cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: Time-integrated applications

Spectral analysis of the plasma produced by laser-induced breakdown was demonstrated to be an effective real-time technique for the detection of atomic constituents in gases and gas-entrained particulates. The time-integrated technique, LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy), was applied to the detection of sodium and potassium in a coal gasifier product stream, of airborne beryllium, and of phosphorus, sulfur, and chlorine in various organic molecules. In a companion paper (following) the time-resolved technique will be discussed.
Synthesizing standardized mean‐change measures

A new approach is presented for the meta-analysis of data from pre-test-post-test designs. With this approach, data from studies using different designs may be compared directly and studies without control groups need not be omitted. The approach is based on a ‘standardized mean-change’ measure, computed for each sample within a study, and involves analysis of the standardized mean changes and differences in the standardized mean changes. Analyses are illustrated using results of studies of the effectiveness of mental practice on motor-skill development.
A Psychosocial Resource Impairment Model Explaining Partner Violence and Distress: Moderating Role of Income

This study examines the role of income in a psychosocial resource impairment model that explains partner violence and distress. Using data from a nationally representative sample, we test whether psychosocial resources of social support and self-esteem operate differently in four income groups (poor, “working”-poor, middle and upper-income). Structural equation modeling shows that among women considered working-poor, low self-esteem is relevant for the process through which violence becomes linked to distress. Women of upper-income appear distinct with negative interactions serving as sole mediator of violence and distress. Other findings indicate impaired support may mediate the violence and distress relation for women, regardless of income. Overall, income partially moderates the impact of partner violence on distress, suggesting social contexts should be considered when examining the effects of violence.
Midgut Barrier Imparts Selective Resistance to Filarial Worm Infection in Culex pipiens pipiens

Mosquitoes in the Culex pipiens complex thrive in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, and serve as efficient vectors of Bancroftian lymphatic filariasis (LF) caused by Wuchereria bancrofti in Asia, Africa, the West Indies, South America, and Micronesia. However, members of this mosquito complex do not act as natural vectors for Brugian LF caused by Brugia malayi, or for the cat parasite B. pahangi, despite their presence in South Asia where these parasites are endemic. Previous work with the Iowa strain of Culex pipiens pipiens demonstrates that it is equally susceptible to W. bancrofti as is the natural Cx. p. pipiens vector in the Nile Delta, however it is refractory to infection with Brugia spp. Here we report that the infectivity barrier for Brugia spp. in Cx. p. pipiens is the mosquito midgut, which inflicts internal and lethal damage to ingested microfilariae. Following per os Brugia exposures, the prevalence of infection is significantly lower in Cx. p. pipiens compared to susceptible mosquito controls, and differs between parasite species with <50% and <5% of Cx. p. pipiens becoming infected with B. pahangi and B. malayi, respectively. When Brugia spp. mf were inoculated intrathoracically to bypass the midgut, larvae developed equally well as in controls, indicating that, beyond the midgut, Cx. p. pipiens is physiologically compatible with Brugia spp. Mf isolated from Cx. p. pipiens midguts exhibited compromised motility, and unlike mf derived from blood or isolated from the midguts of Ae. aegypti, failed to develop when inoculated intrathoracically into susceptible mosquitoes. Together these data strongly support the role of the midgut as the primary infection barrier for Brugia spp. in Cx. p. pipiens. Examination of parasites recovered from the Cx. p. pipiens midgut by vital staining, and those exsheathed with papain, suggest that the damage inflicted by the midgut is subcuticular and disrupts internal tissues. Microscopic studies of these worms reveal compromised motility and sharp bends in the body; and ultrastructurally the presence of many fluid or carbohydrate-filled vacuoles in the hypodermis, body wall, and nuclear column. Incubation of Brugia mf with Cx. p. pipiens midgut extracts produces similar internal damage phenotypes; indicating that the Cx. p. pipiens midgut factor(s) that damage mf in vivo are soluble and stable in physiological buffer, and inflict damage on mf in vitro.
Derivation of Plate Theory Accounting Asymptotically Correct Shear Deformation

The focus of this paper is the development of linear, asymptotically correct theories for inhomogeneous orthotropic plates, for example, laminated plates with orthotropic laminae. It is noted that the method used can be easily extended to develop nonlinear theories for plates with generally anisotropic inhomogeneity. The development, based on variational-asymptotic method, begins with three-dimensional elasticity and mathematically splits the analysis into two separate problems: a one-dimensional through-the-thickness analysis and a two-dimensional “plate” analysis. The through-the-thickness analysis provides elastic constants for use in the plate theory and approximate closed-form recovering relations for all truly three-dimensional displacements, stresses, and strains expressed in terms of plate variables. In general, the specific type of plate theory that results from variational-asymptotic method is determined by the method itself. However, the procedure does not determine the plate theory uniquely, and one may use the freedom appeared to simplify the plate theory as much as possible. The simplest and the most suitable for engineering purposes plate theory would be a “Reissner-like” plate theory, also called first-order shear deformation theory. However, it is shown that construction of an asymptotically correct Reissner-like theory for laminated plates is not possible in general. A new point of view on the variational-asymptotic method is presented, leading to an optimization procedure that permits a derived theory to be as close to asymptotical correctness as possible while it is a Reissner-like. This uniquely determines the plate theory. Numerical results from such an optimum Reissner-like theory are presented. These results include comparisons of plate displacement as well as of three-dimensional field variables and are the best of all extant Reissner-like theories. Indeed, they even surpass results from theories that carry many more generalized displacement variables. Although the derivation presented herein is inspired by, and completely equivalent to, the well-known variational-asymptotic method, the new procedure looks different. In fact, one does not have to be familiar with the variational-asymptotic method in order to follow the present derivation.
Wide-Dynamic-Range Neurons Are Heterogeneous in Windup Responsiveness to Changes in Stimulus Intensity and Isoflurane Anesthesia Level in Mice

The windup phenomenon in wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neurons represents a short-term neuronal sensitization to repetitive noxious inputs that may share similar mechanisms with those that trigger the development of persistent pain and hyperalgesia. Some WDR cells are readily sensitized and express prominent windup (windup(+)), whereas others do not (windup(-)). We recorded extracellular single-unit activity of deep laminae WDR neurons (350-700 microm) in C57BL/6 mice to determine how changes in stimulus intensity (1x and >2x C-component threshold, n = 53) and concentrations of isoflurane anesthesia (2.0% and 1.0%, n = 30) might differently modulate windup responsiveness in windup(+) and windup(-) cells. Two principally different analysis methods [absolute windup (the number of action potentials) and relative windup (the percentage of action potentials evoked by the first stimulus of the train)] were used to interpret windup data. We observed that increasing the stimulus intensity and decreasing the isoflurane concentration: 1) facilitated windup generation at 0.2-Hz stimulation and significantly enhanced absolute windup at both 0.2-Hz and 0.5-Hz stimulation predominantly in windup(+) cells but did not confer windup capability on windup(-) cells and 2) significantly increased relative windup at 0.2-Hz, but not 0.5-Hz, stimulation in windup(+) cells. Our findings advance our understanding of the neurobiology of deep WDR neurons in mice and demonstrate that two populations of cells differ in their windup responsiveness to changes in experimental conditions. We also elucidate the usefulness and potential limitations of two widely used methods for calculating and presenting windup data.
Editorial: Jorge luis borges (1899–1986– in translation

(1986). Editorial: Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986– in Translation. Translation Review: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 1-3.
Bacterial utilisation of organic matter in the deep sea

DISSOLVED organic carbon (DOC) in the deep sea is, after sedimentary humus, the largest reservoir of organic carbon in the hydrosphere. It is utilised primarily by heterotrophic bacteria, which over a long period, in steady–state conditions consume dissolved O2 from the seawater and produce an equivalent amount of CO2 by respiration. Knowledge of the rates of O2 consumption (Table 1) and CO2 production is useful for quantifying the mixing and circulation of deep-sea water through variations in its O2 or natural radiocarbon content1,2. The aim of the work reported here was to determine the growth rate of a heterotrophic, low nutrient bacterium isolated from seawater collected at a depth of 2,000 m in the north-central Pacific Ocean (25°03′N, 154°53′W), and to equate this growth rate with O2 consumption and utilisation of DOC.
Toxicology of ammonium sulfate in the lung.

Despite the relatively low toxicity of ammonium sulfate in experimental animals, it cannot be concluded that increased sulfuric acid production is harmless to human health. Many other pollutants are present in ambient air with possible synergistic effects. Sulfuric acid undoubtedly reacts to produce other sulfates in ambient air which are often much more toxic. For example zinc sulfate and zinc ammonium sulfate are much more irritating to the lung than ammonium sulfate. In order to assess with more certainty the health effects of increased sulfuric acid production, it will be necessary to determine accurately that proportion inhaled as free sulfuric acid compared with ammonium sulfate as well as the proportion and kinds of other sulfates present in the atmosphere.
Myocardial Necrosis in a Patient with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

A 23-year-old black woman with mixed connective tissue disease developed acute onset of shortness of breath and evidence of pulmonary edema. Cardiac isoenzymes, electrocardiograms and radionuclide myocardial scintigraphy were consistent with focal myocardial necrosis. The patient has had no further myocardial complication since initiation of therapy with steroids.
Transient Finite Element Analysis of the Exterior Structural Acoustics Problem

Considerable progress has been made in the development of numerical methods for the time-harmonic exterior structural acoustics problem involving solution of the coupled Helmholtz equation. In contrast, numerical solution procedures for the transient case have not been studied so extensively. In this paper a finite element formulation is proposed for solution of the time-dependent coupled wave equation over an infinite fluid domain. The formulation is based on a finite computational fluid domain surrounding the structure and incorporates a sequence of boundary operators on the fluid truncation boundary. These operators are designed to minimize reflection of outgoing waves and are based on an asymptotic expansion of the exact solution for the time-dependent problem. In the fluid domain, a mixed two-field finite element approximation, based on a specialization of the Hu-Washizu principle for elasticity, is proposed and employs pressure and displacement potential as independent fields. Since radiation dissipation renders the coupled system nonconservative, a variational formalism based on the Morse and Feshbach concept of a “mirror-image” adjoint system is used. The variational formalism also accommodates viscoelastic dissipation in the structure (or its coatings) and this is considered in the paper. Very accurate results for model problems involving a single layer of fluid elements have been obtained and are discussed in detail.
An audit of perioperative management of autistic children.

Background: Autistic children are very difficult to manage in the hospital setting because they react badly to any change in routine. Methods: We have developed a unique management program for autistic children admitted for medical and surgical procedures requiring a general anaesthetic. Details of each patient managed according to this program have been prospectively entered into an Autistic Register. Results: An audit of this database shows that we have administered anaesthesia on 87 occasions for 59 autistic children over 4 years. Conclusions: There is great variation in the severity of autism and hospital needs of these children. The focus is on early communication with the patient’s families, flexibility to individualize the admission process and anaesthetic plan with admission and early discharge on the day of surgery whenever possible. Oral midazolam is an effective premedication for the milder cases and oral ketamine is the most reliable for moderate and severe cases. Comparison of oral midazolam and ketamine shows no significant different postoperative recovery and hospital discharge times. Routine intravenous fluids and antiemesis prophylaxis with removal of the i.v. cannula before return to the ward are also seen as important steps to decrease stress and smooth the postoperative phase. This program has also successfully been extended to the management of problem children due to other causes.
Catastrophe avoidance and risk aversion: Implications of formal utility maximization

It is shown that von Neumann-Morgernstern (NM) expected utility maximization, as is currently practised, implies an upper bound on the percentage utility that can be sacrificed to reduce the probability or severity of a catastrophe. The major quantitative result of this paper is a simple tabular (and graphic) presentation of the maximum allowed “budget” for catastrophe prevention/abatement within the NM framework. The upper limit, which declines in proportion to catastrophe probability, effectively reduces the benefit-cost ratio for catastrophe protection. Use of formal utility maximization methods can thus result in the choice of policies that fail to avoid catastrophes that could be avoided at relatively low cost. Thus the decisions of risk-averse, risk-neutral, and risk-seeing utility maximizers tend to converge in catastrophe prone situations. The prospect theory of Kahneman and Tversky or the elasticity principle of Bernard offer more flexible options of risk aversion under these circumstances.
Chaperone-mediated Autophagy Targets Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) for Lysosomal Degradation

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor that mediates adaptive responses to hypoxia. We demonstrate that lysosomal degradation of the HIF-1α subunit by chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a major regulator of HIF-1 activity. Pharmacological inhibitors of lysosomal degradation, such as bafilomycin and chloroquine, increased HIF-1α levels and HIF-1 activity, whereas activators of chaperone-mediated autophagy, including 6-aminonicotinamide and nutrient starvation, decreased HIF-1α levels and HIF-1 activity. In contrast, macroautophagy inhibitors did not increase HIF-1 activity. Transcription factor EB, a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, also negatively regulated HIF-1 activity. HIF-1α interacts with HSC70 and LAMP2A, which are core components of the CMA machinery. Overexpression of HSC70 or LAMP2A decreased HIF-1α protein levels, whereas knockdown had the opposite effect. Finally, hypoxia increased the transcription of genes involved in CMA and lysosomal biogenesis in cancer cells. Thus, pharmacological and genetic approaches identify CMA as a major regulator of HIF-1 activity and identify interplay between autophagy and the response to hypoxia.
Preparation of high molecular weight monodisperse polystyrene latexes by concentrated emulsion polymerization

The preparation of high molecular weight monodisperse polystyrene (PS) latexes by the concentrated emulsion polymerization is investigated. The PS latexes thus obtained have diameters in the range of 0.1–0.3 μm. The average size and the dispersity of the latexes are dependent on the concentration of surfactant (SDS), the monomer volume fraction, and the amount of monpolymerizable additive (decane). The ionic strength does not seem to affect the size but affect the dispersity of the latexes. Under proper conditions, monodisperse particles can be prepared with a quite small standard deviation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Exhaustion-Like Phenotype Constrains the Activity of CD4+ T Cells Specific for a Self and Melanoma Antigen

While the immune system has the capacity to recognize and destroy melanoma, tolerance mechanisms often hinder the development of effective anti-tumor immune responses. Since many melanoma antigens are self proteins expressed in normal melanocytes, self antigen exposure before tumor development can negatively impact the function of T cells specific for these self/tumor antigens. However, the contribution of self tolerance to anti-melanoma T cell dysfunction remains largely unexplored. We have previously described a TCR transgenic (Tg) mouse model in which T cells specific for the self/melanoma antigen, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), develop in the presence of endogenous TRP1 expression (Ag+) and diminished antigen presentation due to the absence of gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT-/-). We show that TRP1-specific T cells from these Ag+GILT-/-Tg mice do not protect from melanoma tumor growth, fail to induce autoimmune vitiligo, and undergo diminished proliferation compared to T cells from Ag-GILT+/+Tg mice. Despite an increased frequency of TRP1-specific Treg cells in Ag+GILT-/-Tg mice compared to Ag-GILT+/+Tg animals, Treg cell depletion only partially rescues the proliferative capacity of T cells from TRP1-expressing mice, suggesting the involvement of additional suppressive mechanisms. An increased percentage of melanoma-specific T cells from Ag+GILT-/-Tg animals express PD-1, an inhibitory receptor associated with the maintenance of T cell exhaustion. Antibody blockade of PD-1 partially improves the ability of TRP1-specific T cells from Ag+GILT-/-Tg mice to produce IL-2. These findings demonstrate that melanoma-specific T cells exposed to a self/melanoma antigen in healthy tissue develop an exhaustion-like phenotype characterized by PD-1-mediated immunosuppression prior to encounter with tumor.
Novel interface services for bioacoustic digital libraries

This paper introduces the CARDINAL (Computer Assisted Recognition and Discovery in Natural Acoustic Landscapes) interface system for use in Bioacoustic Digital Libraries (BADL).
Ubiquitin Recognition by the Cockayne Syndrome Group B Protein: Binding Will Set You Free

Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) requires the coordinated efforts of many proteins. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Anindya et al. (2010) show that the proteins assemble at the site of DNA damage but cannot begin repair until the Cockayne syndrome group B protein (CSB) binds ubiquitin.
Reduction of choline acetyltransferase activity in primary visual cortex in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease

Results: Significant differences in ChAT activity, but not in AChE activity or nerve growth factor protein levels, were found among diagnostic groups (P=.049). The ChAT activity was lower in AD than in MCI or NCI (P.01); MCI was not different from NCI. The PVC ChAT activity correlated with measures of overall cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination and Global Cognitive Score), but less so with a composite measure of visuospatial function. Conclusions: The reduction in ChAT activity in the PVC of mild to moderate AD, but not in MCI, might serve to distinguish between clinical and preclinical forms of the disease. It appears that this change relates to generalized cognitive abnormalities but not specifically to visuospatial function.
Interpersonal Communication in the Casual Interaction of Marital Partners

The purpose of this study was to code the communication behaviour of married couples asked to have a pleasant conversation with one another. Fifty-one couples participated in this experiment. These couples were categorised into one of five basic marriage patterns: Traditionals, Independents, Separates, Separate/Traditionals and Mixed type couples. The middle four minutes of their interaction was coded using the Verbal Response Modes (Stiles, 1978a). The casual interaction styles of these couples differed from one another on an utterance by utterance basis as well as in reference to the three major interpersonal roles: acquiescence, presumptuousness and attentiveness.
Chronic hepatitis C therapy: changing the rules of duration.

Traditional durations of therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C can potentially be modified in hopes of cost savings, diminished exposure to medication side effects, and even improved rates of sustained virologic response. Clinical and viral kinetic studies suggest that shortened treatment durations for certain patients with genotype 2 and 3 infections might be equally effective as regimens of 24 weeks; for patients achieving undetectable viremia at 4 weeks of therapy, treatment durations of 12–16 weeks are sufficient. Nevertheless, abbreviated treatment courses might be inappropriate for those patients with advanced fibrosis or for genotype 3–infected patients with high viral loads. Similarly, if a rapid virologic response is obtained in those patients with genotype 1 infection and a low viral load, a truncated treatment course of merely 24 weeks is feasible. Conversely, slow virologic responders typically seen in genotype 1–infected individuals with high viral loads might benefit from an extended course of therapy; however, this approach needs to be validated prospectively. This review focuses on the evidence supporting such treatment individualization and discusses potential treatment algorithm modifications.
Interfacial resistance in the absorption of oxygen by water

Transient absorption rates of oxygen into water have been measured by passing a laminar jet through the pure gas for contact times varying from 0.8 to 11.8 msec. The absorption rate is significantly lower than the theoretical value corresponding to no interfacial resistance, if a diffusivity of 2.20 × 10−5sq. cm./sec. at 22.2°C. is used for comparison. The available evidence indicates that this diffusivity is about correct and that the lowered rate may be caused by an interfacial resistance described by an interfacial transfer coefficient equal to 0.6 cm./sec. This resistance is small enough to be neglected in most gas absorbers.
Loss of protective sensation: a practical evidence-based definition.

Peripheral sensory neuropathy is a pivotal element in the causal pathway to both foot ulceration and amputation in patients with diabetes (1-3). Therefore, selecting a quick, inexpensive, and accurate instrument to evaluate the highrisk patient is essential to make decisions about the allocation and distribution of medical resources and personnel. Although it is important to identify loss of protective sensation in patients with diabetes, the importance of defining the point at which sufficient protective sensory loss occurs had for many years not been well defined. Numerous studies have made great strides in identifying this elusive point by utilizing a variety of techniques to detect sensory neuropathy. However, all have used differing methods , different sites of testing, and different ways of interpreting the results (410). Recently, we have attempted to further clarify this issue by conducting a prospective case control study in a population of 255 diabetic subjects (1) which tested the combined sensitivity and specificity of the two most commonly utilized sensory testing modalities: the Semmes-Weinstein lOg monofilament (SWMF) and the Biothesiometer.' We determined that the lack of perception of 4 or more out of 10 sites on the bottom of the foot using the SWMF carried with it a 97% sensitivity and a 83% specificity in identifying patients at highest risk for diabetic foot ulcers. This was the optimum combination of sensitivity and specificity for this device. Another device commonly used in diabetic foot speciality clinics, the Biothesiometer, measures vibration perception (also known as vibration perception threshold ). The optimum vibration perception threshold was 25 V yielding a 90% sensitivity and
Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin Identifies Neonates With High Probability of Sepsis

The diagnosis of “suspected sepsis” in neonates in the ICU is challenging given the nonspecific signs of sepsis and the poor diagnostic performance of currently used laboratory markers and the unfortunate delay in bacterial culture data.1,2 In this excellent review, Polin reports that, although sepsis screening panels and scoring systems that include multiple laboratory values may help exclude neonatal sepsis, their positive …
Characterization of self-curing acrylic bone cements.

Four self-curing acrylic bone cements were surveyed by infrared, solubility, viscometry, quantitative metallography, microscopy, and physical testing techniques: CMW, Palacos R, Sulfix-6, and Surgical Simplex P. Results show that these bone cements were primarily composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) and that no cross-linking was evident. Solubility analysis confirmed this latter observation, as the bone cements dissolved completely except for a small insoluble fraction, which was identified as the radiopaque filler. For each bone cement, the viscosity-average molecular weights of both the powdered phase and the cured two-phase product remained unchanged, varying overall from 1 to 5 × 105. Using standard quantitative metallography, porosity ranged from 1 to 8% and the dispersed powder phase decreased 11–46%. Microscopy revealed the nature of the porosity, radiopaque fillers, the powder size and shape, and the fracture morphology. From tensile and fracture toughness tests, five physical properties were determined at ambient conditions and at 37°C after conditioning in distilled water at 37°C for 10 months: the modulus of elasticity, the ultimate tensile strength, the elongation at break, the fracture energy, and the mean inherent flaw size. At ambient conditions, the ultimate tensile strength decreased 33–55% when compared with commercial unmodified poly(methyl methacrylate), Plexiglas G. While the fracture energy remained rather invariant, the mean inherent flaw size increased fivefold over the commercial acrylic tested. This marked increase in the mean inherent flaw size could lower the fatigue resistance of a material, since more and/or larger fracture initiation sites are available. When tested at 37°C after protracted conditioning, the deleterious trends observed at ambient temperature continued. To some degree, porosity, particle-matrix interfaces, residual stresses, low molecular weight products, inorganic and/or other organic additions, and water contributed to the inherent flaw size at the expense of the working stress. Several modifications are suggested by which the importance of these factors might be minimized.
Occupational and Recreational Noise Exposure from Indoor Arena Hockey Games

Occupational and recreational noise exposures were evaluated at two sporting arenas hosting collegiate hockey games (Venue 1) and semi-professional hockey (Venue 2). A total of 54 personal noise dosimetry samples were taken over the course of seven home hockey games: 15 workers and 9 fans at Venue 1, and 19 workers and 11 fans at Venue 2. None of the sampled workers were overexposed to noise based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration criteria. However, 40% and 57% of workers at Venue 1 and 33% and 91% of fans at Venue 2 were overexposed based on ACGIH noise exposure criteria. Noise exposures for fans were significantly different between venues, but worker noise exposures between venues were not significantly different. In addition, extensive area noise monitoring was conducted at each venue to further characterize the stadium noise on a location-by-location basis. Mean equivalent sound pressure levels ranged from 81 to 96 dBA at Venue 1 and from 85 to 97 dBA at Venue 2. Mean noise peak levels ...
Salinity selection and preference of the grey snapper Lutjanus griseus: field and laboratory observations.

Field observations were supplemented with laboratory experiments to reveal patterns of salinity selection and preference for grey snapper Lutjanus griseus (c. 21 cm total length, LT), an ecologically and economically important species in the south-eastern U.S.A. Fish abundance data were examined from a long-term field survey conducted in the mangrove habitats of Biscayne Bay, Florida, where salinities ranged from <1 to 40. First, regression analyses indicated significant, positive linear relationships with salinity for both L. griseus frequency of occurrence and concentration (density when present). These patterns are inconsistent with physiological expectations of minimizing energetic osmoregulatory costs. Next, the salinity preference and swimming activity of 11 L. griseus (ranging from 18 to 23 cm LT) were investigated using a newly developed electronic shuttlebox system. In the laboratory, fish preferred intermediate salinities in the range of 9–23. Swimming activity (measured in terms of spontaneous swimming speed) followed a parabolic relationship with salinity, with reduced activity at salinity extremes perhaps reflecting compensation for higher osmoregulatory costs. It is suspected that the basis of the discrepancy between laboratory and field observations for size classes at or near maturity ultimately relates to the reproductive imperative to move towards offshore (high-salinity) coral-reef habitats, a necessity that probably overrides the strategy of minimizing osmoregulatory energetic costs.
Whole ovary immunohistochemistry for monitoring cell proliferation and ovulatory wound repair in the mouse.

Background Ovarian surface epithelial cells are thought to be a precursor cell type for ovarian carcinoma. It has been proposed that an increased rate of ovarian surface epithelial cell proliferation during ovulatory wound repair contributes to the accumulation of genetic changes and cell transformation. The proliferation of ovarian surface epithelial cells during ovulatory wound repair has been studied primarily using immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded ovary sections. However, such analyses require complex reconstruction from serially-cut ovary sections for the visualization and quantification of the cells on the ovarian surface. In order to directly visualize the proliferation and organization of the ovarian surface epithelial cells, we developed a technique for immunohistochemical staining of whole mouse ovaries. Using this method, we analyzed cell proliferation and morphologic changes in mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells during follicle growth and ovulatory wound repair.
Physical properties and chemical species distributions within municipal waste combuster ashes

Incineration of municipal solid waste has been viewed as a preferred alternative to landfilling in recent years. Fly ash and bottom ash are of particular concern because of the high concentration of heavy metals on and within the ash matrix. This paper presents chemical, physical, and structural properties of the ashes from several municipal waste combustors. Properties of both the bulk ash and ash fractions separated by particle size are included. Results have shown significant variability based upon both ash type and particle fraction.
Prevalence and outcomes of occult suicidality in a multiethnic emergency department population

Study objectives: Because suicide completers frequently visit the emergency department (ED) for reasons other than suicide before their death, we sought to establish the prevalence of occult suicidality in patients seeking treatment for routine, nonpsychiatric problems in the ED. Methods: A prospective cohort of waiting room patients recruited during random time blocks in a large, urban ED were screened with an anonymous, computerized mental health assessment for a tripartite construct of suicidality: passive ideation, frequent thoughts of death and being "better off dead"; active ideation, specific thoughts about self-harm; and serious intent, defined as an endorsement of the statement "I am planning to kill myself." Patients younger than 18 years, with mental status impairment, or with a psychologic chief complaint were excluded. Results: Passive ideation was endorsed by 184 of 1,590 patients (11.6%), whereas 143 (8.4%) patients acknowledged active thoughts about killing themselves and 31 (1.6%) patients acknowledged imminent plans to kill themselves. Black patients were most likely and Hispanic patients least likely to endorse passive and active suicidal ideation, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 2.1; OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.73, respectively). Patients reporting both ideation and serious intent were demographically similar to all other ED patients with similar reasons for visit. Fully 97% of 184 ideators screened positive for 1 or more mood, anxiety, or substance-related disorders, and 30% of serious intent patients endorsed problems in all 3 axis I domains. Of 31 actively suicidal patients, 24 remained undetected, receiving neither psychiatric diagnoses nor referral; only 6 patients had any mention of suicidality on the index ED record. None of the 31 patients expressing suicidal intent died within 3 months of enrollment, but 4 returned within 60 days, having made serious attempts; all survived. Conclusion: Occult suicidality is common in ambulatory ED patients presenting for nonpsychiatric problems but may be unmasked with a simple screen during routine ED evaluation.
Upper ocean ecosystem dynamics and iron cycling in a global three-dimensional model

[1] A global three-dimensional marine ecosystem model with several key phytoplankton functional groups, multiple limiting nutrients, explicit iron cycling, and a mineral ballast/organic matter parameterization is run within a global ocean circulation model. The coupled biogeochemistry/ecosystem/circulation (BEC) model reproduces known basin-scale patterns of primary and export production, biogenic silica production, calcification, chlorophyll, macronutrient and dissolved iron concentrations. The model captures observed high nitrate, low chlorophyll (HNLC) conditions in the Southern Ocean, subarctic and equatorial Pacific. Spatial distributions of nitrogen fixation are in general agreement with field data, with total N-fixation of 55 Tg N. Diazotrophs directly account for a small fraction of primary production (0.5%) but indirectly support 10% of primary production and 8% of sinking particulate organic carbon (POC) export. Diatoms disproportionately contribute to export of POC out of surface waters, but CaCO3 from the coccolithophores is the key driver of POC flux to the deep ocean in the model. An iron source from shallow ocean sediments is found critical in preventing iron limitation in shelf regions, most notably in the Arctic Ocean, but has a relatively localized impact. In contrast, global-scale primary production, export production, and nitrogen fixation are all sensitive to variations in atmospheric mineral dust inputs. The residence time for dissolved iron in the upper ocean is estimated to be a few years to a decade. Most of the iron utilized by phytoplankton is from subsurface sources supplied by mixing, entrainment, and ocean circulation. However, owing to the short residence time of iron in the upper ocean, this subsurface iron pool is critically dependent on continual replenishment from atmospheric dust deposition and, to a lesser extent, lateral transport from shelf regions.
Oncogenes Induce and Activate Endogenous p73 Protein

The identification of upstream pathways that signal to TP73 is crucial for understanding the biological role of this gene. Since some evidence suggests thatTP73 might play a role in tumorigenesis, we asked whether oncogenes can induce and activate endogenous TP73. Here, we show that endogenous p73 α and β proteins are up-regulated in p53-deficient tumor cells in response to overexpressed E2F1, c-Myc, and E1A. E2F1, c-Myc, and E1A-mediated p73 up-regulation leads to activation of the p73 transcription function, as shown by p73-responsive reporter activity and by induction of known endogenous p73 target gene products such as p21 and HDM2. Importantly, E2F1-, c-Myc-, and E1A-mediated activation of endogenous p73 induces apoptosis in SaOs-2 cells. Conversely, inactivation of p73 by a dominant negative p73 inhibitor (p73DD), but not by a mutant p73DD, inhibits oncogene-induced apoptosis. These data show that oncogenes can signal to TP73 in vivo. Moreover, in the absence of p53, oncogenes may enlist p73 to induce apoptosis in tumor cells.
Efficiency Measures Using the Ray-Homothetic Function: A Multiperiod Analysis

scale, and total efficiency were assessed using 1982 Recent investigations have provided mixed as- records from 88 south-central Illinois farms. Farms sessments of farm firm efficiency. This analysis were found to be producing roughly 42 percent examined the efficiency of a homogeneous sample below their efficient levels-a surprisingly low reof central Illinois grain farms over a six-year period. suit considering that their sample contained farms A best-practice frontier was constructed using the from the same three-county area used in the Byrnes ray-homothetic function, which allowed optimal et al. study. Aly et al. further concluded that overall farm output to vary with factor intensity. Efficiency efficiency increases with larger farm size and gross measures were found to increase with temporal ag- revenue categories. gregation. The ray-homothetic approach was found Various factors might explain the differences in to attribute high scale inefficiencies to larger sample findings. Each of the studies focused on a particular farms in cases where the factor shares did not vary year, which means that the results may be condiappreciably across farms. The findings suggest that tioned by specific temporal events. In agriculture, policy recommendations regarding farm efficiency weather and its variability can have dramatic effects must be made with care.
Comparative carcinogenicity in F344 rats of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines, N'-nitrosonornicotine and 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone.

Abstract The tobacco-specific carcinogens, N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), were tested for carcinogenicity in F344 rats. Each nitrosamine in trioctanoin was administered by s.c. injection to 12 male and 12 female rats over a period of 20 weeks. The total dose of each nitrosamine was 3.4 mmol. The experiment was terminated after 12 months. NNK induced nasal cavity tumors in 83% of the males and in 83% of the females, liver tumors in 83% of the males and in 100% of the females, and lung tumors in 67% of the males and in 67% of the females. NNN induced nasal cavity tumors in 92% of the males and in 75% of the females. Only one liver tumor and no lung tumors were observed in the NNN-treated rats. These results indicate that, in the F344 rat, NNK is a more powerful carcinogen than is NNN.
The Concept Space Interchange Protocol

The Concept Space Interchange Protocol supports the deployment of conceptual browsing interfaces in digital libraries. The protocol provides a programmatic interface to dynamically generate interactive visual components that enable users to navigate a concept space, request information about concepts, and request library resources aligned with concepts. The Concept Space Interchange Protocol has been implemented as part of the NSDL Strand Map Service, which enables digital library developers to create user interfaces and services based on nationally recognized K-12 science learning goals developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The protocol, the principles underpinning its design, and the problem-centered design methodology used to create it are described.
Implications of early systemic therapy on the incidence of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.

Objective: In the past, evidence of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis has been used as a guide to initiating potentially toxic antifungal therapy in patients with systemic fungal infections. Recently, however, a trend has developed to provide patients with antifungal therapy at the first evidence of fungal infection. The authors' study evaluates the incidence of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in this setting. Design: The design is a retrospective review of the medical records of patients examined by the inpatient ophthalmology consultation service to rule out endogenous fungal endophthalmitis between January 1994 and April 1996 at the University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Participants: Two hundred fourteen eyes of 107 patients with a diagnosis of systemic fungal infection were studied. Intervention: A review of medical records was performed. Main Outcome Measures: The findings of the ocular examination, the presence of risk factors for disseminated fungal infection, the type of antifungal therapy, and the source and identity of the isolated fungus were recorded. Results: The majority of patients examined had either fungal growth from blood cultures or evidence of deep tissue fungal infection. All patients in the study were at risk for fungal disease with each having at least one risk factor for disseminated fungal infection. Of the patients examined, 93.4% already were receiving systemic antifungal therapy at the time of ophthalmologic consultation. Only 3 (2.8%) of the 107 patients examined had chorioretinal findings consistent with early endogenous fungal endophthalmitis. None had intravitreous involvement, and the ocular findings did not change the course of therapy. Conclusions: Early systemic treatment of deep tissue fungal infection appears to dramatically decrease the incidence of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
Cytochalasin B. VI. Competitive inhibition of nucleoside transport by cultured Novikoff rat hepatoma cells.

Cytochalasin B competitively inhibits the transport of uridine and thymidine by Novikoff rat hepatoma cells growing in suspension culture with apparent K i 9s of 2 and 6 µM, respectively, but has no effect on the intracellular phosphorylation of the nucleosides. Choline transport is not affected by cytochalasin B. Results from pulse-chase experiments indicate that cytochalasin B has no direct effect on the synthesis of RNA, DNA, or uridine diphosphate-sugars. The inhibition of uridine and thymidine incorporation into nucleic acids by cytochalasin B is solely the consequence of the inhibition of nucleoside transport.
Phorbol myristate acetate lung injury and airway responsiveness to aerosol histamine in awake sheep

Abstract To test the hypothesis that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a potent granulocyte activator, would increase airway responsiveness to aerosol histamine, we quantitated airway responsiveness to aerosol histamine in nine awake sheep before and 412 hours after intravenous PMA, 5 μg/kg. A dose-response curve to aerosol histamine was constructed by administering histamine aerosols of 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10.0, and 30.0 mg/ml sequentially until dynamic lung compliance (C dyn ) decreased to ⩽65% baseline. The dose of histamine that caused a reduction of C dyn to 65% of baseline (ED 65 C dyn ) was determined by linear interpolation. We then administered PMA, defined a new baseline C dyn 412 hours later, and administered aerosol histamine as before. Control experiments were performed on another day in eight of the nine sheep by administering aerosol histamine 412 hours apart without infusing PMA. Histamine responsiveness did not change significantly during 412 hours in the control experiments. Control (preaerosol histamine) C dyn decreased from 0.090 ± 0.010 L/cm H 2 O before PMA to 0.048 ± 0.004 L/cm H 2 412 hours after PMA. The mean pre-PMA ED 65 C dyn for the nine sheep was 3.80 ± 0.87 mg/ml, and the mean post-PMA ED 65 C dyn was 2.13 ± 0.98 mglml ( p
Mastl kinase, a promising therapeutic target, promotes cancer recurrence

// Ling Wang 1 , Vivian Q. Luong 1 , Peter J. Giannini 1 , Aimin Peng 1 1 Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, NE 68583 Correspondence to: Aimin Peng, e-mail: aimin.peng@unmc.edu Keywords: cancer, chemotherapy, recurrence, Mastl, Greatwall Received: June 16, 2014 Accepted: October 03, 2014 Published: December 22, 2014 ABSTRACT Mastl kinase promotes mitotic progression and cell cycle reentry after DNA damage. We report here that Mastl is frequently upregulated in various types of cancer. This upregulation was correlated with cancer progression in breast and oral cancer, poor patient survival in breast cancer, and tumor recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We further investigated the role of Mastl in tumor resistance using cell lines derived from the initial and recurrent tumors of the same head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Ectopic expression of Mastl in the initial tumor cells strongly promoted cell proliferation in the presence of cisplatin by attenuating DNA damage signaling and cell death. Mastl knockdown in recurrent tumor cells re-sensitized their response to cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo . Finally, Mastl targeting specifically potentiated cancer cells to cell death in chemotherapy while sparing normal cells. Thus, this study revealed that Mastl upregulation is involved in cancer progression and tumor recurrence after initial cancer therapy, and validated Mastl as a promising target to increase the therapeutic window.
Conversion to use of digital chest images for surveillance of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (black lung)

To protect the health of active U.S. underground coal miners, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a mandate to carry out surveillance for coal workers' pneumoconiosis, commonly known as Black Lung (PHS 2001). This is accomplished by reviewing chest x-ray films obtained from miners at approximately 5-year intervals in approved x-ray acquisition facilities around the country. Currently, digital chest images are not accepted. Because most chest x-rays are now obtained in digital format, NIOSH is redesigning the surveillance program to accept and manage digital x-rays. This paper highlights the functional and security requirements for a digital image management system for a surveillance program. It also identifies the operational differences between a digital imaging surveillance network and a clinical Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS) or teleradiology system.