cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Can We Serve You Better: Customers’ Perceptions of Services and Facilities Offered in a Community Library

The purpose of this study is to understand residents’ perceptions of the Big Rapids Community Library (BRCL). The study uses a quantitative online survey to investigate the perceptions of local residents who use this community library. The survey focuses on questions directly related to the services and facilities offered to BRCL customers. The results of the survey indicate that residents’ income levels affect their visits to the library. In addition, female residents view access to a community library as more important than their male counterparts do. This project has important policy implications for BRCL and other community libraries because data on customers’ perceptions and satisfaction are increasingly being used to motivate service reforms, budget allocations, and management accountability. In addition, this intention by BRCL can be treated as a “best practice” model for other community libraries trying to build better relationships with their customers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Four New Europium Group XIV Chalcogenides: K2EuTSe5 and KEuTS4 (T = Si, Ge)

Four europium group XIV chalcogenides have been synthesized using the reactive flux method: K2EuTSe5 (I, II) and KEuTS4 (III, IV) where T = Si, Ge. K2EuSiSe5, I, crystallizes in the monoclinic spa...
Are Fenestrated Tracheostomy Tubes Still Valuable

Purpose The purpose of this clinical focus article is to describe the frequency, indications, and outcomes of fenestrated tracheostomy tube use in a large academic institution. Method A retrospecti...
Increased antibiotic duration improves survival of irrigation and debridement after revision total joint arthroplasty.

Abstract Background We sought to evaluate reoperation-free survival following I&D with modular component exchange of revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods Of revision TJAs from 2004 to 2012 (n = 4,166), 30 were I&D with modular component exchange after index revision for aseptic indications. Patients with (n = 12) and without (n = 18) reoperation for infection recurrence were analyzed. Results Reoperation-free survival (60% at mean 4.8 year follow-up) improved with increased duration of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.0185), with maximum benefit at 2 years. Conclusions At least 2 years of antibiotic therapy should be administered after I&D with modular component exchange for acutely infected revision TJA. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Postprocessing the outputs of an interacting multiple-model Kalman filter using a Markovian trellis to estimate parameter values of aged Li-ion cells

Abstract Lithium-ion battery modeling for use in battery management systems requires models that can adapt to the changing behavior of a cell as it ages. One method to enable this adaptivity is to select the most representative model from a set of “pre-aged” models that represent the characteristics of the cell as different cyclic and calendar aging processes occur. By modeling the aging of a cell as a Markovian process, an interacting multiple-model Kalman filter (IMM) can be utilized to determine a time-varying probability mass function that specifies the probability that each of the models under consideration is the best representation of the cell under observation. While the output of the IMM is useful by itself, its predictions can be improved by post-processing. In this paper, we present methods to analyze the time-series probability mass function produced by the IMM using the Viterbi and BCJR algorithms in common use in the digital-communications discipline. These algorithms seek to identify the “best path” through the space of available models over time, based on the likelihoods produced by the IMM and the Markovian transition probabilities. Through the use of these post-processing algorithms, confidence in the best-fitting model can be improved.
Asset Allocation, Security Selection And Market Timing in Mutual Funds

Chapter 1 - Estimating Determinants of a Mutual Fund’s Risk and Managerial Performance: In this chapter, we construct a framework that can be used by investors to independently estimate a mutual fund’s actual and policy weights in a set of predefined asset classes, and to estimate a mutual fund’s security selection and market timing. Our framework has its foundation in a paper by Brinson, Hood and Beebower (1986). By using their framework, we see that we can measure a fund’s security selection and market timing only if we have the actual and policy weights. We argue that weights that reflect the fund’s short-term and long-term behavior are good estimates of a fund’s actual and policy weights respectively. In this matter, we can get estimates of the actual and policy weights by using Return Based Style Analysis (Sharp, 1992) in two steps. These estimates can in turn be used to estimate the fund’s security selection and market timing. Chapter 2 - An Empirical Study of Norwegian Mutual Fund Managers: In this chapter, we use the framework developed in chapter 1 to answer 3 important questions related to Norwegian mutual fund managers: 1) How much of the total variation in mutual fund return is explained by asset allocation, security selection and market timing respectively? 2) Is the average managerial performance positive? 3) Ceteris paribus, does a change in a mutual fund’s management cause a change in managerial performance? We find that a fund’s respective asset allocation, security selection and market timing explain 90.6%, 4.5% and 4.9% of the variation over time. Moreover, we find that the mutual funds are good in picking stocks, but loose by timing the market. In sum, the managerial performance is not significantly different from 0. We also find that when poor performing managers are replaced, excess return increases significantly. The opposite result holds when the very best managers are replaced.
Proclaiming Library Worth in a Program Prioritization Process at a Mid-Sized Public University

AbstractIn an economic climate when colleges can no longer presume that legislators see institutions of higher learning as tacit public goods, institutions around the country are facing budget cuts...
A Team of Our Own: The Role of Local and Regional Identities in Spanish Sport

To validate the field, early sports historians often delved into topics with overt connections to politics and class on the national level. However, sub-national groups also use sport and this pape...
I-SABR phase II randomized study of nivolumab immunotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in early stage NSCLC: Interim analysis adverse effects.

9035Background: Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) provides > 95% local control and has become standard care of medically inoperable stage I NSCLC. However, cumulatively about 40% of patient...
Coexpression of CD71 and CD117 Identifies an Early Unipotent Neutrophil Progenitor Population in Human Bone Marrow

Summary Neutrophils are the most abundant peripheral immune cells and thus, are continually replenished by bone marrow-derived progenitors. Still, how newly identified neutrophil subsets fit into the bone marrow neutrophil lineage remains unclear. Here, we use mass cytometry to show that two recently defined human neutrophil progenitor populations contain a homogeneous progenitor subset we term “early neutrophil progenitors” (eNePs) (Lin−CD66b+CD117+CD71+). Surface marker- and RNA-expression analyses, together with in vitro colony formation and in vivo adoptive humanized mouse transfers, indicate that eNePs are the earliest human neutrophil progenitors. Furthermore, we identified CD71 as a marker associated with the earliest neutrophil developmental stages. Expression of CD71 marks proliferating neutrophils, which were expanded in the blood of melanoma patients and detectable in blood and tumors from lung cancer patients. In summary, we establish CD117+CD71+ eNeP as the inceptive human neutrophil progenitor and propose a refined model of the neutrophil developmental lineage in bone marrow.
Hyaluronan-Conjugated Carbon Quantum Dots for Bioimaging Use.

This work demonstrates the application of hyaluronan-conjugated nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (HA-nCQDs) for bioimaging of tumor cells and illustrates their potential use as carriers in targeted drug delivery. Quantum dots are challenging to deliver with specificity, which hinders their application. To facilitate targeted internalization by cancer cells, hyaluronic acid, a natural ligand of CD44 receptors, was covalently grafted on nCQDs. The HA-nCQD conjugate was synthesized by carbodiimide coupling of the amine moieties on nCQDs and the carboxylic acids on HA chains. Conjugated HA-nCQD retained sufficient fluorescence, although with 30% lower quantum efficiency than the original nCQDs. Confocal microscopy showed enhanced internalization of HA-nCQDs, facilitated by CD44 receptors. To demonstrate the specificity of HA-nCQDs toward human tumor cells, patient-derived breast cancer tissue with high-CD44 expression was implanted in adult mice. The tumors were allowed to grow up to 200-250 mm3 prior to the injection of HA-nCQDs. With either local or systemic injection, we achieved a high level of tumor specificity judged by a strong signal-to-noise ratio between the tumor and the surrounding tissue in vivo. Overall, the results show that HA-nCQDs can be used for imaging of CD44-specific tumors in preclinical models of human cancer and potentially used as carriers for targeted drug delivery into CD44-rich cells.
"Trying My Best": Sexual Minority Adolescents' Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major life disruptions for sexual minority adolescents (SMAs), who already face and cope with pervasive and disproportionate rates of social, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Current research suggests that SMAs are struggling with COVID-19–related shelter in place orders navigating family proximity and dynamics and experiencing isolation from SMA-specific supports. Given identified challenges that may exacerbate known mental health disparities in SMAs, this work explores self-care practices among SMAs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The present study uses data from open-ended questions to understand SMA experiences of self-care within a nationwide sample of SMAs (N = 770; M = 17.48 years, SD = 1.00) who are part of an ongoing prospective study. Data were collected via online questionnaire between May 13 and 31, 2020. Thematic analysis guided data exploration. Results Thematic analysis revealed five self-care practices among SMAs: (1) relationships, (2) routines, (3) body and mind, (4) rest and reset, and (5) tuning out. SMAs engaged in many positive coping strategies (i.e., exercise, establishing routine) and often linked these activities to positive well-being. Other SMAs engaged in activities to distract or disengage from stressors (i.e., excessive TV and alcohol and drug use). Conclusions These findings highlight the resiliency of SMAs during the current pandemic, opportunities for providers to emphasize adaptive coping skills with youths, and the need for more research on adolescent self-care practices.
Smoking associated with reduced odds of Sjögren's syndrome among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objective: The objective of this medical record review study is to define the association between smoking and Sjӧgren’s syndrome (SS) in a large rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.Method: Electronic ...
Home, or nursing home? The effect of medical innovation on the demand for long-term care

This chapter tests the hypothesis that medical innovation has reduced the age-adjusted nursing home residence rate, and estimates the contribution of medical innovation to the decline in the rate of nursing home residence during the period 1985-1999. It investigates the effects of four types of medical innovation: drug innovation, and innovation in three types of procedures (therapeutic and preventive, diagnostic, and laboratory procedures).
Rat Liver Daunorubicin Reductase AN ALDO-KETO REDUCTASE

Abstract Daunorubicin, a cancer chemotherapeutic antibiotic, is converted by rat liver extracts to daunorubicinol by daunorubicin reductase. This enzyme is purified from rat liver by ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose, hydroxyapatite, and Bio-Gel P-200 column chromatography with an overall recovery of 46%. On the basis of polyacrylamide electrophoresis with and without sodium dodecyl sulfate, gel filtration chromatography, and high speed ultracentrifugation, the final preparation is judged homogeneous. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis give molecular weights of 38,796 ± 369 and 39,800, respectively, and suggest a single polypeptide chain. In agreement is the molecular weight of 39,541 calculated from the proposed amino acid composition. The enzyme has an isoelectric point of 6.3 and a strict requirement for NADPH. The daunorubicin-NADPH interaction occurs with a 1:1 stoichiometry. The apparent equilibrium constant at pH 8.5 for reduction is 2.91 (± 0.26) x 109 m-1, and the apparent Km for daunorubicin is 57 µm. Several common sulfhydryl reactants inhibited the enzyme. A closely related antibiotic, adriamycin, is reduced at about 5% the rate of daunorubicin reduction. In addition to the antibiotics, the enzyme reduces some aldo sugars, particularly, d-glucuronolactone, d-glyceraldehyde, and the isomers d-glucuronate and d-galacturonate. d-Glucuronolactone and daunorubicin were the preferred substrates. This reactivity with d-glucuronolactone suggests a normal role of daunorubicin reductase in ascorbic acid synthesis or in the glucuronic acid cycle, or both.
Faces and races in the brain

Humans are better at recognizing individuals of their own race than of other races. Golby et al. now show that same-race faces elicit more activity in brain regions linked to face recognition.
Pheromone perception and behavior in Drosophila

Pheromones have essential roles in the social behavior of most animals. Studies of pheromone-driven behaviors are especially attractive in Drosophila melanogaster, because these insects are genetically and molecularly well characterized, have relatively simple central nervous systems compared with vertebrates, and yet they display complex behaviors controlled by sophisticated sensory systems. Like most other aspects of biology, studies on pheromone-driven behaviors have entered a new area, as candidate pheromone receptors and signaling molecules have been identified through the deciphering of the Drosophila genome. These advances have made it possible to make specific manipulations of pheromone pathways for further investigation.
Atomic resolution characterization of a SrTiO3 grain boundary in the STEM

This paper uses the complementary techniques of high resolution Z-contrast imaging and PEELS (parallel detection electron energy loss spectroscopy) to investigate the atomic structure and chemistry of a 25 degree symmetric tilt boundary in a bicrystal of the electroceramic SrTiO{sub 3}. The gain boundary is composed of two different boundary structural units which occur in about equal numbers: one which contains Ti-O columns and the other without.
Hamartomatous Polyps of the Colon: Ganglioneuromatous, Stromal, and Lipomatous

Intestinal ganglioneuromas comprise benign, hamartomatous polyps characterized by an overgrowth of nerve ganglion cells, nerve fibers, and supporting cells in the gastrointestinal tract. This polyposis has been divided into 3 subgroups, each with a different degree of ganglioneuroma formation: polypoid ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuromatous polyposis, and diffuse ganglioneuromatosis. The ganglioneuromatous polyposis subgroup is not known to coexist with systemic disorders that often have an associated intestinal polyposis, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIb, neurofibromatosis type I, and Cowden syndrome. We report a case of ganglioneuromatous polyposis plus cutaneous lipomatosis in a 41-year-old man with no established systemic disease. However, he possessed unique anatomic findings in addition to his ganglioneuromatosis, suggesting that the ganglioneuromatosis-lipomatosis in our patient may represent an unrecognized syndrome. This case report and brief review of the literature provide an overview of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in relation to the hereditary polyposis syndromes and describe the individual ganglioneuromatosis subgroups.
Hydrogen and deformation: Nano- and microindentation studies

Utilizing indentation techniques coupled with atomic-force microscopy (AFM) and orientation-imaging microscopy (OIM), it is possible to identify both out-of-plane deformation and slip-band formation around nanoindentations. These effects are due to both strain hardening and cross slip. The effects of hydrogen on body-centered-cubic and face-centered-cubic alloys were tested using nano- and microindentation and show a distinctive change in deformation morphology. Localized slip steps on the surface were examined using OIM and AFM. The frequency of slip steps (number of planes between each step) is not significantly influenced by hydrogen concentration, but the overall height of each step is reduced in the presence of hydrogen.
The design of an omni-directional aerial system for the frequency range 225–400 Mc/s

The paper describes the considerations which led to the development of an omni-directional aerial system for the frequency range 225?400 Mc/s, suitable for installation in H.M. ships for use with either transmitting or receiving radiocommunication equipment. Results of measurements on the performance of the aerial system, both as regards terminal-impedance variations and radiation characteristics, are given.
Evaluating nesting microhabitat for ground-nesting bees using emergence traps

Nesting resources structure native bee communities and the availability of suitable nests may enhance population abundance and persistence. Nesting rates of ground-nesting bees have proven challenging to assess due to a lack of standardized methods. We quantified the abundance of ground-nesting native bees using emergence traps over a seven-month study period. We then compared specimens captured in emergence traps with pan- and net-collected specimens. We hypothesized that ground-nesting bees would be highly similar to bees found foraging within our study site. However, the species assemblage of ground-nesting bees collected from emergence traps was significantly dissimilar from the assemblages collected with aerial nets and pan traps, indicating different sampling methods target different components of the species assemblage. We then examined the importance of nesting resources found at each emergence trap on the abundance of ground-nesting bees collected from emergence traps. Quantification of potential nesting resources, such as percent bare soil, has been proposed as a proxy of nesting habitat for ground-nesting guilds. Sloped ground and soil compaction were the most predictive nesting resources at the community-level. Further, spatial distribution of nesting resources within the study landscape also affected nesting rates, although this varied by species. Bees occurred in 85% of emergence traps, with sampling date strongly affecting the number of bees collected. Emergence traps provide a useful method of sampling the ground-nesting native bee community and investigating nesting incidence.
Neuropathology and Diagnostics in Food Animals

Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are relatively common in food animals. Potential causes include infectious agents, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, genetic defects, toxins, and idiopathic causes. Determining the correct etiologic diagnosis often depends on a thorough postmortem examination and collection of samples. This article reviews some of the steps and procedures necessary to collect the necessary information on CNS diseases in food animals. Techniques for the examination of the CNS are briefly described, and some of the gross pathology likely to be encountered in a food animal practice is reviewed.
Flow cytometric measurements of DNA and other cell components in human tumors: a critical appraisal.

Abstract Fundamental principles' of flow cytometry wity emphasis on DNA measurements and cell cycle analysis in human cells and tissues are summarized. Some of the pitfalls of cell preparation techniques and histogram interpretation are discussed at length. While consensus has been reached for some organs and tumors that DNA quantitation by flow cytometry (or image cytometry) may be of prognostic value, for most cancers studied to date the information remains incomplete. Thoroughly lacking are well-structured prospective studies because retrospective studies, while suggestive, may not necessarily be of the same value. Potential usefulness of other tumor markers is briefly discussed. Many fundamental questions concerning definitions of “diploid” and “aneuploid” tumors have not been satisfactorily settled. While the goal of “objective measurements” is worthy of further pursuit, the interpretation of results is often highly subjective. The biologic reasons for behavioral differences between diploid and aneuploid tumors are still totally obscure.
INSULIN-LIKE ACTIVITY IN LARVAL FOODS OF THE HONEYBEE.

THE composition of the larval foods of the honeybee has evoked considerable interest among research workers1–4. Honeybee larvae are fed a jelly-like secretion of the head glands of nurse bees, who deposit it in the cell of the comb. Since the caste determination is influenced by nutrition5 and presumably occurs before the third day of the larval life, the chemical composition of the foods fed to the young (1–3 days old) and old (4–6 days old) larvae have received some added attention. Considerable variation has been reported in the carbohydrate2, protein6, lipid1,3, pteridine4, and other chemical constituents of the larval foods1. Whether larval foods can influence sex modification is still not certain.
Do Calcium Channel Blockers Increase the Risk of Cancer

Calcium channel blockers can block calcium signals that trigger cell differentiation and apoptosis, which are important mechanisms of cancer growth regulation. To ascertain whether calcium channel blocker use was associated with an increased risk of cancer, 750 hypertensive persons age > or = 71 years, with no history of cancer at baseline, were followed from 1988 through 1992. The patients were using either beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers (verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem; mainly of the short-acting variety). Compared to beta-blockers (n = 424, 28 events), after adjusting for age, gender, race, smoking, body mass index, and number of hospital admissions not related with cancer, the relative risks of cancer (95% confidence interval) for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (n = 124, 6 events) and calcium channel blockers (n = 202, 27 events) were 0.73 (0.30 to 1.78) and 2.02 (1.16 to 3.54), respectively. These findings indicate that calcium channel blocker therapy might increase the risk of cancer. New data are needed in patients using modern calcium channel blocker agents with more gradual absorption. This report should encourage further study of cancer outcomes in elderly patients who are vulnerable to cancer and who are receiving calcium channel blockers.
Scaling of Domain Spacing in Concentrated Solutions of Block Copolymers in Selective Solvents

The dependence of block copolymer interdomain spacing d on polymer volume fraction φP in solution, d ∼ P , is examined through a series of styrene−isoprene diblock copolymers in four solvents, three of them strongly selective (nonsolvents for polystyrene). The exponent β is found to depend on solvent selectivity (both temperature and chemical identity of solvent; β increases with selectivity), on mesophase (β is largest when the insoluble blocks form lamellae, then cylinders, then spheres), and on diblock composition within a given mesophase (β is largest when the soluble blocks are most highly diluted). Values of β as large as unity are observed, indicating that selective solvents can swell d quite substantially over the value for the bulk diblock. In one example, a 2.5-fold increase in d is obtained when a cylinder-forming polystyrene-rich diblock is diluted into its mirror-image polystyrene-poor cylindrical mesophase.
A novel technique for stenting pulmonary artery and conduit bifurcation stenosis.

Background: Distal conduit obstruction is a recognized complication after surgery for congenital heart disease requiring implantation of a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. Endovascular stenting of distal conduit obstruction can be challenging due to the proximity to the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Objective: A technique is described, whereby a single stent is mounted onto two balloon angioplasty catheters in tandem. This ensemble was delivered to the distal conduit/pulmonary artery via a large Mullins sheath on two guidewires, one placed in each of the branch pulmonary arteries. The aim was to assess safety and efficacy of this novel technique. Materials and Results: Seven patients (mean age 13.4 (6.7–23.4) years, mean weight 44.2 (23–69) kg were treated with this method. The pressure gradient was reduced from 36 (26–52) mm Hg to 11 (8–15) mm Hg [P< 0.05]. RV/LV pressure ratio decreased from 0.85 (0.6–0.95) to 0.42 (0.35–0.5) [P < 0.05]. There were no significant complications. During follow-up over a median of 2.6 (0.3–6.7) years no patient required re-intervention or surgery. Conclusion: This novel technique appears to be safe and effective for stenting stenoses just proximal to pulmonary artery bifurcation. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polarization potentials for positron- and electron-atom systems.

Semiempirical polarization potentials with several cutoff functions are investigated for positron- and electron-atom interactions. A disposable parameter, an effective radius, in each cutoff function is adjusted so as to reproduce well-established reference values (scattering lengths and binding energies) in calculations. Striking regularities in fitted parameter values are found despite the very wide variety of cutoff functions examined. The parameter exhibits a strong dependence upon spin and angular momentum in the electronic systems, which is rationalized in terms of the Pauli exclusion principle. Simple semiempirical relations between the effective radii for positronic systems and those for the corresponding electronic systems are proposed, which enable one to find the parameter value for an electron by fitting a positron calculation to a reference value, or vice versa. In other words, the number of adjustable parameters is reduced to a single effective radius for each target regardless of the projectile.
An Overview of School Health Services

There clearly is a need and a mandate for schools to provide a diverse array of physical and mental health services to students to improve their well-being and academic achievement. These may range from a core set of services to comprehensive school-based student health cen ters providing primary care and mental health counseling by a broad range of health professionals.
2012 – Patients’ experiences of medication for anxiety disorders

Background to the study Anxiety disorders are abnormal states in which the most noticeable features are mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. They are of the most common psychiatric disorders in the general population with the lifetime prevalence approaching a 21%. The evidence based medicine lacks research on patients’ experience of medication for psychiatric disorders, especially of medication for anxiety disorders. This research involves patients referred to secondary care because of their anxiety symptoms and diagnosed as suffering with anxiety disorders. Aims To illuminate the subjective experiences of patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders and their experience of taking medication. Therefore qualitative methodology was appropriate. Participants All the potential participants in two Mental Health Trusts in the UK were informed about the research from their consultant psychiatrist or care coordinator if different, and provided with an information sheet. In depth interviews were used to explore patients experiences and phenomenological approach to analyse the data. Findings The patients we interviewed presented with a range of anxiety disorders. There were participants that suffered from generalized anxiety disorder, others with panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, agoraphobia or social phobia. Furthermore, the pharmacological treatment they were receiving varied. The overall treatment varied as treatment with medication was combined with any talking therapy or other support. In this presentation we share some of our patients’ feelings and thoughts about living with an anxiety disorder, their attitudes about the chosen treatment, their subjective perceptions about their medication and their perceptions around the effectiveness of such a treatment.
PAPupuncture has localized and long-lasting antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain

Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat pain, although its efficacy and duration of action is limited. Acupuncture also has brief (1–2 h) antinociceptive effects in mice and these effects are dependent on localized adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) activation. Intriguingly, adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP) is basally elevated near acupuncture points. This finding suggested that it might be possible to inhibit nociception for a longer period of time by injecting prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP, ACPP) into acupuncture points. PAP is an ectonucleotidase that dephosphorylates extracellular AMP to adenosine, has a long half-life in vivo and is endogenously found in muscle tissue surrounding acupuncture points. Here, we found that injection of PAP into the popliteal fossa—a space behind the knee that encompasses the Weizhong acupuncture point—had dose- and A1R-dependent antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain. These inhibitory effects lasted up to six days following a single injection, much longer than the hour-long inhibition provided by acupuncture. Antinociception could be transiently boosted with additional substrate (AMP) or transiently blocked with an A1R antagonist or an inhibitor of phospholipase C. This novel therapeutic approach—which we term “PAPupuncture”—locally inhibits pain for an extended period of time (100x acupuncture), exploits a molecular mechanism that is common to acupuncture, yet does not require acupuncture needle stimulation.
The genetic effects of forest fragmentation on five species of Amazonian birds

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of mtDNA were used to assess genetic structure at two geographic scales for five species of Neotropical forest-understory birds. At the local scale (in northeastern Bolivia), I studied populations of each species from six sites within 200 km of one another. At this scale, I studied the effects of forest fragmentation on mtDNA genetic structure: three sites were in natural forest fragments separated by cerrado (savanna), and three sites were in continuous forest. Genetic variation did not appear to have been lost in the forest fragment populations of any species. However, for three antbirds (Thamnophilidae), patterns of haplotype distributions suggest fragmentation affected genetic structure in an unusual way. For these species, numerically dominant haplotypes in forest fragments did not occur in continuous forest, whereas predominant haplotypes in continuous forest are widespread (occurring in fragments and continuous forest). These results suggest that forest fragmentation on a local geographic scale can affect genetic differentiation even in birds, a group that is considered to disperse well. The two other taxa studied were a woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptidae) and a tyrant-flycatcher (Tyrannidae). These two taxa did not show genetic effects of forest fragmentation, but they possessed notably different numbers of haplotypes per total individuals surveyed. The woodcreeper had few haplotypes (5 in 58 individuals), whereas the flycatcher had many (31 in 34 individuals). The numbers of haplotypes per individuals surveyed for the three antbirds were intermediate. Such variable levels of polymorphism can greatly influence analyses of genetic structure. At the regional geographic scale (across southwestern Amazonia), the flycatcher exhibited lower levels of differentiation than the other taxa. Levels of estimated sequence divergence within the other four taxa are similar to levels of differentiation between species from other avian studies, suggesting that genetic diversity is underestimated by current species-level taxonomy in these birds.
The compliance problem: a major obstacle in the development of implantable blood pumps.

: The compliance problem represents a major obstacle in the development of implantable blood pumps. The motor-driven pumps are enclosed in an airtight casing with gas in the motor space. The trapped gas in the motor space either increases the load on the motor during systole or impedes blood sac filling. Potential solutions to the compliance problem include the use of a conventional blood pump with a compliance chamber, a blood pump with an isolated blood sac and accumulator, or a volume-compensated blood pump. Most experimental studies designed to investigate this problem have been performed with compliance chambers. An ideal compliance chamber should accept 100 ml gas with less than a 15-mm Hg increase in pressure and should automatically compensate for changes in atmospheric pressure. To date, two designs have been shown to be effective in laboratory and animal studies: a collapsible rectangular sac design developed by our group, and a lenticular chamber developed by Nose and associates. Compliance chambers of the former design have now been employed to provide the required compliance for motor-driven assist pumps in long-term calf studies.
Nutrient enrichment enhances black band disease progression in corals

Infectious diseases are recognized as significant contributors to the dramatic loss of corals observed worldwide. However, the causes of increased coral disease prevalence and severity are not well understood. One potential factor is elevated nutrient concentration related to localized anthropogenic activities such as inadequate waste water treatment or terrestrial runoff. In this study the effect of nutrient enrichment on the progression of black band disease (BBD) was investigated using both in situ and laboratory experiments. Experimental increases in localized nutrient availability using commercial time release fertilizer in situ resulted in doubling of BBD progression and coral tissue loss in the common reef framework coral Siderastrea siderea. Laboratory experiments in which artificially infected S. siderea colonies were exposed to increased nitrate concentrations (up to 3 μM) demonstrated similar increases in BBD progression. These findings provide evidence that the impacts of this disease on coral populations are exacerbated by nutrient enrichment and that management to curtail excess nutrient loading may be important for reducing coral cover loss due to BBD.
Preconcentration of metal dithiocarbamate complexes on C18-bonded silica gel for neutron activation analysis

At pH 2, Au, Pd, Pt, U and W form stable pyrrolidine-carbodithioate (PCDT) complexes which can be quantitatively retained by C18-bonded silica gel. Simultaneous determination of the adsorbed metal complexes can be achieved by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). This method allows the determination of Au, Pd, U, and W in natural waters at ng/l levels. For Pt and W, the adsopriton method has an advantage over the solvent extraction technique which generally results in a partial recovery of the PCDT complexes.
Threshold current density in strained layer In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs quantum-well heterostructure lasers

The authors consider the transparency carrier density in ideal and practical strained layer In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs quantum-well heterostructure lasers. The transparency carrier density in practical structures is then related to transparency current density using realistic values for spontaneous recombination rates. These parameters are incorporated with representative structural parameters into a nonlinear model for gain in a quantum-well laser, in order to provide a complete model for the laser threshold current density in strained layer In/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs quantum-well heterostructure lasers. These results are then compared and contrasted with experimental laser results from several laboratories. >
Justice and the tutelary state

L'A. defend la these selon laquelle une education morale obligatoire, sponsorisee et regularisee par l'etat, est une condition institutionnelle indispensable a toute justice, meme minimale. Partisan d'une distribution quasi-universelle des capacites morale parmi les citoyens, l'A. montre que le droit parental ne peut se substituer au role primordial de l'etat tutelaire sur l'education des enfants.
Alternative concepts and approaches for modeling flow and transport in thick unsaturated zones of fractured rocks

Abstract There is growing evidence that water seepage in thick unsaturated zones in fractured rocks may occur in non-volume-averaged fashion, as relatively `slow' flow in the rock matrix, and `fast' flow along localized preferential pathways in fractures. This poses difficult challenges for mathematical modeling. We summarize recent field observations of subsurface flow and transport from semi-arid regions, discuss alternative approaches for modeling fast preferential flow, and evaluate prospects for resolving current uncertainties. It is concluded that modeling of flow in fractured unsaturated zones is complex, but feasible, while modeling of transport processes is more difficult and less certain. We emphasize that successful modeling requires clear and specific objectives, but does not necessarily require a complete and detailed understanding of all processes and properties of a system. In order to achieve a robust modeling capability, as needed for engineering assessment and design of waste containment systems, it is suggested that two or more alternative modeling approaches be developed simultaneously for a given site.
Workplace justice outcomes as a function of adversaries' gender composition: A field assessment

There is extensive documentation that the sex of organizational members may bias a wide variety of managerial decisions and workplace outcomes. While such effects have been persuasively demonstrated, the “sex context” of these effects has received little attention. It is argued here that it is not merely the sex of the actor, but the nature of the dyadic match (male/male; female/female; male/female; female/male) that is a critical influence on outcomes. This hypothesis is strongly supported by gross differences in workplace justice outcomes based on the dyadic composition of the actors involved in dispute proceedings (n=369) in a field setting. These results are tempered, however, inasmuch as analysis also indicates differences in the severity of disputed issues across these dyadic compositions.
Correlation for laminar natural convection between confocal horizontal elliptical cylinders

The steady-state natural convection for air bounded by two confocal horizontal elliptical cylinders has been studied numerically for the case of inner hot and outer cold isothermal surfaces. The local and average Nusselt numbers are determined over the range of Raleigh numbers from 104 to 2 × 105 for different eccentricities of the inner surface. Correlations are given for the average Nusselt number based on both the inner and the outer surfaces. Increasing the eccentricity of the inner surface increases the local Nusselt number over the entire inner surface and part of the outer surface.
Specificity of Rho Insert-mediated Activation of Phospholipase D1

Members of the Rho subfamily of GTP-binding proteins regulate phospholipase D1 (PLD1) activity and signaling. In previous work, we demonstrated that binding of the Rho family member Cdc42 to PLD1 and the subsequent stimulation of its enzymatic activity are distinct events. Deletion of the insert helix from Cdc42 does not interfere with its switch I-mediated, GTP-dependent binding to PLD1 but inhibits Cdc42-stimulated PLD1 activity. To understand the mechanism of the insert-mediated activation of PLD1 by Cdc42 and to develop reagents to study Cdc42-activated PLD1 in cellular signaling events, we have undertaken a mutational analysis of the Rho insert region of Cdc42 and examined the specificity of the insert helix requirement in the other Rho family members, RhoA and Rac1. Here, we identify a critical residue, serine 124, in the Cdc42 insert helix central to its activation mechanism. Further, we examine this activation mechanism with respect to other members of the Rho family and demonstrate that each Rho protein activates PLD by distinct mechanisms, potentially allowing for unique signaling outcomes in the cell.
The muscle in kinesin.

The first high resolution structures of the kinesin and NCD motor proteins reveal their surprising similarity to myosin but leave open the tantalizing question of what properties determine the directionality of movement along microtubules.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice to Promote Healthy Adolescent Development: Integrating Research and Practice

Background Intervention models to promote healthy adolescent development highlight the importance of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP); however, scant resources identifying DAP in relation to the relevant research are available. With the increased professionalization of youth work and the expanding research on adolescent development, more comprehensive, research-based resources are needed for the education and training of persons working to enhance youth outcomes.
Comparison of the Crater Morphology-Size Relationship for Mars, Moon, and Mercury

Morphology-size data are examined for Martian, Mercurian, and lunar craters. It is shown that both Martian and Mercurian craters exhibit central peaks at lower diameters than those on the moon and that gravity has affected the diameter at which central peaks form on Mars. A quantitative analysis of Martian crater statistics demonstrates that a complete range of crater shapes from small bowl craters to larger and more complex terraced craters occurs on Mars. The complexity of the shapes is found to increase as the sizes of craters increase. It is concluded that aeolian erosion on Mars does not completely mask differences in crater interior structure caused by differences in the gravitational forces on Mars and the moon.
Patient-centered Medical Therapy for Nephrolithiasis

Objective To elucidate the effect of a patient-centered combined nutritional and medical therapy approach on stone disease management, guided by 24-hour urinary stone risk. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients treated at our multidisciplinary stone clinic from July 2007 to February 2009. Included were adult stone formers who presented with severe urinary abnormalities or whose urinary parameters failed to improve with dietary changes. Urinary risk factors for stone disease were evaluated before and after intervention with 24-hour urine collections. Hypercalciuria was treated with hydrochlorothiazide/indapamide, hypocitraturia with potassium/calcium citrate, and hyperuricosuria with allopurinol. The primary end point was the effect of combined dietary and medical intervention on levels of urinary metabolites. Statistical comparisons of postintervention urine collection values with baseline values were performed using a paired t test. Two-tailed P Results Data for 137 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.39 months were analyzed. Mean age was 47.2 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.04. Hypocitraturia was detected in 70 patients (51%), hypercalciuria in 49 (37%) and hyperuricosuria in 18 (13%). A significant improvement was found in 67% of patients with hypocitraturia (urinary citrate levels: 380.28 to 663.96 mg/d; P P P Conclusion Medical management of stone disease instituted based on individual risk factors impacts subsequent urinary stone risk, supporting its use for stone disease when patients do not respond to lifestyle and dietary changes.
Comparison of glucocorticoid-receptor complex binding to nuclei and DNA cellulose. Evidence for different forms of interaction.

Abstract Binding of dexamethasone · receptors with isolated nuclei, DNA-cellulose and cellulose has been compared with respect to dependence on salt concentration and resistance to KCl extraction and DNAase I digestion. A solution of cytoplasmic dexamethasone-receptor complexes was prepared by the incubation of rat thymus cells with steroid at 3°C and breaking the cells by hypotonic lysis. Activation of the complexes was accomplished by warming the solution at 25°C for 15 min. Activation significantly increased the ability of dexamethasone · receptors to bind to nuclei and DNA-cellulose but not to cellulose. Dexamethasone-receptor complexes bound to nuclei at 3°C are completely resistant to extraction with 0.1 M KCl, 76% resistant to 0.2 M KCl and 20% resistant to 0.4 M KCl. Dexamethasone · receptors bound to DNA-cellulose are 45% resistant to extraction with 0.1 M and 0.2 M KCl and 29% resistant to 0.4 M KCl extraction. Cellulose-bound dexamethasone · receptors are not resistant to any of these extractions. DNAase I treatment releases 60% of the dexamethasone · receptors bound to DNA-cellulose but only 13% of those bound to nuclei, though at least 60% of the nuclear DNA is solubilized. The presence of 0.15 M KCl decreases binding of activated dexamethasone · receptors to nuclei by 73% but to DNA-cellulose by only 17%. Pretreatment of nuclei with 0.1–0.4 M KCl reduces their capacity to bind activated dexamethasone · receptors by 90% whereas similar treatment reduces the capacity of DNA-cellulose to bind dexamethasone · receptors by only 29%. Nuclei extracted with 0.1 M KCl appear to have a limited capacity to accept dexamethasone · receptors. These studies demonstrate that binding of dexamethasone · receptors to nuclei and DNA-cellulose differs by (a) the higher resistance of nuclear complexes to KCl and DNAase I treatment; (b) the much greater sensitivity of nuclei to KCl treatment.
A remark on the preceding paper by L. Gross

Abstract It is the purpose of this note to present a slight extension of the Perron-Frobenius type theorems in the preceding paper (Thms. 1 and 3 of [1]).
Characterizing antiviral activity of adefovir dipivoxil in transgenic mice expressing hepatitis B virus

Abstract Oral adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) reduced viral load in transgenic mice expressing hepatitis B virus (HBV). Liver HBV DNA was reduced to 10 genomic equivalents (ge)/ml compared to 5.3 log 10 ge/ml for the placebo control group. With once daily treatments, ADV antiviral activity reached near maximum viral reduction by day 10 in the liver and reached an endpoint of liver virus inhibition at 1.0 mg/kg/day. The minimum effective dose was less than 0.1 mg/kg/day using inhibition of serum virus. Lamivudine (3TC) given orally at 500 mg/kg/day using the same treatment schedule marginally reduced the serum HBV DNA by 4-fold, but did not significantly reduce HBV liver DNA. Serum titer reduction was also identified in untreated or placebo-treated animals, which may have been caused by the stress of pre-treatment bleeding and multiple oral gavage treatments. This trauma/placebo-effect may have masked the extent of viral reduction in the serum in ADV- and 3TC-treated animals. Liver HBV RNA was not reduced by oral ADV treatments. The lack of RNA reduction was expected, because the HBV transgene is stably integrated into the chromosome and ADV inhibits polymerase activity after transcription of pregenomic RNA. ADV was identified to have potent anti-HBV activity in this HBV transgenic mouse model and could serve as a suitable positive control for future drug discovery experiments.