cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte functions of young dairy calves fed milk replacers supplemented with vitamins A and E.

Abstract Holstein calves (n = 44) were fed milk replacers from d 3 to 45 with low or high concentrations of vitamin A (7000 or 87,000 IU/kg) and vitamin E (11.2 or 57 IU/kg) to examine the influence of vitamin concentrations on vitamin bioavailability and leukocyte functions. Concentrations of α-tocopherol in plasma reflected increased vitamin E but were unaffected by increased vitamin A. Plasma retinol concentrations were greatest with high supplementation of vitamins A and E at wk 3; however, at wk 6, plasma of calves fed high vitamin A and low vitamin E contained the most retinol. Increased supplementation of vitamin A improved fecal consistency compared with that for calves fed the low vitamin A diet at wk 3 and 4. At wk 3, calves that received increased supplementation of vitamins E and A had enhanced neutrophil bactericidal activity compared with that of calves with increased individual vitamins. Lymphocyte DNA synthesis and chemotactic index were unaffected by dietary treatments. Results indicate that increased vitamin A in milk replacer did not affect plasma vitamin E concentrations, benefited fecal scores regardless of vitamin E concentrations, but was only beneficial to bactericidal activity of neutrophils in conjunction with increased vitamin E.
Multiple keukemic clones in acute leukemia of childhood

Two abnormal karyotypes representing clonal populations have been demonstrated in three patients in the early stage of acute leukemia. The karyotypes were apparently unrelated in one patient, while in the other two, a relationship was conjectured. Both clones were present before therapy in two patients. Although a clone resistant to therapy was associated with relapse in one case, in two cases a clone has persisted in the lymphocyte culture during drug treatment with the patients in remission.
On the possibility of studying planetary atmospheres by observing stellar occultations from a flyby space probe or planetary orbiter

Abstract Stellar occultation observations from space probes are feasible, and will produce information that complements that obtained from other proposed types of photometry. Studies, from artificial satellites, of occultations by Earth's atmosphere are also desirable.
Social Anxiety Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in a Clinical Sample of Early Adolescents: Examining Loneliness and Social Support as Longitudinal Mediators

Recent research has shown that social anxiety may be related to increased risk for suicidal ideation in teens, although this research largely has been cross-sectional and has not examined potential mediators of this relationship. A clinical sample of 144 early adolescents (72 % female; 12-15 years old) was assessed during psychiatric inpatient hospitalization and followed up at 9 and 18 months post- baseline. Symptoms of social anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, loneliness, and perceived social support were assessed via structured interviews and self-report instruments. Structural equation modeling revealed a significant direct relationship between social anxiety symptoms at baseline and suicidal ideation at 18 months post-baseline, even after controlling for baseline depressive symptoms and ideation. A second multiple mediation model revealed that baseline social anxiety had a significant indirect effect on sui- cidal ideation at 18 months post-baseline through lone- liness at 9 months post-baseline. Social anxiety did not have a significant indirect effect on suicidal ideation through perceived social support from either parents or close friends. Findings suggest that loneliness may be particularly implicated in the relationship between social anxiety and suicidality in teens. Clinicians should assess and address feelings of loneliness when treating socially anxious adolescents.
A large area flexible expandable network for structural health monitoring

An investigation was performed to develop a flexible sensor ne twork that can be stretched a nd expanded to cover structures with an order of magnitude larger than its original unexpanded size. The increasing need to cover large areas with a high number of sensors, networks, and electronic devices for structural health monitoring leads to this study. In this paper a flexible polymer with ultra- high stretching capability (linear e xpansions larger than 1000% the original length) is designed, fabricated and tested for sensor network applications. The stretchability of th e polymer is achieved by engineering thousands of micronodes, which house the sensors and electronics, interconne cted by extendable and flexible polymer microwires. The extendable microwires are the key element to perform uniform e xpansions of the network in all directions, to allow precise location of the nodes, to maximize the polymer expansion per unit area and to allow translation only of the nodes. With the proposed microwire design, a linear elongation wider than 1000% was achieved for a 256 nodes network, avoiding failure of the microwires and micronodes during fabrication and extension. It is believed that the proposed flexible, expandable polymer design is a cost-effective approach to integrate networks of thousands of sensors, actuators and electronic devices into large structures. Keywords: Stretchable network, stretchable polymer, expandable, extendable
Speech samples in analysis of language attitudes

Samples of speech obtained under naturalistic conditions were combined with subjective reaction tests to measure attitudes toward dialect interaction and language change. A specific sound change, the merger of American English vowels in words like “caught” and “cot,” was investigated. Early results of the experiments indicated that this change was socially motivated, but later, more sophisticated experiments indicated that arguments for a social motivation for this particular change are too simplistic and rest upon too slender an empirical base. Experiments in the interaction of phonology and perception show that for this sound change various psycholinguistic factors, especially difficulties in discriminating among speech sounds, have to be taken into account.
Submarine fan facies of the Upper Cretaceous Great Valley sequence, northern and central California

Abstract The Upper Cretaceous part of the Great Valley Sequence provides a unique opportunity to study deep-marine sedimentation within an arc-trench gap. Facies analysis delineates submarine fan facies similar to those described from other ancient basins. Fan models and facies of Mutti and Ricci-Lucchi allow reconstruction of the following depositional environments: basin plain, outer fan, midfan, inner fan, and slope. Basin plain deposits are characterized by hemipelagic mudstone with randomly interbedded thin sandstone beds exhibiting distal turbidite characteristics. Outer fan deposits are characterized by regularly interbedded sandstone and mudstone, and commonly exhibit thickening-upward (negative) cycles that constitute depositional lobes. The sandstone occurs as proximal to distal turbidites without channeling. Midfan deposits are characterized by the predominance of coarse-grained, thick, channelized sandstone beds that commonly are amalgamated. Thinning-upward (positive) cycles and braided channelization also are common. Inner fan deposits are characterized by major channel-fill complexes (conglomerate, pebbly sandstone, and pebbly mudstone) enclosed in mudstone and siltstone. Positive cycles occur within these channel-fill complexes. Much of the fine-grained material consists of levee (overbank) deposits that are characterized by rhythmically interbedded thin mudstone and irregular sandstone beds with climbing and starved ripples. Slope deposits are characterized by mudstone with little interbedded sandstone; slumping and contortion of bedding is common. Progressions of fan facies associations can be described as retrogradational and progradational suites that correspond, respectively, to onlapping and offlapping relations in the basin. The paleoenvironments, fan facies associations, and tectonic setting of the Late Cretaceous fore-arc basin are similar to those of modern arc—trench systems.
SEU flight data from the CRRES MEP

Analysis of single event upset data from the CRRES MEP from 27 July 1990 through 26 March 1991 has shown that upsets are being observed each orbit, the 93422 and 93L422 bipolar RAMs are the most sensitive devices, proton upsets in the radiation belts predominate over cosmic ray upsets, and many devices exhibit multiple bit upsets. >
Screening to Predict Complicated Grief in Spouses of Cancer Patients

objectives: Grief is the expected reaction to the death of a family member or close friend and is accompanied by substantial distress for almost everyone who experiences it. For some the grief response becomes complicated. This pilot study sought to identify individuals at high risk for complicated grief, by 1) examining the relationships that exist between family functioning before the death, psychological distress, and the grief reaction of a family after the death, and 2) presenting the use of screening with standardized measures to identify those at risk. materials and methods: This pilot study examined the relationships between family functioning, psychological distress, and grief reaction. A cross-sectional design was used and the instrument included the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG). Significant relationships were identified between the level of family functioning, psychological distress and grief reaction. Depression, anxiety, and general distress were significantly correlated with the two subscales of the TRIG. conclusions: The findings clearly illustrate the merit of psychosocial screening of spouses and suggest the possible benefits of screening before the patient's death, using FACES III and the BSI to identify which spouses are at risk for complicated grief reactions.
Modified saponification and HPLC methods for analyzing carotenoids from the retina of quail: Implications for its use as a nonprimate model species

METHODS. Extracted retinal carotenoids were saponified with methods adapted from recent studies, then identified and quantified with reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To assess the effects of saponification conditions on carotenoid recovery from quail retina, we varied base concentration and the total time of saponification across a wide range and again used HPLC to compare carotenoid concentrations among conditions. RESULTS. Astaxanthin and galloxanthin were the dominant carotenoids recovered in the quail retina, along with smaller amounts of five other carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, 3-epilutein, -carotene, and an unidentified carotenoid). Astaxanthin was sensitive to saponification conditions; recovery was poor with strong bases (0.2 and 0.5 M KOH) and best with weak bases (0.01 and 0.2 M KOH). In contrast, xanthophyll carotenoids (galloxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, 3-epilutein, and the unknown) were best recovered with strong base after 6 hours of saponification at room temperature. The recovery of -carotene was not affected by saponification conditions.
Navigated total knee arthroplasty: is it error-free?

The aim of this study was to determine whether errors do occur in navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKAs) and to study whether errors in bone resection or implantation contribute to these errors. A series of 20 TKAs was studied using computer navigation. The coronal and sagittal alignments of the femoral and tibial cutting guides, the coronal and sagittal alignments of the final tibial implant and the coronal alignment of the final femoral implant were compared with that of the respective bone resections. To determine the post-implantation mechanical alignment of the limb, the coronal alignment of the femoral and tibial implants was combined. The median deviation between the femoral cutting guide and bone resection was 0° (range −0.5° to +0.5°) in the coronal plane and 1.0° (range −2.0° to +1.0°) in the sagittal plane. The median deviation between the tibial cutting guide and bone resection was 0.5° (range −1.0° to +1.5°) in the coronal plane and 1.0° (range −1.0° to +3.5°) in the sagittal plane. The median deviation between the femoral bone resection and the final implant was 0.25° (range −2.0° to 3.0°) in the coronal plane. The median deviation between the tibial bone resection and the final implant was 0.75° (range −3.0° to +1.5°) in the coronal plane and 1.75° (range −4.0° to +2.0°) in the sagittal plane. The median post-implantation mechanical alignment of the limb was 0.25° (range −3.0° to +2.0°). When navigation is used only to guide the positioning of the cutting jig, errors may arise in the manual, non-navigated steps of the procedure. Our study showed increased cutting errors in the sagittal plane for both the femur and the tibia, and following implantation, the greatest error was seen in the sagittal alignment of the tibial component. Computer navigation should be used not only to guide the positioning of the cutting jig, but also to check the bone resection and implant position during TKA. IV.
Male sex: a major health disparity.

Gender is a basic variable in determining health status and longevity in the United States and throughout the world. Men and women have different life spans and experience different patterns of disease. Men, on average, die younger than women and have higher mortality rates for nearly all leading causes of death. They are more likely to experience severe chronic conditions and fatal diseases than women, and at earlier ages [2]. Differences between the sexes have important health consequences, which are not limited to the reproductive system or solely attributable to variations in hormones. Major health disparities persist despite advances in medical technology and attenuation in gender roles and norms. Various factors contribute to discrepancies in longevity between the sexes, including health beliefs and behaviors and underlying biologic differences. Although health disparities between the sexes are nearly universal, variations in different cultures and regions of the world provide useful data about the comparative roles of biology and environmental factors. Understanding sex differences can have significant implications for developing new approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Exploring the root causes of sex differences in health can guide interventions to improve patient outcomes [3]. Early feminist scholars were among the first to examine the role of sex differences in health and disease, recognizing that men were used as the standard for health and that female subjects were absent from health research [3]. The National Institutes of Health and the Office of Research on Women’s Health have strongly encouraged research focusing on women’s health and the inclusion of women in clinical trials. Although such initiatives have been critical in furthering the understanding of women’s health, these efforts have resulted in
Epidemiological Implications of Environmental Cadmium

Some of the problems involved in the use of human hair sample as an indicator of trace metal exposure are discussed. The significant correlations of hair cadmium level with the respective kidney (r = .52) and liver (r = 0.36) levels in selected autopsies, and the fact that hair samples can distinguish between occupational and non-occupational exposure (t28 = 4.88) in a New Jersey community are advanced as arguments in favor of hair sampling. The hair samples were washed with sodium lauryl sulphate, deionized water and acetone and then dried. All the samples were ashed at 450–500° and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotoinetry.
The effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on food intake involves aversive mechanisms.

Abstract Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the product of the calcitonin gene produced primarily in the central nervous system, has been shown to decrease food intake when administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV). Testing of CGRP (ICV) in both single bottle conditioned-aversion and differential starvation paradigms was done. In both paradigms, result using CGRP were consistent with those predicted for aversive agents. Therefore, CGRP apparently decreases feeding via aversive mechanisms.
The New York City consultation service for orthopedically handicapped children.

Summary This report describes a consultation service maintained by the official health agency in New York City for orthopedically handicapped children, operated in conjunction with a teaching hospital. Significant findings are as follows: 1. The direct cost to the official health agency is $3.52 per child seen. 2. At least 84 per cent of the childrenseen had an orthopedic condition, and 71 per cent had an orthopedic condition warranting further orthopedic care and rehabilitation. 3. Seventy-three per cent of the childrenseen were recommended for placement in regular classes within the public school system. 4. One-third of the children referredto the consultation service failed to keep their appointments. 5. Only 8 per cent of the children referred were infants and preschoolers referred by child health stations of the Department of Health. The implications of these findings are discussed from the viewpoint of improvement of services to orthopedically handicapped children.
Biosynthesis and Maturation of the Malaria Aspartic Hemoglobinases Plasmepsins I and II

Abstract During the intraerythrocytic stage of infection, the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum digests most of the host cell hemoglobin. Hemoglobin degradation occurs in the acidic digestive vacuole and is essential for the survival of the parasite. Two aspartic proteases, plasmepsins I and II, have been isolated from the vacuole and shown to make the initial cleavages in the hemoglobin molecule. We have studied the biosynthesis of these two enzymes. Plasmepsin I is synthesized and processed to the mature form soon after the parasite invades the red blood cell, while plasmepsin II synthesis is delayed until later in development. Otherwise, biosynthesis of the plasmepsins is identical. The proplasmepsins are type II integral membrane proteins that are transported through the secretory pathway before cleavage to the soluble form. They are not glycosylated in vivo, despite the presence of several potential glycosylation sites. Proplasmepsin maturation appears to require acidic conditions and is reversibly inhibited by the tripeptide aldehydesN-acetyl-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-norleucinal andN-acetyl-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-methional. These compounds are known to inhibit cysteine proteases and the chymotryptic activity of proteasomes but not aspartic proteases. However, proplasmepsin processing is not blocked by other cysteine protease inhibitors, nor by the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. Processing is also not blocked by aspartic protease inhibitors. This inhibitor profile suggests that unlike most other aspartic proteases, proplasmepsin maturation may not be autocatalytic in vivo, but instead could require the action of an unusual processing enzyme. Compounds that block processing are expected to be potent antimalarials.
Amyloid in the Liver of Ducks

Abstract AMYLOID has been observed to occur spontaneously in the duck (Dougherty et al., 1963; Rakhmanov, 1958; Rigdon, 1955, 1961). In Russia, the occurrence of amyloid has been explained by the intense mechanized feeding of ducklings, especially with large amounts of proteins mainly of animal origin (Rakhmanov, 1958). Thomson et al. (1947) observed amyloid in the liver of White Pekin ducks following the injection of a vaccine containing killed tubercle bacilli in paraffin oil. Amyloid has been induced experimentally in mice (Jaffe, 1926; Kuczynski, 1923), rats (Hall and Hall, 1951; Selye, 1957), rabbits (Bailey, 1916; Dick and Leiter, 1941; Eklund and Reimann, 1936), hens (Maximow, 1898), and horses (Jones and Frazier, 1950; Pease and Pearce, 1906). Usually, bacteria, bacterial toxins or casein has been used to produce amyloidosis. Amyloid has been associated with parabiosis and stress in mice (Hall et al., 1959, 1960). Amyloidosis has been considered to be hereditary in …
RESPONDENT HETEROGENEITY AND ALTERNATIVE INTERPRETATIONS OF SCALE VALUES IN DESTINATION CHOICE MODELS

Alternative aggregation assumptions are discussed in the context of probabilistic spatial choice models for localized samples and single-choice data. Three aggregation schemes are treated: sampling randomness, simply-aggregated intrinsic randomness and randomly-aggregated intrinsic randomness. The first and the last are consistent with heterogeneous populations, but simple aggregation imposes strong conditions on population homogeneity. Some implications for cognitive-behavioral geography are considered in reference to the constant and random utility models.
Rheological Model for Viscous Flow Densification During Supersolidus Liquid Phase Sintering

A model is derived for the viscous flow densification of prealloyed powders heated to just over the solidus temperature, a process termed supersolidus liquid phase sintering. The model builds from the viscous flow concepts first introduced by Frenkel with a new porosity effect. Viscous flow densification starts with the formation liquid on the grain boundaries inside the particles, with subsequent spreading of liquid to form a capillary bond between contacting particles. Pores lower the initial semisolid viscosity, but as densification progresses the viscosity increases. On the other hand, viscosity decreases higher temperatures increase. Densification is induced by the capillary force acting against the semisolid system, but densification is delayed until the particles sufficiently softened from liquid spreading on the grain boundaries. Thus, both viscosity and strength vary with the liquid content and particle microstructure. Distortion in sintering traces to an excess of liquid that lowers the skeletal rigidity, mainly due to grain growth with a concomitant release of grain boundary liquid. This often occurs after full densification is achieved. This modification to the model includes the correction for porosity effects on viscosity. The model is compared with data on a 316L stainless steel doped with boron, subjected to in situ densification and slumping observations. .
Simultaneous measurement of plantar pressure and shear forces in diabetic individuals

Plantar foot ulceration is a diabetic complication whose underlying causative factors are still not fully understood. The goal of the current work was to simultaneously record plantar pressure and shear and examine the interrelationship of these forces; specifically, if peak shear and pressure occurred at the same site/time and whether adjacent shear forces had a greater tendency to be directed towards or away from each other. A custom built 16 transducer array was used to record forefoot shear and pressure during gait initiation in a cohort of 12 neuropathic diabetic individuals. The individuals were barefoot and the transducers were covered with a 5 mm thick layer of Minorplast. The greatest pressure occurred in the medial metatarsal heads (189 kPa) and the greatest shear in the lateral metatarsal heads (33 kPa). The interaction of the shear forces revealed that the plantar tissue was stretched to a greater magnitude than it was bunched (24 kPa vs 12 kPa, averaged over all regions). Normal distributions were determined for stretching and bunching in both the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions. When shear and pressure were considered in combination, half of the neuropathic individuals had peak shear and pressure occurring at the same site. These peak stresses did not occur at the same time (average difference of 0.186 s). The results of this study help to further characterize tissue stresses experienced on the plantar surface of the foot during gait initiation in neuropathic diabetic individuals.
Fabrication of Size-Tunable Large-Area Periodic Silicon Nanopillar Arrays with Sub-10-nm Resolution

Here, we present a fabrication procedure that can produce large-area, size-tunable, periodic silicon nanopillar arrays, using metal templates that are created via nanosphere lithography. The size of the silicon nanopillars can be systematically controlled by an oxidation and etching process. The smallest size of nanopillars fabricated via this method is ∼9 nm, and the area covered with nanopillars is >1 cm2. Using this approach and nanoimprint lithography, it is possible to pattern sub-10-nm metal nanoparticles with a particle density as high as 1 × 109 particles/cm2.
Constituency Influence and Representation

Abstract In their classic study “Constituency Influence in Congress”, Miller and Stokes (1966) equated representation with responsiveness to constituent opinion. But when constituents are uncertain about the effects of policies and when they may come to favor a policy which they opposed before its implementation, politicians may represent constitutent's interests even though they are unresponsive to their ex ante preferences. Several Latin American governments that switched to unpopular policies early in their terms did so because they thought citizens were ill-informed and their preferences would change. Even though we should consider such policy switches as carried out by governments that are attempting to represent, we should not return to a Burkean ideal whereby legislators do what they deem best regardless of the will of their constituents.
Missing Lead and High 3He/4He in Ancient Sulfides Associated with Continental Crust Formation

Major terrestrial reservoirs have Pb isotopes more radiogenic than the bulk silicate Earth. This requires a missing unradiogenic Pb reservoir, which has been argued to reside in the lower continental crust or dissolved in the core. Chalcophile element studies indicate that continent formation requires the formation of sulfide-bearing mafic cumulates in arcs. Because Pb, but not U, partitions into sulfides, we show that continent formation must have simultaneously generated time-integrated unradiogenic Pb reservoirs composed of sulfide-bearing cumulates, now recycled back into the mantle or stored deep in the continental lithosphere. The generation of such cumulates could also lead to coupled He-Pb isotopic systematics because 4He is also produced during U-Th-Pb decay. Here, we show that He may be soluble in sulfide melts, such that sulfide-bearing cumulates would be enriched in both Pb and He relative to U and Th, “freezing” in He and Pb isotopes of the ambient mantle at the time of sulfide formation. This implies that ancient sulfide-bearing cumulates would be characterized by unradiogenic Pb and He isotopes (high-3He/4He). These primitive signatures are usually attributed to primordial, undifferentiated mantle, but in this case, they are the very imprint of mantle differentiation via continent formation.
The Effect of Security Alliances on Exchange-Rate Regime Choices

Because an exchange-rate arrangement by nature involves more than one country and because it has various economic and political implications, it is affected inevitably by interstate political relat...
Understanding the whethers, hows, and whys of divisible interfaces

Users are increasingly shifting from interacting with a single, personal computer to interacting across multiple, heterogeneous devices. We present results from a pair of studies investigating specifically how and why users might divide an application's interface across devices in private, semi-private, and public environments. Our results suggest that users are interested in dividing interfaces in all of these environments. While the types of divisions and reasons for dividing varied across users and environments, common themes were that users divided interfaces to improve interaction, to share information, and to balance usability and privacy. Based on our results, we present implications for the design of divisible interfaces.
Use of the respiratory fluoroquinolones for the outpatient management of community-acquired pneumonia

Background Approximately 4 million cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) occur in the United States each year, with the majority treated on an outpatient basis. The first fluoroquinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin) were used with caution for respiratory tract infections due to limited in vitro activity against common gram-positive pathogens. With the availability of levofloxacin, followed by gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin hydrochloride, which exhibited increased activity against gram-positive organisms, the fluoroquinolones have become a practical choice for the treatment of CAP.
UNPACKING ESSENTIALISMS IN THERAPY: LESSONS FOR FEMINIST APPROACHES FROM NARRATIVE WORK

The narrative approach to therapy founded by Michael White and David Epston offers important contributions to feminist constructionist therapies. Feminist and narrative ideas in the therapy world often challenge essentialist, or naturalized, understandings of gender. However, both forms of therapy, at times, retain essentialist elements which often prove to be problematic. This article shows how certain readings of--and new directions in--narrative therapy allow for an effective approach to lingering essentialisms in constructionist therapies, both feminist and narrative. At the same time, and in keeping with the goals of feminist therapy, narrative practitioners do not fall into an anarchical or radically relativistic perspective on the self or social life. The conclusion suggests that narrative ideas about unpacking essentialisms provide insights for constructionist theories of identity, culture, and power that apply to a number of different disciplines.
Characterization of the CaCl2EuCl2 and CaCl2SrCl2 systems by X-ray powder diffraction

The systems CaCl2SrCl2 and CaCl2EuCl2 were studied over the entire composition range by X-ray powder diffraction. The CaCl2XCl2 (X = Sr, Eu) systems behave similarly and exhibit two single-phase regions with corresponding adjacent two-phase regions. The first single-phase region exhibits the SrI2-type and the second the SrBr2-type structure. The cation distribution is probably random throughout the systems.
Detection of MicroRNA by Fluorescence Amplification Based on Cation-Exchange in Nanocrystals

Small RNA molecules are effective regulators of gene expression, and the expression signature of one subgroup of small RNA, the microRNA (miRNA), has been linked to disease development and progression. Therefore, detection of small RNA in biological samples will greatly improve the understanding of their functions and render effective tools to researchers for cellular process control and disease prevention. To solve the challenges in detecting the low-abundance and short strand-length of small RNA molecules, we designed a ligation-assisted binding assay and applied the cation exchange-based fluorescence amplification (CXFluoAmp) method developed in our group for detection. Nonfluorescent, ionic nanocrystals (NCs) of CdSe were conjugated to detection probes and immobilized onto the array surface via ligation with the target small RNA, miR21, which bound to the capture probe complimentarily. Each binding event induced by one target miR21 molecule was then amplified by the release of thousands of Cd2+ from o...
Can the Universe Create Itself

The question of first-cause has troubled philosophers and cosmologists alike. Now that it is apparent that our universe began in a big bang explosion, the question of what happened before the big bang arises. Inflation seems like a very promising answer, but as Borde and Vilenkin have shown, the inflationary state preceding the big bang could not have been infinite in duration---it must have had a beginning also. Where did it come from? Ultimately, the difficult question seems to be how to make something out of nothing. This paper explores the idea that this is the wrong question---that that is not how the Universe got here. Instead, we explore the idea of whether there is anything in the laws of physics that would prevent the Universe from creating itself. Because spacetimes can be curved and multiply connected, general relativity allows for the possibility of closed timelike curves (CTCs). Thus, tracing backwards in time through the original inflationary state we may eventually encounter a region of CTCs---giving no first-cause. This region of CTCs may well be over by now (being bounded toward the future by a Cauchy horizon). We illustrate that such models---with CTCs---are not necessarily inconsistent by demonstrating self-consistent vacuums for Misner space and a multiply connected de Sitter space in which the renormalized energy-momentum tensor does not diverge as one approaches the Cauchy horizon and solves Einstein's equations. Some specific scenarios (out of many possible ones) for this type of model are described. For example, a metastable vacuum inflates producing an infinite number of (big-bang-type) bubble universes. In many of these, either by natural causes or by action of advanced civilizations, a number of bubbles of metastable vacuum are created at late times by high energy events. These bubbles will usually collapse and form black holes, but occasionally one will tunnel to create an expanding metastable vacuum (a baby universe) on the other side of the black hole's Einstein-Rosen bridge as proposed by Farhi, Guth, and Guven. One of the expanding metastable-vacuum baby universes produced in this way simply turns out to be the original inflating metastable vacuum we began with. We show that a Universe with CTCs can be stable against vacuum polarization. And it can be classically stable and self-consistent if and only if the potentials in this Universe are retarded---which gives a natural explanation of the arrow of time in our universe. Interestingly, the laws of physics may allow the Universe to be its own mother.
THE MID-ATLANTIC LOAD CENTRE -- BALTIMORE OR HAMPTON ROADS? /

Competition between closely situated seaports in not new. The ports of Baltimore and Hampton Roads, located at either end of Cheaspeake Bay, have been locked in a fierece battle to gain dominance in the lucrtice mid-Atlantic container traffic for a number of years. The probability that ech will succeed is not great, as shipping lines, concerned with the high costs associated with idle port time, will select one,rther thatn serve both. Indeed, evidence is beginning to mount that, dispite massive expenditures by the Stte or Maryland, the Virginia ports a reemerging as the region' load centre. This paper examines recent trends in container movements through these two major ports and suggests the long-termprospects for each. among measures considered are the location of eachi in relation to other ports both North and South, sizes of the port cities and their immediately adjacent hinterlands, proximity to inland population centres (markets), connectivity between the ports and these inland centres (by both rail...
Assemblies of liquid crystalline polyelectrolytes and amphiphilic compounds

A tentative mechanism of aggregation of amphiphilic molecules to a rigid mesogenic polylelectrolyte is suggested. A basic soluble unit may grow laterally and longitudinally, eventually forming nematic phases and gels. Relevance to self-assembly of complex biological structures is hypothesized.
Increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of sparkplug ion sensors through the addition of a potassium acetate fuel additive

Abstract Sensing ion production is one way of detecting the start of combustion in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines. However at low equivalence ratios, the ion concentration becomes too low to detect. This paper discusses experimental research that explores the potential of enhancing ion signals at low equivalence ratios by adding small amounts of potassium acetate (KOAc) to ethanol fuel (EtOH). We use KOAc as a surrogate for a large number of metal acetates that could be added to fuel. For each concentration, the research examines the additive’s effects on the ion signal and any side effects from this additive. Pure ethanol fuel is used as a starting point, and different amounts of KOAc are added. Concentrations of 0, 180, 360, and 720 mg/L of KOAc-in-EtOH are used. The experimental results reveal significant increases in ion signals with addition of just 180 mg/L of KOAc at low equivalence ratios, however the benefits of the additive level off with higher concentrations. The research also reveals a side effect, where increasing KOAc concentrations cause a reduction in the heat release rates and therefore a lower engine power output. This side effect of lower heat release rates with KOAc addition may be beneficial as the equivalence ratio (and thus the power output) in HCCI is often limited by excessive rates of heat release.
Teacher as Mother: curriculum theorizing in the life histories of contemporary women teachers

(1990). Teacher as Mother: curriculum theorizing in the life histories of contemporary women teachers. Cambridge Journal of Education: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 301-320.
Colon and Rectal Complications after Heart and Lung Transplantation

Background Gastrointestinal complications of solid organ transplantation have been well described, but little attention has been paid to colorectal disorders in particular. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and severity of colorectal complications among a large cohort of heart and lung transplant recipients. Study design We reviewed the medical records of heart, lung, and heart-lung transplant recipients at a single institution between 1978 and 2004. Complications were identified based on need for consultation, endoscopy, or operation by a colorectal surgeon after transplantation. Results Of 1,012 patients who received transplantations (530 heart, 435 lung, 47 heart-lung), 56 patients (6%) required evaluation for 84 colorectal problems. Incidence of complications was 7% in lung transplant recipients, 6% in heart-lung transplant recipients, and 4% in heart transplant recipients. Forty-four events (52%) were considered major (diverticulitis, perforation, malignancy, and other) and 40 (48%) were minor (polyps, pseudo-obstruction treated medically or endoscopically, benign anorectal disease, and other). Twenty-three (27%) required colectomy and 9 (10%) necessitated anal operation. Thirty-six (43%) required less-invasive interventions (endoscopy, minor anorectal procedures, and other). Eighteen (21%) were treated with medical therapy alone. Six patients died from colorectal disease (7%). Conclusions Colorectal complications are a considerable source of morbidity and mortality after heart and lung transplantation. These complications occur more frequently in patients who undergo lung and heart-lung transplantation as compared with heart transplantation alone.
The space elevator in the context of current space exploration policy

Abstract The space elevator is an advanced space transportation system that someday could replace chemical rockets as humanity's primary means of reaching Earth's orbit. However, before this can occur, a number of enabling technologies will need to be developed, and a variety of economic and policy questions must be addressed. The goal of this paper is to examine the feasibility of the space elevator in the context of current space exploration policy. The paper reviews the space elevator's critical enabling technologies and presents their wide variety of applications. The challenges of funding the space elevator and of building support for the program are discussed. The potential for international cooperation is considered, and the role of the space elevator in the Vision for Space Exploration is examined. The paper argues that each of the space elevator's component technologies ought to be developed independently to meet separate nearer-term objectives. The space elevator should be just one of many applications considered in making decisions to pursue research and development related to each component technology. The enabling technologies, once mature, might eventually be integrated in the construction of a full-scale space elevator from the Earth's surface to geosynchronous orbit and beyond.
“To Ensure that He Not Give Himself Over to the Indians”: Cleanliness, Frenchification, and Whiteness

In 1739, when the voyageur Jean Saguingouara entered into a contract for a trip from the Illinois Country to New Orleans and back, he negotiated for his laundry costs to be paid on arrival in New Orleans. This was an unusual contractual clause that was especially significant for the fact that Saguingouara was half-French and half-Indian, and had been brought up by an officer of noble origin legally married to an Indian woman convert. Saguingouara’s insistence on a laundry clause signaled his performance of European standards of cleanliness (premised on the act of changing into laundered linen rather than washing the body) rather than indigenous ones. This concept of cleanliness is also crucial for understanding how colonists apprehended indigenous bodies and how they rationalized differences in skin color. Bodily care practices helped construct identity and whiteness, revealing how racialization depended on material culture.
Subjective psychological symptoms in outpatient asthmatic adolescents.

Outpatient adolescent asthmatics were studied using the Asthma Symptom Checklist (ASC) of Kinsman et al.The study showed that outpatient asthmatic adolescents are similar in many respects to older institutionalized asthmatics, except that in the former, psychological symptoms are more diffuse and recognition of respiratory symptoms is less severe. Further studies are needed to determine which psychological symptoms are most important in predicting prognosis in affected asthmatics or the development of “psychosomatic” asthma.
Calculation of creatinine clearance based on unadjusted body weight leads to errors in renal and heart failure patients.

To the Editor: Renal insufficiency characterizes a high-risk heart failure patient subset. McAlister et al,1 in a prospective study of a cohort of 754 heart failure patients, found a high prevalence of renal failure (56% with creatinine clearance [CCr] <60 mL/min). They reported that renal failure predicts a 1% mortality increase with each 1 mL/min decrease in CCr. CCr in their study was calculated by …
An eco-routing model considering microscopic vehicle operating conditions

The eco-routing problem concerned in this paper addresses the optimal route choice of eco-drivers who aim to meet an emission standard imposed by regulators, while trying to find the path with the minimum total operating cost, which consists of both travel time and fuel costs. The paper first develops fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions estimation models that link emission rates to a vehicle’s physical and operational properties. Unlike most studies in the literature, the emission model developed in this paper retains as many microscopic characteristics as feasible in the context of route planning. Specifically, it is able to approximate the impacts of major acceleration events associated with link changes and intersection idling, and yet does not require detailed acceleration data as inputs. The proposed eco-routing model also explicitly captures delays at intersections and the emissions associated with them. Using a simple probabilistic model, the impacts of different turning movements on eco-routing are incorporated. The proposed model is formulated as a constrained shortest path problem and solved by off-the-shelf solvers. Numerical experiments confirm that vehicle characteristics, especially weight and engine displacement, may influence eco-routing. The results also suggest that ignoring the effects of turning movements and acceleration may lead to sub-optimal routes for eco-drivers.
Simulation of lake ice and its effect on the late-Pleistocene evaporation rate of Lake Lahontan

A model of lake ice was coupled with a model of lake temperature and evaporation to assess the possible effect of ice cover on the late-Pleistocene evaporation rate of Lake Lahontan. The simulations were done using a data set based on proxy temperature indicators and features of the simulated late-Pleistocene atmospheric circulation over western North America. When a data set based on a mean-annual air temperature of 3° C (7° C colder than present) and reduced solar radiation from jet-stream induced cloud cover was used as input to the model, ice cover lasting ∼ 4 months was simulated. Simulated evaporation rates (490–527 mm a−1) were ∼ 60% lower than the present-day evaporation rate (1300 mm a−1) of Pyramid Lake. With this reduced rate of evaporation, water inputs similar to the 1983 historical maxima that occurred in the Lahontan basin would have been sufficient to maintain the 13.5 ka BP high stand of Lake Lahontan.
Synthesis of [14C6‐3,4,7,8,11,12]‐(1E,5E,9E)‐cyclododeca‐1,5,9‐triene

Trimerization of butadiene in the presence of Ni(0) affords (1E,5E,9E)-cyclododeca-1,5,9-triene 1 (ttt-CDT), (1E,5E,9Z)-cyclododeca-1,5,9-triene 2 (ttc-CDT), and other isomers/oligomers. After optimization of reaction conditions, [ 14 C 6 -3,4,7,8, 11,12)-ttt-CDT 1 was synthesized efficiently either by homogenous or heterogeneous Ni(0) catalytic trimerization of [1,4- 14 C 2 ]butadiene 10, in 60-82% yield. Depending on the exact reaction conditions employed, the yields and ratio of 1/2 ranged from (59-90%) / (41-10%). The all-trans isomer was conveniently isolated via Ag + -mediated reversed-phase HPLC. The important intermediate [1,4- 14 C 2 ]-1,3-butadiene 10 was prepared from potassium [ 14 C]cyanide and 1,2-dibromoethane 3 as starting materials, in seven steps with a 57% yield. The total radioactive yield of [ 14 C 6 -3,4,7,8,11,12]-ttt-CDT 1 is 30% from [ 14 C]KCN.
Hurricane intensification detected by continuously monitoring tall precipitation in the eyewall

[1] Previous studies show that a single observation of tall precipitation in a hurricane's eyewall is often associated with intensification of that hurricane's surface wind. Using WSR-88D radars, we show that repeated observation of precipitation height provides even more information about wind intensification. If the frequency of tall precipitation in the eyewall is at least 33% (1 in 3 radar volume scans), we find an 82% chance of wind intensification. If this threshold is not met, the chance of wind intensification drops from 82% to just 17%. We show that the WSR-88D height measurements are reasonable using the TRMM Precipitation Radar.
The breakup of viscous jets with large velocity modulations

The surface-tension-driven breakup of viscous jets is observed for a range of Weber and Ohnesorge numbers. The breakup is enhanced with a sinusoidal modulation or pulsation of the jet's exit velocity; the velocity modulation amplitudes and wavenumbers are larger than previous values reported in the literature. The combinations of modulation amplitude and wavenumber that produce uniform droplets are identified for each pair of Weber and Ohnesorge numbers. Satellite droplets are eliminated at values of the Ohnesorge number greater than 1.6. Droplet pairing and merging occurs at high wavenumbers; droplet merging has not been reported in the jet breakup literature. The timescale for breakup is predicted within the data scatter by the thin filament equation of Bousfield et al. (1986) with no fitted parameters. An upper bound on satellite droplet size is predicted by the thin-filament equation and the average satellite droplet volume is qualitatively predicted. An algebraic expression is derived to predict the breakup time of viscous jets with large velocity modulation amplitudes.