type-I collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds after 8 days in culture. Glycosaminoglycan production was not significantly different in the seeded type-I matrices than in the unseeded matrices, whereas the seeded type-II matrices had a significant increase in glycosaminoglycan production between days 1 and 14 compared with the unseeded controls. This is the first report of both the expression of the contractile alpha-smooth muscle actin isoform in intervertebral disc cells and the ability of the cells to contract a collagen matrix. This finding could aid in better understanding the nature of cells in the annulus.
“What Is a Good Musician?” An Analysis of Student Beliefs

The purpose of this study was to discover relationships in student perceptions of what it means to be a “good musician” across grade level, with regard to gender, and according to different school music affiliations among an intact school culture. The specific problems were to determine (1) what percentage of students choose to participate in school music, (2) if there is a trend in self-reported good musicianship across grade levels, (3) if there is a relationship between gender and music self-efficacy, and (4) which factors defining “good musician” are indicated most frequently across different grade levels. Subjects (N = 1,219) were students grades 4 through 12 at a moderate-size, suburban school district in the midwestern United States. Subjects were administered an online researcher-devised survey protocol inquiring about areas of musicianship. Results indicate that a majority (56%) of students chose not to participate in school music, that student self-perceptions of being a good musician decreased ...
A Newly Identified Fragment in the Handwriting of William Tyndale

During an otherwise fruitless search of the British Library's Foxe papers, a document surfaced that has proved to be in the handwriting of William Tyndale. The document is today but a fragment and is a reworking of an old Lollard tract on why the Bible should be translated into English. Tyndale's activities in modernizing old Lollard tracts for his Tudor readers have always been recognized, yet this tract has never been counted amongst his works. The full and improved text of the tract was printed in 1530 by 'Hans Luft' along with other works by Tyndale (including his Pentateuch). Apart from the Yilvorde letter Tyndale wrote from his cell before he was burned, this is the only other known paper written in his hand. The full text of the fragment and its printed version are reproduced in this article as appendices.
A computational exploration of some transnitrosation and thiolation reactions involving CH3SNO, CH3ONO and CH3NHNO.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a biologically active species and its carrier molecules RXNO (X = S, O, NH) have drawn significant attention recently. In the present work, the CBS-QB3 level of theory was used to study the transnitrosation and thiolation reaction between MeXNO (X = S, O, and NH) molecules and three reactive forms of the methanethiol: the neutral molecule, MeSH, the anion, MeS−, and the radical, MeS˙. The transnitrosation and thiolation reactions between MeXNO and MeSH have the highest barriers, both with and without a molecule of water assisting. Reactions with MeS− proceed with much lower barriers, while reactions with radical MeS˙ have the lowest barriers. Comparing the reactions of MeXNO (X = S, O, NH), both transnitrosation and thiolation are more favorable for X = S than X = O or NH.
Sonography-Guided Pyelocentesis and Pyelography in Cats: The Sonographer's Role

Cats are commonly afflicted with chronic renal dysfunction and ureteral obstruction. Concurrent disease can be catastrophic. Sonography-guided pyelocentesis and pyelography provide a method of evaluating potential ureteral obstruction without relying on renal excretory function but are technically demanding. The methodology for these procedures is described in detail to aid the sonographer faced with assisting in this challenge.
Stimulation of lateral hypothalamic glutamate and acetylcholine efflux by nicotine: implications for mechanisms of nicotine‐induced activation of orexin neurons

The hypothalamus is a prominent target of nicotine action. We have previously shown that acute systemic nicotine treatment induces Fos expression in the lateral hypothalamus and perifornical area (LH/PFA), with orexin/hypocretin neurons being particularly responsive. However, the neurochemical correlates of acute nicotine treatment in the LH/PFA have not been described. Anatomical studies have revealed that this area receives afferents from cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic telencephalic brain regions, suggesting a potential role for these neurotransmitters in mediating the hypothalamic component of nicotine effects on homeostatic phenomena, such as arousal and appetite. Here, we used in vivo microdialysis to determine the effect of acute systemic or local nicotine on glutamate, acetylcholine, and GABA efflux in the LH/PFA of rats. Local administration of nicotine significantly increased acetylcholine and glutamate, but not GABA, in the LH/PFA. Thus, we further tested the role of afferent sources of glutamate and acetylcholine in mediating acute nicotine-induced activation of orexin neurons by unilaterally lesioning the prefrontal cortex or basal forebrain cholinergic regions. Lesioned animals showed reduced Fos-positive orexin neurons following nicotine treatment. These data suggest that both acetylcholine and glutamate may mediate the effects of acute nicotine on the activity of hypothalamic neurons, including orexin/hypocretin cells. Changes in cholinergic or glutamatergic transmission in this region with chronic nicotine may contribute to long-term alterations in functions mediated by LH/PFA neurons, including feeding and arousal.
Real-time monitoring of actinides in chemical nuclear fuel reprocessing plants

Abstract Spent nuclear fuel chemical reprocessing plants process several 103 kg of spent nuclear fuel, especially Pu isotopes, which present significant potential for terrorism (Note: ∼8 kg Pu constitutes a threat level quantity). This requires detecting actinides in transit, but also, to ensure they are not diverted. Present-day sensors disallow real-time monitoring leading to significantly non-optimal operations. The tensioned metastable fluid detector (TMFD) sensor technology has been developed by researchers at Purdue University in partnership with Texas A&M University, and various national laboratories (sponsored in part by several United States federal agencies and private enterprise). It is based on nano-to-macro scale interactions of radiation with molecules of fluids that are in a state of tensioned metastability. Developed are lab-scale prototypes for adapting to chemical reprocessing plants providing real-time directionality to within ∼10°–20°, with ∼90% efficiency to detect neutrons (from eV to MeV) and alpha emitting nuclides energies to within 1–5 keV recoil resolution, and sensitivities to ultra-trace levels (e.g., to 10−15 g/cc Pu). TMFD systems are robust, portable and offer 100× lower cost potential compared with present-day systems (e.g., NE-213 based neutron–gamma liquid scintillator based systems). A multi-physics design framework has been developed, and validated. This paper highlights state-of-art developments and adaptations of TMFDs for in situ, real-time monitoring of U, Pu, Am and Cm actinides from the sensitive (in the past virtually impossible to monitor) front-end wherein radioactively hot spent nuclear fuel is chopped and dissolved, to throughout the subsequent stages in a chemical nuclear fuel chemical process.
Insight for Writing a Qualitative Research Paper

The purpose of this essay is to describe how to prepare a qualitative research paper. The essay discusses the crucial components for preparing a qualitative paper. The topics that are addressed are: sample size, sampling procedure, data collection procedure, reliability and trustworthiness, data quality, and integrity of qualitative findings.
Composite sorbents by chemical vapor deposition on activated carbon

Abstract Composite sorbents were prepared by depositing approximately monolayers of Br2 or IC1 on activated carbon. Methane adsorption remained equal on these sorbents whereas the adsorption of N2 was reduced. The selectivity ratio of CH 4 N 2 was increased to approximately 4 on the composite sorbents, making them promising candidates for CH 4 N 2 separation. The reduction of adsorption seems to be caused by the occupation of the sites by the quadrupolar Br2 or IC1 molecules; these sites would otherwise adsorb N2, which is also quadrupolar.
Conceptual and legal issues in the designation and management of conservation areas in Nepal

The modern era of wildlife and protected area conservation in Nepal began in 1973 with the passage of comprehensive legislation, and has evolved very quickly as new priorities and problems have emerged. Here we explore the legal and managerial development of conservation areas, a recently-defined category of protected area designed to promote conservation through local-level participation and development. A review of the Conservation Area Management Regulations of 1996 shows that there are several potential problems inherent in this designation. As written, the regulations move power from the government to organizations under governmental contract. Thus, management authority largely remains top-down from the standpoint of local users. We also question how well the designation will protect some sensitive wildlife species, since organizations do not have law enforcement authority under Nepalese legislation.Despite these concerns, there have been several successful conservation area programmes in existence in Nepal since the 1980s and most of the issues addressed are surmountable with the current regulations, providing that several criteria are met. We propose that His Majesty's Government and organizations under contract develop more definitive methods of disbursing funds for local-level projects, and institute social impact assessments. In addition, more attention must be paid to wildlife law enforcement; independent assessments of important wild populations and unique habitats are needed. Finally, we discuss some broader issues that should be better addressed in Nepal and elsewhere, including cross-sectoral coordination within the government.
The marginal welfare cost of capital taxation: Discounting matters

We interpret the marginal welfare cost of capital income taxes as the present discounted value of consumption distortions. Such an asset market interpretation emphasizes the importance of the interest rate used to value future distortions, especially in the presence of uncertainty. We find that the interest rate decreases as the tax rate increases, thus increasing the welfare cost. The variations in the interest rate are caused by amplified responses of consumption to exogenous shocks as a result of capital taxation. The welfare cost may be underestimated if variations in interest rates are ignored, especially when tax rates are high.
Estimating the Severity of Sub-Synchronous Shaft Vibrations Within Fluid Film Journal Bearings

On developpe une methode rationnelle pour estimer la charge dynamique imposee a un palier lisse par des combinaisons de vibrations a la frequence synchrone de la rotation et a des frequences plus basses. On donne des courbes qui correspondent a plusieurs formes de paliers et qui permettent d'estimer la charge dynamique maximale et aussi la combinaison permise de vibrations correspondant a une charge limite imposee
An HIV reverse transcriptase-selective nucleoside chain terminator.

The synthesis of a 2‘,3‘-dideoxynucleoside cytidine analogue, but one that lacks the O2-carbonyl, is described from 2-aminopyridine in an overall yield of 60%. The synthesis of the 2-pyridone C-nucleoside relies upon the use of a Heck-type coupling between an appropriately protected sugar glycal and the 5-iodo derivative of 2-aminopyridone. Upon conversion of the dideoxynucleoside to the corresponding 5‘-triphosphate, the analogue ddNTP is observed to be a reasonable substrate with HIV reverse transcriptase (for a template dG residue), but is not a substrate for calf thymus DNA polymerase α or for human DNA polymerase β. With the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase the analogue functions as a poor substrate. The observed polymerase selectivities appear to arise from the absence of the O2-carbonyl, which either results in a destabilized Watson−Crick base pair or represents a critical contact for some polymerases.
Uptake of selenotrisulfides of gluthathione and cysteine by brush border membranes from rat intestines

The uptake of selenodiglutathione and selenodicysteine was compared to that of selenite by brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from rat intestinal tracts. It was found that it is critical to maintain a pH of 6.0 or below to prevent the spontaneous breakdown of these compounds. When conducted at pH 6.0, the uptake of selenodiglutathione and selenodicysteine was more than ten times faster than for selenite selenium. Ligated intestinal loop studies were conducted to determine if similar results would be obtained in vivo. In comparison to selenite, selenium absorption was enhanced 68% and the transfer to the body increased 2.4-fold when selenium as selenodiglutathione was placed in the ileum. The absorption of selenium as selenodicysteine was increased by 57% and the transfer doubled in comparison to selenite when placed in the ileum. Thus, the stimulated absorption of selenite by glutathione or cysteine appears to be through the formation of complexes with these compounds.
New Developments in Profiling and Imaging of Proteins from Tissue Sections by MALDI Mass Spectrometry

Molecular imaging of tissue by MALDI mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for visualizing the spatial distribution of constituent analytes with high molecular specificity. Although the technique is relatively young, it has already contributed to the understanding of many diverse areas of human health. In recent years, a great many advances in the practice of imaging mass spectrometry have taken place, making the technique more sensitive, robust, and ultimately useful. The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the more recent technological advances that have improved the efficiency of imaging mass spectrometry for clinical applications. Advances in the way MALDI mass spectrometry is integrated with histology, improved methods for automation, and better tools for data analysis are outlined in this review. Refined top-down strategies for the identification and validation of candidate biomarkers found in tissue sections are discussed. A clinical example highlighting the application of these methods t...
Ferrocenylundecanethiol Self-Assembled Monolayer Charging Correlates with Negative Differential Resistance Measured by Conducting Probe Atomic Force Microscopy

Electrical and mechanical properties of metal−molecule−metal junctions formed between Au-supported self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of electroactive 11-ferrocenylundecanethiol (FcC11SH) and a Pt-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tip have been measured using a conducting probe (CP) AFM in insulating alkane solution. Simultaneous and independent measurements of currents and bias-dependent adhesion forces under different applied tip biases between the conductive AFM probe and the FcC11SH SAMs revealed reversible peak-shaped current−voltage (I−V) characteristics and correlated maxima in the potential-dependent adhesion force. Trapped positive charges in the molecular junction correlate with high conduction in a feature showing negative differential resistance. Similar measurements on an electropassive 1-octanethiol SAM did not show any peaks in either adhesion force or I−V curves. A mechanism involving two-step resonant hole transfer through the occupied molecular orbitals (MOs) of ferrocene end groups via...