cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevated Plasma Carnitine in Hepatic Cirrhosis

Carnitine is essential for the oxidation of fatty acids. The liver is a major site of fatty oxidation. To determine if there are alterations in plasma carnitine in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, we measured plasma carnitine and its metabolites by a specific radioenzymatic method in 20 men with hepatic cirrhosis and 30 healthy volunteers. We found total carnitine, free carnitine, short-chain acylcarnitines, and long-chain acylcarnitines to be significantly elevated in the cirrhotic subjects. The mean values for total carnitine, free carnitine, short-chain acycarnitines, and long-chain acylcarnitines for the cirrhotic patients and the control subjects were 73.1 vs. 46.1, 47.0 vs. 36.7, 17.9 vs. 5.7 and 8.2 vs. 3.7 microM, respectively. The greatest increases were noted in the acylcarnitines; 3-fold for short-chain acylcarnitines and over 2-fold for long-chain acylcarnitines. We conclude that alcoholic cirrhosis is a hypercarnitinemic condition.
Figure copying in Williams syndrome and normal subjects

We evaluated the copying abilities of ten subjects with Williams syndrome (WS; age 6–14 years) and ten normally developing children (age 3–6 years) matched for mental age using the matrices component of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (mKBIT). Each subject copied six figures, including line drawings of closed and open geometrical shapes (alone and in combination), crossed lines, and geometrical shapes made of distinct small, filled circles. Qualitatively, subjects of both groups made comparable copies, although several subjects with WS drew a continuous line when copying figures composed of distinct circles. Quantitatively, the goodness of the copies was assessed by three human observers who rated on an analog scale the similarity of each copy to its visual template. Ratings were converted to a scale from zero (completely different) to 100 (the same) for statistical analyses. We found the following. First, the overall goodness of copies of the templates was very similar between the WS and control groups (WS: mean=46.7, range=0.89–95.4; control: mean=54.5, range=0.89–98.2). Second, there were systematic differences in the goodness of copies between the two groups, depending on the features of the figures. Specifically, the goodness of copies of control subjects was almost the same as that of WS subjects for simple line figures, but was consistently better for composite line figures, and even better for figures in which the shape was made of small, filled circles. Third, there was a significant relation between the goodness of copies (dependent variable) and mental age (mKBIT, independent variable) in both groups, although it was stronger and more highly statistically significant in the control than the WS group. These findings indicate that the principles guiding copying are similar in the two groups and suggest that WS is a case of developmental rather than deviance disorder.
What's It Like to Be Queer Here?.

This chapter looks at what it is like to be queer in organizations, with an emphasis on adult and continuing education providers.
When plans distinguish Bayes nets

We consider the complexity of determining whether differing probability distributions for the same Bayes net result in different policies, significantly different policy outcomes or optimal value functions.
Paleomagnetic and structural constraints on rotations in the North Chilean coast ranges

Abstract Paleomagnetic analysis of seventy-six samples from six sites in the Jurassic to Cretaceous plutons (radiometric ages from 157 to 128 Ma) of the Coastal Cordillera of northern Chile yielded stable remanent magnetization directions. The plutons record both a normal and a reversed characteristics direction. The mean normal direction has a declination of 3.4° an inclination of −38.5°, and an alpha 95 of 10.5°. The mean reversed direction has a declination of 207.8°, an inclination of 33.8°, and an alpha 95 of 10.8°. Paleopoles calculated from these mean and latitude=63.5° S, longitude=191.9° E respectively. In comparison to an APW path, the reversed pole indicates a clockwise rotation of approximately 28°, similar to other regional results, whereas the normal pole is concordant with the present day magnetic field. These results, in and of themselves, could support oroclinal bending or local block rotations. However arrays of secondary faults to the Atacama fault system in the sampling area show characteristic spacings, orientations, and displacements. Restoration of displacements results in a 31° clockwise rotation of fault blocks; essentially removing the observed paleomagnetic discordance. Thus, structural data confirms the local block rotation model. The existence of clockwise discordant paleomagnetic data within the sinistral (counterclockwise) Atacama Fault zone (AFZ) underscores the ambiguity of using the sense of rotation to infer the sense of motion on the larger shear zone. Age constraints for motions along the AFZ suggest that these rotations were completed in the Early Cretaceous; essentially coeval with magmatic activity within the Coast Ranges, and underscores the magmatic arc, rather than forearc, setting for this tectonic event.
Echocardiographic studies of the mitral valve in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation

Abstract This echocardiographic study has demonstrated that the finding of systolic separation of the mitral leaflets is not specific for those patients with the late systolic clicklate systolic murmur syndrome but is also seen with ruptured chordae tendineae and in cardiomyopathy patients with mitral regurgitation. From these observations and with the help of observations of others, we have reasoned that the mitral regurgitation associated with cardiomyopathy is not due to mitral annulus dilatation but to papillary muscle dysfunction.
HYDROGEN DIFFUSION AND ELECTRONIC METASTABILITY IN AMORPHOUS SILICON

Hydrogen diffusion and its role in the many electronic metastability phenomena in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) is reviewed. A-Si:H contains about 10 at% hydrogen, most of which is bonded to silicon. The hydrogen diffuses at relatively low temperatures by releasing hydrogen from the Si-H bonds into interstitial sites. The reactions of hydrogen with the silicon dangling bonds and the weak bonds provide a hydrogen-mediated mechanism for electron-structural interactions, which are manifested as electronic metastability. The annealing of light-induced defects, the equilibration of defects and dopants, the stretched exponential relaxation kinetics, and the atomic structure formed during growth, are all attributed to hydrogen diffusion.
A general approach to the synthesis of enantiopure 19-nor-vitamin D3 and its C-2 phosphate analogs prepared from cyclohexadienyl sulfone.

A synthesis of enantiopure 19-nor-Vitamin D3 and its C-2 substituted cyclic phosphate analogs is achieved via in situ trapping of an α-sulfonyl anion with a CD-ring allyl chloride and 1,2-eliminative desulfonylation exploiting the basic properties of TBAF. The A-ring is prepared via anti-selective dithiane addition to vinyl sulfone and LiBH4 mediated sequential bis reduction of an epoxy vinyl sulfone.
Botticelli's Munich lamentation and the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici

(1990). Botticelli's Munich lamentation and the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici. Konsthistorisk tidskrift/Journal of Art History: Vol. 59, No. 4, pp. 243-264.
Optical-fiber-based, time-resolved photoluminescence spectrometer for thin-film absorber characterization and analysis of TRPL data for CdS/CdTe interface

We describe the design of a time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectrometer for rapid semiconductor absorber characterization. Simplicity and flexibility is achieved by using single optical fiber to deliver laser pulses and to collect photoluminescence. We apply TRPL for characterization of CdS/CdTe absorbers after deposition, CdCl 2 treatment, Cu doping, and back contact formation. Data suggest this method could be applied in various stages of PV device processing. Finally, we show how to analyze TRPL data for CdS/CdTe absorbers by considering laser light absorption depth and intermixing at CdS/CdTe interface.
Corrosion of heat exchanger materials in simulated fluidized bed combustion environments

Abstract Metallic materials selected for the construction of in-bed heat exchangers in fluidized bed combustion (FBC) systems must withstand the corrosive conditions prevalent in these systems. The...
Cardiomyopathy in the dystrophin/utrophin-deficient mouse model of severe muscular dystrophy is characterized by dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases.

Cardiomyopathy is a significant component in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Although mdx mice are deficient in dystrophin, they only develop mild indicators of cardiomyopathy before 1 year-of-age, making therapeutic investigations using this model lengthy. In contrast, mdx mice also lacking utrophin (utrn−/−;mdx) show severely reduced cardiac contractile function and histological indicators of cardiomyopathy by 8–10 weeks-of-age. Here we demonstrate that utrn−/−;mdx mice show a similar pattern of cardiac damage to that in dystrophic patients. Matrix metalloproteinases required for ventricular remodeling during the evolution of heart failure are upregulated in utrn−/−;mdx mice concurrent with the onset of cardiac pathology by 10 weeks-of-age. Matrix metalloproteinase activity is further dysregulated due to reduced levels of endogenous tissue inhibitors and co-localizes with fibroblasts and collagen I-containing scars. utrn−/−;mdx mice are therefore a very useful model for investigating potential cardiac therapies.
Nystagmus responses in a group of normal humans during earth-horizontal axis rotation

Horizontal eye movement responses to earth-horizontal yaw axis rotation were evaluated in 50 normal human subjects who were uniformly distributed in age (20-69 years) and each age group was then divided by gender. Subjects were rotated with eyes open in the dark, using clockwise and counter-clockwise 60 deg velocity trapezoids. The nystagmus slow component velocity is analyzed. It is shown that, despite large intersubject variability, parameters which describe earth-horizontal yaw axis responses are loosely interrelated, and some of them vary significantly with gender and age.
Metal substrate effects on the thermochemistry of active brazing interfaces

This work investigates the effects of the metal substrate on the thermochemistry of active brazing alloys during ceramic/metal joining applications. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the interactions between the metal substrate and the braze alloy are examined. Numerical simulations are used to rationalize experimental observations reported elsewhere. It is shown that using Ni metal substrates at temperatures much higher than the liquidus of the brazing alloys can dramatically decrease the chemical activity of Ti in Cu-based brazing alloys. This effect is much less intense when Fe-metal substrates are in contact with the same active brazing alloy systems. It is additionally proven that the time scales necessary to observe such detrimental decrease in chemical activity are on the order of minutes.
Genetic characterization of breast cancer and implications for clinical management

Breast cancer is a genetic disease caused by the accumulation of mutations in neoplastic cells. In the last few years, high-throughput microarray-based molecular analysis has provided increasingly more coherent information about the genetic aberrations in breast cancer. New biomarkers and molecular techniques are slowly becoming part of the diagnostic and prognostic armamentarium available for pathologists and oncologists to tailor the therapy for breast cancer patients. In this review, we will focus on the contribution of breast cancer somatic genetics to our understanding of breast cancer biology and its impact on breast cancer patient management.
The spanwise perturbation of two-dimensional boundary layers

Large spanwise variations of boundary-layer thickness and surface shear have been found recently in wind tunnels designed to maintain two-dimensional flow. Bradshaw (1965) argues that these variations are caused by minute deflexions in the free-stream flow rather than by any intrinsic instability of the boundary layers. This paper is a study of the effect of a small, periodic transverse flow on a flat-plate boundary layer. The perturbation flow Reynolds number is assumed to be O(1) as it is in the experiments.
Is Gene Therapy for Hypertension Possible

Because hypertension is a chronic disease of multifactorial and multigenetic origin, it has not been considered appropriate for gene therapy. Gene therapy has tended to be limited to diseases resulting from a single gene mutation that can be replaced by gene insertion or to life-threatening diseases for which there are few alternative treatments, such as glioma and other cancers and rampant HIV infection. Hypertension, in contrast, is controllable by current drug therapies, and although it is a significant risk factor for stroke and heart attack, it lacks the sense of urgency associated with other diseases. The multifactorial nature of hypertension presents a Gordian knot of too many tangles to untie. Gene studies to sort out linkages and associations with hypertension are progressing, but slowly. There have been positive correlations to the angiotensinogen gene1 and recently to the human G protein B3 subunit gene.2 Lifton3 has intensively studied some rare forms of single gene mutations that result in hypertension. However, the causes of essential hypertension remain enigmatic. Nevertheless, drug companies have for years made advances in the control of hypertension with single pharmaceutical targets. The most successful drugs developed to reduce hypertension have been designed to inhibit β-receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors, and recently angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1-R). Thus, without a genetic linkage study and without a solution to the multifactorial nature of hypertension, drug studies have shown that inhibiting proteins that are overabundant or overactive in plasma or tissue reduces hypertension. The mechanisms of these drug actions are not thoroughly understood. Despite years of β-blocker use for the treatment of hypertension, there has been no generally agreed on mechanism to explain the antihypertensive effects of this class of drugs, yet the Joint National Committee on the treatment of hypertension has regularly recommended their use …
Electrochemically stable cathode current collectors for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Rechargeable magnesium (Mg) batteries are attractive energy storage systems that could yield cost-effective energy solutions. Currently, however, no practical cathode current collector that can withstand more than 2.0 V in Mg2+ electrolytes has been identified; this greatly hinders cathode research. Here we identified that molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) are electrochemically stable (>2.8 V) through formation of passive surface layers. The presented results could have a significant impact on the development of high voltage Mg batteries.
Stability of amorphous silica-alumina in hot liquid water.

Herein, the hydrothermal stability of amorphous silica-alumina (ASA) is investigated under conditions relevant for the catalytic conversion of biomass, namely in liquid water at 200 °C. The hydrothermal stability of ASA is much higher than that of pure silica or alumina. Interestingly, the synthetic procedure used plays a major role in its resultant stability: ASA prepared by cogelation (CG) lost its microporous structure, owing to hydrolysis of the siloxane bonds, but the resulting mesoporous material still had a considerable surface area. ASA prepared by deposition precipitation (DP) contained a silicon-rich core and an aluminum-rich shell. In hot liquid water, the latter structure was transformed into a layer of amorphous boehmite, which protected the particle from further hydrolysis. The surface area showed relatively minor changes during the transformation. Independent of the synthetic method used, the ASAs retained a considerable concentration of acid sites. The concentration of acid sites qualitatively followed the changes in surface area, but the changes were less pronounced. The performance of different ASAs for the hydrolysis of cellobiose into glucose is compared.
A model of muscle-tendon function in human walking

In this paper, we study the mechanical behavior of leg muscles and tendons during human walking in order to motivate the design of economical robotic legs. We hypothesize that quasi-passive, series-elastic clutch units spanning the knee joint in a musculoskeletal arrangement can capture the dominant mechanical behaviors of the human knee in level-ground walking. Since the mechanical work done by the knee joint throughout a level-ground self-selected-speed walking cycle is negative, and since there is no element capable of dissipating mechanical energy in the musculoskeletal model, biarticular elements would necessarily need to transfer energy from the knee joint to hip and/or ankle joints. This mechanism would reduce the necessary actuator work and improve the mechanical economy of a human-like walking robot. As a preliminary evaluation of these hypotheses, we vary model parameters, or spring constants and clutch engagement times, using an optimization scheme that minimizes ankle and hip actuator positive work while still maintaining human-like knee mechanics. For model evaluation, kinetic and kinematic gait data were employed from one study participant walking across a level-ground surface at a self-selected gait speed. With this under-actuated leg model, we find good agreement between the model's quasi-passive knee torque and experimental knee values, suggesting that a knee actuator is not necessary for level-ground robotic ambulation at self-selected gait speeds.
Empathy in narcissistic personality disorder: from clinical and empirical perspectives.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is associated with an assortment of characteristics that undermine interpersonal functioning. A lack of empathy is often cited as the primary distinguishing feature of NPD. However, clinical presentations of NPD suggest that empathy is not simply deficient in these individuals, but dysfunctional and subject to a diverse set of motivational and situational factors. Consistent with this presentation, research illustrates that empathy is multidimensional, involving 2 distinct emotional and cognitive processes associated with a capacity to respectively understand and respond to others’ mental and affective states. The goal of this practice review is to bridge the gap between our psychobiological understanding of empathy and its clinical manifestations in NPD. We present 3 case studies highlighting the variability in empathic functioning in people with NPD. Additionally, we summarize the literature on empathy and NPD, which largely associates this disorder with deficient emotional empathy, and dysfunctional rather than deficient cognitive empathy. Because this research is limited, we also present empathy-based findings for related syndromes (borderline and psychopathy). Given the complexity of narcissism and empathy, we propose that multiple relationships can exist between these constructs. Ultimately, by recognizing the multifaceted relationship between empathy and narcissism, and moving away from an all or nothing belief that those with NPD simply lack empathy, therapists may better understand narcissistic patients’ behavior and motivational structure.
An empirical investigation of the properties of the autoregressive spectral estimator

The autoregressive (AR) spectral estimator is used to make high resolution spectral estimates based on short data records. Measures of a frequency averaged normalized bias and normalized variance of the spectral estimates are introduced. A large number of spectra are generated. Based on the above mentioned measures and visual inspection of the estimates of the generated spectra, the AR and the conventional tapered and transformed (TT) spectral estimates are compared. It is shown that the AR spectral estimator is as stable as that given by its asymptotic variance. It is also shown that the AR spectral estimator is most powerful in estimating narrow spectral peaks with a high signal-to-interference ratio in the signal bandwidth.
Partial interchangeability of Fz3 and Fz6 in tissue polarity signaling for epithelial orientation and axon growth and guidance

In mammals, a set of anatomically diverse polarity processes – including axon growth and guidance, hair follicle orientation, and stereociliary bundle orientation in inner ear sensory hair cells – appear to be mechanistically related, as judged by their dependence on vertebrate homologues of core tissue polarity/planar cell polarity (PCP) genes in Drosophila. To explore more deeply the mechanistic similarities between different polarity processes, we have determined the extent to which frizzled 3 (Fz3) can rescue the hair follicle and Merkel cell polarity defects in frizzled 6-null (Fz6−/−) mice, and, reciprocally, the extent to which Fz6 can rescue the axon growth and guidance defects in Fz3−/− mice. These experiments reveal full rescue of the Fz6−/− phenotype by Fz3 and partial rescue of the Fz3−/− phenotype by Fz6, implying that these two proteins are likely to act in a conserved manner in these two contexts. Stimulated by these observations, we searched for additional anatomical structures that exhibit macroscopic polarity and that might plausibly use Fz3 and/or Fz6 signaling. This search has revealed a hitherto unappreciated pattern of papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue that depends, at least in part, on redundant signaling by Fz3 and Fz6. Taken together, these experiments provide compelling evidence for a close mechanistic relationship between multiple anatomically diverse polarity processes.
regional variations in Ainu culture

This is a comparison of regional cultural variations between two groups of Ainu. One group represents a more typical hunting-gathering population; the other has a larger sedentary population which is also based on hunting and gathering. Some of the significant cultural variations may be explained in terms of differences in basic ecological factors.
Ancillary services provided from DER with power electronics interface

Distributed energy resources (DER) are quickly making their way to industry primarily as backup generation. They are effective at starting and then producing full-load power within a few seconds. DER can alleviate the burden on the utility grid by providing ancillary services, which also helps in justifying the installation cost for the DER owner. This paper describes ten types of these ancillary services, which DG can provide to the utility grid. Of these 10 services, the feasibility, control strategy, effectiveness, and cost benefits are all analyzed for the future utility power market.
Removal of Wolbachia from Brugia pahangi Is Closely Linked to Worm Death and Fecundity but Does Not Result in Altered Lymphatic Lesion Formation in Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Approximately 30 years ago, researchers reported intracellular bacteria in filarial nematodes. These bacteria are relatives of the arthropod symbiont Wolbachia and occur in many filarial nematodes, including Brugia pahangi and Brugia malayi. Wolbachia bacteria have been implicated in a variety of roles, including filaria development and fecundity and the pathogenesis of lymphatic lesions associated with filarial infections. However, the role of the bacteria in worm biology or filarial disease is still not clear. The present experiments support previous data showing that tetracycline eliminates or reduces Wolbachia bacteria in B. pahangi in vivo. The elimination of Wolbachia was closely linked to a reduction in female fecundity and the viability of both sexes, suggesting that the killing of Wolbachia is detrimental to B. pahangi. The gerbils treated with tetracycline showed reduced levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 mRNA in renal lymph nodes and spleens compared with the levels in B. pahangi-infected gerbils not treated with tetracycline. However, similar findings were noted in B. pahangi-infected gerbils treated with ivermectin, suggesting that the loss of circulating microfilariae, not the reduction of Wolbachia bacteria, was associated with the altered cytokine profile. Despite the change in T-cell cytokines, there was no difference in the sizes of renal lymph nodes isolated from gerbils in each treatment group. Furthermore, the numbers, sizes, or cellular compositions of granulomas examined in the lymphatics or renal lymph nodes did not differ with treatment. These data suggest that Wolbachia may not play a primary role in the formation of lymphatic lesions in gerbils chronically infected with B. pahangi.
A statistical learning approach for the design of polycrystalline materials

Important physical properties such as yield strength, elastic modulus, and thermal conductivity depend on the material microstructure. Realization of optimal microstructures is important for hardware components in aerospace applications where there is a need to optimize material properties for improved performance. Microstructures can be tailored through controlled deformation or heat treatment. However, identification of the optimal processing path is a non-trivial (and non-unique) problem. Data-mining techniques are eminently suitable for process design since optimal processing paths can be selected based on available information from a large database-relating processes, properties, and microstructures. In this paper, the problem of designing processing stages that lead to a desired microstructure or material property is addressed by mining over a database of microstructural signatures. A hierarchical X-means classifier is designed to match crystallographic orientation features to a class of microstructural signatures within a database. Instead of the conventional distortion minimization algorithm of k-means, X-means maximizes a Bayesian information measure for calculating cluster centers which allows automatic detection of number of classes. Using the microstructural database, an adaptive data-compression technique based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been designed to accelerate materials design. In this technique, reduced modes selected adaptively from the database are used to speed up auxiliary microstructure optimization algorithms built over the database. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 1: 000-000, 2009
A Theoretical Agent-based Framework for Virtual Plant: from Perspective of Pervasive Computing

Traditionally, virtual plant software often isolates the plant, human being and the environment, an agent-based framework is proposed for simulating the perception, action and reaction within a plant system. The framework characterizes in modeling a plant with a series of organ agents and representing the environment with three kinds of autonomic agents. We aim to construct software of virtual plant with an agent oriented method, to explore the physiology of plant and the relationship between plant and its environment by their inner mechanisms. The proposed framework can be seen as a virtual implementation of pervasive computing environment, it aims to explore a new approach for simulating more natural plant in virtual space, and to provide users a tool that permits to model phenomena that are very difficult to model by hand or by other techniques.
Uncovering Scientist Stereotypes and Their Relationships with Student Race and Student Success in a Diverse, Community College Setting

A number of studies have identified correlations between children's stereotypes of scientists, their science identities, and interest or persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Yet relatively few studies have examined scientist stereotypes among college students, and the literature regarding these issues in predominantly nonwhite and 2-yr college settings is especially sparse. We piloted an easy-to-analyze qualitative survey of scientist stereotypes in a biology class at a diverse, 2-yr, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. We examined the reliability and validity of the survey, and characterized students' comments with reference to previous research on stereotypes. Positive scientist stereotypes were relatively common in our sample, and negative stereotypes were rare. Negative stereotypes appeared to be concentrated within certain demographic groups. We found that students identifying nonstereotypical images of scientists at the start of class had higher rates of success in the course than their counterparts. Finally, evidence suggested many students lacked knowledge of actual scientists, such that they had few real-world reference points to inform their stereotypes of scientists. This study augments the scant literature regarding scientist stereotypes in diverse college settings and provides insights for future efforts to address stereotype threat and science identity.
IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering

The definition for "sequence dominance" which appears in the above paper1should be rephrased precisely and unambiguously as follows:
Growth and Retrogression in Larvae of Trogoderma glabrum (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). 5. Effects of Repeated Retrogressions

Female larvae of Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst) were subjected to repeated retrogressions of either 20 or 36 weeks' duration. Rates of survival, regrowth, pupation, and reproduction were lowered by repeated retrogression. Both the rate of weight loss and frequency of retromolts tended to increase with successive retrogressions. The biological significance of these effects is discussed.
Hyperthermal H Atom Reactions on D/Si(100)

Pulsed, supersonic jets of CBr4 seeded in a hydrogen bath gas have been used to deposit films on silicon at low temperatures (c A. 100° C) in a high vacuum chamber. IN situ analysis of the films using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and depth profiling indicate a surface composition of 34% Br and 66 % C and a bulk composition of 88% C and 12% Br. the deposition efficiency of CBr4 was found to drop dramatically when seeded in bath gases of deuterium, helium, and argon, suggesting that the film growth is an activated process, requiring precursor energies of at least 3.6 eV.
Reversible solvent vapor-mediated phase changes in nanocrystal superlattices.

Colloidal nanocrystals are being explored for use in a variety of applications, from solar cells to transistors to medical diagnostics and therapy. Ordered assemblies of nanocrystals, or superlattices, are one particularly interesting class of these materials, in which the nanocrystals serve as modular building blocks to construct nanostructures by self-assembly with spatial and temporal complexity and unique properties. From a fundamental perspective, the nanocrystals are simple molecular models that can be manipulated and studied to test statistical mechanical and thermodynamic models of crystallization and disorder. An article by Bian et al. in this issue of ACS Nano reports surprising new phase behavior in semiconductor nanocrystal superlattices: reversible transitions between non-close-packed body-centered cubic (bcc) and body-centered tetragonal (bct) structures, and close-packed face-centered cubic (fcc) structures, observed by real-time in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAX...
Effect of Aging on Fluid Ingestion in Mice

The amount of fluid consumed by C57BL/6Nnia male mice 3, 12, and 25 months of age under various paradigms was studied. The old mice consumed less water during the dark cycle but not during the light cycle (12 h lights off; 12 h lights on). When thirst was induced by providing dry food pellets or after overnight fluid deprivation, old mice consumed significantly less water than younger mice over a one-hour period. When thirst was induced by administration of hypertonic saline, there were no age-related effects. Naloxone 7.5 mg/kg IP significantly suppressed drinking in 3- and 12-month-old mice, while 25-month-old mice did not show suppression. Dehydration-induced thirst is impaired in old mice, as it is in older humans. This may be related to the alteration in opioid mechanisms modulating thirst.
Quantitative analysis of bioactive NAD+ regenerated by NADH electro-oxidation

The bioactivity of NAD+ electrogenerated at a high-surface-area composite anode was verified spectroscopically. The anode was composed of poly(methylene green) electropolymerized on carbon nanotubes (PMG-CNT) which was in turn immobilized on carbon paper. A mathematical model calibrated by measurements of NADH oxidation at PMG-CNT-modified glassy carbon electrodes was applied to predict transient NADH consumption. The model showed good agreement with the experimental data, and 80% conversion of NADH was observed after 1 h of electrochemical oxidation. Using a spectroscopic enzyme cycling assay, the yield of enzymatically active NAD+ was verified at 93% and 87% for applied potentials of 500 and 150 mV vs Ag|AgCl, respectively. This suggests that roughly 10% of oxidized NADH may be lost due to dimerization or some other side reaction after accounting for self-decay. These results prove that bioactive NAD+ can be efficiently produced using electrochemical techniques, enabling application in bioconversion, bi...
Evolution of Cuphea PSR23 under cultivation

A series of experiments were carried out under controlled environments and field conditions (2002–2008) to evaluate populations of the potential oilseed crop Cuphea PSR23 for indicators of evolution under cultivation and to assess its level of domestication in comparison with its wild parents. Cuphea PSR23, a selection with reduced seed shattering, resulted from a cross between two wild species (C. viscosissima and C. lanceolata). Phenotypic traits, singly or in combinations, and nutrient ratios measured on plants and seed of all three species were subjected to a set of multivariate statistical analyses procedures to identify and assess indicators of phenotypic divergence of Cuphea PSR23 from its wild parents over several planting-harvesting-seed selection cycles. Results of this assessment suggested that Cuphea PSR23 is phenotypically distinct from its wild parents (with 84.9 % correct classification in canonical discrimination). Compared to its wild parents, Cuphea PSR23 displayed stronger relationships between plant- and seed-based traits with seed yield; exhibited enhanced multivariate relationships between yield components (expressed as principal components and path analysis coefficients); and had larger oil content stored in larger seeds. However, this phenotypic divergence did not fully separate Cuphea PSR23 from its wild parents as indicated by the level of multivariate trait integration, a few shared principal components, and incomplete discrimination.
Reduction Processing of Fe-18Cr-9W Composite Oxide Powder

Fe-18Cr-9W nanometer composite powder is produced by the method of co-reduction of Fe-18Cr-9W composite oxide powder,in which the procedure parameters are controlled.Phase composition,crystalline size and particle morphology of the powder were measured by X-ray diffraction and SEM.Fsss particle size,special surface area and oxide content of reduced powder are also measured.The effects of the reduction temperature and reduction time on the properties of the composite powder are studied.The results indicate that the phases of the composite powder reduced at high temperature above 650℃contain Fe and(Cr,W);the particle morphology is spherical or nearly spherical;the properties of the reduced powder are greatly affected by the temperature and time of the reduction process,and the best properties of the composite powder can be obtained at 700 ℃ for 120 min;nanometer Fe-18Cr-9W composite powder with Fsss particle size smaller than 0.58μm,BET particle size smaller than 80 nm,crystalline size smaller than 50 nm and oxide content of reduced powder smaller than 0.14 % is synthesized.
Intraoperative cytodiagnosis of lung tumors by needle aspiration.

Rapid-stain cytologic evaluation of needle aspirates are a recent adjunct to diagnosis and staging of lung neoplasms. The benefits of this approach include ease of sampling from deep and remote lesions and the fact that the results are generally available within 10 minutes. In the past 2 years, we did 187 needle aspirations for cytopathological evaluation in 70 patients at 51 thoracotomies and 21 mediastinoscopies. The cytologic findings from aspirates of lymph nodes, mediastinal masses, and intrapulmonary lesions were compared with the diagnosis obtained by histopathological techniques. Quick-stain cytopathological evaluation discriminated cancer among all 55 lung masses from which aspirates were taken; specific diagnosis as to the type of neoplasm, lymphoproliferative disorder, or infection was achieved in 60 of 70 patients (85%). We conclude that intraoperative needle aspirations for cytologic evaluation facilitates the practice of modern general thoracic surgery.
Gastric antisecretory effect of serotonin: quantitation of release and site of action

Despite many reports that serotonin (5-HT) inhibits gastric acid output, the role and mechanism of action of endogenous 5-HT to modulate gastric secretion remain unclear. Vagal stimulation enhanced the basal rate of 5-HT release into both the gastric lumen (600%) and the portal circulation (265%) of the rat. The peak rate of 5-HT release into the portal circulation was 1,000-fold higher that luminal release (12 micrograms/min and 1.2 ng/min, respectively). To elucidate site(s) of action of 5-HT to inhibit acid secretion, several approaches were taken. Intraluminal perfusion of exogenous 5-HT to encompass enhanced levels seen after vagal stimulation did not reduce gastric acid output. In contrast, administration of systemic 5-HT, which raised portal venous 5-HT to similar levels as vagal stimulation, had a marked antisecretory effect. Chemical or surgical ablation of enteric or sympathetic nerves innervating the stomach did not attenuate the inhibitory effect of exogenous 5-HT on gastric acid output. The antisecretory effect of systemic 5-HT was insensitive to pretreatment with piroxicam, doxantrazole, close gastric intra-arterial sodium nitroprusside, somatostatin monoclonal antibody, or bilateral adrenalectomy. The results suggest that 5-HT is released from endogenous stores into the portal circulation in sufficient quantities after vagal stimulation to alter gastric physiology and that its action is independent of the autonomic nervous system, gastric mucosal prostaglandins or somatostatin, mucosal mast cell or adrenal constituents, or changes in gastric mucosal blood flow.
Electromechanically reconfigurable CdS nanoplate based nonlinear optical device

Here, we report experimental demonstration of dynamic control and enhancement of second harmonic generation and two photon excited photoluminescence in CdS nanoplates via an electromechanically reconfigurable Fabry-Perot (FP) microcavity. Microcavity coupled CdS nanoplates can be configured as a single or dual wavelength nonlinear light source by tuning the pump wavelength while the output intensities can be tuned by the on-chip control voltage. Our work realizes a reconfigurable device platform with insight toward advanced optical devices based on semiconductor nanoplates for next generation on-chip tunable light sources, sensors and optomechanical systems.
Evolution of multilayered scale structures during high temperature oxidation of ZrSi2

The oxidation behavior of bulk ZrSi2 at 700, 1000, and 1200 °C in ambient air has been investigated. Parabolic to cubic oxide layer growth kinetics was confirmed by weight gain measurements and the average oxide layer thickness was 470 nm, 6.7 µm, and 37 µm at 700 °C, 1000 °C, and 1200 °C, respectively, after 5 h oxidation tests. Evolution of compositionally modulated nano/micro structures was confirmed in the oxide layer. At 700 °C, Si diffusion resulted in discontinuous Si-rich oxide phases in amorphous Zr–Si–O matrix. At 1000 °C, complex multilayered structures such as fine and coarse irregular spinodal structures, wavy Si-rich oxide, and Si-rich islands evolved. At 1200 °C, additional nucleation of nanoscale ZrO2 particulate phase was observed. The spinodal structures were confirmed to be crystalline ZrO2 and amorphous SiO2, and the thermodynamic driving force for phase evolution has been explained by extension of liquid miscibility gap in the binary ZrO2–SiO2 phase diagram.
Lactic Acid Bacteria as an Antispoilage and Safety Factor in Cooked, Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meat.

Lactic acid starter cultures, Pediococcus cerevisiae ("Accel") and Lactobacillus ("Lactacel DS"), were inoculated in cooked, mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM) and used as repressors of three Pseudomonas species, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus . A 50-50 mixture of the two starter cultures was the most effective treatment for delaying the time necessary for three Pseudomonas species to attain 107 cells/g, which was associated with the spoilage of MDPM. The mixture totally repressed growth of S. typhimurium and S. aureus . Changes in pH values during the storage period were too small to explain the repression observed.
Rural Nursing and Evaluation of a Pediatric Outreach Program

Introduction: Rural nurses face barriers and challenges in obtaining continuing education, which contribute to the challenge of maintaining competency while working in a setting that expects proficiency in low volume, high risk procedures. Purpose: The purposes of this project were to 1) examine the literature related to pediatric care delivery in rural health care settings and continuing education needs of rural nurses and effective education strategies and 2) analyze the effectiveness of a pediatric outreach program’s educational and professional development interventions (Transforming Inpatient Care and Culture [TICC]) in a rural hospital in Washington State. Methods: The literature review employed key words to search databases on the topics of “rural nursing”, “continuing education”, “outreach”, “pediatrics”, and related concepts. Evaluation of the TICC project consisted of comparing pre and posttest results from a 40 item questionnaire for those who participated in the TICC project following an 8 hour training session. Participants included 66 nurses who participated in the training at the hospital and completed the post test. The means of overall and topic specific pre and post test results were examined. Results : There was statistically significant improvement in overall pre to post test performance ( p = .005) and in one of the three priority areas, synthesis of care decisions ( p = .028). There was also improvement in test performance on the two remaining priority areas, knowledge of equipment and interventions and pediatric specific assessment, although the improvement did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: A rural pediatric outreach program can be an efficient and effective way to address the continuing education needs of rural nurses in a hospital setting. The project serves as a guide for identifying and addressing the pediatric educational needs of nurses, while empowering the very nurses who care for patients in the facility to be part of the leadership and innovation process. The implementation of a pediatric outreach program could be instrumental in improving pediatric patient care in the rural setting. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v16i2.411
Sophoclean Beckett in Performance

While Samuel Beckett’s innovations for the stage place him in the vanguard of late twentieth-century theatre, his debt to ancient Greek drama is seldom discussed. This article argues that the richest engagement between Beckett’s theatre and the tragedy and comedy of ancient Athens can be seen in the performance, that is, postpublication phase of his plays’ composition. Beckett’s directorial control created an ongoing compositional process; using the evidence of his production notes, I demonstrate how his performative aesthetics echo what is known of Greek practice and, in particular, how he makes mimetic use of an ekphrastic diegesis, blending telling and showing in a process of visualization. The argument is illustrated through a comparative analysis of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King and the performance history of Krapp’s Last Tape . While both play texts involve a central dramatic analepsis which triggers the realization of an unwitting quasi-nostos, in performance Beckett’s play increasingly emphasizes such Sophoclean elements as a circumscribed mise en scene, restrained bodily movement, ekphrastic spectacle, and a heightened use of both extrascenic and distanced space. Underscoring these correspondences is a shared paratactic modality, in evidence at key moments on the level of the lexis (resulting in meaningful pauses and appositional juxtapositions in the dialogue) as well as in phenomenological aspects of each play’s performance.
The Effectiveness of One Mental Health Court: Overcoming Criminal History

The Mental Health Court (MHC) allows for defendants with mental illness to receive community-based treatment while helping to avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system. Studies have demonstrated varying degrees of success for participants’ rearrest rate and severity while in the community. The role of prior criminal behavior on success in MHC, and for up to 3 years after release from MHC, was examined. Data was gathered on 118 participants in MHC, 80 of which graduated, and 38 who were dismissed without graduating. Arrests were coded prior to entering MHC and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after release. Recidivism included arrest severity, offense type, and quantity of offenses. Significantly fewer defendants who completed MHC were rearrested at all windows of time after release. Completing MHC also predicted living more days free without rearrest. Criminal history was not consistently predictive of recidivism when failing MHC was included in the model. The severity of the charges when rearrested was predicted only by completing MHC, not by criminal history. The greater the amount of days spent in MHC was associated with rearrests for lesser crime types (such as property offenses) at 3 years for individuals who did not complete MHC. These results suggest that participation in MHC was able to reduce recidivism regardless of varying severity of criminal history. The impact of MHC was so great that length of participation reduced severity of offense type after 3 years even for those who ultimately did not complete the requirements.