cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On predicting upland erosion losses from rainfall depth

Point rainfall triggers the complex processes of overland flow and surface erosion. The probability density functions of rainfall duration and intensity are coupled with a physically based dynamic formulation of rainfall-runoff-sediment transport relationships for upland areas. When considering a single storm, rainfall depth alone is a poor predictor of sediment transport because of the dispersion introduced by the effect of rainfall intensity. On a long terms basis, however, the total amount of rainfall can be used to predict total erosion losses.
Hot Acidified Cupric Acetate Soaks for Eradication of Xanthomonas campestris from Crucifer Seeds

Acidified cupric acetate soaks were tested for eradication of Xanthomonas campestris from naturally infected crucifer seeds. The pathogen was eradicated from seeds by soaking in 0.5% cupric acetate dissolved in 0.005 N acetic acid for 20 min at 35, 40, 45, and 50°C but not 25°C. Moreover, normal bacterial flora of crucifer seeds and the seed-borne Phoma lingam and Alternaria spp. were reduced by 95, 92, and 81%, respectively, after the cupric acetate treatment at 40°C. The seed germination percentage was generally reduced, but the amount of reduction depended upon the treatment temperature and plant cultivar. At 50°C, less than 50% of the seed of all 12 cultivars tested germinated, whereas at 40°C more than 50% of the seeds of most cultivars germinated. Treating seeds in cupric acetate at 40°C should prove useful for eradicating X. campestris from seeds of breeding lines and stock seed used for hybrid seed production. Furthermore, a significant reduction in total bacterial flora and seed-borne fungi suggests the usefulness of the treatment for other microorganisms associated with other seeds or foodstuffs.
Work in Progress &#8211; Multidisciplinary Experience in System-on-Chip Development

Each year the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering Department offer courses leading to a capstone project in the design of a system-on-chip integrated circuit and its fabrication. We call the sequence of experiences "bits-to-chips." Students take coordinated courses in computer architecture, VLSI design, and IC fabrication, and complete the sequence with "frontiers in microelectronic systems." The frontiers course builds on the previous experiences in VLSI design and IC fabrication in a cyclical experience of paper design, chip design, culminating in the frontiers course. In this year's cycle, students started with the conceptual design of a mobile sensor agent. In the fall they will develop the detailed design of the chip, followed by its fabrication at Notre Dame during the subsequent frontiers course
Vaginal repair of ureteral injuries.

Abstract The vaginal repair of 8 ureteral injuries in 7 patients was successful with satisfactory results in all but one case. Operations included simple disligation (2), disligation with ureteroureterostomy (2), and ureteroneocystostomy (4). The interval between the operation of injury and the operation of repair varied between 0 and 46 days. Experience indicates that the early vaginal repair of ureteral injuries should be considered in properly selected patients.
Agonist anti-GITR antibody induces CD8 T cell-mediated tumor rejection

3058 Background: Signaling through GITR (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor) can abrogate the suppressive effects of CD4+foxp3+ regulatory T cells and co-stimulate activated effe...
Observed connection between stratospheric sudden warmings and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation

[1] The effect of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) on the Northern Hemisphere wintertime stratospheric polar vortex and major, mid-winter stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs) is evaluated using a meteorological reanalysis dataset. The MJO influences the region in the tropospheric North Pacific sector that is most strongly associated with a SSW. Consistent with this, SSWs in the reanalysis record have tended to follow certain MJO phases. The magnitude of the influence of the MJO on the vortex is comparable to that associated with the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation and El Nino. The MJO could be used to improve intra-seasonal projections of the Northern Hemisphere high latitude circulation, and in particular of the tropospheric Northern Annular Mode, at lags exceeding one month.
Multiscale simulation of diffusion, deactivation, and segregation of dopants - ab-initio to continuum

In this paper, concepts and applications of ab-initio based multiscale process simulation work are discussed, including results for diffusion, deactivation, and interface segregation of boron in silicon as well as a corresponding continuum model.
Man-made respirable-sized organic fibers: what do we know about their toxicological profiles?

Man-made organic fibers (MMOFs) have been manufactured for over 50 years. Until recently, there have been few concerns raised regarding the safety of organic fiber dusts. This is due, in large part, to the perception that the dimensions of most, if not all, of these products were too large to be inhaled into the distal lungs of workers, i.e., were considered to be nonrespirable. A brief review of some of the issues related to organic fiber toxicology is presented herein. Some of the organic fiber-types used in commerce are identified and some fundamental tenets of fiber toxicology are discussed. In addition, the European Union, in their recent consideration for banning chrysotile asbestos fibers, evaluated some organic fiber substitutes and compared them to the hazards of asbestos. A brief review of their conclusions is described below. Finally, the results of some recent studies assessing the mechanisms of biodegradability of para-aramid respirable-sized, fiber-shaped particulates (RFP) are presented. Para-aramid (p-aramid) RFP are the most extensively-studied respirable organic fiber-type and RFP is the new term which describes respirable-sized organic fibers (ECETOC, 1996) (1). The results of these studies provide clues regarding the mechanism(s) of p-aramid RFP shortening in the lungs of exposed animals, and may be relevant for humans.
Speciation of Pb(II) sorbed by Burkholderia cepacia/goethite composites.

Bacterial-mineral composites are important in the retention of heavy metals such as Pb due to their large sorption capacity under a wide range of environmental conditions. However, the partitioning of heavy metals between components in such composites is not probed directly. Using Burkholderia cepacia biofilms coated with goethite (α-FeOOH) particles, the partitioning of Pb(II) between the biological and iron-(oxyhydr)oxide surfaces has been measured using an X-ray spectroscopic approach. EXAFS spectra were fit to quantitatively determine the fraction of Pb(II) associated with each component as a function of pH and [Pb]. At pH 70% Pb/goethite) above pH 6. Direct comparison can be made between the amount of Pb(II) bound to each component in the composite vs separate binary systems (i.e., Pb/biofilm or Pb/goethite). At high pH, Pb(II) uptake on the ...
An empirical examination of information, differences of opinion, and trading activity

Abstract We investigate the relations between trading volumes and our proxies for information flows and divergences in opinions. We view S&P 500 Index futures' open interest as a useful proxy for divergences of traders' opinions, and find that volumes are higher on days when open interest increases than on days with declines. Volume in individual equities is more closely related to firm-specific information flows, while equity basket volume is more closely associated with market information. This differential impact is greatest for small capitalization stocks where market-wide news has no explanatory power.
Preventing Boys' Problems in Schools through Psychoeducational Programming: A Call to Action.

Controversy currently exists on whether boys are in crises and, if so, what to do about it. Research is reviewed that indicates that boys have problems that affect their emotional and interpersonal functioning. Psychoeducational and preventive programs for boys are recommended as a call to action in schools. Thematic areas for boys' programming are enumerated including life skills and issues with masculinity ideology and gender role conflict. An example of a program that promotes positive and affirmative masculinity is given. Some of the barriers and strategies to implement programs for boys are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative hemodynamic effects of selective superior mesenteric arterial and peripheral intravenous glucagon infusions

This experiment was designed to determine whether any hemodynamic benefits attend administration of equal pharmacologic doses of glucagon (1 &kg/m) by continuous intravenous infusion (Group I, n = 6) versus selective intraarterial infusion (Group II, n = 6) via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in dogs. Cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance, pulmonary vascular resistance, superior mesenteric artery flow (SMAQ), SMA vascular resistance, and portal venous pressure were measured at baseline (BL) and at 5, 15, 30, and 45 min during glucagon infusion. SMAQ virtually doubled at 5 min from a baseline of 570 + 60 ml/min to 1158 + 146 ml/min in Group I (P < O.OOl), and from a baseline of 527 + 17 1 to 1018 + 331 ml/min in Group II (P < 0.002). SMAQ was significantly higher in Group 1 at 30 and 45 min compared to Group II (P c 0.03) despite similar peripheral plasma glucagon levels. SMA vascular resistance was significantly lowered in both groups, with a greater reduction occurring during intravenous glucagon administration at 45 min (P < 0.05). Changes in systemic hemodynamic parameters, as well as glucagon and glucose levels were not statistically different between Groups I and II at any time period. Glucagon is a potent mesenteric vasodilator and the resultant profound splanchnic hemodynamic effects are as marked during intravenous administration as during selective SMA infusion.
On the existence of interfacial (Stoneley) waves in bonded piezoelectric half-spaces

A new definition of the piezoelectric limiting speed, based on the piezoelectrically stiffened acoustical tensor is introduced. The Stoneley wave problem is readily formulated for bonded piezoelectric half-spaces in both the $\Phi $ and F representations introduced by Lothe & Barnett. The notion of the F piezoelectric interfacial impedance tensor, which is an extension of the elastic interfacial impedance tensor, is used to show that a maximum of two subsonic Stoneley waves can occur. A definite existence criterion for a single subsonic piezoelectric Stoneley mode is given, and a numerical scheme that searches for Stoneley modes, when they exist for a given geometry and material combination, is also presented along with a numerical example for two joined cadmium sulphide half-spaces.
Gastrointestinal transit after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis or ileostomy.

Protocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis increases the frequency of stooling, perhaps due in part to the loss of an ileocecal or colonic braking effect on gastrointestinal transit. To assess whether colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) or with ileostomy accelerates gastrointestinal transit, we studied 16 IPAA patients (mean ± SEM stool frequency, 8 ± 1 stools/day), 5 patients after colectomy and Brooke ileostomy, and 8 healthy, unoperated controls (1 ± 1 stools/day). Gastric emptying of liquids and small bowel transit of chyme were measured concurrently with a dual isotope technique. Gastric emptying was similar among all groups. In contrast, postprandial small bowel transit of the head of a duodenal marker was slowed, not accelerated, in IPAA patients (178 ± 26 min) compared to Brooke subjects (80 ± 32 min, P < 0.05) and controls (75 ± 15 min, P < 0.01). Maximal filling of both the ileal pouch (341 ± 19 min) and the ileostomy bag (348 ± 12 min) occurred later than filling of the colon in controls (243 ± 32 min, P < 0.01). Overall stool frequency did not correlate with small bowel transit in the ileoanal patients, but the two ileoanal subjects with greatest stool frequency (11 and 18 stools/day) had the earliest arrival of marker at the pouch. In conclusion, removal of the colon markedly slowed small bowel transit in most patients, although it did not alter gastric emptying of liquids. Creation of an ileal pouch and ileoanal anastomosis further slowed transit of the head of the meal. In contrast, some ileal pouch patients had rapid intestinal transit and frequent stools, perhaps due in part to a failure of adaptation to the colectomy.
Late Quaternary extinct ungulates of East Africa and palaeoenvironmental implications

UNGULATE communities of two East African savannas, the Serengeti and Athi-Kapiti Plains, are dominated by wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) supplemented by zebra (Equus burchelli), topi (Damaliscus lunatus), hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus), buffalo (Syncerus caffer) eland (Taurotragus oryx) and gazelles (Gazella grand and G. thomsoni)1–3. Before this research, little was known of East African large mammal communities in the Late Pleistocene and early to middle Holocene. We document an extinct impala-sized alcelaphine antelope that is numerically dominant in Late Pleistocene archaeofaunal assemblages from the Athi-Kapiti Plains. The extinct giant buffalo Pelorovis antiquus is present, and a number of arid-adapted regionally extinct species are common. The small alcelaphine is rare in northern Tanzania, but regionally extinct arid-adapted species are present in Late Pleistocene deposits. These data indicate that as recently as 12,000 years ago, the large mammal community structure of East African savannas was very different and dry grasslands and arid-adapted ungulates expanded at least as far south as northern Tanzania during the Last Glacial Maximum.
Effect of turfgrass cover and irrigation on soil mobility and dissipation of mefenoxam and propiconazole.

Irrigation effects on pesticide mobility have been studied, but few direct comparisons of pesticide mobility or persistence have been conducted on turfgrass versus bare soil. The interaction of irrigation practices and the presence of turfgrass on the mobility and dissipation of mefenoxam [N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-D-alanine methyl ester] and propiconazole (1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole) was studied. Sampling cylinders (20-cm diam.) were placed in either creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.] or bare soil. Mefenoxam was applied at 770 g a.i. ha -1 and propiconazole was applied at 1540 g a.i. ha -1 on 14 June 1999. Sampling cylinders were removed 2 h after treatment and 4,8,16, 32 and 64 days after treatment (DAT) and the cores were sectioned by depth. Dissipation of mefenoxam was rapid, regardless of the amount of surface organic matter or irrigation. The half-life (t 1/2 ) of mefenoxam was 5 to 6 d in turf and 7 to 8 d in bare soil. Most mefenoxam residues found in soil under turfgrass were in the 0- to 1-cm section at 0, 4, and 8 DAT. Residues were found in the 15- to 30-cm section at 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 DAT, regardless of turf cover or irrigation. The t 1/2 of propiconazole was 12 to 15 d in turfgrass and 29 d in bare soil. Little movement of propiconazole was observed in either bare soil or turf.
Can targeting organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP) genes play a key role in drug therapy

Commentary to:Altered expression of organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP) genes in human breast carcinomalKatrin Wlcek, Martin Svoboda, Franz Sellner, Georg Krupitza, Walter Jaeger, Theresia Thalhammer
The interaction of chronic alcohol consumption and aging on brain structure and function.

Cognitive performance declines moderately with normal aging and severely with pathological aging. A similar range of intellectual impairment has been described in association with prolonged alcohol consumption. It is doubtful that all types and degrees of alcohol-associated impairments of cognitive function are attributable only to thiamin deficiency. Evidence from human and animal data indicates increasingly that alcohol per se has direct CNS toxic effects as well, and it is dangerous to suggest that adequate thiamin consumption alone would prevent all CNS toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption. If a direct role of ethanol in CNS toxicity is accepted, it becomes important to study the molecular basis of the behavioral impairment caused by both aging and alcohol abuse in order to develop rational treatment and prevention. An entire spectrum of relationships is possible between aging and alcohol-related CNS changes. At the one end of the spectrum could simply be deficits additive at the behavioral level but caused by different molecular events. Conversely, molecular processes of biological aging could interact with molecular effects of ethanol, potentiating each other and culminating in an accelerated aging process. Many pathological mechanisms could lead to an irreversible loss of neuronal cell bodies. However, changes in peripheral cell processes, including the synapses, may be equally important in limiting interneuronal communications that result in behavioral deficits. Some changes could even be limited to a decrease of numbers or affinity of synaptic receptor molecules of a particular region. From the human and animal data reviewed, chronic ethanol consumption appears to increase some behavioral deficits caused by aging. What the exact interrelationships are at the molecular basis for the behavioral changes is not yet clear.
Techniques of Safe Working with Corrosive Materials

Corrosion technology should include the enunciation of codes of safe working practice. The considerable range of chemicals, liquid, solid and gaseous, which are irritant present a major field for the safety officer. The hazards must be located and the necessary precautions established.
The Specificity of Antigenic Recognition of Antibody Heavy Chain

The specificity of antigenic recognition of the component chains of purified dinitrophenyl and trinitrophenyl antibodies was examined. Heavy chains were rendered soluble at neutral pH, either by prior reaction of the parent antibodies with D,L-alanine N-carboxy anhydride, or by mixing heavy chain with light chain of non-specific IgG. The degree of homologous light chain contamination of these heavy chain preparations was found to be less than 2%, either by immune precipitation, or by end-group analysis. Association constants of the heavy chains of both antibodies with several closely related haptenes were measured by fluorescence quenching. Heavy chains differentiated among these haptenes in the same manner as the parent antibodies, though considerable binding affinity was lost. When specific homologous light chains were added to the heavy chain preparations, association constants were increased, but without change in relative selectivity. Binding activity of light chains alone could not be measured. The heavy chain, then, appears to bear the specificity of its parent molecule. Whether or not homologous light chain contributes additional specific information with respect to antigenic recognition or simply plays a non-specific modulating role cannot be answered from these experiments.
Utilizing an intrinsic 31P NMR probe in studies of cobalamin ligation

Abstract Phosphorous 31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been employed to observe changes in axial ligation in hydroxycobalamin solutions. The naturally occurring phosphorous nucleus in the benzimidazole side “arm” of the corrin is shown to exhibit different chemical shifts depending upon whether the benzimidazole is coordinated to the cobalt (III) ion or whether it has been displaced. The phosphorous resonance's linewidth at half maximum peak height seems also to be an indicator of the cobalt oxidation state, exhibiting a twenty fold larger width in the coblt (II) complex. The implications of these findings for future studies on certain coenzyme B12 dependent enzymes is discussed.
Deception Research Involving Children: Ethical Practices and Paradoxes

This commentary draws on the thoughtful contemplation and innovative procedures described in the special section articles as well as current professional codes and federal regulations to highlight ethical practices and paradoxes of deception research involving children. The discussion is organized around 4 key decision points for the conduct of responsible deception research involving children: (a) evaluating the scientific validity and social value of deception research within the context of alternative methodologies, (b) avoiding and minimizing experimental risk, (c) the use of child assent procedures as questionable ethical safeguards, and (d) debriefing as both remedy and risk.
Formation and destruction of H2S in the short residence time pyrolysis of pulverized coal and model compounds

Abstract The evolution of sulphur as H2S from three US bituminous coals, L-cystine, and thianthrene has been studied in the reflected shock region of a chemical shock tube. With heating rates of approximately 3 × 106Ks−1, to temperatures in the range 1000–2000K, ultimate yields of sulphur from 7 to 70% as H2S are observed in as little as 1.5 ms. The most important influence on ultimate yields may be the H/S molar ratio in the fuel which corresponds in the hydrocarbons studied with the H2S yields. Inherent mineral matter may also influence the evolution, as H2S formation precedes light hydrocarbon formation from the two model compounds, but occurs nearly simultaneously from the coals. The overall rate of H2S formation for the three coals is adequately described by a reaction, first order with respect to remaining sulphur, with a rate constant k=8.1 × 10 7 exp (− 15 960 T ) s −1 . In the pyrolysis of all five solids, the H2S yields are decreased to below detectable limits at temperatures >1500K. The path for destruction of the H2S appears to be by reaction with hydrocarbons such as C2H2, the concentration of which becomes similar to the H2S concentration in the temperature range 1500–1600K.
An 18-month study of the parasitologic and tumorigenic effects of hycanthone in Schistosoma mansoni-infected and noninfected mice.

Abstract A study was undertaken to determine whether single in injections of 12.5 or 50 mg/kg hycanthone (4 and 16 times the recommended human clinical dose) would induce or increase the development of neoplasms in normal mice or in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. During the 18-month study, infected mice, shamtreated or treated with hycanthone, developed hepatic granulomas which were distinguished from neoplasms and were characteristic of chronic S. mansoni infection. Fourteen different neoplasms were observed 43 times in 40 (10.3%) of 389 mice examined. The neoplasms were randomly distributed among the experimental groups; all were considered to be spontaneous. Hepatoma was diagnosed only once whereas lymphomas were observed in various organs of 13 mice and adenoma was observed in 12 mice (8 of the 12 cases were in the lungs). Other neoplasms, which in most cases occurred in a single mouse, included a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach, an adenocarcinoma and a squamous cell carcinoma of the mammary gland, a hemangiosarcoma in a lymph node, a reticulosarcoma and a fibrosarcoma. The frequency of neoplasms in either infected or noninfected mice was not significantly altered by treatment with hycanthone. The incidence of S. mansoni granulomas was directly related to the dose of cercariae and inversely related to the relative efficacy of the dose of hycanthone administered. There was no indication that schistosome worms recovered from the effects of the drug to repopulate the mesenteric veins; the percent of dead worms found 21 days and 6, 12 and 18 months postmedication with 12.5 or 50 mg/kg were essentially the same. In ancillary experiments, there was no evidence that the offspring of worms that survived treatment were more resistant to hycanthone than the parent worms.
Translational Considerations on the Outlook of Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Immunotherapy is an emerging strategy for many types of cancers and is already a standard treatment for malignant melanoma. Several aspects of colorectal cancer would appear to make it a good target for immunotherapy. Colorectal cancer is associated with a high mutation burden that may generate tumor-specific neo-epitopes that could elicit adaptive immune responses. Tumors with infiltrating immune cells appear to have better clinical outcome and response to chemotherapy. Patients with impaired DNA repair mechanisms have circulating antibodies and T cells that recognize resulting frameshift peptides, and anecdotal clinical responses have occurred in patients treated with immune augmentation, such as anti-PD-1, anti-PDL-1, anti-CTLA-4, and complement receptor 3-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Yet, despite this potential, colorectal cancer is lagging behind in the development of therapeutic immunotherapy. Therefore, the rational design and interpretation of future immunotherapy studies in this disease will be pivotal to colorectal cancer joining the ranks of the “more” immunoresponsive tumors.
Comorbid conditions and survival in unselected, newly diagnosed patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Little is known about the spectrum or frequency of comorbidities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We investigated the prevalence and prognostic implications of comorbidities in patients with newly diagnosed CLL. Local/non-referred patients with CLL evaluated by a hematologist at Mayo Clinic within 1 year of diagnosis were eligible for this retrospective review. Of 1195 individuals evaluated for newly-diagnosed CLL between 1995 and 2006, 373 (31%) were local/non-referred. At diagnosis, 89% of these patients had one or more comorbidities, and 46% had at least one major comorbidity. Twenty-six percent of patients failed to meet NCI working group guidelines to participate in a clinical trial. On multi-factor analysis, Rai risk category (1.39 per each risk category increase; p < 0.0001) and age (1.056 per year increase; p < 0.0001) were the only factors associated with overall survival. We conclude that, although common, comorbid conditions are less important than age and stage in predicting prognosis in newly diagnosed patients with CLL. Clinical trials evaluating treatments that are designed to be tolerated by patients who do not meet traditional clinical trial eligibility criteria are needed.
NECK PRESSURE AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH, IT IS TIME TO CALL THE SURGEON

Pericarditis diagnosis and management can be challenging requiring surgical intervention even in young healthy individuals. A 23-year-old lady presented with two months history of progressive neck pressure and dyspnea on exertion. She recalls having flu-like symptoms few months prior to her
Critical exponents for the one-dimensional Hubbard model

Using results on the scaling of energies with the size of the system and the principles of conformal quantum field theory, we calculate the asymptotics of correlation functions for the one-dimensional Hubbard model in the repulsive regime in the presence of an external magnetic field. The critical exponents are given in terms of a dressed charge matrix that is defined in terms of a set of integral equations obtained from the Bethe-Ansatz solution for the Hubbard model. An interpretation of this matrix in terms of thermodynamical coefficients is given, and several limiting cases are considered.
Longitudinal evaluation of the oral mucositis weekly questionnaire-head and neck cancer, a patient-reported outcomes questionnaire

BACKGROUND. Quality-of-life instruments that measure specific functional consequences of mucositis are needed to assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions targeted against mucositis and to guide patient care. The authors undertook a prospective, multicenter, observational study to assess the validity, reliability, and feasibility of a new instrument, the Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer (OMWQ-HN). The OMWQ-HN is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire that measures the symptoms of mucositis, including mouth and throat soreness (MTS), and their impact on patient well-being and function. METHODS. The OMWQ-HN, along with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-HN), was administered 5 times over an approximately 6-week period to patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who were receiving radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. Information on supportive care measures also was collected. RESULTS. Seventy-five patients were enrolled and completed 93% of scheduled assessments (100% at baseline). The OMWQ-HN demonstrated good test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient, 0.80–0.89). Cross-sectional analyses to assess validity showed that OMWQ-HN scores were different across levels of pain, with those in the worst pain category reporting the highest OMWQ-HN scores. Strong correlations were observed between OMWQ-HN and FACT-HN. Patients experienced increases in MTS, which corresponded with a steady decline in function. MTS scores were highest in the patients who were taking opioid analgesics, suggesting that mucositis pain continued despite standard pain therapy. CONCLUSIONS. The current results indicated that the OMWQ-HN is a valid, reliable, and feasible instrument for assessing the impact of mucositis on patients who are receiving radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy for HNC. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Failure of a slow channel calcium antagonist, verapamil, to retard atherosclerosis in the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit: an animal model of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Verapamil and other slow channel calcium antagonists have been reported to retard atherosclerosis in rabbits fed a high cholesterol diet. Because atherosclerosis in such a model may differ significantly from human atherosclerosis, experiments were conducted to prevent atherosclerosis with verapamil in the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, which is a genetic, metabolic and pathologic model of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. At 2 months of age, 23 WHHL rabbits were divided into two groups since earlier studies showed no macroscopic atherosclerosis at 2 months. Group A (n = 11) was fed standard rabbit chow for 6 months. Group B (n = 12) received oral verapamil (46 mg/kg per day) absorbed in the identical chow as fed to Group A and subcutaneous verapamil (0.25 mg/kg twice daily 6 days a week). In Group B, mean serum verapamil concentrations (± SEM) averaged 16.9 ± 1.9 ng/ml at 3 hours after subcutaneous injection. Sex ratios and serum cholesterol concentrations were the same in both groups. The percent of aortic surface area with visible plaque in Group A versus B was 49 ± 7 versus 43 ± 7%, respectively, of the entire aorta, and 61 ± 5 versus 65 ± 5%, respectively, of the proximal 3 cm of aorta (p = NS). Thus, verapamil did not suppress atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits at serum drug levels greater than those reported to be effective in other models.
Polysaccharides involved in slime-mold development II. Water-soluble acid mucopolysaccharide(s)

Abstract An acid mucopolysaccharide has been isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum and related species. It is trichloroacetic acid and water soluble, ethanol precipitable, and non-dialyzable. In purified preparations approx. 90% of the dry weight is accounted for as galactose, galactosamine and galacturonic acid. The polysaccharide is antigenically reactive. Negligible levels are detected until the terminal stages of fruiting body construction at which time it accumulates to the extent of 1–2% of the dry weight. It fails to appear in morphogenetically deficient mutants and its synthesis seems to be keyed to the overall morphogenetic rate. A novel method for the measurement of a specific polysaccharide antigen in crude cell sonicates is described.
Anthropology and Social Marketing: A Powerful Combination

Social marketing is a social change approach that is gaining wide popularity as another tool for practicing anthropologists and public health practitioners. The goal is to influence the voluntary behavior of targeted populations with specific health-communication messages, materials and interventions. Social marketing is:… the application of commercial marketing technologies to the analysis, planning, execution and evaluation of programs designed to influence the voluntary behavior of target audiences in order to improve their personal welfare and that of society. (Alan Andreason, Marketing Social Change: Changing Behavior to Promote Health, Social Development, and the Environment. San Francisco: Jossey Bass 1995)
The multivalent browser: a platform for new ideas

The Multivalent Browser is built on a architecture that separates functionality from concrete document format. Almost all functionality is made available via relatively small modules of code called behaviors that programmers can write to extend the core system. Behaviors can be as significant and powerful as parser-renderers for scanned paper, HTML, or TeX DVI; as fine-grained as hyperlinks, cookies, and the disabling of menu items; and as innovative or uncommon as in situ annotatins, "lenses", collapsible outline displays, new GUI widgets, and Robust Hyperlink support. Behaviors can be combined in arbitrary groups for each individual document, in effect spontaneously creating a custom browser for every one. Common aspects of document functionality can be shared, so that, for example, the same behavior that handles multipage support for scanned paper documents also provides such support for DVI and PDF; similarly, the behaviors that support fine-grain annotation of HTML also support identical annotation on scanned paper, UNIX manual pages, DVI, and PDF.We have designed and implemented this architecture, and implemented behaviors that support all of the above functionality and more. Here we describe the architecture that allows such power and fine-grained access, yet composes disparate behaviors and resolves their mutual conflicts.
A “Protease Activation Cascade” in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease

A pathway to Alzheimer's disease (AD) relevant to sporadic AD pathogenesis is described that involves the early and progressive activation of proteolytic systems including, but not limited to, the calpain-calpastatin and endosomal-lysosomal systems. Activation of these proteolytic systems is initiated by normal brain aging and is propelled by the genetic and environmental factors known to increase AD risk. Recent studies show how cathepsins and calpains, acting directly or indirectly through other proteolytic pathways and cellular signaling cascades, may promote beta-amyloidogenesis, neurofibrillary pathology, as well as mediate neurodegeneration in AD.
Converging evidence for the latent structure of antisocial personality disorder: consistency of taxometric and latent class analyses

The latent structure of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy has been examined using both Meehl's taxometric method and other latent variable models, yielding results that have no...
Using Geophones for Nondestructive Evaluation of Full-Scale Bridges

Nondestructive damage identification for civil engineering structures has received the attention of many researchers over the past several years. Vibration-based damage detection is a nondestructive structural health-monitoring approach that focuses on changes in the dynamic characteristics of a structure as indicators of damage. All vibration-based damage detection techniques require high signal-to-noise vibration data for analysis; thus the sensors used to measure vibrations are an important consideration. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of inexpensive geophones for determining the modal parameters of bridges to be used with vibration-based damage detection techniques. A geophone is a velocity transducer commonly used by seismologists for subsurface exploration. Researchers typically use accelerometers to measure bridge vibrations. However, compared with geophones, accelerometers are relatively expensive, have lower sensitivity, and require additional electronics for signal conditi...
Phonological Awareness and Reading Acquisition.

Abstract Recent research has suggested the importance of oral language ability in learning to read. It was proposed that the young child's awareness of the phonology of his language would greatly influence early reading success. The results revealed a strong relationship between the first grader's reading performance and two measures of his phonological awareness, invented spelling and phoneme segmentation abilities. Development of phonological awareness was not related to the child's sex, intelligence, socioeconomic status, or chronological age within a 12-month span. A third measure of phonological awareness, auditory analysis skills, was found to have less predictive value. The results suggest that an understanding of phonological relationships above and beyond that required for ordinary speaking and listening enables the beginning reader of English to make contact with his alphabetic writing system at the phonemic level. Instruction at the appropriate age level should facilitate this understanding.
Utilization of acute medical facilities in a hospital for the mentally retarded.

Abstract Various infections account for a very substantial portion of hospitalization among the institutionalized retarded. The most severely retarded and youngest patients make the greatest use of the acute hospital unit. The duration of hospitalization is quite variable and depends not only on the condition of the patient but on communicability of disease and nursing care available. During the year approximately one-third of the resident population is hospitalized in the acute hospital.
The subtle hands of self-reactivity in peripheral T cells.

T cells with increased self-reactivity and marked by high expression of the negative regulator CD5 differ in gene-expression patterns and are poised for greater bursts of proliferation when they encounter foreign antigens.
Development of a framework to identify research gaps from systematic reviews

Abstract Objective Our objective was to develop a framework to identify research gaps from systematic reviews. Study Design and Setting We reviewed the practices of (1) evidence-based practice centers (EPCs), and (2) other organizations that conduct evidence syntheses. We developed and pilot tested a framework for identifying research gaps. Results Four (33%) EPCs and three (8%) other organizations reported using an explicit framework to determine research gaps. Variations of the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) framework were most common. We developed a framework incorporating both the characterization of the gap using PICOS elements (also including setting) and the identification of the reason(s) why the gap exists as (1) insufficient or imprecise information, (2) biased information, (3) inconsistency or unknown consistency, and (4) not the right information. We mapped each of these reasons to concepts from three common evidence-grading systems. Conclusion Our framework determines from systematic reviews where the current evidence falls short and why or how the evidence falls short. This explicit identification of research gaps will allow systematic reviews to maximally inform the types of questions that need to be addressed and the types of studies needed to address the research gaps.
Molecular theory of brownian motion of a rigid rotor

Abstract The molecular theory of brownian motion by Mazur and Oppenheim is extended to a rigid rotor. The exact equation of motion is derived. Expansions in powers of λ = (m/M) 1 2 are performed and the Langevin equation is obtained. The analysis is rigorous under the assumption that the correlation time of bath variables in the presence of the fixed rigid rotor is short.
Reaction of the Transition Metal Hydrides [Cp*MH2]2 (Cp* = η5-C5Me5; M = Fe, Ru) with BH3·THF to Yield Metallaboranes. Improved Kinetic Control Leads to Novel Ferraboranes

The reactions of [Cp*MH 2 ] 2 , Cp* = η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ; M = Fe, Ru, with BH 3 .THF have been explored. As with [Cp*RuCl 2 ] 2 , [Cp*RuH 2 ] 2 readily reacts with borane to generate nido-1,2-(Cp*RuH) 2 B 3 H 7 . In contrast to the chloride, intermediates are detectible in the hydride reaction and product selectivity is higher. Benefits of the apparently lower reaction barrier appear in the reaction of [Cp*FeH 2 ] 2 with BH 3 .THF. The formation and isolation of the novel hydrogen-rich ferraborane arachno-1-Cp*FeB 4 H 1 1 from the iron hydride contrasts with the production of pentamethylferrocene from a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iron halide. This metastable ferraborane has been characterized spectroscopically as well as by reaction with Co 2 (CO) 8 to give a good yield of the more stable derivative nido-1-(Cp*Fe)-2-{Co(CO) 3 }B 4 H 8 by metal fragment addition. The latter compound has been spectroscopically characterized in solution as well as in the solid state by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study as an example of a mixed metal dimetallahexaborane.
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL PACKAGING TORQUE REQUIREMENTS COMPLIANCE

Shipping containers used to transport radioactive material (RAM) in commerce employ a variety of closure mechanisms. Often, these closure mechanisms require a specific amount of torque be applied to a bolt, nut or other threaded fastener. It is important that the required preload is achieved so that the package testing and analysis is not invalidated for the purpose of protecting the public. Torque compliance is a means of ensuring closure preload, is a major factor in accomplishing the package functions of confinement/containment, sub-criticality, and shielding. This paper will address the importance of applying proper torque to package closures, discuss torque value nomenclature, and present one methodology to ensure torque compliance is achieved.
Electrostriction in germanium

Abstract Electrostriction in germanium has been measured and found to be unexpectedly large. The electrostriction tensor elements are of the order of 10−11cm2/volt2. This implies a large electrostrictive elastoresistance effect as well as a large electronic polarizability in germanium.
Gravitropism of basidiomycetous fungi--on Earth and in microgravity

In order to achieve perfect positioning of their lamellae for spore dispersal, fruiting bodies of higher fungi rely on the omnipresent force gravity. Only accurate negatively gravitropic orientation of the fruiting body cap will guarantee successful reproduction. A spaceflight experiment during the STS-55 Spacelab mission in 1993 confirmed that the factor gravity is employed for spatial orientation. Most likely every hypha in the transition zone between the stipe and the cap region is capable of sensing gravity. Sensing presumably involves slight sedimentation of nuclei which subsequently causes deformation of the net-like arrangement of F-actin filament strands. Hyphal elongation is probably driven by hormone-controlled activation and redistribution of vesicle traffic and vesicle incorporation into the vacuoles and cell walls to subsequently cause increased water uptake and turgor pressure. Stipe bending is achieved by way of differential growth of the flanks of the upper-most stipe region. After reorientation to a horizontal position, elongation of the upper flank hyphae decreases 40% while elongation of the lower flank slightly increases. On the cellular level gravity-stimulated vesicle accumulation was observed in hyphae of the lower flank.
Machine-vision-based evaluation of mixture percentages for powder blending processes

Quantitative analysis of the powder blending process is important in many industries, e.g. pharmaceutical, glass, food products. Inefficient blending can lead to inhomogeneous powder mixtures and unacceptable product variability. A new method has been devised by F.J. Muzzio and his students to characterize the uniformity of powder mixtures by solidifying samples of the mixtures without disturbing their structure, and subjecting them to machine vision analysis. The key components of the mixture are colored and, with appropriate illumination, the mixture percentage is directly related to video signal intensity. This paper reviews the machine vision algorithms required to perform the analysis, focussing in particular on the real-time hardware configurations that enable significant amounts of data to be collected for use in evaluation of the integrity of the blending process.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Resident/Fellow Survey A Valid Tool to Assess General Surgery Residency Programs Compliance With Work Hours Regulations?

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) uses the resident/fellow survey to assess residency programs compliance with ACGME work hours regulations. Survey results can have significant consequences for residency programs including ACGME letters of warning, shortened program accreditation cycle, immediate full program and institutional site visits, or administrative withdrawal of a program's accreditation. Survey validity was assessed by direct query of general surgery residents who answer the survey each year. A multiple-choice survey was created to assess all US general surgery residents' interpretation and understanding of the ACGME survey. The survey was distributed to all surgery residency program directors in the US in 2009. Responses were compiled via an online survey program. Statistical analysis was performed in aggregate and between junior and senior residents. Nine hundred sixty-five (13.2%) general surgical residents responded with 961 (99.6%) completing all questions. All responding residents had taken the ACGME survey at least once with 634 (66%) having taken it more than once. Nineteen percent of residents had difficulty understanding the questions with senior residents (23%) reporting difficulty more than junior residents (14%), p An evaluation tool in which 1 in 7 residents admit to answering the questions falsely and 1 in 5 residents had difficulty interpreting the questions may not be a valid method to evaluate compliance with work hours regulations. Evaluation of work hours regulations compliance should be based on actual work hours data rather than an anonymous survey.
Faculty development: what is faculty development?

Faculty development is an organized, goal-directed process to achieve career progression and growth. Inherent in this process is the acquisition of skills that enable one to contribute in a meaningful way to the advancement of a field of interest, whether educational, operational, or scientific. The process requires attention to technical skills, personal attributes, and explicit goals. Supportive mentorship is optimal. This document outlines important concepts and identifies helpful resources for academic faculty members. Additional resources are available at http://www.saem.org/facdev/index.htm.