cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sixty years of change in avian communities of the Pacific Northwest

Bird communities are influenced by local and regional processes. The degree to which communities are dynamic has implications for projecting responses in community composition as birds track geographic shifts of their habitats. Historic datasets offer a legacy of information that can be used to quantify changes over time in avian community composition. A rare, highly-detailed avian survey of multiple habitat types in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, was conducted in 1952. We resurveyed the same sites in 2013 and evaluated whether observed results agreed with theoretical patterns of community change. We compared alpha, beta, and gamma diversity between survey periods and evaluated shifts in categorical abundances of species. Most patterns of change were consistent with community turnover. Nearly 50% of species were replaced over six decades, with increased species richness and decreased evenness at local and regional spatial extents. Patterns of regional species turnover reflected local turnover. Evidence that local shifts in habitat type drove bird community change were not strongly supported, although historic data on habitats within study plots were limited to macro-level aerial photographs. Thus, regional factors and structural changes likely played important roles determining species composition and abundance.
Pathological Gamblers Respond Equally Well to Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy Regardless of Other Mental Health Treatment Status

Data consistently demonstrate comorbidity between pathological gambling and psychiatric disorders. This study compares severity of gambling and psychosocial problems and gambling treatment outcomes in treatment-seeking pathological gamblers (n = 231) based on their self-reported mental health treatment utilization. As expected, participants currently receiving mental health treatment demonstrated the most psychiatric problems, and those with no mental health treatment the least. Although preferred gambling activity differed according to mental health treatment status, severity of gambling problems, and gambling treatment outcomes did not. Individual cognitive-behavioral therapy was efficacious in reducing gambling problems irrespective of mental health treatment utilization.
Separation of .beta.-carotene mixtures precipitated from liquid solvents with high-pressure carbon dioxide

Solids precipitation from liquid solvents, with dissolution by high-pressure CO2 as an antisolvent to create supersaturation, is a potentially attractive crystallization process. Solids can be recrystallized and easily isolated from the liquid solvent. The gas antisolvent solvent (GAS) process was used to separate and purify β-carotene from a mixture containing carotene oxidation products. Total β-carotene was successfully separated from oxides, and an enriched traras-β-carotene was obtained from its cis isomers. The separation was carried out in both batch and continuous modes. Relative solubility of the analytes and the antisolvent (CO2) have a dramatic influence on the absolute yield and purity of the product.
Revisiting University Student Gender Role Perceptions.

Gender role perceptions of five objects—Ideal Woman, Ideal Man, Most Women, Most Men and Self—were elicited from 3300 university students, 81% of whom were Caucasian, with 7% Hispanic, 6% African-American, and 4% Asian. Profiles of student responses for the five objects provided a comprehensive updating of 1970s research on student gender roles. Women (N= 1842) and men (N= 1148) students generally preferred an androgynous Ideal Woman. Women also preferred an androgynous Ideal Man, but men preferred a masculine sex-typed Ideal Man. Women and men's perceptions of Most Women and Men continued to be sex-typed. Men's self perceptions were androgynous, while women saw themselves as feminine sex-typed. Findings suggest that little change in students' gender role perceptions has occurred in the past 15 years.
Hydrogen-1 and aluminum-27 NMR study of Al(ClO4)3 in aqueous mixtures of dimethylformamide and urea

A competitive solvation study of Al(III) in water–dimethylformamide (DMF) and water–urea mixtures was carried out by 1H and 27Al NMR spectroscopy. At temperatures low enough to slow proton and ligand exchange, separate 1H resonance signals were observed for bulk and coordinated ligand molecules, and for 27Al in different solvation complexes. The 1H NMR data confirmed hexacoordination of Al(III) at all concentrations, monodentate binding at the oxygen atom of both DMF and urea, preferential solvation by both organic ligands, the presence of steric hindrance to complexation, particularly by DMF, and the identification of the complexes responsible for the 27Al spectra. It also showed a non-equivalence of the amido groups in urea, in both the complex and free states, presumably owing to hindered rotation about the carbon—oxygen bond. In contrast to previous reports, the 27Al spectra for the water–DMF and water–urea solutions showed well resolved signals for the species [Al(H2O)n–6Ln]3+ (n = 0–6; L = DMF or urea), including two isomers for one of the water–urea complexes. The 27Al NMR data reflected the stronger preferential solvation by urea.
Integration of Mechatronics, Geospatial Information Technology, and Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is located in the eastern shore region of Delmarva Peninsula. Rural environment of the region and the proximity to Chesapeake Bay makes agricultural needs and environmental concerns some of the key issues in the area. Precision Agriculture integrates advanced mechatronics, geoinformatics, and remote sensing to address these issues in an effective manner. This paper will highlight ongoing efforts to develop the infrastructure for this advanced technology driven agricultural practice at UMES that has significant intersection with broad umbrella of the field of "Mechatronics". Particular emphasis will be on integration of yield monitor and a GPS unit with the existing UMES combine/mechanical harvester; remote sensing from UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), RAV (Remote Controlled Aerial Vehicle), and manned airplane equipped with camera systems; advanced technologies for sensing and monitoring, datalogging, and wireless transmission of environmental data; geospatial information technology; future plans involving variable rate application of nutrients and fertilizers. The paper will also describe aspects of three ongoing multidisciplinary projects titled (i) Environmentally Conscious Precision Agriculture (ECPA); (ii) Airborne Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and (iii) Aerial Imaging and Remote Sensing for Precision Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship (AIRSPACES) that have contributed significantly in advancing the broad project goals that are not only consistent with the economic necessities of the region but also the land grant mission of UMES.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Antigenic determinants of horse cytochrome c for lymphocyte transformation: Identification of an immunodominant peptide☆

Abstract Guinea pigs immunized with horse cytochrome c produce no measurable antibody but exhibit delayed hypersensitivity skin tests and T lymphocytes which undergo antigen dependent DNA synthesis. Analysis of the antigenicity of the cyanogen bromide peptides of horse cytochrome c revealed that peptide 81–104 is the immunodominant peptide as peptides 1–65 and 66–80 are inactive. In addition, peptide 81–104 was very immunogenic in guinea pigs, much more so than either intact cytochrome c or peptide 1–65. Peptide 66–80 was not immunogenic. Peptide 81–104 was therefore found to be antigenically and immunogenically the immunodominant peptide of horse cytochrome c .
HEAT PIPES AND VAPOR CHAMBERS FOR THERMAL CONTROL OF SPACECRAFT

Heat pipes and vapor chambers for thermal control of spacecraft, noting design and application
Dendritic cell-directed lentivector vaccine induces antigen-specific immune responses against murine melanoma

Lentivectors are potential vaccine delivery vehicles because they can efficiently transduce a variety of non-dividing cells, including antigen-presenting cells, and do not cause expression of extra viral proteins. To improve safety while retaining efficiency, a dendritic cell (DC)-specific lentivector was constructed by pseudotyping the vector with an engineered viral glycoprotein derived from Sindbis virus. We assessed the level of anti-tumor immunity conferred by this engineered lentivector encoding the melanoma antigen gp100 in a mouse model. Footpad injection of the engineered lentivectors results in the best antigen-specific immune response as compared with subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections. A single prime vaccination of the engineered lentivectors can elicit a high frequency (up to 10%) of gp100-specific CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood 3 weeks after the vaccination and this response will be maintained at around 5% for up to 8 weeks. We found that these engineered lentivectors elicited relatively low levels of anti-vector neutralizing antibody responses. Importantly, direct injection of this engineered lentivector inhibited the growth of aggressive B16 murine melanoma. These data suggest that DC-specific lentivectors can be a novel and alternative vaccine carrier with the potential to deliver effective anti-tumor immunity for cancer immunotherapy.
Inhibition of NFκB signaling in calreticulin deficient cells

Calreticulin (CRT) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²+ binding chaperone, which regulates many of cellular processes. Previous work from our lab showed loss of CRT leads to increased resistance to apoptosis. We also showed loss of CRT leads to increased AKT phosphorylation and activation of the proteosome activity. Thus we hypothesized that in the absence of CRT function, NFκB signaling is activated leading to enhanced resistance to apoptosis of these cells. Wild type and CRT knockout mouse embryonic fibroblast were used to examine changes in the NFκB signaling pathway. Reporter gene assays showed a significant reduction in the basal NFκB transcriptional activity. Activation of NFκB with lipopolysaccharide increased the transcriptional activity of NFκB in both the cells, however, the transcriptional activity of NFκB was still significantly lower in the CRT deficient cells as compared to the wild type cells. Our immunocytochemical staining showed a delay in the translocation of NFκB p65 to the nucleus of CRT deficient cells after lipopolysaccharide treatment. We also observed an increase in the level of IκB and phospho-IκB accumulation in CRT deficient cells after lipopolysaccharide treatment. We conclude that in the absence of CRT NFκB signaling is inhibited due to decreased IκB degradation and decreased NFκB p65 nuclear translocation.
Localization of prostate cancer metastasis-suppressor activity on human chromosome 17.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in American men. Currently, it is difficult to accurately predict the clinical course of histologically localized prostatic cancer in the individual patient. Identification of markers for metastatic potential of prostate cancer may improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. We have previously demonstrated that human chromosome 17 (17pter–q23) suppresses the metastatic ability of AT6.1 rat prostatic cancer cells. In this study we report on the further localization of the metastasis suppressor activity encoded by human chromosome 17. METHODS A series of AT6.1-17 microcell hybrids was constructed using microcell-mediated chromosomal transfer of human chromosome 17 into highly metastatic AT6.1 cells. Hybrids which had spontaneously deleted regions of chromosome 17 were analyzed by PCR for the presence of 32 sequence-tagged sites (STS) markers as well as the prostate cancer tumor-suppressor loci reported on 17q. In addition, we examined a number of candidate genes and markers that previously have been mapped to chromosome 17. The in vivo metastatic potential of these AT6.1-17 deletion hybrids was determined. RESULTS We have localized metastasis-suppressor activity to a ∼70-centiMorgan (cM) portion of chromosome 17, consisting of three distinct regions of 30 cM (D17S952D17S805), 6 cM (D17S930D17S797), and 34 cM (D17S944D17S784). Three of the four markers on 17p13, including HIC1 and TP53, and 12 of the 13 markers in 17q21–23, including BRCA1 (D17S855) and NM23 (NME1), were not retained in the conserved ∼70-cM metastasis-suppressor region. CONCLUSIONS These results support a role for a novel metastasis-suppressor gene(s) or a novel metastasis-suppressor function on chromosome 17. Complementary candidate gene and positional cloning approaches are being used to identify the gene(s) within the ∼70-cM conserved region responsible for metastasis suppression. Prostate 33:271–280, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Digital and optical moiré detection of flaws applied to holographic nondestructive testing

Superposition of two double-exposure holographic interferograms creates moire patterns that can be used to detect flaws. Relative magnification can be used to correct for imprecise replication of loading when the second interferogram is formed; it also can be used to detect flaws when only a single interferogram is used if the basic deformation field is radially symmetric. Digital image processing is a rapid and versatile technique for forming such moire patterns.
Apoptosis in sea urchin oocytes, eggs, and early embryos

Certain experimental manipula- tions with sea urchin oocytes, eggs, and early embryos result in induction of cell death. We were interested in whether or not these cells posessed functional apop- totic machinery, and whether cellular demise under certain experimental conditions is due to activation of a programmed cell death pathway. Therefore, we evaluated a number of apoptosis assays in sea urchin oocytes, eggs, and early embryos experimentally induced to apoptose with staurosporine. Our results indicate that these cells each possess and activate necessary apoptotic machinery that leads to character- istic apoptotic phenotypes. The eggs of this animal have completed meiosis, and are quiescent transcrip- tionally, translationally, and metabolically. Suprisingly, they still undergo apoptosis. The progression through apoptosis of treated specimens could be followed by morphological changes of the cells, by chromatin condensation and degradation, and by activation of caspases. The similarities and differences in the execution of apoptosis between the cell types studied are discussed. Results of this study will be useful for interpreting experiments in these model systems in which different molecules are targeted for interference and which brings about cell death. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 553-561, 2001. fl 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Isaac Casaubon, Hebraist

A review essay of Anthony Grafton and Joanna Weinbegr’s remarkable ‘I Have Always Loved the Holy Tongue’. The essay seeks to pay homage to their exemplary contribution to our understanding of Early Modern Christian Hebraism – and of erudition more generally – by expanding on their pioneering study through reflection on three themes: Casaubon’s early Hebrew studies; the motivation and scope of his learning; and his posthumous reputation as a Hebraist.
Religiosity and Spirituality: A Psychometric Evaluation of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire

The Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF) was administered to 124 undergraduate college students attending a private Catholic university and the result was compared to measures of spirituality, religious behavior, religious coping, and affect. The present study found that the SCSORF was strongly related to spirituality, in particular, seeking support from one's spirituality. However, the SCSORF was not correlated with an openness to new spiritual experiences. The SCSORF was also related to religious behavior and religious coping. The SCSORF was not related to affect, indicating that scores on the SCSORF were not affect-dependent. Results from this study provide additional evidence that the SCSORF is a reliable and valid measure of religious faith.
Dosimetric and cost comparison of first fraction imaging versus fractional re-imaging on critical organ dose in vaginal cuff brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose Vaginal cylinder high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is currently one of the most common procedures performed in the treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer. However, current recommendations by the American Brachytherapy Society regarding fractional re-imaging and dose calculation for organs at risk for HDR vaginal cuff brachytherapy are not well defined. In this study, we aim to compare a fractional re-imaging approach using computed tomographic (CT) scans prior to each fraction with a first fraction imaging-only approach with respect to bladder, rectal, and bowel dosimetry. Methods and Materials Nineteen endometrial cancer patients undergoing vaginal cuff brachytherapy for endometrial cancer were imaged with CT scanning prior to every HDR fraction (fractional re-imaging [FRI]). Dose to the bowel, bladder, and rectum were calculated and compared with the estimated dose if imaging and planning were done only on the first fraction (first fraction imaging [FFI]). Results In the analysis of FFI versus FRI, we observed mean bladder doses of 8.34 Gy vs 8.33 Gy ( P = .98), mean rectal doses of 12.19 Gy versus 12.14 Gy ( P = .81), and mean bowel doses of 2.82 Gy versus 2.76 Gy (P = .81). The FFI approach underestimated the FRI doses to the bladder, rectum, and bowel by 20% or more in 11%, 5%, and 29% of patients, respectively. Cost analysis revealed an estimated $663.06, or a 35% savings per patient treated with FFI. Conclusions There is no statistically significant difference in the mean dose to the bladder, rectum, or bowel in patients undergoing HDR vaginal cuff brachytherapy with a first fraction imaging scheme versus a fractional re-imaging scheme. These results indicate that fractional re-imaging is not necessary except in patients whose estimated dose to critical organs is near the maximum limit.
Differential expression of functional cannabinoid receptors in human bladder detrusor and urothelium.

Purpose: Although cannabinoid receptor expression has been demonstrated in human brain and other peripheral neuronal tissues, definitive expression of these receptors in the human bladder has not been reported. Consequently we investigated the expression of functional cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors in human bladder detrusor and urothelium.Materials and Methods: Human bladders were micro-dissected for detrusor (6) and urothelium (8), and analyzed for cannabinoid 1 and 2 mRNA expression using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and for protein expression using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Functional response of these receptors was tested by studying the effect of selective cannabinoid 1 and 2 agonists on nerve evoked smooth muscle contraction.Results: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed differential expression of cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors in detrusor and urothelium. The expression of cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptor mRNA in urothelium was approximately 2-fold high...
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: individualized stem cell and immune therapy of cancer

The year 2009 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the first successful allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The field of HSCT has pioneered some of the most exciting areas of research today. HSCT was the original stem cell therapy, the first cancer immune therapy and the earliest example of individualized cancer therapy. In this Timeline article we review the history of the development of HSCT and major advances made in the past 50 years. We highlight accomplishments made by researchers who continue to strive to improve outcomes for patients and increase the availability of this potentially life-saving therapy for patients with otherwise incurable malignancies.
Metabolic alterations in corpus callosum may compromise brain functional connectivity in MTBI patients: an 1H-MRS study.

After clinical resolution of signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) it is still not clear if there are residual abnormalities of structural or functional brain networks. We have previously documented disrupted interhemispheric functional connectivity in “asymptomatic” concussed individuals during the sub-acute phase of injury. Testing of 15 normal volunteers (NV) and 15 subacute MTBI subjects was performed within 24 hours of clinical symptoms resolution and medical clearance for the first stage of aerobic activity. In this MRS study we report (a) both in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios were significantly (p<0.05) lower in MTBI subjects shortly after the injury compared to NVs, and (b) the metabolic ratio NAA/Cho in the splenium significantly correlated with the magnitude of inter-hippocampal functional connectivity in normal volunteers, but not in MTBI. This novel finding supports our hypothesis that the functional disruption of interhemispheric brain networks in MTBI subjects results from compromised metabolic integrity of the corpus callosum and that this persists despite apparent clinical return to baseline.
Bringing home the bacon for hemophilia

Comment on Gangadharan et al, page [3859][1] Hematopoietic stem cell–directed gene therapy with a retroviral vector expressing the pig fVIII gene cured hemophilia A without inhibitor formation in mice. This approach holds promise for prevention of bleeding or tolerance induction in patients.
The nature and prevention of harm in technology-mediated self-help settings: three exemplars

This paper argues that in addition to the substantial benefits they provide for members, on-line support groups create the potential for harm. Qualitative discourse analysis methods are used to exa...
Measurement of the local radiation field in a nuclear reactor by microwave interferometric techniques

Abstract The results of a study of the radiation field intensity in the core of a pulsed nuclear reactor by means of microwave propagation through an appropriately chosen noble gas placed within the reactor is reported. It is shown that the microwave propagation techniques are capable of measuring the reactor power, the local radiation flux and the dynamic reactor response instantaneously over a wide range of power levels. The technique is virtually unlimited in its ability to follow fast transients in reactor power. The technique was used to measure reactor power from 40 kW to 560 MW. It was also used to measure the spatial gamma flux profile in the core of Triga Mark II reactor. It is shown that the technique is suitable for measurements of both high (> 10 10 R/h) and low (≈10 4 R/h) gamma dose rates.
Decreased content of the IL1α processing enzyme calpain in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages after treatment with the benzene metabolite hydroquinone

Abstract Benzene is an important industrial chemical known to produce hematotoxicity in mice and humans. Hydroquinone, a major metabolite of benzene, inhibits conversion of the precursor form of IL 1α (pre-IL1α) to IL 1α in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages in vitro, and a similar effect can be demonstrated in vivo after treatment of mice with benzene. The protease which converts pre-ILla to IL1α is calpain. We examined decreases in calpain content in bone marrow-derived macrophages as a possible mechanism underlying hydroquinoneinduced decreases in pre-IL1α conversion. Hydroquinone, at concentrations which were not overtly cytotoxic, decreased total calpain activity in macrophages by 10–30%. Using immunoblot analysis macrophage calpain II levels were shown to be decreased by approximately 50% after treatment with hydroquinone. Under the same conditions, no changes were observed in calpain I content using immunoblot analysis. These data show that decreased calpain II content represents a potential mechanism of hydroquinone-induced inhibition of preILla processing, and may contribute to benzene-induced alterations in bone marrow stromal cell function and myelotoxicity.
Development of a Scaleable Route for the Production of cis-N-Benzyl-3-methylamino-4-methylpiperidine

The synthesis of cis-N-benzyl-3-methylamino-4-methylpiperidine (5) via hydroboration of tetrahydropyridine 3 followed by oxidation and reductive amination was optimized and scaled up to produce 10-kg quantities of product. Three routes to 3 were identified, and the reduction of pyridinium salt 7 was selected as the most preferable to run on-scale. The hydroboration and oxidative workup were carefully studied to optimize throughput on that transformation, as was the reductive amination.
Dielectric stress tests and capacitance-voltage analysis to evaluate the effect of post deposition annealing on Al2O3 films deposited on GaN

Systematic stress tests that help to evaluate the stability and dielectric performance of Al2O3 films under DC bias conditions are reported. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves were monitored for changes after subjecting the dielectric film to constant forward and reverse bias stress. Stress tests, along with C-V analysis, are used to evaluate the effect of post deposition annealing on Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) Al2O3 films deposited on GaN. The individual benefits and drawbacks of each film and anneal condition were identified. These suggest that the anneals can be tailored to the unannealed film characteristics to achieve desired improvements in performance. It is found that post deposition annealing in forming gas improves performance under reverse bias stress by reducing the fixed charge and the field in the oxide but does not improve performance under forward bias.
Maude Abbott and J. B. MacCallum: Canadian cardiac pioneers.

Maude Elizabeth Abbott (1869-1940) and John Bruce MacCallum (1876-1906) were two dissimilar persons who had much in common. They were roughly contemporary, yet they apparently never met; however, MacCallum died young and his productive years were few. They both were born and educated in Canada, although MacCallum studied medicine in the United States and did all his research outside Canada, while Maude Abbott trained and worked in Canada. And both struggled hard to get their medical education. Maude Abbott was an honor graduate in Arts from McGill University, but could not convince her alma mater to accept her in medicine; women were definitely unwelcome in McGill’s medical school in those days. MacCallum struggled not with prejudice but with his own temperament and with disease, for the tuberculosis which was to kill him before his 30th birthday began its destructive work while he was a student. Of course, in themselves these differences and similarities would probably be only casually interesting to the readers of this journal. Biographical medical history is essentially hero worship. And it is the scientific accomplishments of these heroes-specifically, their remarkable research in cardiology-which make their lives, their idiosyncrasies, and their problems of interest to us. Certainly anyone who has studied the muscular structure of the heart or the categorization of congenital heart disease will want to know more about Drs. MacCallum and Abbott.
THE PASSAGE OF TYPE III RABBIT VIRULENT PNEUMOCOCCI FROM THE VASCULAR SYSTEM INTO JOINTS AND CERTAIN OTHER BODY CAVITIES

1. Within 24 hours following intravenous inoculation with rabbit virulent strains of pneumococcus Type III, most rabbits develop infections of one or both knees. The frequency of bilateral knee joint involvement increases as the duration of the disease is prolonged. 2. The spinal fluid, aqueous humor, and bladder urine remain sterile at a time when the knee joints contain pneumococci. Subsequently, however, they may be invaded. 3. The administration of a single dose of type specific horse immune serum, at a period when in all probability one or both knee joints contain organisms, appears to be ineffective in bringing about resolution of the infections process in these sites, even though horse serum constituents may be demonstrated serologically to be present within the joint cavities.
Cycling in simple genetic systems

We describe the — unexpected — occurrence of stable limit cycles in the two locus, two allele model. No frequency dependence is involved. The cycles are due to the interaction between recombination and natural selection.
Nitric oxide signaling participates in norepinephrine-induced activity of neuronal intracellular survival pathways

Much evidence has gathered that nitric oxide (NO) signaling, via cGMP-dependent mechanisms, may activate pro-survival pathways in hippocampal neurons and inhibit apoptosis. Past research has revealed that the enhancement of monoaminergic neurotransmission via exercise or treatment with antidepressant medications leads to an enhanced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In isolated hippocampal neurons, norepinephrine (NE) application also increases the immunoreactivity of BDNF and several pro-survival signaling molecules. The data herein support the possibility that NO signaling plays an important role in enhancing neurotrophin expression and activation of the pro-survival phosphatidylinositol 3′ kinase (PI-3K) pathway stimulated by NE. In isolated hippocampal neurons, the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, increases BDNF, PI-3K, and phospho-ERK1 immunoreactivity. Specific inhibitors of the NO system suggest that NE-induced increases in hippocampal BDNF and the PI-3K pathway, but not stimulation of the MAPK pathway, depend upon NO signaling. In addition, inhibiting cGMP suggest that the effects of NE on BDNF immunoreactivity and Akt phosphorylation are also cGMP- dependent. Finally, the application of l-NAME to hippocampal neurons increases cell death. This is the first study of its kind demonstrating the involvement of NE-induced pro-survival signaling in three distinct signaling pathways: PI-3K, MAPK, and NO/cGMP. Possible mechanisms are discussed in light of the results.
Accumulation Pharmacokinetics of Tobramycin

Tobramycin pharmacokinetics is usually described by a one-compartment model, but this model fails to account for both the incomplete urinary recovery and prolonged post-treatment persistence noted with this drug. We examined the multiple-dose behavior of tobramycin in 35 treated patients with stable renal function, using peak and trough serum concentrations, urine recovery, and postmortem tissue analysis. Serum concentrations rose slowly throughout treatment and declined in two phases after the drug was stopped. The first-phase half-life correlated well with renal function, but the second averaged 146 h and was poorly related to creatinine clearance. A two-compartment model was used to describe the biphasic decline in serum concentrations and to calculate the amount of drug in the tissue compartment at all times during and after treatment. Predicted tissue amounts rose continually throughout treatment in all study patients. In 5 patients, the total amount of tobramycin in the body after the final dose was recovered in the urine, but urine had to be collected for 10 to 20 days to achieve complete recovery of the drug. In four patients, the predicted tissue amount was recovered from postmortem tissues. Regardless of the dose, tobramycin accumulated in the tissues of all patients receiving this antibiotic. The two-compartment pharmacokinetic model explains both the rising peak and trough concentrations during treatment and the detection of the drug in serum and urine long after the last dose.
Politics and Policy in the 103rd and 104th Congresses: Evaluating the Effects of Divided Government in the Postreform Era

In his systematic analysis of the significant legislation passed since 1946, Mayhew (1991) demonstrates that divided government may not, in fact, affect the amount of significant legislation enacted into law. In a recently published article, Krehbiel (1996) develops a formal model that makes such a prediction. Krehbiel argues that "unified government is neither necessary nor sufficient for gridlock to be broken." Such conclusions are at odds with the more conventional view of divided government, such as those of Sundquist (1988), Ripley (1983), and Key (1964). Does divided government affect the legislative process? If so, how? In this paper, we analyze the significant legislation passed during the 103rd and 104th Congresses. We find that the formation of partisan coalitions on final votes of passage occurs much more frequently during periods of unified government than during periods of divided government. We also provide indirect evidence that the legislation that was passed during unified government was ...
Issues in the implementation of assertion training in applied settings

Abstract Based on their experiences with non-patients and psychiatric patients in a medical setting, the authors discuss issues involving the successful implementation of assertion training in an applied setting. Three key issues are: accurately assessing the target clientele and defining appropriate training goals; evolving a suitable group structure, and embedding the new program into the ongoing social system.
Hydrogen molecule in the small dodecahedral cage of a clathrate hydrate: quantum translation-rotation dynamics at higher excitation energies.

Higher-lying five-dimensional translation-rotation (T-R) eigenstates of a single p-H 2 and o-D 2 molecule confined inside the small dodecahedral (5 12 ) cage of the structure II clathrate hydrate are calculated rigorously, as fully coupled, with the cage assumed to be rigid. The calculations cover the excitation energies up to and beyond the j = 2 rotational level of the free molecule, 356 cm -1 for H 2 and 179 cm -1 for D 2 . It is found that j is a good quantum number for all the T-R states of p-H 2 ,j = 0 and j = 2, considered. The same is not true for o-D 2 , where a number of T-R states in the neighborhood of the j = 2 level show significant mixing of j = 0 and j = 2 rotational basis functions. The 5-fold degeneracy of the j = 2 level of p-H 2 is lifted completely due to the anisotropy of the cage environment, as is the 3-fold degeneracy of the j = 1 level of o-H 2 studied by us previously. Pure translational mode excitations with up to four quanta display negative anharmonicity, which was observed earlier for the translational fundamentals and their first overtones. The issues of assigning the combination states of p-H 2 with excitations of two or all three translational modes, and of the strength of the mode coupling as a function of the excitation energy, are studied carefully for a range of quantum numbers. The average T-R energy of the encapsulated p-H 2 is calculated as a function of temperature from 0 to 150 K.
A test of elemental defence against slugs by Ni in hyperaccumulator and non-hyperaccumulator Streptanthus species

Tissues of most plant species contain < 10 μg Ni g−1 but Ni hyperaccumulators contain more than 1000 μg Ni g−1 . Hyperaccumulated Ni can defend plants from some herbivores but the defensive role of lesser Ni concentrations is little explored. We raised five species of Streptanthus (Brassicaceae) native to ultramafic soils, one of which (S. polygaloides) is a Ni hyperaccumulator whereas the others are simply Ni-tolerant, on Ni-amended and unamended green-house soils to create plants differing in Ni concentrations. On high-Ni soil, leaves of the hyperaccumulator contained 3800 μg Ni g−1 whereas leaves of non-hyperaccumulator species contained 41–64 μg Ni g−1. Plants of all species grown on low-Ni soils had < 14 μg Ni g−1. Slugs (Limax maximus) were fed plant material in no-choice tests over a 50-day period and survival and mass changes were recorded. All slugs fed high-Ni leaves of the hyperaccumulator species died within 21 d. Slugs fed high-Ni leaves of the other species did not differ significantly in survival or mass change from those fed low-Ni leaves. In choice tests, slugs (Lehmannia valentiana) offered both high- and low-Ni S. polygaloides leaves did little damage to high-Ni leaves. We conclude that hyperacumulated Ni can defend S. polygaloides from slug herbivory via both toxicity and deterrence, but these defensive effects do not extend to Streptanthus species containing < 70 μg Ni g−1.
Integrating trauma theory and therapy into nursing practice and education.

The healthcare professions have been very slow to recognize the significance of violence and abuse in the lives of their patients. A clinical exemplar highlights the need for nurses to attend to these issues. The potential for a clinical nurse specialist to conduct research, provide education, and develop therapeutic programs designed to improve the treatment of traumatized patients is presented. Recent advances in the field of trauma, as well as the challenge to nursing to integrate this knowledge into curriculum and practice, are discussed. Language: en
Review of A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future

(2008). Review of A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 81, No. 3, pp. 141-142.
Effects of buspirone on plasma catecholamines, heart rate, and blood pressure in stressed and nonstressed rats

The influence of buspirone upon plasma catecholamine levels, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure was studied in stressed and nonstressed rats. Measures were obtained directly via indwelling aortic catheters. Drug or vehicle were given acutely (10 mg/kg, IP) or twice a day for 10 days (10 mg and 20 mg/kg, SC). In nonstressed rats, a single dose of buspirone increased markedly plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels and decreased significantly heart rate with no effect on blood pressure. During stress, stress-induced increases in catecholamine levels were further elevated by the drug, whereas stress-induced increases of heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were reduced. In chronically-pretreated rats, the effects of buspirone were similar to those observed after an acute injection. These effects of buspirone on plasma catecholamines are very different from those seen with other anxiolytics, whereas effects on heart rate and blood pressure are more similar.
Incidence of lentigo maligna in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1970 to 2007.

Background The incidence of lentigo maligna (LM) may be increasing, but no population-based epidemiologic studies have been performed to our knowledge. Objective We sought to determine the incidence of LM in Olmsted County, Minnesota, along with overall and recurrence-free survival. Methods Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we identified all adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with a first lifetime diagnosis of LM between 1970 and 2007. Medical records were reviewed to determine demographic, clinical, and surgical data, and incidence and survival were calculated. Results Among 145 patients identified, median (range) age at diagnosis of LM was 70 (33-97) years. Treatment changed over time, with Mohs micrographic surgery becoming available after 1986. No patients died of LM; 5 had local recurrence. Estimated local recurrence-free survival at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after diagnosis was 98%, 96%, 92%, and 92%, respectively. Overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence of LM among adults was 6.3 per 100,000 person-years, increasing from 2.2 between 1970 and 1989 to 13.7 between 2004 and 2007. Limitations Retrospective study design and homogeneous population are limitations. Conclusion The incidence of LM increased significantly among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, over an extended time frame, with incidence being significantly higher among men than women and increasing with age.
Endoscopic visualization of bile and pancreatic ducts.

This study reports the first 80 attempts at cannulation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts by these investigators. Sixty of these attempts were successful; in 49 instances the desired duct was demonstrated. Success increased with experience. Technical details of the procedure are described. Endoscopic cannulation of the duodenal ampulla will be a valuable addition to the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic disease.
Helplessness, stress level, and the coronary-prone behavior pattern

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to examine the relationship between stress level and learned helplessness in human subjects. Experiment I subjected subjects to loud or moderate noise in order to induce differential stress. Half of the subjects within each stress group were unable to escape from a series of noise bursts, whereas the other half could terminate each burst by manipulating appropriate switches. After the pretreatment series, the same noise was again delivered to subjects, all of whom could now escape or avoid noise by making an appropriate response on a shuttle box. Inescapable (helplessness) pretreatment interfered with escape learning in the second (test) phase of the study under both levels of stress. Experiment II was a partial replication of the first study using only loud noise. The interference effect during test trials was greater than in the first study. In addition to these findings, measures of a coronary-prone behavior pattern were related to differential susceptibility to the interference effect under both high stress and moderate stress conditions. These results were interpreted in terms of differing perceptions of threat imposed by lack of environmental control.
Toward an integrative model for cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy

Abstract The purpose of this article is to present an integrative model of cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy. Illustrated by a series of critical incidents, it is argued that unidimensional models of cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy are inherently limited. Using Kluckhohn and Murray's tripartite model of personality, an integrative, sequential, and dynamic model of cross-cultural counseling is advanced. Support for the validity of the Kluckhohn and Murray model is first reviewed. This is followed by a delineation of the components of the current integrative model: (a) Outgroup homogeneity effect, (b) Cultural schema theory, (c) Complimentarity theory, (d) Science of complexity, and (e) Mindfulness. The operation of this model is described in a series of figures and the implications for counseling practice and future research is discussed.
Subharmonic structure in tunnel junctions between dissimilar superconductors

Abstract Subharmonic structure in the dV/dI vs. V characteristic of superconducting tunnel junctions composed of tin and bulk mercury separated by an artificial barrier of amorphous germanium has been identified at voltages corresponding to the even and odd series of Werthamer. The situation is complicated however by the presence of other structure in the curves, some at voltages corresponding to unpredicted series. The problem of the proper identification of subharmonic structure is discussed.
Environmental risk measurement: Uncertainties for charcoal and alpha‐track radon monitors

Abstract The ability of activated charcoal and alpha‐track radon monitors to estimate annual concentrations is a consequence of the measurement interval over which either type of monitor is used. In a case study of several hundred homes in Virginia and Maryland, a +/‐ 90% uncertainty must be applied to a single charcoal measurements to estimate the annual radon concentration, and a +/‐ 50% uncertainty must be applied to a three‐month alpha‐track measurement (90% confidence levels).
Body mass index charts: useful yet underused.

Abstract Objectives To determine how frequently pediatricians use body mass index (BMI) and whether pediatricians are more likely to regard a child as “too fat” and manifest greater concern about health sequelae when presented with BMI versus height and weight charting. Study design North Carolina Pediatrics Society members completed a self-administered, quasi-experimental mail survey, using two different case vignette versions. They were given a clinical vignette but systematically received either the same hypothetical overweight child's height and weight data, percentile, and charts (Ht and Wt Group) or her BMI, percentile, and chart (BMI Group). They rated levels of fatness and concern by using Likert scales and the frequency of use of methods to determine overweight. Results Adjusted response rate was 71% (N = 356). The BMI Group rated the hypothetical child with a higher mean on a scale of fatness (P Conclusions BMI charting prompted greater recognition of a weight problem than height and weight charting, yet BMI is inconsistently used. Interventions to help pediatricians adopt this tool may be warranted.
4D Integration and Evaluation of Electrostatic Force between Two Charged Parallel Plates

Evaluation of electrostatic force between two arbitrary shaped charged objects encounters a six-fold integration. Analytic evaluation of the integral is not conducive and its numeric evaluation is CPU intensive. For two planar objects, the required integration reduces to a four-fold integration; however, it suffers the same two symptoms. In this article, utilizing a discrete method, we evaluate the much needed integration in a fraction of a second. For a special case, we show the output of our approach agrees with its analytic equivalent formulation.
Outpatient burn data: An untapped resource

INTRODUCTION: The National Burn Repository (NBR) currently only contains inpatient data from participating United States burn centres. However, the majority of the patients treated in burn centres are managed as outpatients. Unfortunately, this significant demographic is not represented in the NBR annual report. The purpose of this study is to compare the difference in aetiology and demographics between inpatient and outpatient burn patients. In addition, the workload demands for data entry of inpatient and outpatient records in the burn registry will be compared. METHODS: Outpatient and inpatient burn data at an American Burn Association-Verified Burn Center were prospectively collected during fiscal year 2008. Data collected included age, burn size and aetiology of burn. Aetiology was also stratified by age group. Inpatient data were compared with outpatient data with Fisher's exact test. The amount of time taken to enter inpatients' and outpatients' data parameters in the TRACS v5.0 database was also recorded. RESULTS: Data were collected for 241 inpatients and for 543 outpatients during fiscal year 2008. No significant differences in gender or race were found between the two groups. When comparing demographics, outpatients tended to be younger (26±19years vs. 32±22years, p=0.01) with a smaller burn size (2.5±7% vs. 6.8±12%, p Language: en
A naturally ordered enumeration of compositions

Abstract A composition of the positive integer M , with N -parts, is a vector of N non-negative integer components the sum of which is M . The paper presents a transformation that “enumerates” (assigns serial numbers) the set of all possible compositions most densely so that their “natural” ordering is preserved. The transformation is useful for the efficient retrieval and compact storage of probabilities, or functions on probability spaces, in finite memories.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF GASTRIC AND DUODENAL FISTULAS

A fistula is an abnormal tract connecting two epithelium-lined surfaces. It may involve any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. It may be completely internal or have one opening on the skin and can be single or multiple. This article discusses fistulas that involve the stomach or duodenum, including etiology, diagnosis, prognostic factors, management, and outcome. Aortoenteric fistulas are discussed elsewhere in this issue.