cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social support satisfaction, on‐line communication apprehension, and perceived life stress within computer‐mediated support groups

This study used an on‐line questionnaire to examine the relationship between social support satisfaction, on‐line communication time, on‐line communication apprehension, and perceived life stress among members of various on‐line support groups (N = 140). The results indicated that on‐line support satisfaction was predictive of on‐line communication time while on‐line communication apprehension was not related to on‐line communication time. On‐line communication apprehension was found to be predictive of on‐line support satisfaction. On‐line support satisfaction was found to be predictive of perceived life stress. The implications of findings for communication and social support research as well as the limitations of the study are discussed.
Report on the 1986 A.S.P.E.N. Research Workshop on selenium in clinical nutrition.

Selenium in human nutrition was the theme of the 1986 Research Workshop of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. At the workshop, evidence for the nutritional essentiality of selenium to humans was reviewed, and it was concluded that Keshan disease, the cardiomyopathy of children and young women described in China, is now firmly linked to selenium deficiency, although other factors may be involved. Selenium metabolism and techniques for assessing selenium status also received attention at the workshop. A measurement of blood selenium levels was accepted, in general, as a valid technique for assessing selenium status in individuals with relatively constant selenium intakes. Clinical practitioners at the workshop reported that some of their total parenteral nutrition patients not receiving selenium presented biochemical evidence of selenium deficiency, but no characteristic clinical syndrome due to selenium deficiency has yet been observed in such patients. The workshop attendees acknow...
Endoscopic anatomy of the postganglionic pterygopalatine innervation of the posterolateral nasal mucosa

Background Recent anatomic dissections have redefined the sinonasal parasympathetic pathway suggesting that individual rami project from the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) to innervate the nasal mucosa via multiple small nerve fascicles. The purpose of this study is correlate these anatomic descriptions with endoscopic findings and to define the pattern and location of the posterolateral neurovascular rami. Methods Eight cadaver heads were utilized for a total of 16 individual sides. A lateral nasal submucosal flap was elevated while preserving all neurovascular bundles perforating the palatine bone. All nerves were traced proximally to confirm their origin. Results Excluding the sphenopalatine foraminal contents, accessory posterolateral nerves were noted in 87.5% (14/16) of specimens, 50% (7/14) of which contained greater than one. All nerves could be traced directly to the PPG or greater palatine nerve. Of the 25 accessory nerves identified, the most common location was posterosuperior to the horizontal attachment of the inferior turbinate (40%, 10/25). Conclusion This study supports prior work suggesting that neurons project from the PPG via multiple individual postganglionic rami to supply the nasal mucosa. This new anatomic insight may be exploited to selectively lesion these nerve fascicles in patients with vasomotor rhinitis to improve outcomes while avoiding the morbidities associated with vidian neurectomy. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
The effect of polymeric binder on composite propellant flame structure investigated with 5 kHz OH PLIF

Abstract High speed (5 kHz) planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and high resolution imaging are used to probe the flame structure and to image coarse ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles on the surface of deflagrating bimodal composite propellants formulated with various binders. Three binder systems are examined: hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), polybutadiene acrylonitrile (PBAN) and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). A comparison of coarse AP particle behavior and flame structure is presented for each propellant over a pressure range of 1–6.4 atm. Individual AP particle ignition delay, burn time, and flame heights are quantified. Both jet-like diffusion flames and lifted, overventilated flames were observed for the propellants examined. The average diffusion flame height is observed to increase gradually over the pressure range studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also performed on the AP/binder systems. It was found that both AP/HTPB and AP/PBAN react together exothermically while AP/DPCD reacts independently, with a quick binder pyrolysis proceeding AP decomposition. Propellants formulated with HTPB, PBAN, and DCPD were found to possess a similar diffusion flame structure, but those with DCPD were measured to have a significantly higher burning rate. Propellants formulated with DCPD were observed to routinely eject coarse AP crystals from the burning surface, which results in the higher burning rate. Based on experimental observations, it is argued that either fast binder pyrolysis or poor adhesion to coarse AP particles is the mechanism responsible for the particle ejection.
A weathering hypothesis for glaciation at high atmospheric pCO2 during the Late Ordovician

New paired carbonate and organic-carbon isotope analyses from Nevada, USA, together with a consideration of the effects of mountain-building and ice-sheet coverage of the continents on atmospheric pCO2, lead to a new hypothesis for the cause of the Late Ordovician glaciation. We suggest that the Taconic orogeny, which commenced in the late-middle Ordovician, caused a long-term decline in atmospheric pCO2 through increased weatherability of silicate rocks. Ice-sheet growth was triggered when pCO2 decreased to a threshold of ∼10× present atmospheric level and proceeded by positive ice-albedo feedback. In the midst of glaciation, atmospheric pCO2 began to rise as continental silicate weathering rates declined in response to coverage of weathering terrains by ice sheets. At first, this enhanced greenhouse effect was overcompensated for by ice-albedo effects. Ultimately, however, atmospheric pCO2 reached a level which overwhelmed the cooling effects of ice albedo, and the glaciation ended. The isotope results can be interpreted to indicate that atmospheric pCO2 rose during the glaciation, consistent with other proxy information, although alternative interpretations are possible. The large, positive carbonate isotope excursion observed in Late Ordovician rocks around the world is explained as the expected response to increased carbonate-platform weathering during glacioeustatic sea-level lowstand, rather than as a response to increased organic-carbon burial.
A two-dimensional planar computational investigation of flame broadening in confined non-premixed jets

The near-exit region of confined, unsteady, momentum dominated, non-premixed, chemically reacting jets is investigated computationally using one-step chemistry. Non-premixed flame/wall interaction is manifested in the form of reaction zone broadening. Depending on the value of the stoichiometric mixture fraction, the flame zone moves into or out of the region of strong shear. For flames with large stoichiometric mixture fraction, the flame region is located in closer proximity to the isothermal wall. With increased stoichiometric mixture fraction, reaction thicknesses predicted by asymptotic theory differ from flame zone thicknesses obtained from the simulation databases.
An externally driven magnetic microstirrer

In this paper, an inexpensive, easy–to–fabricate active magnetic mixer is presented. This mixer functions on top of a common magnetic stir plate and is capable of mixing two streams, each at flow rates up to 5 ml min –1 . A liquid–phase photopolymerization technique is used to fabricate the device. An analysis of mixing efficiency is based on greyscale intensity measurements of two coloured streams passing through the mixer. A brief hypothesis of the mechanism of mixing is also presented.
Alteration of some toxic aflatoxin responses in Syrian hamsters fed zinc carbonate-supplemented diets

Chronic exposure to aflatoxins (AFTs) below the LD50 can result in reduced weight gain, hepatocellular necrosis and bile duct cell proliferation. Here, we report whether dietary zinc (Zn2+) protects against both aflatoxicosis and precancer in male weanling hamsters fed either 14.6 mg/kg AFTs, 3000 mg/kg zinc carbonate, or both for 17 weeks. The AFTs (either alone or with Zn2+) reduced weight gains but not feed consumption. Whereas controls possessed 172.7±21.7 mg/100 ml plasma glucose, the AFTs and Zn2+ groups had 132.1±19.5 and 122.7 mg/100 ml, respectively. For plasma cholesterol, the AFTs plus Zn2+ group's was 26.5±4.3 compared to 32.3±3.0, 31.5±4.8 and 36.0±2.1 mg/100 ml for control, Zn2+ and AFTs groups, respectively. The latter exhibited bile duct cell hyperplasia, focal liver necrosis and hemorrhage but the AFTs plus Zn2+ group's livers had less damage. Meglahepatocytes indicated precancerous changes. These data suggest a trend toward Zn2+-induced reduction for AFTs-promoted liver damage.
Validation of Dynamic Models by Image Distances in the Time-Scale Domain

Model validation is the procedure whereby the fidelity of a model is evaluated. The traditional approaches to dynamic model validation either rely on the magnitude of the prediction error between the process observations and model outputs or consider the observations and model outputs as time series and use their similarity to assess the closeness of the model to the process. Here, we propose transforming these time series into the time-scale domain, to enhance their delineation, and using image distances between these transformed time series to assess the closeness of the model to the process. It is shown that the image distances provide a more consistent measure of model closeness than available from the magnitude of the prediction error.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Comment on “Evidence for a very high carbon/iridium ratio in the Tunguska impactor” by K. L. Rasmussen, H. J. F. Olsen, R. Gwozdz and E. M. Kolesnikov

— We discuss possible evidence for a dilution of 14C caused by the Tunguska impact event, proposed by Rasmussen et al. (1999). The results presented in that paper and other available information do not support this hypothesis.
Methionine analogs inhibit production of β-subunit of soybean 7S protein

Abstract We have previously reported that exogenous methionine inhibits production of the β-subunit of the 7 S storage protein in cultured soybean cotyledons, and that this inhibition involves lack of functional m RNA for the β-subunit. Analogs of methionine were used to study this inhibition. Cycloleucine, norleucine, norvaline and S -ethylcysteine treatments prevented accumulation of the β-subunit. The effects of cycloleucine and norleucine on β-subunit synthesis might have been indirect, since these compounds inhibited growth and caused a 2- to 3-fold increase in free methionine concentration. Norvaline did not affect free methionine concentration, but it did inhibit growth. Treatment with a combination of S -ethylcysteine and aminoethoxyvinylglycine prevented appearance of the β-subunit without inhibiting growth or raising the S -adenosylmethionine concentration. Thus, accumulation of S -adenosylmethionine does not appear to mediate the effect of exogenous methionine on β-subunit production. Treatment with S -ethylcysteine raised free methionine concentration only 34%, so S -ethylcysteine was probably acting directly to inhibit β-subunit production. Measurements of free methionine concentrations in seeds of different sizes, taken from intact plants, suggested that the relatively late appearance of the β-subunit in normal soybean seed development may be due to the presence of high levels of free methionine in very young seeds.
Macroeconomics, Human Development, and Distribution

Policies designed to pursue an equity-led macroeconomic growth strategy must take into account feedback effects, with distribution itself influencing macroeconomic outcomes. Under the right conditions, a more equitable distribution of income and opportunities in the form of human development can be a stimulus to growth, funding further investments in human development. Developing the policies to create those conditions is the central challenge for any human development-centered macroeconomic framework. I review here some macro-level policies that achieve this goal, identifying a key role for fiscal policy to raise productivity and for monetary policy to expand employment, a central goal of any macro-inclusive strategy.
Detection of Multiple Papillary Fibroelastomas of the Tricuspid Valve by Transesophageal Echocardiography

A 66-year-old man without symptoms, referred for the treatment of moderate hypertension, was found to have a right atrial mass by two-dimensional echocardiography. On transesophageal echocardiography two masses were detected on the tricuspid valve, the first one on the posterior leaflet and the second smaller one on the anterior leaflet. These findings were confirmed at surgery. Histologic analysis revealed that the masses represented papillary fibroelastomas.
Operational Space Impulse Momentum Algorithm for Flexible Multibody Systems With Generalized Topologies

This paper presents a new methodology for modeling discontinuous dynamics of flexible and rigid multibody systems based on the impulse momentum formulation. The new methodology is based on the seminal idea of the divide and conquer scheme for modeling the forward dynamics of rigid multibody systems. While a similar impulse momentum approach has been demonstrated for multibody systems in tree topologies, this paper presents the generalization of the approach to systems in generalized topologies including many coupled kinematically closed loops. The approach utilizes a hierarchic assembly-disassembly process by traversing the system topology in a binary tree map to solve for the jumps in the system generalized speeds and the constraint impulsive loads in linear and logarithmic cost in serial and parallel implementations, respectively. The coupling between the unilateral and bilateral constraints is handled efficiently through the use of kinematic joint definitions. The generalized impulse momenta equations of flexible bodies are derived using a projection method.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
River Basin Planning: Theory and Practice

River Basin Planning is divided into three major parts and an appendix. Part 1, Theory of River Basin Planning, is led by an introductory chapter from the editors emphasizing the major human component in the complex sociotechnical attributes of river basin development. They present a forceful argument for a truly interdisciplinary approach to river basin planning. (The appendix subsequently suggests curriculum development for courses in river basin planning.) Part 2, River Basin Planning: Environmental Issues, is supported by two chapters: one with a focus on soil conservation, the other on ecosystem protection. The soil conservation chapter by I. Douglas illustrates that slow, inadvertent changes may be more damaging in the long run than immediate, direct effects. It postulates that planning for people perforce will require planning for soil conservation as an ongoing activity. The case for environmental protection is somewhat weak because of the singular example chosen for illustration. The Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia, is in a fragile, humid, tropical forest region where any change per se is interpreted as being detrimental.
Resistance of the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) and the woodrat (Neotoma floridana), in Kansas, to venom of the osage copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster).

Abstract Prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) serum has no anti-lysing or antibody activity against Osage copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster) venom. However, the serum has an anti-hemorrhagic component, which significantly reduces the size of hemorrhage produced by the minimal hemorrhagic dose of venom and which blocks the minimal hemorrhagic dose at a dilution of 1 8 . Woodrat (Neotoma floridana) serum also has an anti-hemorrhagic component which blocks the minimal hemorrhagic dose at a dilution of 1 32 . When compared to similar sized rodents previously tested in Texas, the anti-hemorrhagic activity in the serum of the Kansas rodents is similar. This suggests that venom resistance in prey items of venomous snakes may be more common than thought previously.
Explicit two-step high-accuracy hybrid methods with minimal phase-lag for y″ = f ( x,y 0) and their application to the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation

Abstract In this paper, two families of explicit two-step sixth and eighth algebraic order hybrid methods with minimal phaselag are developed for the numerical integration of special second-order periodic initial-value problems. These methods have the advantage of higher algebraic accuracy and minimal phase-lag compared with some methods in [1, 2, 4–8, 11–14]. The methods proposed in this paper may be considered as a generalization of some methods in [1, 5, 7, 8, 12]. An application to the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation on the resonance problem indicates that these new methods are generally more accurate than some methods in [5–8, 2, 11, 13, 14].
Perceiving speech rhythm in music: listeners classify instrumental songs according to language of origin.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that the musical rhythm of a particular culture may parallel the speech rhythm of that culture’s language (Patel, A. D., & Daniele, J. R. (2003). An empirical comparison of rhythm in language and music. Cognition, 87, B35–B45). The present experiments aimed to determine whether listeners actually perceive such rhythmic differences in a purely musical context (i.e., in instrumental music without words). In Experiment 1a, listeners successfully classified instrumental renditions of French and English songs having highly contrastive rhythmic differences. Experiment 1b replicated this result with the same songs containing rhythmic information only. In Experiments 2a and 2b, listeners successfully classified original and rhythm-only stimuli when language-specific rhythmic differences were less contrastive but more representative of differences found in actual music and speech. These findings indicate that listeners can use rhythmic similarities and differences to classify songs originally composed in two languages having contrasting rhythmic prosody.
Cleaning oiled shores: Putting bioremediation to the test

Abstract Bioremediation, through nutrient treatment, shows promise as a long-term in situ clean-up method for lightly and moderately oiled, sheltered (low-energy) shorelines that might be damaged by more intrusive measures, such as pressure washing. However, shoreline bioremediation has several misunderstood limits. Field research indicates that hydrocarbon-degrading microbes occur in all aquatic environments and that they reproduce greatly in the presence of oil: it is useless to add more. Wind, waves, currents, existing oil-degrading bacteria, nutrients, and oxygen are generally sufficient to promote maximum rates of degradation of oil. Under some circumstances, continuous or periodic application of nutrients (fertilizers) over a period of at least several weeks can accelerate oil degradation by factors of 1.5- to perhaps 5-fold. All future work should be done using statistically-robust sampling designs. In Japan, as elsewhere, there is great need for well-controlled, well-replicated, full-scale field tests to find out which, if any, bioremediation methods would be most useful for various oils, fuels and shoreline types. Intentional shoreline oiling and large-scale mesocosms facilities, coupled with well-tested treatment and monitoring protocols, are the best way to conduct these tests.
Multifurcation of patterns in ferrofluids

Abstract The planform functions that describe one- and two-dimensional patterns that can possibly form at a ferrofluid interface following normal field instability are classified according to their symmetry characteristics. The evolution of hexagonal and triangular patterns beyond the onset of the instability and their relative stability are studied.
Evidence for Autosomal Dominant Inheritance and Race-Specific Heterogeneity in Early-Onset Periodontitis

Early-onset periodontitis (EOP) refers to a group of severe periodontal diseases with age of onset near puberty that are characterized by rapid destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth in otherwise healthy individuals. Mixed model segregation analyses of 100 families, ascertained through 104 probands with EOP, were carried out to test major locus and multifactorial hypotheses for the etiology of EOP. Heterogeneity tests were used to compare the parameter estimates and conclusions obtained in Black families from those from non-Black families. The data in these families confirmed that the often-reported female preponderance of EOP appears to be an ascertainment bias. The segregation analysis results were consistent with an autosomal major locus being sufficient to explain the family patterns of EOP in the entire dataset, and also in both the Black and non-Black subsets. A dominant mode of transmission was most likely, with penetrance of about 70%. Although the etiologic conclusions were the same for Black and non-Black families, there was significant heterogeneity in parameter estimates. In particular the Black allele frequency was 0.016 versus the non-Black frequency of 0.001.
A model of intertemporal asset prices under asymmetric information

This paper presents a dynamic asset-pricing model under asymmetric information. Investors have different information concerning the future growth rate of dividends. They rationally extract information from prices as well as dividends and maximize their expected utility. The model has a closed-form solution to the rational expectations equilibrium. We find that existence of uninformed investors increases the risk premium. Supply shocks can affect the risk premium only under asymmetric information. Information asymmetry among investors can increase price volatility and negative autocorrelation in returns. Less-informed investors may rationally behave like price chasers.
Retranslocation of Rb86, Cs137, and K to new leaf growth in bush beans

Bush bean plants were exposed to either Rb86 or Cs137 with and without carrier rubidium or cesium for 48 hours in a complete nutrient solution. These solutions were then discarded. The plants were then allowed to grow for 11 additional days in complete nutrient solution except that potassium was omitted. Measurement of Rb86, Cs137, and potassium in new leaves indicated that Cs137 was retranslocated to the new growth much slower than was potassium but that proportionately more Rb86 was in new leaves than potassium and these results were independent of the presence or absence of the respective carriers. Considerably more Rb86 than Cs137 was absorbed by the plants either with or without the carriers.
Die Kobaltecke im Dreistoffsystem Kobalt-Molybdän-Bor

Im Dreistoffsystem Kobalt−Molybdan−Bor werden die Gleichgewichte um die Phasen τ (Cr23C6-Strukturtyp) und CoMoB (Struktur unbekannt) untersucht. In von 800°C abgeschreckten Legierungen liegt die Zusammensetzung von τ bei Co21,7Mo1,3B6.
Observations on the fracture of cementite particles in a spheroidized 1.05% c steel deformed at room temperature

Abstract The initiation of fracture in the microstructure at room temperature was observed in tension, compression and torsion. Cracks are formed in the carbide particles in a direction normal to the tensile strain imposed upon the particles by the deforming matrix. Criteria of fracture based on fiber loading and dislocation mechanisms relate the particle fracture strength to the influence of shape and orientation of the particles and mean free slip distance in the alloy. A particle size effect is observed, which is not contained in the specific fracture theories discussed. Upon heating the steel in the austenite region, the cementite particles dissolve and the cracks spheroidize and eventually disappear.
Direct-evaluation algorithms for fault-tree probabilities

Abstract Traditional fault-tree methodologies have estimated the probability of system failure based upon a prior determination of minimal cut sets. Recent dire We examine and compare some of the most promising approaches that have emerged during the past few years. A large number of examples are included to il
Tradition, teamwork, and tailored treatment: surgical oncology in the genomic era.

The next decade will be one of the most exciting, challenging, and, perhaps, unsettling eras in head and neck surgical oncology. We can expect surgical dogma and traditional oncologic principles to be challenged in every aspect. These challenges will be raised by experienced colleagues who have observed the evolution of our understanding of tumor behavior and the limitations of conventional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. New questions will be raised because of increasing knowledge of the basic biological characteristicsofcarcinogenesis,cellularproliferation,andimmunehomeostasis.Howshouldweprepare ourselves and the next generation of surgical oncologists for these challenges? I believe that we are at a critical crossroads in head and neck oncology between a well-worn highway of surgical technique and a newer roadway of tumor biology and molecular medicine. The obvious main roadway will lead to superb technical advancements in areas such as free tissue transfer, robotics, minimalaccess surgery, and application of new laser and optical technologies. Advances on this road will expand our capabilities to repair, restore, and preserve function. The other path that is currently being paved and is less traveled by surgeons is that of bio-oncology, tissue engineering, molecular risk profiling, tailored and personalized treatment, metabolic and molecular intervention, biochemical surveillance, and cancer prevention. Are these separate paths or do they diverge and then cross at future points? How can surgeons in training follow more than one road? What are the special requirements necessary to sustain surgical oncology during the development of these future paths? Importantly, as practicing surgeons, how do we best execute our responsibility to our patients during such rapidly evolving times?
Progression in chronic kidney disease.

The pathogenic mechanisms that lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) converge on a common pathway that results in progressive interstitial fibrosis, peritubular capillary loss with hypoxia, and destruction of functioning nephrons because of tubular atrophy. Interstitial recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes and myofibroblasts occurs early in kidneys destined to develop fibrosis. Circulating monocytes are recruited by locally secreted chemoattractant molecules, facilitated by leukocyte adhesion molecules. Functionally heterogeneous macrophages secrete many fibrosis-promoting molecules, but under some circumstances they may also serve a protective scavenging role. Excessive extracellular matrix production occurs primarily within interstitial myofibroblasts, a population of cells that appears to have more than 1 origin, including the resident interstitial fibroblasts, transdifferentiated tubular epithelial cells, and bone marrow–derived cells. Impaired activity of the endogenous renal matrix-degrading proteases may enhance interstitial matrix accumulation, but the specific pathways that are involved remain unclear. Tubules, inflammatory cells, and myofibroblasts synthesize the molecules that activate the fibrogenic cascades, the most important of which is transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). TGF-β may direct cells to assume a profibrotic phenotype or it may do so indirectly after stimulating synthesis of other fibrogenic molecules such as connective tissue growth factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Reduced levels of antifibrotic factors that are normally produced in the kidney such as hepatocyte growth factor and bone morphogenic protein-7 may accelerate fibrosis and its destructive consequences. Development of new therapeutic agents for CKD looks promising, but several agents that target different components of the fibrogenic cascade will almost certainly be necessary.
Allylcyclohexylamine functionalized siloxane polymer and its phase separated blend as pervaporation membranes for 1,3-propanediol enrichment from binary aqueous mixtures

Abstract This work reports the synthesis of a novel allylcyclohexylamine functionalized siloxane and its phase separated blend with styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer and their application for pervaporative enrichment of 1,3-propanediol from dilute aqueous solutions. The phase separated blend allowed for the recovery of mechanical strength lost due to functionalization without loss in separation performance. Separation factors of 9–15 were achieved with functionalization levels of 50–90%, while 1,3-propanediol flux was 1.5×10 −3 –1.6×10 −3 g/m 2 -s (5.5–5.8 g/m 2 -h). Separation efficiency increased with functionalization and decreased with increasing temperature and feed concentration. Solution diffusion model was used to compute the overall mass transfer coefficients, concentration polarization and intrinsic material mass transport properties. The overall mass transfer coefficient for 1,3-propanediol was between 1.0×10 −7 –1.4×10 −7 m/s while the boundary layer mass transfer coefficient ranged from 5×10 −7 m/s to 18×10 −7 m/s indicating the dominance of the membrane on the transport resistance. A computation of Hansens solubility parameters by a group contribution method was carried out to underscore the results. The membrane, with its good cost/performance tradeoff and excellent mechanical integrity, offers the possibility of fabrication into modules and scale up.
Absorption of solar energy in a cryoconite hole

Absorption of solar energy in contaminated sea ice depends not only on contaminant concentrations but also on the way contaminants are distributed in the ice. We used an analytical model of short-wave radiative transfer in a dirty melt pond to calculate solar energy absorption by contaminants for two cases: (1) contaminants are aggregated sparsely in cryoconite holes within the pond and (2) contaminants are uniformly distributed on the pond bottom. We found that the concentration of contaminants in the holes may result in an enhanced solar energy absorption and the total energy absorbed by the contaminants can exceed the incident irradiance. For particular wavelengths in the visible, the absorbed energy can be as large as 270% of the incident spectral irradiance. The cryoconite hole depths should reach an equilibrium when the hole deepening rate matches the ablation rate of the pond bottom. Based on a pure radiative melting criterion, we estimate equilibrium values between 0.15 and 0.4 m for a typical pond of 0.3 m depth.
Regge-Pole hypothesis and π − p Diffraction Experiments

It is shown that existing pi -p scattering data at 5--20 Bev is entirely consistent with a simple Regge-pole representation. A two-parameter fit to the elastic pi -p scattering is presented. (C.E.S.)
Learning and memory in rats gestationally and lactationally exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

Abstract Recently we reported that in utero and lactational exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) resulted in a reduction of errors on a radial arm maze (RAM) working memory task. The effect was more pronounced in males than in females. In this study, we further investigated the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to TCDD on learning and memory by testing male and female TCDD-exposed rats on three different spatial learning and memory tasks: the RAM, the Morris water maze (MWM), and spatial discrimination-reversal learning (RL), as well as on a nonspatial learning task, visual RL. Time-mated Sprague–Dawley rats were gavaged with either TCDD (0.1 μg/kg/day) or corn oil vehicle on gestation days 10–16. Litters were culled to eight on day 2 and weaned on day 21. Beginning on day 80, one male and one female from each litter were tested on the same RAM working memory task used in the previous study. Again, the TCDD-exposed male rats displayed a pronounced decrease in errors relative to control males. Following the RAM testing, the same animals were tested on the MWM, but no differences between the exposed and control rats were observed. Another male and female from each litter were tested on spatial RL on a T-maze. There were no differences between the exposed and control rats on this task. Following spatial RL, the same rats were tested on visual RL on the same maze. The exposed animals did not differ from controls on original learning, but took more trials to reach criterion on the first and second reversals. These results demonstrate a reliable, but task-specific, facilitation of spatial learning and memory in male rats exposed to TCDD during gestation and lactation. In contrast, both male and female TCDD-exposed rats showed a deficit in learning on the visual RL task. This pattern is consistent with that seen in earlier monkey studies. Perinatally TCDD-exposed monkeys were facilitated on certain spatial tasks, but impaired on visual RL tasks.
Suboxic diagenesis in banded iron formations.

Anomalous isotopic composition has been reported for the carbon in carbonate minerals of banded iron formations. Well studied examples show an enrichment in the light isotope of carbon, C-12. This enrichment presumably reflects unusual circumstances in the deposition of these sedimentary rocks. It is suggested here that the isotopically light carbonate results from early diagenetic oxidation by bacteria of substantial amounts of isotopically light organic carbon. The electron acceptor that permits oxidation in the absence of free oxygen is presumed to be Fe(III), which may have been significantly more abundant in the initial chemical precipitate than in the postdiagenetic sedimentary rock.
Determinants of histone H4 N-terminal domain function during nucleosomal array oligomerization: Roles of amino acid sequence, domain length, and charge density

Mg2+-dependent oligomerization of nucleosomal arrays is correlated with higher order folding transitions that stabilize chromosome structure beyond the 30-nm diameter fiber. In the present studies, we have employed a novel mutagenesis-based approach to identify the macromolecular determinants that control H4 N-terminal domain (NTD) function during oligomerization. Core histones were engineered in which 1) the H2A, H2B, and H3 NTDs were swapped onto the H4 histone fold; 2) the length of the H4 NTD and the H2A NTD on the H4 histone fold, were increased; 3) the charge density of the NTDs on the H4 histone fold was increased or decreased; and 4) the H4 NTD was placed on the H2B histone fold. Model nucleosomal arrays were assembled from wild type and mutant core histone octamers, and Mg2+-dependent oligomerization was characterized. The results demonstrated that the H2B and H3 NTDs could replace the H4 NTD, as could the H2A NTD if it was duplicated to the length of the native H4 NTD. Arrays oligomerized at lower salt concentrations as the length of the NTD on the H4 histone fold was increased. Mutations that decreased the NTD charge density required more Mg2+ to oligomerize, whereas mutants that increased the charge density required less salt. Finally, the H4 NTD functioned differently when attached to the H2B histone fold than the H4 histone fold. These studies have revealed new insights into the biochemical basis for H4 NTD effects on genome architecture as well as the protein chemistry that underlies the function of the intrinsically disordered H4 NTD.
A method for evaluating parameters of reinforcement during parent–child interactions

We conducted functional analyses and identified reinforcers for problem behavior for three individuals with developmental disabilities. Based on results of the functional analysis, we evaluated the rate, probability, delay, and duration of reinforcement for problem and appropriate behavior during descriptive parent-child observations. Results showed that parameters of reinforcement, including rate, probability, delay, and duration may interact, and that evaluations of a single reinforcement parameter may be insufficient in describing response allocation. Hence, this study represents a movement toward a method for analyzing reinforcer dimensions, other than rate and probability, in a descriptive analysis.
The distribution of iron in the Northwest Atlantic

Abstract Samples from eleven stations in the Sargasso Sea, Slope Water, and continental shelf water of the Northwest Atlantic have been analyzed for total iron by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Vertical profiles for iron and associated temperature and nutrient data were obtained at the five open-ocean stations. Data from six stations provided a transect across the continental shelf into the apex of the New York Bight. At open-ocean stations, iron was depleted near the surface to levels of about 1–2 nmol kg −1 and increased to levels of about 4–7 nmol kg −1 in the vicinity of the oxygen minimum. A characteristic bottom-water maximum was observed at stations where closely spaced, near-bottom sampling was conducted. This feature was due at least partially to resuspension of particulate iron associated with the nepheloid layer. Comparison of total iron concentrations (available upon digestion in concentrated nitric acid) to those of filtered samples (0.4 μm) at one Slope Water station indicated that about 40% of the available iron in the water column was associated with the particulate phase. Near the surface, in the vicinity of the chlorophyll maximum, iron was present almost totally in particulate form. The dissolved fraction increased to approximately 50% at the nutrient maximum and approached 100% in the mid-portion of the water column. In deeper waters, the particulate fraction again became important, increasing to approximately 80% of the total iron in the near-bottom maximum. In the apex of the New York Bight, iron levels in excess of 200 and 500 nmol kg −1 were observed in surface and bottom waters, respectively. In the mid-continental shelf region, the iron distribution does not appear to be greatly influenced by coastal sources; within 65 km of the coastline, iron levels approached open-ocean values.
Study on the layer-by-layer electrostatic self assembly method for biomolecule immobilization onto biosensor surface

Layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly (L-b-L ESA) method was used for the immobilization of biomolecules onto the sensor substrate surface. As opposed to the LB method, L-b-L ESA is independent of the substrate size and topology. In addition, the LB technique typically cannot be used to form films thicker than several monolayers because defects occur and are replicated through the film structure as additional layers are added. Unlike LB schemes, L-b-L ESA processing permits the molecular-level self-healing of defects that may occur in individual monolayers as additional monolayers are gradually added layer by layer to the substrate during the synthesis process. Individual layer thickness is controllable by factors such as concentration, molecular weight, and ionic strength. What's more, the process is performed with water-soluble molecules, which is required for many biological macromolecules. Any solvent-accessible surface is appropriate for the coatings. Last but not the least, in comparison with LB or physical vapor deposition techniques; the instrumentation cost is very low. Experiment results have demonstrated successful immobilization of Oligonucleotide onto fused silica optical fiber tip by means of L-b-L ESA. The method is shown to be fast, simple and cost-efficient. This will provide a viable, simple and fast method for biomolecule immobilization for a large number of various biosensors.
Wheel-running activity of Binghamton heterogeneous and Fuller brain weight mice

The running-wheel activity of young adult, male mice from all three Fuller brain weight lines and their parent stock (Binghamton HETS) was observed over an entire 1-week testing period. When food was removed from cages with available running wheels for a period of 24 h, high-brain weight and HET mice increased their average running, whereas the median- and low-brain weight lines did not. Frequency polygons of total miles traveled during this entire week of testing (range, 1.01 to 43.37 mi) were also examined for each genotype. The implication of these results with respect to the use of these genotypes for exploring relations of brain size to behavior are considered; generally, issues surrounding choice of “controls” when explaining phenotype/genotype relations are discussed.
Targeted estrogen/progesterone replacement therapy for osteoporosis: calculation of health care cost savings.

Osteoporosis is a crippling affliction in which bone mass decreases, making it more susceptible to fracture. In postmenopausal women it presents most often as a hip, spinal, or forearm fracture. Adult women face a 15% lifetime risk of a hip fracture, and the annual costs of hip fractures alone are estimated at $7.3 billion in the United States. Since the 1970s, estrogen/progestogen therapy has been recognized as an effective intervention that reduces the risk of fractures. Recently, the development of methods for accurately determining bone mass and thus helping to predict bone fracture risk has made this intervention attractive for use in a targeted population.
Mortality after cancer diagnosis among HIV-infected individuals in the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS)

Materials and methods CNICS is a cohort of over 20,000 HIV-infected adults in clinical care at eight U.S. sites. We included patients with chart review verified incident cancer diagnoses between 1996 and 2009. Non-AIDS defining cancers (NADC) were categorized as infection (HPV, EBV, or HBV/HCV)-related [1]: squamous cell anal, squamous cell oral cavity/pharynx, penis, vagina/vulva, Hodgkins, and liver; or non-infection-related: all other NADCs. Death was confirmed by the National Death Index and/ or state death certificate data. We examined independent predictors of mortality by employing Cox proportional hazards regression models.
Pulmonary toxicity and extrapulmonary tissue distribution of metals after repeated exposure to different welding fumes

Welders are exposed to fumes with different metal profiles. The goals of this study were to compare lung responses in rats after treatment with chemically different welding fumes and to examine the extrapulmonary fate of metals after deposition in the lungs. Rats were treated by intratracheal instillation (0.5 mg/rat, once a week for 7 weeks) with gas metal arc-mild steel (GMAW-MS) or manual metal arc-hardsurfacing (MMAW-HS) welding fumes. Controls were treated with saline. At 1, 4, 35, and 105 days after the last treatment, lung injury and inflammation were measured, and elemental analysis of different organs was determined to assess metal clearance. The MMAW-HS fume was highly water-soluble and chemically more complex with higher levels of soluble Mn and Cr compared to the GMAW-MS fume. Treatments with the GMAW-MS fume had no effect on toxicity when compared with controls. The MMAW-HS fume induced significant lung damage early after treatment that remained elevated until 35 days. Metals associated with each fume sample was cleared at different rates from the lungs. Mn was cleared from the lungs at a faster rate and to a greater extent compared to the other metals over the 105-day recovery period. Mn and Cr in the MMAW-HS fume translocated from the respiratory tract and deposited in other organs. Importantly, increased deposition of Mn, but not other metals, was observed in discrete brain regions, including dopamine-rich areas (e.g., striatum and midbrain).
Appearing Otherwise: Alice is Now The Woman in Wonderland

The Alice books are among the most adapted texts in history; yet, despite the myriad of interpretations offered by critics for the Alice stories, discussions of their film adaptations have been largely overlooked. It is evident that the character Alice has been transformed into many different persons, each of them reflecting what the particular creator thinks she is, and also how the character of Alice can be seen through the popular culture of the time. This paper explores the growth and changes of the Alice character in two film adaptations of the Alice books – Alice (2009) directed by Nick Willing and Alice in Wonderland (2010) directed by Tim Burton. It argues that the new adult Alice of these adaptations is the result of the images created by audiences, filmmakers, interpreters of Carroll’s work, biographers, and anyone who has constructed their own version of the character and her background story. As a result, Alice is not who she was anymore, but popular culture’s idea of who she is. These adaptations say more about the times in which they were created and the cultural views of childhood than about the Alice whom Carroll created.
Logic Calc: a design tool for digital systems

The author discusses the use of Logic Calc, a spreadsheet program that was developed for the design of digital systems. It provides a simple, interactive, highly visible, self-documenting method of designing digital systems at various levels of abstraction. Logic Calc allows the designer several capabilities not offered by financial spreadsheets, including an ability to specify the size in bits of each spreadsheet cell. This allows spreadsheet cells to closely represents registers, databuses, and other digital hardware of various sizes. Another specialized feature of Logic Calc is an ability to simulate registers and other key components of a digital system in a single spreadsheet cell. >
Rapid Bridge Replacement under Emergency Situation: Case Study

The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and subsequent potential threats to the United States transportation systems have presented an urgent need to elevate the security of the transportation infrastructure and to develop emergency response plans to quickly react to the possible consequences of an extreme event. Highway bridges, as critical components of the nation's transportation network, have been brought to closer attention by government agencies. A research project was conducted to identify strategies and technologies to restore the use of a damaged bridge quickly. One of the tasks associated with the research was to perform several case studies of previous bridge replacements following extreme events. These events include explosion and fire caused by vehicle impact, vessel collision with a bridge, and damage caused by flood and earthquake. By studying the cases, the research team seeks to identify and expand on lessons learned and address which actions did and did not work well given the circumstances of the incident. These lessons have great value to the people who need to develop and implement an emergency response plan.
Intact canal wall tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma: Long‐term follow‐up

One hundred four ears operated for cholesteatoma using the intact wall technique were studied in 1981. In the 1981 study, there was a 7% recurrence rate in adults and a 25% recurrence rate in children after a 5-year follow-up. Recognizing that chronic otitis media is often not controlled by surgery, long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate a particular operative approach to control the disease and restore function. The purpose of this study is to reexamine the series of patients studied in 1981 and evaluate the status of the ear, as well as long-term functional results.