cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plausible mechanisms for the boring on carbonates by microbial phototrophs

Photosynthetic microbes, particularly cyanobacteria, that bore into carbonates are ancient biological players in various geologic phenomena such as the destruction of biogenic carbonates and coastal limestones, the reworking of carbonate sands and the cementation of microbialites. Their signatures are important tools for paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and they play a significant role in marine aquaculture. In spite of their geologic, environmental and economic importance, the mechanism by which they are able to excavate calcareous and calcophosphatic mineral substrates remains unknown. Excavation by acidulation, commonly thought to be a possible mechanism, constitutes nothing less than an apparent paradox, in that the geochemical consequence of oxygenic photosynthesis should be carbonate precipitation, not dissolution. Three alternative mechanistic models are presented here that may allow cyanobacterial boring to proceed and be still consistent with available evidence, as well as microbiological and geologic/geochemical principles. They are based on either temporal or spatial separation of photosynthesis and respiration, and on the active extrusion of calcium ions through an active cellular uptake and transport process. From the three models, the latter is shown to be most appropriate in describing and explaining the boring phenomenon. Several experimental approaches are discussed that would be appropriate to elucidate the paradox.
Organic electro-optic films fabricated by hybrid covalent/ionic self-assembly

By alternating the deposition interaction between covalent and ionic binding, organic self-assembled films are fabricated with electro-optic coefficients of 20 pm/V. The rapidly deposited multilayer films exhibit excellent temporal and thermal stability.
An inexpensive microslab gel DNA electrophoresis system with real-time fluorescence detection

In this paper, we describe the construction of a simple yet powerful gel electrophoresis apparatus that can be used to perform size-selective separations of DNA fragments in virtually any laboratory. This system employs a microslab gel format with a novel gel casting technique that eliminates the need for delicate combs to define sample loading wells. The compact size of the microslab gel format allows rapid separations to be performed at low voltages using submicroliter sample volumes. Real time fluorescence detection of the migrating DNA fragments is accomplished using an inexpensive digital microscope that directly connects to any PC with a USB interface. The microscope is readily adaptable for this application by replacing its white light source with a blue light-emitting diode (LED) and adding an appropriate emission filter. Both polyacrylamide and agarose gels can be used as separation matrices. Separation performance was characterized using standard dsDNA ladders, and correct sizing of a 191 bp PCR product was achieved in 15 min. The low cost and simplicity of this system makes it ideally suited for use in a variety of laboratory and educational settings.
A family of angle-moments proportional to r-n, n = 1,2,…, in free space

Abstract The moments M n ( r ) ≡ 1/2 ∝ 2π 0 dθ sin n θ I ( r,θ ) of the intensity I ( r, θ ) in free space surrounding a spherical object emitting radiation with an arbitrary directional dependence are shown to be exactly proportional to r -( n +1) , n = 0, 1,….
Prostaglandin-induced regression of porcine corpora lutea maintained by estrogen.

Abstract Corpora lutea were marked with suture in 24 crossbred gilts on day 7 to 9 of the estrous cycle (first day of estrus = 0). All gilts were injected with 5 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) daily from day 10 to 15 to extend the lifespan of corpora lutea, then the gilts were randomly assigned to two groups. On day 20, the 12 gilts of Group 1 were injected with 10 mg PGF 2α , and the 12 gilts of Group 2 were injected with saline. Ovaries were recovered 10 to 13 days after PGF 2α or saline injection. Ten gilts in Group 1 displayed estrus 5 ± 0.7 days after PGF 2α injection, but only two gilts in Group 2 displayed estrus during the experimental period. In gilts that displayed estrus, all marked CL had regressed. Marked CL were still present in all 12 gilts that failed to exhibit estrus during the experimental period. These results show that in the pig, PGF 2α caused regression of CL that were maintained beyond the normal luteal phase of the estrous cycle by EB treatment.
STD/HIV prevention practices among primary care clinicians: risk assessment, prevention counseling, and testing.

Objective:To describe current practices of primary care (PC) clinicians for STD/HIV control services: risk assessment, prevention counseling, and offering tests.Study Design:We identified clinical strategies through qualitative interviews. We then surveyed by mail a random sample of Washington State
Medical school achievements as predictors of performance in a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency

PURPOSE: To determine whether medical school achievement is related to or predictive of performance in a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency, performance on PM&R board examinations, and entry into academic PM&R practice. METHOD: In 1994-1995, data were extracted from the files of 205 former residents who trained for at least six months from 1959 to 1991 in the PM&R program at the University of Washington. Associations between medical school and residency and post-residency variables were sought using chi-square analyses, analysis of variance, and linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: Clinical residency performance was predicted by clerkship honors grades (p = .0001). Probation was predicted by failing a basic science course (p = .0001). Written board performance was related to Alpha Omega Alpha status (p = .04). Failing written boards on the first attempt was predicted by failing a basic science course (p = .05). Entry into an academic PM&R practice was predicted by an interest in such a practice in the personal statement of the residency application (p = .002) and by writing a thesis in medical school (p = .03). CONCLUSION: Because medical school achievements were related to performance during and shortly after residency training in PM&R, they can be used as partial predictors of success.
Collaborative robotic team design and integration

Teams of heterogeneous mobile robots are a key aspect of future unmanned systems for operations in complex and dynamic urban environments, such as that envisions by DARPA's Tactical Mobile Robotics program. Interactions among such team members enable a variety of mission roles beyond those achievable with single robots or homogeneous teams. Key technologies include docking for power and data transfer, marsupial transport and deployment, collaborative team user interface, cooperative obstacle negotiation, distributed sensing, and peer inspection. This paper describes recent results in the integration and evaluation of component technologies within a collaborative system design. Integration considerations include requirement definition, flexible design management, interface control, and incremental technology integration. Collaborative system requirements are derived from mission objectives and robotic roles, and impact system and individual robot design at several levels. Design management is a challenge in a dynamic environment, with rapid evolution of mission objectives and available technologies. The object-oriented system model approach employed includes both software and hardware object representations to enable on- the-fly system and robot reconfiguration. Controlled interfaces among robots include mechanical, behavioral, communications, and electrical parameters. Technologies are under development by several organizations within the TMR program community. The incremental integration and validation of these within the collaborative system architecture reduces development risk through frequent experimental evaluations. The TMR system configuration includes Packbot-Perceivers, Packbot- Effectors, and Throwbots. Surrogates for these robots are used to validate and refine designs for multi-robot interaction components. Collaborative capability results from recent experimental evaluations are presented.
An improved algorithm for computing the volume of the union of cubes

Let C be a set of n axis-aligned cubes in ℜ3, and let U(C) denote the union of C. We present an algorithm that computes the volume of U(C) in time O(n polylog(n)). The previously best known algorithm takes O(n4/3 log2 n) time.
Measurements of cardiopulmonary response in awake rats during acute exposure to near-ambient concentrations of ozone.

Awake Fischer-344 rats were exposed to O{sub 3} and response was evaluated before, during and after the exposure using a protocol similar to that used in many human studies. To enhance test sensitivity, CO{sub 2} was periodically added to the O{sub 3}-air exposure mixture. Fifteen min. alternate periods of filtered air or 2, 4, 6, or 8% CO{sub 2} were used to stimulate ventilation and to increase pollutant uptake, much like exercise in controlled human exposure studies. Ventilation and breathing mechanics were evaluated at 0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 ppm O{sub 3}, while ventilation and blood pressure, blood gases and the electrocardiogram were evaluated at 0.0 and 1.0 ppm O{sub 3}. Control experiments provided data on the effect of ozone exposure to 0.5 ppm O{sub 3} without added CO{sub 2} challenge. Results indicated that CO{sub 2} enhanced the detection of O{sub 3} effects at concentrations lower than 0.5 ppm O{sub 3}. As O{sub 3} concentration increased, the magnitude of ventilatory response (decrease in tidal volume and increase in frequency of breathing) was greater and the onset of effect was progressively sooner. Breathing mechanics were not affected by O{sub 3} exposure except for an increase in expiratory flow rates nearmore » the end of the tidal breath.« less
Foreign fetal cells persist in the maternal circulation.

Objective To determine whether allogenic fetal cells resulting from donor egg pregnancies persist in maternal circulation. Design Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the DYS14 sequence, a region of the Y chromosome, from DNA purified from peripheral blood cells. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Healthy 18–60-year-old women who have had donor egg pregnancies resulting in a male offspring (n = 11) or, as a control, female offspring (n = 8), at least 1 year previously and without any other source for male cells in their peripheral blood or a healthy male. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Detection of DYS14 sequence by nested PCR. Result(s) DYS14 was detected in 5/11 (45%) of women who had donor egg pregnancies resulting in a male offspring, but in 0/8 (0) of women who had donor egg pregnancies resulting in a female offspring. The longest interval between delivery of a male offspring and detection of the DYS14 gene was 9 years. Conclusion(s) Unmatched, allogenic fetal cells from donor egg pregnancies are able to persist in the circulation of healthy women for at least 9 years after delivery. This implies a novel mechanism by which immunologic detection is avoided by these cells and may impact on how they may be used for regenerative and transplant medicine.
Suppression of the UCR in human eyelid conditioning as a function of CS intensity.

Subjects were run in an eyelid conditioning experiment with CS intensity as the independent variable. Strength of conditioning was assessed by measures of UCR suppression and percentage CRs. It was found that increases in CS intensity produced increases in both percentage CRs and UCR suppression. This supported the view that UCR suppression was an associative process. In that, across groups, increases in percentage CRs were accompanied by increases in UCR suppression and, within groups, the two measures were uncorrelated, it was suggested that inhibition of delay was not the underlying mechanism of UCR suppression.
Distribution and Migration of Adult Striped Bass in Lake Whitney, Texas

Abstract Thirty adult (3.2–8.6 kg) striped bass Morone saxatilis were tagged with ultrasonic transmitters and tracked for up to 475 d in 9,510-hectare Lake Whitney, a Texas reservoir, to determine seasonal distribution, migration patterns, and water temperatures occupied. Striped bass distribution in summer was limited to an area near the dam, where they survived temperatures as high as 29.0°C. Tagged fish generally were found in the coolest water available (27.0–29.0°C) that contained adequate dissolved oxygen (>4.0 mg/L) in summer and occupied the warmest water (7.4–8.8°C) in winter. For the rest of the year, the fish were distributed throughout available water temperatures. Beginning in autumn, most striped bass moved up the reservoir to and into the main tributaries and remained there until spring, when they returned to the main reservoir. No spawning run up main tributaries was observed in either of the two study years, possibly due to low inflows. Individual fish displayed a preference for certain a...
Parental Alienation Among College Students

A sample of 50 college students responded to a questionnaire measuring perceptions of alienating behaviors on the part of their parents and their current relationship with each parent. Data revealed a higher degree of alienating behavior by divorced parents when compared to non-divorced parents. Mothers and fathers were rated about equally likely to engage in such behaviors. A higher incidence of alienated parent-child relationships in divorced homes approached, but did not reach, statistical significance. Students who were alienated from one parent report higher levels of alienating behaviors on the part of their parents. The results suggest that parental alienating behaviors, and the phenomenon of a child becoming alienated from a parent after divorce, are departures from the norm and worthy of attention and concern.
Molecular cloning and expression of mRNAs encoding H1 histone and an H1 histone-like sequences in root tips of pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Two cDNA clones representing mRNAs, highly expressed in pea root tips, were isolated by mRNA differential display. Ribonuclease protection analyses showed different patterns of expression of these two messages in several pea tissues. Sequence analysis showed that the first clone, PsH1b-40, has 100% homology with a previously isolated H1 histone cDNA, PsH1b. However, it has an additional 30 nt at the 3′ end which is absent in PsH1b, suggesting possible multiple polyadenylation sites in the same mRNA. The second clone, PsH1b-41, encodes a deduced 19.5 kDa protein of 185 amino acids with an isoelectric point of 11.5. The putative globular domain of the encoded protein showed 67–71% residue identity with globular domains of 28 kDa pea PsH1b H1 histone and Arabidopsis thaliana H1-1 H1 histone. It has 9 repeating motifs of (T/S)XXK. In the C-terminal domain, there are four lysine-rich repeating motifs of SXK(T/S)PXKKXK which may be involved in chromatin condensation and decondensation. Southern blot analysis of nuclear DNA shows that PsH1-41 belongs to a multigene family.
Modulation of tRNAAla identity by inorganic pyrophosphatase.

A highly sensitive assay of tRNA aminoacylation was developed that directly measures the fraction of aminoacylated tRNA by following amino acid attachment to the 3′-32P-labeled tRNA. When applied to Escherichia coli alanyl-tRNA synthetase, the assay allowed accurate measurement of aminoacylation of the most deleterious mutants of tRNAAla. The effect of tRNAAla identity mutations on both aminoacylation efficiency (kcat/KM) and steady-state level of aminoacyl-tRNA was evaluated in the absence and presence of inorganic pyrophosphatase and elongation factor Tu. Significant levels of aminoacylation were achieved for tRNA mutants even when the kcat/KM value is reduced by as much as several thousandfold. These results partially reconcile the discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro analysis of tRNAAla identity.
Weak compactness and no partial squares

We present a characterization of weakly compact cardinals in terms of generalized stationarity. We apply this characterization to construct a model with no partial square sequences.
Acute Renal Failure in Critically Ill Patients

Acute renal failure is an important cause of morbidity in critically ill patients. Acute renal failure results from pre renal and postrenal causes and, most importantly, acute tubular necrosis (ATN...
Design and growth of lead selenoiodide semiconductors crystals for radiation detection

We have designed experiments utilizing for achieving desired bandgap resistivity, electron hole-pairs by solid solution materials. A low temperature synthesis, purification and growth to reduce stress and high yield for low defect density crystals of PbI2-PbSe system was developed for low cost large volume high efficiency detectors. This material system can be used for γ-ray detection. The material design is based on the heavy metal halide and selenide solid-solution system. This novel multicomponent crystal involves innovative approach for synthesis, purification and low temperature growth from the melt in modified three- zone Bridgman furnace. Crystals up to 15 mm diameter were grown and cm size slabs were fabricated for evaluation. Our approach for shaped crystal growth previously used for crystal is an exciting approach to increase the yield and further reduce the fabrication cost. Preliminary results show high resistivity and large crystal growth feasibility for crystals using parent components.
Characterization of horse spleen apoferritin reactive lysines by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry combined with enzymatic digestion

Ferritins are a class of iron storage protein spheres found mainly in the liver and spleen, which have attracted many research interests due to their unique structural features and biological properties. Recently, ferritin and apoferritin (ferritin devoid of the iron core), have been employed as chemically addressable nanoscale building blocks for functional materials development. However, the reactive residues of apoferritin or ferritin have never been specified and it is still unclear about the chemoselectivity of apoferritin towards different kinds of bioconjugation reagents. In this work, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry combined with enzymatic digestion analysis was used to identify the reactive lysine residues of horse spleen apoferritin when conjugated with N-hydroxysuccinimide reagents. The result demonstrated that among all the lysine residues, K97, K83, K104, K67 and K143 are the reactive ones that can be addressed.
Reliability Testing and Validation of the Drug Attitude Scale

This study was designed to provide reliability testing and validity information of the Drug Attitude Scale (DAS). One hundred twenty-eight subjects were drawn from a residential substance abuse tre...
Fractal sets associated with functions: The spectral lines of hydrogen

There is a strong feeling among many researchers that certain physical phenomena are fractal in nature. The difficulty, in any given case, is to make precise what one means when one says that something is fractal. An example might help. The Cantor middle third set, discussed in detail here, is a fractal in the sense that its Hausdorff (now often called the fractal) dimension is between zero and 1; it is ln2/ln3, in fact. Now the spectral lines of the hydrogen atom seem to be fractal also, just from a casual observation of the self-similar nature of the various series. They certainly do not have all the properties of the Cantor set and so, we may well ask, in what sense are they fractal? The purpose of this paper is to give one answer to this question.
Anxiety and alcohol abuse disorders: a common role for CREB and its target, the neuropeptide Y gene

It has been hypothesized that anxiety disorders play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of alcohol drinking behaviors. However, the molecular mechanisms for the association between anxiety and alcohol abuse are not well understood. Structures of the extended amygdala, particularly the central nucleus of amygdala, are involved in anxiety and in motivational aspects of alcohol drinking behaviors. Here, I propose that cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) has a role in anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors. The CREB gene transcription factor regulates the expression of the gene encoding neuropeptide Y (NPY), and decreased concentrations of NPY are implicated in anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors. Therefore, decreased function of CREB in the central nucleus of the amygdala might regulate anxiety and alcohol intake via decreased expression of NPY, and might provide a common link between anxiety and alcohol abuse disorders. I also suggest that, via CREB, NPY might interact with other CREB target genes, such as the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and that this CREB-mediated interaction might be important in the regulation of anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors.
The United States' Next Generation of Atmospheric Composition and Coastal Ecosystem Measurements: NASA's Geostationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) Mission

The Geostationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) mission was recommended by the National Research Council's (NRC's) Earth Science Decadal Survey to measure tropospheric trace gases and aerosols and coastal ocean phytoplankton, water quality, and biogeochemistry from geostationary orbit, providing continuous observations within the field of view. To fulfill the mandate and address the challenge put forth by the NRC, two GEO-CAPE Science Working Groups (SWGs), representing the atmospheric composition and ocean color disciplines, have developed realistic science objectives using input drawn from several community workshops. The GEO-CAPE mission will take advantage of this revolutionary advance in temporal frequency for both of these disciplines. Multiple observations per day are required to explore the physical, chemical, and dynamical processes that determine tropospheric composition and air quality over spatial scales ranging from urban to continental, and over temporal scales ranging from diurnal to seasonal. Likewise, high-frequency satellite observations are critical to studying and quantifying biological, chemical, and physical processes within the coastal ocean. These observations are to be achieved from a vantage point near 95deg-100degW, providing a complete view of North America as well as the adjacent oceans. The SWGs have also endorsed the concept of phased implementation using commercial satellites to reduce mission risk and cost. GEO-CAPE will join the global constellation of geostationary atmospheric chemistry and coastal ocean color sensors planned to be in orbit in the 2020 time frame.
Ritscher-Schinzel cardio-cranio-cerebellar (3C) syndrome: Report of three new cases

Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome is also known as the 3C syndrome because it involves principally the cardiac, cerebellar and cranio-facial structures. However, a review of the 29 published cases shows considerable variability in its clinical manifestations. As many as half of all cases may involve only two of the three systems. Here we wish to report on three new cases, two of which were siblings diagnosed prenatally. Cases 1 and 2. Baby R. was identified when autopsy studies following delivery at 31 weeks because of intrauterine fetal demise confirmed prenatally detected Dandy-Walker malformation, large atrial septal defect, cleft palate and hydronephrosis. During the subsequent pregnancy of this non-consanguineous, healthy Caucasian couple with a negative family history of malformations the fetus was found to have Dandy-Walker cyst, hypoplastic left heart, cleft palate and bilateral renal hypoplasia. Both fetuses had normal male karyotypes. Our third case is black male infant born at 38 weeks of gestational age to a 30-year-old primipara mother with no family history of birth defects or consanguinity. The infant weighed 1970 gm. at birth and was noted to have cleft palate, micrognathia, low set ears, tricuspid atresia with hypoplastic right ventricle, Dandy-Walker malformation and hydrocephalus. Other noted anomalies were a single umbilical artery, hypospadias, hemivertebrae and rib anomalies. Chromosomes were normal. The infant died following withdrawal of life support on the eighth day of life and no autopsy was performed. All three cases were seen during a one year period suggesting that the syndrome may be more common than is generally recognized. We will present a detailed review of the 29 published cases and differential diagnosis of the 3C syndrome.
Sagittal subtalar and talocrural joint assessment with weight-bearing fluoroscopy during barefoot ambulation.

BACKGROUND Identifying talar position during ambulation has proved difficult as the talus lacks palpable landmarks for skin marker placement and more invasive methodologies such as bone pins are not practical for most clinical subjects. A fluoroscopic motion system was used to track the talus and calcaneus, allowing kinematic analysis of the talocrural and subtalar joints. METHODS Thirteen male subjects (mean age 22.9 ± 3.0 years) previously screened for normal gait were tested. A fluoroscopy unit was used to collect images at 120 fps during stance. Sagittal motion of the talocrural and subtalar joints were analyzed. RESULTS The intersubject mean and standard deviation values for all 58 trials of 13 subjects are reported. Maximum talocrural joint plantarflexion of 11.2 degrees (4.3 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 11% stance and maximum dorsiflexion of -6.9 degrees (5.6 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 85%. Maximum subtalar joint plantarflexion of 4.8 degrees (1.0 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 96% stance and maximum dorsiflexion of -3.6 degrees (2.3 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 30%. Talocrural and subtalar range of motion values during stance were 18.1 and 8.4 degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION Existing fluoroscopic technology was capable of defining sagittal plane talocrural and subtalar motion during gait. These kinematic results compare favorably with more invasive techniques. This type of assessment could support more routine analysis of in vivo bony motion during gait. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Fluoroscopic technology offers improved sagittal plane motion evaluation during weight-bearing with potential application in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, postoperative ankle replacements and fusions, and orthotics and braces.
Rhizoeconomics: Carbon costs of phosphorus acquisition

Plants display a wide array of physiological adaptations to low soil phosphorus availability. Here we discuss metabolic and ecological costs associated with these strategies, focusing on the carbon costs of root traits related to phosphorus acquisition in crop plants. We propose that such costs are an important component of adaptation to low phosphorus soils. In common bean, genotypes with superior low phosphorus adaptation express traits that reduce the respiratory burden of root growth, including greater allocation to metabolically inexpensive root classes, such as adventitious roots, and greater formation of cortical aerenchyma, which reduces specific root respiration. Root hair formation increases phosphorus acquisition at minimal carbon cost, but may have other unknown ecological costs. Mycorrhizas and root exudates enhance phosphorus acquisition in some taxa, but at significant carbon cost. Root architectural patterns that enhance topsoil foraging enhance phosphorus acquisition but appear to incur tradeoffs for water acquisition and spatial competition. A better understanding of the metabolic and ecological costs associated with phosphorus acquisition strategies is needed for an intelligent deployment of such traits in crop improvement programs.
Creating a Conversation: Insights from the Development of a Decision Aid

The authors share lessons learned from their development ofStatin Choice, a decision aid for patients with diabetes who are considering using statins to reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Seeing the Forest Beyond the Trees: A Construal-Level Approach to Self-Control

Self-control failure is a ubiquitous and troubling problem people face. This article reviews psychological models of self-control and describes a new integrative approach based on construal level theory (e.g., Trope & Liberman, 2003). This construal-level perspective proposes that people’s subjective mental construals or representations of events impacts self-control. Specifically, more abstract, global (high-level) construals promote self-control success, whereas more concrete, local (low-level) construals tend to lead to self-control failure. That is, self-control is promoted when people see the proverbial forest beyond the trees. This article surveys research findings that demonstrate that construing events at high-level versus low-level construals promotes self-control. This article also discusses how a construal-level perspective promotes understanding of self-control failures. Despite remarkable intellectual capacities, people frequently make decisions and act in a manner that is contrary to their global interests (e.g., Ainslie, 1975; Baumeister & Heatherton, 1996; Mischel, Shoda, & Rodriguez, 1989; Thaler, 1991; Wertenbroch, 1998). Smokers, for example, continue smoking in full knowledge of the grave health consequences. Consumers spend more money than they know they can afford, sacrificing their savings and financial health. Why is it that people knowingly choose to act in a way that undermines their valued goals and concerns? Researchers refer to this inability to make decisions and behave in accordance to one’s global interests as self-control failure. When faced with more salient incentives and rewards in their immediate local contexts, people seem unable to resist them and forfeit their more global objectives. These failures have immense costs both to the individual and to society, and are implicated in a number of the nation’s most pressing problems, such as obesity, substance abuse, aggression, unsafe sexual practices, and poor financial savings. Understanding when and why people fail at self-control is thus a burning research question. In what follows, I review the three most prominent theoretical models of self-control. I present them in their ‘pure’ forms, recognizing that they are often ‘blended’ together by specific researchers. I will then review supporting evidence for an emerging perspective,
Liver pyruvate kinase (PK) isozymes in a PK‐deficient patient*

SUMMARY Liver from a patient with hereditary haemolytic anaemia due to pyruvate kinase deficiency is a deficient in the ‘erythrocyte’ PK isozyme as are her erythrocytes. The chromatographic, electrophoretic, antigenic, heat stability and kinetic properties of the patient's enzyme were not different from normal.
Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in selected herbs

The antioxidant capacities (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC) and total phenolic contents in extracts of 27 culinary herbs and 12 medicinal herbs were determined. The ORAC values and total phenolic contents for the medicinal herbs ranged from 1.88 to 22.30 μmol of Trolox equivalents (TE)/g of fresh weight and 0.23 to 2.85 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of fresh weight, respectively. Origanum × majoricum, O. vulgare ssp. hirtum, and Poliomintha longiflora have higher ORAC and phenolic contents as compared to other culinary herbs. The ORAC values and total phenolic content for the culinary herbs ranged from 2.35 to 92.18 μmol of TE/g of fresh weight and 0.26 to 17.51 mg of GAE/g of fresh weight, respectively. These also were much higher than values found in the medicinal herbs. The medicinal herbs with the highest ORAC values were Catharanthus roseus, Thymus vulgaris, Hypericum perforatum, and Artemisia annua. A linear relationship existed between ORAC values and total phenolic contents of th...
Effects of Neonatal Exposure to Nicotine on Electrophysiological Parameters in Adult Rats

In clinical studies and animal models, there is evidence that nicotine exposure during gestation can result in deficits in cognitive performance. The present study examined the effects of two doses of neonatal nicotine exposure on adult brain activity as assessed by the N1 and P3 components of the event-related potential (ERP) and background electroencephalography (EEG). Nicotine (0 mg, 1 mg/kg/day, 4 mg/kg/day) was administered to neonatal rat pups from postnatal day 4 (PN4) through PN12 with an artificial rearing paradigm; suckled rats served as additional control subjects. Nicotine exposure was specifically found to alter responses of the P3 component of the ERP, recorded in dorsal hippocampus, to changes in stimulus parameters. A significant reduction in the response of the P3A component to the noise tone as compared with the level of the frequently presented tone was found. A significant reduction in the response to the noise tone as compared with the level of the infrequently presented tone also was seen in the P3B component. No effects of drug exposure were found on the N1 component in any lead, although artificial rearing produced specific effects on the latency of the N1 component in cortex. No significant differences among treatment groups were found on any of the EEG-dependent variables. Female rats overall were found to have significantly higher EEG amplitudes than the males, a finding previously reported in our laboratory. However, no overall effects of gender were found on any ERP component. These studies suggest that neonatal nicotine exposure specifically reduces the electrophysiological response of the hippocampus to changes in auditory stimuli. Additional studies will be necessary to link these P3 amplitude changes to the effects of nicotine on the developing brain in human and animal subjects.
2,9-Di-(2'-pyridyl)-1,10-phenanthroline: a tetradentate ligand for Ru(II).

The tetradentate ligand 2,9-di-(2‘-pyridyl)-1,10-phenanthroline is synthesized in 62% yield by the Stille coupling of 2,9-dichloro-1,10-phenanthroline and 2-(tri-n-butylstannyl)pyridine. Treatment of this ligand with RuCl3·3H2O and a 4-substituted pyridine results in the formation of a complex in which the tetradentate ligand occupies the equatorial plane and two pyridines are bound axially. The interior N−Ru−N angles vary from 76.1° to 125.6°, showing considerable distortion from the 90° ideal. The lowest energy electronic transition is sensitive to the electronegativity of the 4-substituent on the axial pyridines, varying from 516 nm for the CF3 group to 580 nm for the NMe2. The oxidation potentials mirror this trend, spanning a range of 1.36−1.03 V, while the reduction potentials show less variation (−0.97 to −1.08 V). The complexes are nonemissive, presumably due to competitive nonradiative processes caused by distortion of the system.
Treatment of adolescent gynecomastia.

Abstract Purpose Adolescent gynecomastia is common but variable in severity. The disease may be self-limited. Although antiestrogen therapy can be used in persistent gynecomastia, results are mixed. Subcutaneous mastectomy via a circumareloar incision is familiar to most pediatric surgeons and provides excellent cosmetic results in most cases. Severe gynecomastia may require alternative procedures. There is little information in the pediatric surgical literature to provide the pediatric surgeon with treatment options for these children. A variety of techniques have been used by plastic surgeons for female patients requiring breast reduction and are sometimes a useful addition to the surgical repertoire for the management of very large breasts in adolescent gynecomastia. We reviewed our experience with the use of inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty and subcutaneous mastectomy in adolescents with gynecomastia and describe the techniques used. Methods After obtaining institutional review board approval, a retrospective review was conducted on all patients operated on for gynecomastia from January 1999 to March 2009. Data recorded included patient demographics, diagnostic evaluation, medical and surgical treatment, complications, and outcome. Results Twenty patients underwent an operation for gynecomastia. Eight patients had bilateral inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty, and 12 patients underwent either unilateral or bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy. The mean age at operation was 15.5 years (range, 14-18 years). In all cases, the histopathologic feature was consistent with gynecomastia. There were no postoperative wound infections. One patient developed a seroma after subcutaneous mastectomy requiring drainage. The mean amount of tissue removed after bilateral reduction mammaplasty was 275.1 g. No patients had devascularization of the nipple-areolar complex or nipple loss. One patient had mild subcutaneous asymmetry after a reduction mammaplasty that required no further intervention. Seven patients (87%) had an excellent cosmetic outcome after reduction mammaplasty. Mean length of follow-up was 18.8 months. Conclusions Although many adolescents with true gynecomastia have mild or self-limited disease, operative treatment may provide significant benefit to the remainder. Milder grades of gynecomastia can be managed with subcutaneous mastectomy. Selected severe cases can be safely and effectively treated with reduction mammaplasty.
A strain-gauge force platform for studying human movement.

For a study of the postural aspects of human movement a strain-gauge force plarform was designed to meet the following requirements: (1) that it measure horizontal and vertical forces independently; (2) that it have a range of 800 lb. in each axis; (3) that it be as rigid as the average floor; (4) that it be compact and movable, and compatible wirh standard instrumentation and recording systems. In carrying out the design, electrical resistance strain gauges were used because of their versatility in application and because their resolution is limited only by the instrumentation driving them. The sensing element is an aluminum tube with .25-in. wall thickness and 2.50-in. outer diameter. Wall thickness is reduced somewhat in the areas where gauges are mounted in order to increase sensitivity. The tube is supported on the ends by aluminum plates M in. thick. The loading platform is attached in the center. The strain gauge systems, which have outputs of 1.3 mv. at full load, are so arranged and wired that they measure and add the rwo forces which are transmitted to the ends of the tube in each plane. In this way the output of the unit is independent of the location at which the load is applied.
Histologic changes associated with false-negative sentinel lymph nodes after preoperative chemotherapy in patients with confirmed lymph node-positive breast cancer before treatment.

BACKGROUND: A wide range of false-negative rates has been reported for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy after preoperative chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether histologic findings in negative SLNs after preoperative chemotherapy are helpful in assessing the accuracy of SLN biopsy in patients with confirmed lymph node-positive disease before treatment. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with confirmed lymph node-positive disease at presentation underwent successful SLN biopsy and axillary dissection after preoperative chemotherapy at a single institution between 1994 and 2007. Available hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections from patients with negative SLNs were reviewed, and associations between histologic findings in the negative SLNs and SLN status (true negative vs false negative) were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-seven (55%) patients had at least 1 positive SLN, and 39 (45%) patients had negative SLNs. The false-negative rate was 22%, and the negative predictive value was 67%. The negative SLNs from 17 of 34 patients with available slides had focal areas of fibrosis, some with associated foamy parenchymal histiocytes, fat necrosis, or calcification. These histologic findings occurred in 15 (65%) of 23 patients with true-negative SLNs and in only 2 (18%) of 11 patients with false-negative SLNs (P = .03, Fisher exact test, 2-tailed). The lack of these histologic changes had a sensitivity and specificity for identifying a false-negative SLN of 82% and 65%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of treatment effect in SLNs after chemotherapy in patients with lymph node-positive disease at initial presentation has good sensitivity but low specificity for identifying a false-negative SLN. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
QUASI-ELASTIC (p,n) ANGULAR DISTRIBUTIONS: INSTRUMENTATION

Abstract The modifications of the Livermore 90-in. cyclotron time-of-flight facility necessary for the measurement of quasi-elastic (p,n) angular distributions are discussed. These modifications include: 1) the construction of shielded 10-m flight paths at 3, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 135°; 2) the installation of an additional bending magnet and auxiliary equipment to bend the proton beam such that it strikes the target at an angle of 18° to the normal beam line, thus effectively doubling the number of angles for which measurements can be made; 3) modification of the electronic system such that all detectors can record data simultaneously. Future expansion to include 10-m flight paths in 15° intervals, which will make possible measurements from 0 to 157.5° in 7.5° steps and the electronics necessary for this more complex system are discussed.
Network analysis of nitrogen inputs and cycling in the Neuse River estuary, North Carolina, USA

The Neuse River estuary, North Carolina, United States, has demonstrated various symptoms of eutrophication during the past 20 yr. We contributed to an environmental assessment program, through ecological network analysis, a group of algorithms to evaluate networks of material flows within a structured system. Networks of nitrogen (N) cycling for 16 consecutive seasons were constructed based on previous field and laboratory studies. Network analysis provided understanding of the relationship between N loading and recycling, the fates of N and the expected interseasonal variation of both model inputs and outputs. Various indices indicated that recycling of imported N was very high, supporting measured observations. There was little correlation between estimates of loading and N uptake by phytoplankton, although loading of total and particulate N did correlate positively with export. Because of the high degree of recycling of N, the rate of loading of new N is a small fraction of the total processing of N or of the needs for primary production alone. We predict that on a short-term basis the controls on primary production tend to be associated with conditions in the estuary rather than import. This condition is likely to postpone easily observable responses to loading reduction over the entire estuary and in the short term, although improvements in water quality should occur over time.
Format IIA Model Infection Control Program for Commissioning an Ambulatory Surgery Center

Abstract ISSUE: Construction-related infection control guidelines for healthcare facilities are primarily directed toward preventing healthcare-associated fungal infection (e.g., Aspergillus species) in occupied buildings. There are, however, no generally accepted standards for infection control commissioning of a newly constructed ambulatory surgery center. A model infection control program for commissioning such a building is presented. PROJECT: To develop an infection control-commissioning program for a newly constructed ambulatory surgery center; to confirm HVAC system cleanliness, operation, and filtration efficiency; building cleanliness; and to establish acceptance criteria for airborne particulate and opportunistic fungal species. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary team was created including representatives from Infection Control, Infectious Diseases, Construction Management, Administration, Laboratory Medicine, Environmental Services, Industrial Hygiene consultants and contractors. A program of sequential, step-wise inspections and testing was developed. The program elements included surface sampling of the HVAC system and duct interiors; HVAC and room pressure relationship testing, and filter efficiency testing; moisture testing; and fungal and particulate air sampling. LESSONS LEARNED: The use of multiple inspection and testing methods (visual inspection, pressure testing, particle counters, and air samples) provided the most useful information for infection control commissioning. Close partnering with the construction contractor was the single most significant contributor to the success of the infection control commissioning process.
The recovery of ground-water levels in Nebraska in 1935

A program of water-level measurements in about 350 wells scattered throughout Nebraska was begun in 1934 by the United States Geological Survey in cooperation with the Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska (see L. K. Wenzel, A state-wide program of periodic measurements of ground-water level in Nebraska, Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, 16th annual meeting, pp. 495–498, 1935). Included in this program were about 60 wells in the Platte River Valley on which periodic measurements were started in 1930. Observations on the 350 wells were continued in 1935 at about monthly intervals and the measurements collected are now being prepared for publication as a paper of the Nebraska Geological Survey.
A Review of TV Viewing and Its Association With Health Outcomes in Adults

Observational studies of the relationship between TV viewing and health outcomes (overweight/obesity, cholesterol/lipids, blood pressure/hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome) in adults are reviewed. Studies indicate that in adults, greater amounts of TV viewing are consistently associated with increased overweight risk, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, but that results are mixed regarding the relationship between adult TV viewing and other health outcomes. It is theorized that greater TV viewing is related to increased weight status and poorer health outcomes by reducing energy expenditure, predominantly through reducing time spent in physical activity, and increasing energy intake. No randomized trials that manipulated TV viewing time measured the effects of this manipulation on diet and physical activity and then measured future health outcomes in adults. However, experimental studies, predominantly conducted in children, show relationships between TV viewing, energy intake, p...
Calcium intake in relation to ovulation and oviposition when access to oyster shell is time-restricted or unrestricted.

Abstract 1. White Leghorn hens were fed either a conventional diet containing 40 gCa/kg from oyster shell, or one low in Ca (3 g/kg) with oyster shell offered separately. 2. In experiment 1 access to oyster shell was unrestricted; in experiment 2. Access was time‐restricted to the first 6 h of the photophase of the 14L:10D photoperiod. 3. Irrespective of time‐restriction, hens offered oyster shell laid heavier eggs, but shell thickness was reduced. 4. On days on which only ovulation occurred, time‐restricted hens consumed significantly less Ca than unrestricted hens. 5. In contrast, on days on which only oviposition occurred, time‐restricted hens consumed significantly more Ca than unrestricted hens. 6. These results suggest that when access to oyster shell is time‐restricted to morning hours Ca consumption occurs in response to a Ca deficit persisting from the previous period of shell calcification.