cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anisohydric water use behavior links growing season evaporative demand to ring-width increment in conifers from summer-dry environments

Compared to isohydric Pinaceae, anisohydric Cupressaceae exhibited: (1) a threefold larger hydroscape area; (2) growth at lower pre-dawn water potentials that extended longer into the growing season; and (3) stronger coupling of growth to growing season atmospheric moisture demand in summer-dry environments. Conifers in the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae from dry environments have been shown to broadly differ in their stomatal sensitivity to soil drying that result in isohydric versus anisohydric water use behavior, respectively. Here, we first employ a series of drought experiments and field observations to confirm the degree of isohydric versus anisohydric water use behavior in species of these two families that are representative of the Interior West of the United States. We then use experimental soil drying to demonstrate how growth of anisohydric Juniperus osteosperma was more closely tied to pre-dawn water potentials than isohydric Pinus monophylla. Finally, we confirm that measured leaf gas-exchange and growth responses to drying hold real-world consequences for conifers from the Interior West. More specifically, across the past ~ 100 years of climate variation, pairwise comparisons of annual ring-width increment responses indicate that growth of Cupressaceae species (J. osteosperma and J. scopulorum) was more strongly coupled to growing season evaporative demand than co-occurring Pinaceae species (Pinus monophylla, P. edulis, P. flexilis, P. longaeva, P. ponderosa, and Pseudotsuga menziesii). Overall, these experimental and observational results suggest that an a priori distinction based on family and associated hydric water use behavior should lead to more accurate and mechanistically correct dendrochronological reconstructions of growing season evaporative demand (i.e., Cupressaceae) versus antecedent precipitation (i.e., Pinaceae) in summer-dry environments. Moreover, these differences in growth sensitivity to evaporative demand among these groups suggest that incorporating hydric water use behavior into models of forest responses to global warming can provide more accurate projections of future forest composition and functioning.
Dangerous liaisons: adultery and the ethics of presidential leadership

This article addresses a key question in leadership ethics: Does the private morality of a leader affect his or her leadership? This was another issue that James MacGregor Burns and I liked to debate. As a historian and biographer, who was old enough to remember hearing Franklin Roosevelt talk on the radio, Burns did not think that the adulterous affairs of Presidents were relevant to their leadership. His perspective might also have reflected the fact that he was male and from a different generation. Burns noted that many presidents, such as Roosevelt, had affairs, yet still accomplished great things for the country. Granted, he had a point, but I still wasn’t sure that adultery did not have some effect on a leader’s behavior. Hence, for a book honoring Burns, I decided to take an in-depth look at U.S. presidents from 1901 to 2001 to see if and how, adulterous affairs affected the ethics of their day-to-day leadership.
An OPS5 expert system converted to FORPS

FORPS, a simple Forth-based production system, has been used to reimplement TRAPS, an expert system originally programmed in OPS5 to perform input data checking in Goddard's Communications Link Analysis and Simulation System (CLASS). The FORPS version of TRAPS is implemented both on the CLASS computer and on an IBM PC/AT compatible machine (Hewlett-Packard Vectra). This paper presents results of the TRAPS reimplementation; compares FORPS with OPS5, including efficiency on the HP Vectra; and offers suggestions for enhancements to FORPS.
Support for the Use of CBT in Schools

Meeting the needs of children at-risk for mental health problems and meeting the needs of children and adolescents already demonstrating need for intervention is a huge undertaking. It involves significant organizational change to move schools toward meeting student mental health needs in the face of enormous constraints in funding and in regard to high-stakes testing. Nevertheless, we need to move ahead and make every effort to meet these needs. In doing so, we need to think about both the efficiency and the efficacy of our interventions.
Exome sequencing of ovarian cancer patients to identify variants predictive of sensitivity to chemotherapy.

e17079Background: Studies have found that genetic determinates can predict response to chemotherapy in some cancer patients. However little is known about ovarian cancer. By using exome sequencing,...
Bildgebung bei Infektionen großer Gelenke

Die bakterielle oder septische Arthritis groser peripherer Gelenke stellt einen akuten Notfall dar. Haufigster Erreger ist nach wie vor Staphylococus aureus. Der bakterielle Befall der Kniegelenke, gefolgt vom Huft- und Schultergelenk, steht im Vordergrund. Verschiedene radiologische Untersuchungstechniken und ihre Befunde zur Diagnose und Beurteilung von Infektionen der grosen Gelenke werden dargestellt. Ein diagnostischer Algorithmus wird vorgeschlagen. Es erfolgte eine umfassende, unsystematische Literaturrecherche unter Berucksichtigung der eigenen Erfahrung. Wahrend bei Kindern der hamatogene Infektionsweg im Vordergrund steht, spielen beim Erwachsenen die exogenen Infektionen eine grose Rolle (z. B. Prothesenversorgungen und andere operative Gelenkeingriffe, Injektionen, juxtaartikulare Infektionen). Der bildgebenden Darstellung kommt bei septischen Arthritiden eine entscheidende Bedeutung in der diagnostischen Kette zu. Allein die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) erlaubt eine sehr fruhe Diagnosestellung einer septischen Arthritis mit hoher diagnostischer Sicherheit und ist die Methode der Wahl. Die therapierelevante Erregersicherung und weitere differenzialdiagnostische Abgrenzung gegen nichterregerbedingte Arthritiden erfolgt durch Arthrozentese. Weitere bildgebende Modalitaten wie die Computertomographie (CT), Szintigraphie und Fluorodeoxyglukose-Positronenemissionstomographie (FDG-PET) haben eine eher nachgeordnete Bedeutung. Die Bildgebung allein erfasst Komplikationen (Empyem- und Abszessbildung, Chondrolyse, Osteomyelitis, Osteonekrose, Gelenkflacheneinbruch und Gelenkdestruktion) und eignet sich auch fur die Verlaufsbeurteilung und Prognoseabschatzung persistierender Gelenkschaden.
Magnetic properties of Fe-doped CuAlO2 and role of impurities

The delafossite CuAlO2 is a rare p-type semiconductor with potential applications as a thermoelectric and as a dilute magnetic semiconductor when doped with transition metal ions. Reported here are results from our investigations of CuAl1-xFexO2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1) with a focus on the x-dependence of structural and magnetic properties, and role of impurities. The samples prepared by the solid-state reaction at 1,100°C were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive (X-ray) spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The magnetic results show that the Curie constant (C), low temperature magnetization (M) and the lattice constants scale with x. High resolution M-H loop measurements at 300 K and 10 K show negligible coercivity HC at 10 K but HC ∼ 100 Oe at 300K. These results suggest the presence of minute quantities of hematite (α-Fe2O3) that are not detected in our XRD and XPS. The role of impurities on the published results in this system is discussed.
International public health emergencies: Lessons learned in West Africa.

SIERRA LEONE, an impoverished country in West Africa, has faced civil war and HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria pandemics, and more recently, the world's largest Ebola epidemic.1 Before the Ebola epidemic, this country faced a shortage of nurses and healthcare providers, and the epidemic
Stone v. Powell: The Hermeneutics of the Burger Court

In Stone v. Powell, the Supreme Court effectively removed state search and seizure cases from the ambit of federal habeas corpus. The decision was based upon the type of cost benefit analysis recently adopted by the Court in search and seizure cases. The Court has decided that either the cost of excluding evidence must be justified by the deterrent effect of the exclusion on unlawful searches or the exclusion should not be granted. This article discusses the ramifications of this in the context of the larger Burger Court dynamics.
The Necessity, Promise and Challenge of Automated Biodiversity Surveys

We are in the midst of a transformation in the way that biodiversity is observed on the planet. The approach of direct human observation, combining efforts of both professional and citizen scientists, has recently generated unprecedented amounts of data on species distributions and populations. Within just a few years, however, we believe that these data will be swamped by indirect biodiversity observations that are generated by autonomous sensors and machine learning classification models. In this commentary, we discuss three important elements of this shift towards indirect, technology driven observations. First, we note that the biodiversity data sets available today cover a very small fraction of all places and times that could potentially be observed, which suggests the necessity of developing new approaches that can gather such data at even larger scales, with lower costs. Second, we highlight existing tools and efforts that are already available today to demonstrate the promise of automated methods to radically increase biodiversity data collection. Finally, we discuss one specific outstanding challenge in automated biodiversity survey methods, which is how to extract useful knowledge from observations that are uncertain in nature. Throughout, we focus on one particular type of biodiversity data - point occurrence records - that are frequently produced by citizen science projects, museum records and systematic biodiversity surveys. As indirect observation methods increase the spatiotemporal scope of these point occurrence records, ecologists and conservation biologists will be better able to predict shifting species distributions, track changes to populations over time and understand the drivers of biodiversity occurrence.
Look Who’s Talking!: Gender Equality in Writing Center Consultations

This study adopts an empirical, linguistic approach to investigate the effect of writing-partner gender on writing-center consultation dynamics. Based on Deborah Tannen’s solidarity vs. dominance theory and previous writing center scholarship, I expected to find unbalanced power dynamics in mixed-gender consultations and balanced power dynamics in same-gender consultations. However, a quantitative analysis of turn-taking from eight consultations shows no statistically significant difference between student and partner in either session scenario (p≥0.10). Furthermore, a qualitative analysis of five linguistic metrics reveals that both types were generally of a collaborative nature. It is theorized that the emphasis placed on collaboration and non-directive partnering pedagogy in writing centers outweighs the gender differences found in speech in other contexts. This study thus has exciting implications for gender politics as the linguistic gender equality found in the collected corpus in some sense makes the writing center feminist rather than just feminized.
Ouabain inhibition of cell communication may be associated with mobilization of cell calcium

To determine the mechanism of inhibition of communication among cultured animal cells by ouabain, we tested whether that inhibition could be related to changes in cell calcium. Human fibroblasts (HF) and mouse 3T3 cells showed increased exchangeable 45Ca2+ after ouabain treatment at concentrations sufficient to inhibit communication. HF cells also showed time- and concentration-dependent elevations in calcium using fura-2 fluorescence, but 3T3 cells did not. Treatment of HF cells with amiloride blocked the elevation of calcium, as well as the inhibition of cooperation between HF and 3T3 cells by ouabain. These data, together with the lack of effect of reduced extracellular calcium or of the channel-blocker verapamil, are consistent with a model in which ouabain treatment results in an amiloride-sensitive sodium influx, which then leads to elevated cytoplasmic free calcium. That, in turn, modulates communication through gap junctions.
The effect of audiovisual distraction on patient-controlled sedation under spinal anesthesia: a prospective, randomized trial.

Audiovisual distraction (AVD) has been used to augment or replace procedural sedation. We investigated whether AVD in patients having total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under spinal anesthesia would reduce self-administered propofol consumption during surgery. 50 participants were randomized equally into a patient-controlled sedation (PCS) group or AVD group. All participants were given a spinal block and a propofol PCS device prior to surgery. In addition, Group AVD participants selected and watched a movie or documentary film on a tablet device with noise-cancelling headphones during surgery. The primary outcome of this study was total propofol consumption standardized as mcg/kg/min. Secondary outcomes evaluated increased supplemental oxygen use, rescue airway interventions, hypotension, disruptive movement events during surgery, sedation, and satisfaction with anesthesia scores. Historical clinician-controlled propofol usage at our institution over the previous 2 years were recorded. There was no significant difference in median propofol consumption between Groups PCS and AVD, 8.4 mcg/kg/min (1.6–18.9) vs 4 mcg/kg/min (0–9) (P = 0.29), respectively. Historical clinician-controlled usage of propofol demonstrated a median of 39.3 mcg/kg/min (29.2–51.2). There were few differences in the secondary outcome measures. The use of AVD did not reduce patient-controlled propofol consumption in patients having a THA or TKA surgery under spinal anesthesia.
Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis in Burn Patients: A Literature Review and Single-Institution Experience.

Introduction Hospitalized burn patients meet the criteria for Virchow's triad (endothelial damage, hypercoagulability, and stasis), predisposing them to venous thromboembolism (VTE). While the disease burden of VTE suggests a need for prevention in this population, unreliable reported VTE rates, costly and complicated prophylaxis regimens, and chemoprophylaxis risks have prevented the establishment of a universal protocol. This paper reviews thromboprophylaxis practices both in the literature and at our own institution. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines identifying studies pertaining to VTE chemoprophylaxis in burn patients. Additionally, medical records of patients admitted to an American Burn Association-verified burn center between June 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, chemoprophylaxis, and presence of VTE defined as either deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Results 38 studies met inclusion criteria. In the 12 studies that reported VTE incidence, rates ranged widely from 0.25 to 47.1%. The two largest retrospective studies (n=33,637 and 36,638) reported a VTE incidence of 0.61% and 0.8% in populations with unknown or inconsistently recorded chemoprophylaxis. Throughout the literature, prevention protocols were mixed, though a trend toward using dose-adjusted subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin based on serum anti-factor Xa level was noted.At our burn center, 1,068 patients met study criteria. At-risk patients received a simple chemoprophylaxis regimen of 5000U of subcutaneous unfractionated heparin every 8 hours. No routine monitoring tests were performed to limit cost. Nine cases of DVT and two cases of PE were identified with an incidence of 0.84% and 0.19%, respectively, and a total VTE incidence of 1.03%. Only one patient developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). No cases of other heparin-associated complications were observed. Conclusion VTE incidence rates reported in the literature are wide-ranging and poorly capture the effect of any one chemoprophylaxis regimen in the burn population. Our center uses a single, safe, and cost-effective protocol effecting a low VTE rate comparable to that of large national retrospective studies.
SOAR—the solution to the high prevalence of heart disease in Appalachian Kentucky

Many diseases affect the population of Appalachian Kentucky, but none more than heart disease. The purpose of this article is to address the alarmingly high prevalence of heart disease in the Appalachian region of Kentucky and to provide evidence-based methods for reducing its incidence and management. This is an issue of astronomical importance as people living in Appalachian Kentucky have the worst cardiovascular risk profile in the USA. The first section of this article provides succinct clarification of how heart disease afflicts this region and the area-specific variables affecting it. The second section illustrates a more in-depth background of heart disease through a social and economic perspective. Research shows many promising benefits of utilizing a comprehensive strategic initiative for reducing heart disease; therefore, the third section will evaluate the proposed solution, the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) strategic model, for reducing the incidence of heart disease in Appalachian Kentucky. The significant need for change within this underserved region is imperative and must be recognized and addressed immediately.
Treatment of granuloma annulare and related granulomatous diseases with sulphasalazine: a series of 16 cases.

Background Granuloma annulare (GA) and the related annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma (AEGCG) and interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) are idiopathic histiocytic inflammatory disorders, which are frequently recalcitrant to treatment. Objectives Evaluate the efficacy of sulphasalazine in treating GA, AEGCG and IGD. Methods Sixteen patients were identified with granulomatous disease who were treated with sulphasalazine between September 2015 and September 2019. Outcomes were based on patients' and providers' subjective evaluations. Results Sixteen patients were included in the study (ages 56-89, four male and twelve female). Previous treatments were attempted in fifteen patients. Clinical improvement was seen in fourteen patients (87.5%). Initial improvement was noted within a mean (SD) of 66.4 (35.1) days after starting therapy, with increasing benefits over time. Ten patients (62.5%) reported complete or near-complete clearance, three patients (18.8%) reported significant improvement, and one (6.3%) reported partial improvement. Twelve patients elected to stop or reduce therapy, resulting in relapse or worsening in five patients. Conclusions Sulphasalazine may be considered as treatment for GA and GA-related conditions.
The absent perpetrators: Morocco's failed accountability, Tazmamart literature and the survivors' testimony for their jailers (1973-1991)

The Moroccan Years of Lead (1956–1999) are an important case for the investigation of testimonial literature’s potential to undermine impunity. Both survivors and families of the victims of this da...
Nonstandard ridehail use in Austin

Abstract Ridehailing quickly proliferated by geography and socioeconomic status following the 2012 introduction of UberX and Lyft, but did that proliferation extend to higher-priced, nonstandard-vehicle trips? What explains nonstandard ridehail use, who uses it, and where are they going? RideAustin trip-level data, land-use codes, ACS block groups, and parking data are analyzed using GIS and statistical software to find out. Results imply the nonstandard-vehicle, RideAustin traveler varied from the standard-vehicle traveler in several important socioeconomic ways, including access to a car, household income, race/ethnicity, age, education, and neighborhood trips per capita. About 47% of nonstandard-vehicle trips were made in neighborhoods with the highest carless household rate, and 40% of those were made in SUVs. Better tips and higher star ratings imply standard-vehicle passengers had a higher level of satisfaction compared to nonstandard-vehicle passengers. Policy recommendations are made to incentivize carpooling in these extra-capacity vehicles through subsidies.
4-H Volunteer Attainment of Quality Positive Youth Development Practices

The University of Florida 4-H program evaluated volunteer perceptions of behavior adoption resulting from the completion of training focused on best practices that promote positive youth development. The evaluation effort was a quasi-experimental design that surveyed all enrolled volunteers electronically. The survey was designed to determine the types and frequency of training that 4-H volunteers participated in, their satisfaction with the training, the volunteer’s role of service, and outcomes of adopting best practices of program quality. A response rate of 27% (n = 340) provided a representative sample of the enrolled volunteers across demographic categories and geographical regions of the state. The results show that volunteers report practicing elements of positive youth development as categorized by the Essential Elements framework and that correlations between the type of training volunteers participate in and their implementation of quality practices are significant. Implications for volunteer trainings include the consideration of frequency, expanding opportunities beyond traditional delivery, and incorporating training elements that promote high-quality youth programming. This evaluation effort provides baseline data that informs future research for the Florida 4-H program.
Should I Represent You? Abusive Management and Supervisor Organizational Embodiment

In effort to extend supervisor organizational embodiment (SOE) research, we integrate social exchange and psychological detachment theories to examine and explain how abusive management impacts SOE...
Perovskite based gas sensors: thin-film versus capillary-filled microchannel designs

In the area of environmental monitoring, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have become a major concern. Specifically, in indoor environments, VOCs have been found to be linked with various health conditions-ranging from benign to lethal. Early detection of VOC gases can play a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment. In this work, we have looked into two different geometrical arrangements of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite to study how their selectivity and sensitivity towards an array of VOC gases under different illumination conditions may be affected. For the purpose of a comparative study, we tested the sensitivity of the device using two different photo-resistor designs, namely, (a) capillary-filled microchannels, where microchannels were created on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated plastic substrate, and leveraging the capillary motion force the microchannels were filled with the perovskite precursor solution, and (b) thin-film approach, where perovskite layers were spin coated on substrates with two conductive pads across. Samples of both designs were exposed to four analytes: acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol. In our previous study on the capillary design, we reported a decrease in photocurrent by about 22% upon exposure to methanol under illuminated conditions. The goal of this comparative study is to identify the viability of the photo-resistor design for fabricating a low-cost and fast-response gas sensor for the purpose of environmental monitoring.
Single-stage versus staged interposition urethroplasty for glandular hypospadias with severe penile curvature: 15-year experience.

Our study examined the benefit of an alternative interposition urethroplasty (IU) procedure for glandular hypospadias (GH) with severe penile curvature (SPC). The technique involved transecting and reconstructing the urethra to preserve the distal glandular and coronal urethra and correct the curvature. We compared procedural characteristics, outcomes, and surgical complications for the single-stage and staged IU techniques. We retrospectively studied 44 patients with GH with SPC who underwent single-stage or staged IU between March 2005 and June 2020. Demographics, operative details, complications, and uroflometry findings were analyzed. The median age at initial surgery was 37.5 months. Ten patients underwent single-stage IU repair, and 34 patients underwent staged IU repair. The median length of the interposition neourethra was 3.2 cm (2.2–4.3). The median follow-up duration was 58 months, and the overall complication rate was 13.6%. Complications were noted in 30% (3/10) and 8.8% (3/34) of patients in the single-stage and staged IU groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Fistula formation was noted in one and three patients in the single-stage and staged groups, respectively (8.8% vs. 10%, p > 0.05). Two cases of urethral stricture were documented in the single-stage group only. No chordee recurrence or urethral diverticula was noted in any of the patients. IU is a reliable and durable technique for GH with SPC. It avoided penile shortening, preserved the distal urethra, and reduced the risk of chordee recurrence. The staged IU technique had more superior outcomes compared to the single-stage IU technique.
Vicegerency and Gender Justice in Islam

Copyright 1996, University Press of Florida. This is a pre-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in the edited book Islamic Identity and the Struggle for Justice following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available through the University Press of Florida: http://www.upf.com/book.asp?id=BARAZS96. See also: http://www.eself-learning-arabic.cornell.edu/publications.htm#2
Eyewitness Memory for Typical and Atypical Weapons in Cognitive Context

The present research addressed eyewitness memory for weapons, specifically for a modern semi-automatic pistol and an antique flintlock, in order to address the influence of weapon novelty on recall for the given weapon. Additionally, the effect of explanatory backstory was examined in the same context; respondents were given prior information, which was either consistent or inconsistent with the presence of the flintlock in the scene, in order to gauge the influence of appropriate or inappropriate explanatory cognitive context. Finally, the effects of these variables on line-up identification of the ‘suspect’ holding the given weapon were addressed. The results showed that weapon type did not influence recall accuracy for given weapons, although explanatory backstory did have a significant effect here, as initially predicted. Both weapon type and explanatory backstory produced significant effects on weapon recall errors, with the exotic weapon and the more prosaic backstory producing larger numbers of mistakes. Neither of these variables was associated with significant differences in line-up performance. These results indicate the importance of prior cognitive context, as well as the physical appearance of weapons, in a full understanding of eyewitness processing of scenes involving firearms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carrier Loss in Dispersive Transport in Amorphous Semiconductors

The effects on dispersive transport of carrier loss due to deep trapping or monomolecular recombination are calculated via simple arguments. The Hecht analysis of charge collection is shown to be valid in the presence of dispersive transport. Approximate solutions are given for the case of an exponential tail.
Trypanosoma brucei Orc1 is essential for nuclear DNA replication and affects both VSG silencing and VSG switching

Summary Binding of the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) to replication origins is essential for initiation of DNA replication, but ORC has non-essential functions outside of DNA replication, including in heterochromatic gene silencing and telomere maintenance. Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite that causes human African trypanosomiasis, uses antigenic variation as a major virulence mechanism to evade the host's immune attack by expressing its major surface antigen, the Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG), in a monoallelic manner. An Orc1/Cdc6 homologue has been identified in T. brucei, but its role in DNA replication has not been directly confirmed and its potential involvement in VSG repression or switching has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we show that TbOrc1 is essential for nuclear DNA replication in mammalian-infectious bloodstream and tsetse procyclic forms (BF and PF). Depletion of TbOrc1 resulted in derepression of telomere-linked silent VSGs in both BF and PF, and increased VSG switching particularly through the in situ transcriptional switching mechanism. TbOrc1 associates with telomere repeats but appears to do so independently of two known T. brucei telomere proteins, TbRAP1 and TbTRF. We conclude that TbOrc1 has conserved functions in DNA replication and is also required to control telomere-linked VSG expression and VSG switching.
Impaired Synergism between Somatomedin C/Insulin-Like Growth Factor I and Dexamethasone in the Growth of Fibroblasts from a Patient with Insulin Resistance

To explore a possible mechanism for the diminished growth potential in a patient with an unusual form of insulin resistance, somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor I (SM-C/IGF-I) and insulin stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell replication were compared in skin fibroblasts from the patient (DF) and normal controls. There appeared to be no generalized abnormality in cellular responsiveness to growth factors. In both DF and control cells, SM-C/IGF-I (50 ng/ml), insulin (100 ng/ml), and epidermal growth factor (5 ng/ml) stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation 5-, 2-, and 6-fold, respectively. Low concentrations of human hypopituitary serum (0.25%) enhanced the effectiveness of SM-C/IGF-I and insulin to a similar extent in both DF and control cells. On the other hand, 10% calf serum stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation 37-fold in control cells, while DF cells were only 50% as responsive. Preincubation of control cells with dexamethasone (10(-7) M) caused a marked synergistic increase in SM-C/IGF-I stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation (15- to 20-fold in serum-free medium; 50- to 80-fold in 0.25% human hypopituitary serum). In contrast, preexposure to dexamethasone did not augment SM-C/IGF-I stimulation of thymidine incorporation into DNA of DF cells. Furthermore, the stimulation of cell replication by SM-C/IGF-I and insulin was potentiated by dexamethasone in control but not DF cultures. These data suggest that impairment of the synergistic action of glucocorticoids with SM-C/IGF-I and insulin regulation of fibroblast growth may be involved in the pathology of this insulin-resistant growth disorder.
Complications associated with symptomatic diagnosis in infants with cystic fibrosis.

Objective To determine the complication and hospitalization rates in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) by mode of diagnosis. Study design Newly diagnosed cases of CF were identified from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Patient Registry for 2000 through 2002. Cases were categorized as symptomatic diagnosis (SYMP; n = 1760), prenatal diagnosis (PRE; n = 66), diagnosis by means of newborn screening (NBS; n = 256), or presentation with meconium ileus (MI; n = 484). Complications were defined for the calendar year of diagnosis as stunting (length Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture results, and hypoelectrolytemia or edema and hypoproteinemia. Results For infants (age P P aeruginosa ( P P Conclusions SYMP of CF is associated with increased complication rates throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence when compared with NBS diagnosis.
A photoelastic substrate technique for dynamic measurements of forces exerted by moving organisms

SUMMARY The forces produced by small moving organisms have been quantitatively measured by having the organisms move on a polymeric substrate which transduces the applied stress into an optical birefringence signal (photoelastic effect). The optical signal can be rigorously interpreted to give static force measurements, and by calibrating the substrate empirically, dynamic measurements are obtained. The technique measures stresses, forces applied to an area, so it is not possible to determine ultimate sensitivity of the technique for measurements of forces without regard to area. The technique is especially useful when small forces are exerted over very small areas as, for example, may be the situation with moving tissue cells. The technique is noninvasive, requires minimal equipment, and is easily performed on microscopes adapted for polarized light measurements. Gelatin has the highest sensitivity and adaptability as a photoelastic substrate.
Business Intelligence in Audit

Since 2002, regulations have changed the landscape of internal audit as well as how many internal audit departments are viewed by senior management and the board, making it difficult for internal audit, especially small and medium departments, to maintain a role in the risk management process. Many companies are beginning to realize the benefit of using business intelligence in the risk management process. By finding ways to get involved in those efforts, internal audit can again provide value and regain a seat at the risk management table.
Suppression of secretory rosette formation by PCBs in Lumbricus terrestris: An earthworm assay for humoral immunotoxicity of xenobiotics

Research is part of an effort to develop surrogate immunoassays with the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris to assess immunotoxic potential of xenobiotics to mammals. Objective was to determine if an earthworm humoral immunoassay, secretory (S) rosette formation by coelomic leukocytes, is sensitive to a known mammalian immunotoxin, the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1254®. Results are presented in terms of PCB exposure and tissue levels during uptake/depuration. Using 5-d filter paper contact exposure, LC50 and LD50 were 300 mg/cm2 and 1,140 mg/g dry mass. Nominal PCB exposure concentration of 5.0 mg/cm2 and actual tissue levels of 76 mg/g dry mass were sufficient to suppress S-rosette formation. Suppression and return of function followed PCB levels in coelomic leukocytes, the presumed site of toxicity. Compared to published mammalian data on immunoglobulin suppression by PCBs, the earthworm immunoassay appeared to be more sensitive.
The Risk of Seizures After Receipt of Whole-Cell Pertussis or Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine

Background The administration of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and whole-cell pertussis (DTP) vaccine and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been associated with seizures. We studied the relation between these vaccinations and the risk of a first seizure, subsequent seizures, and neurodevelopmental disability in children. Methods This cohort study was conducted at four large health maintenance organizations and included reviews of the medical records of children with seizures. We calculated the relative risks of febrile and nonfebrile seizures among 679,942 children after 340,386 vaccinations with DTP vaccine, 137,457 vaccinations with MMR vaccine, or no recent vaccination. Children who had febrile seizures after vaccination were followed to identify the risk of subsequent seizures and other neurologic disabilities. Results Receipt of DTP vaccine was associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures only on the day of vaccination (adjusted relative risk, 5.70; 95 percent confidence int...
Alternative method of HG and THC control using existing cement kiln particulate control equipment

Only three options for control of mercury and organic compounds were available to cement kilns when the latest revisions to the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards were considered. Since then, Albemarle has developed a technique whereby the existing kiln particulate control device can be used in conjunction with a temperature insensitive, concrete-friendly sorbent, C-PAC™, to provide capture of mercury and organics so that they can be removed from the system and provide a sink for these pollutants. This technique is unique to the cement industry. The CKD material removed from the system can be reused in cement products rather than disposed in a landfill. The technique has been tested at four cement kilns. The temperature-insensitive, concretefriendly sorbent is a gas-phase brominated powdered activated carbon (PAC).
Differential effects of age on circulating and splenic leukocyte populations in C57BL/6 and BALB/c male mice

Despite several reports on age-related phenotypic changes of the immune system's cells, studies that use a multipoint age comparison between the specific and innate immune cell populations of prototypical Th1- and Th2-type polarized mouse strains are still lacking. Using a multipoint age comparison approach, cells from the two major immune system compartments, peripheral blood and spleen, and flow cytometry analysis, we found several principal differences in T cell and professional antigen presenting cell (APC) populations originating from a prototypical T helper (Th) 1 mouse strain, C57BL/6, and a prototypical Th2 strain, BALB/c. For example, regardless of age, there were strain differences in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and spleens in the proportion of CD4+ (higher in the BALB/c strain), CD8+ T cells and CD11b+/CD11c+ APC (greater in C57BL/6 mice). Other differences were present only in PBMC (MHC class II + and CD19+ were greater in C57BL/6 mice) or differences were evident in the spleens but not in circulation (CD3+ T cells were greater in C57BL/6 mice). There were populations of cells that increased with age in PBMC and spleens of both strains (MHC class II+), decreased in the periphery and spleens of both strains (CD11b+) or did not change in the PBMC and spleens of both strains (CD8+). We also found strain and age differences in the distribution of naive and memory/activated splenic T cells, e.g., BALB/c mice had more memory/activated and less naive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and the C57BL/6 mice. Our data provide important information on the principal differences, within the context of age, in T cell and professional APC populations between the prototypical Th1 mouse strain C57BL/6 and the prototypical Th2 strain BALB/c. Although the age-related changes that occur may be rather subtle, they may be very relevant in conditions of disease and stress. Importantly, our data indicate that age and strain should be considered in concert in the selection of appropriate mouse models for immunological research.
Two-photon-pumped cavity lasing in a dye-solution-filled hollow-fiber system

Two-photon-pumped cavity lasing has been achieved in a dye-solution-filled hollow-fiber configuration that provides both a longer gain length and a higher local pump intensity. The gain medium is a solution of the new dye 4-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(methyl)amino phenyl]-4′-(6-hydroxyhexyl sulfonyl)stilbene in dimethyl sulfoxide, which shows a strong two-photon-absorption-induced fluorescence when excited with near-infrared radiation. When the system is pumped with 800-nm 5-ns laser pulses, frequency-upconverted cavity lasing can be observed with a peak lasing wavelength near 565 nm and a 2–3.5-ns pulse duration. One of the major advantages of using a hollow-fiber geometry is the low two-photon pump threshold, which was measured to be as low as 20–30 μJ for a 15-cm-long hollow-fiber sample of 100-μm internal diameter. The conversion efficiency from the absorbed pump energy to the upconverted lasing output was 2.3%.
Antigenic cross-reactivity among monoterpene cyclases from grand fir and induction of these enzymes upon stem wounding.

Abstract A major wound response in grand fir (Abies grandis) sapling stems is the rapid increase in monoterpene production at the site of injury. Monoterpene cyclases (synthases) catalyze the formation of monoterpenes from geranyl pyrophosphate, and total cyclase activity increases markedly on wounding. At least six distinct cyclases, producing different monoterpene products, have been isolated from wounded grand fir saplings and characterized. The predominant wound-inducible cyclase produces both α- and β-pinene. This pinene cyclase was purified, and polyclonal antibodies were generated in rabbits against the sodium dodecyl sulfate-denatured protein. The antibody preparation was found to crossreact by Western blotting with other grand fir monoterpene cyclases that produce different olefinic products, but not with monoterpene cyclases from related conifer species (Pinus contorta and P. ponderosa) or from angiosperms (Mentha piperita and M. spicata). The increase in monoterpene cyclase activity after wounding was closely correlated with the appearance of new cyclase protein as determined by immunoblotting. These results indicate that the wound-dependent increase in monoterpene cyclase activity is a consequence of de novo synthesis of cyclase protein.
Materials science: Continuity through dispersity

By making polymers whose central blocks have a range of lengths, materials have been prepared that contain separate, intermeshed domains extending throughout the material — a highly desirable structure.
Phase 2 Study of Pemetrexed and Itraconazole as Second-Line Therapy for Metastatic Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction Preclinical studies have suggested that the oral antifungal agent itraconazole specifically inhibits proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. Itraconazole has potent antiangiogenic activity and enhances the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy in multiple primary xenograft lung cancer models. On the basis of these data, we performed an exploratory clinical study, assessing the efficacy of itraconazole with cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods The study enrolled patients with progressive nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer after one prior cytotoxic therapy for metastatic disease, randomized 2:1 to intravenous administration of pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 on day 1, with or without itraconazole 200 mg orally daily, on a 21-day cycle. Outcome measures included percent progression-free at 3 months, progression-free survival, overall survival, and observed toxicity. Results A total of 23 patients were enrolled; the study was stopped early because of increasing use of pemetrexed in the first-line setting. At 3 months, 67% of the patients on itraconazole plus pemetrexed were progression-free versus 29% on the control arm of pemetrexed alone ( p = 0.11). Median progression-free survivals were 5.5 months (itraconazole) versus 2.8 months (control) (hazard ratio=0.399, p = 0.089). Overall survival was longer in patients receiving itraconazole (median 32 months) versus control (8 months) (hazard ratio=0.194, p = 0.012). There were no evident differences in toxicity between the study arms. Conclusion Itraconazole is well tolerated in combination with pemetrexed. Consistent with our preclinical data, daily itraconazole administration is associated with trends suggestive of improved disease control in patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer.
Fluorophobic effect promotes partitioning of organics into macroporous organic polymers: a method for achieving high local concentrations.

The efficiency for partitioning small organic compounds from fluorinated solvents of varying quality into highly cross-linked, macroporous, and insoluble organic polymers is described. The solvating qualities of the poly(acrylates) together with the solvating quality of the solvent are key to describing the partitioning thermodynamics. Partitioning measurements for 9-anthracene methanol 1 are reported as a function of fluorous content in perfluoromethylcyclohexane (PFMC):hexanes mixtures, comonomer structure and loading, and temperature. The best comonomer for the sorption of 1 is methacrylamide. Concentration enhancements of up to ∼200-fold are obtainable, and are proposed to account for previously observed rate accelerations in catalyst-containing porous polymers. Partition efficiency (PE) measurements, described as the ratio of polymer to original solution concentrations, are presented for a variety of organic compounds. The PE is sensitive to analyte structure and ranges from 1 to 170 (180 being the m...
Correctness of substring-preprocessing in Boyer-Moore's pattern matching algorithm

One of the main reasons for the high efficiency of the fast pattern matching algorithm of Boyer and Moore is preprocessing. The Boyer-Moore pattern matching algorithm utilizes two preprocessing algorithms: one on single characters and the other one on substrings. It is the latter which makes the pattern matching algorithm extremely fast (especially on natural language text). In the current paper we present a formal correctness proof of the program describing the substring-preprocessing algorithm. The proof is carried out within linear time temporal logic. During the process of our verification we found that indices of auxiliary arrays, as used in published high-level descriptions of the preprocessing algorithm, may run out of bounds. We demonstrate that this is the case and correct that undesirable aspect in the current paper.
Effects of Pre-portioned and Family-style Food Service on Preschool Children's Food Intake and Waste at Snacktime

Abstract Many child care food program guidelines recommend family-style food service as a best practice for feeding young children in group settings. However, some child care providers resist these guidelines, expressing concerns about convenience, food waste, and time constraints. This study was conducted to determine if there are differences in food intake, waste, and time required for eating when young children in group settings are served by pre-portioned or family-style food service. Forty children, ages 35 to 60 months (19 boys, 21 girls), were observed during 108 preschool sessions. Pre-portioned food service was used one day per week for 35 sessions; family-style food service was used for the remaining 73 sessions. Mean intake of children fed family style was significantly greater than the mean intake of children fed using the pre-portioned method. No significant differences between feeding protocols were found in the mean portions of waste or in the time required to eat. This study provides evide...
P‐117: Electrowetting‐Based Pixelation for Light Wave Coupling Displays

A pixelation technique is reported for light wave coupling (LWC) displays. LWC is a super-efficient and novel emissive display platform which utilizes switchable coupling of brilliant RGB fluorescent media to a violet light storage plate. Electrowetting of fluorescent liquids provides a rapid, low-power, and simple means for modulation of pixel luminance.
Random acts of kindness : A teaching tool for positive deviance

Instilling in students a sociological imagination while introducing them to the study of deviant behaviors, which many of them have never encountered, is a difficult task. Students inevitably seem to get caught up in the "weirdness" of certain deviant subcultures with which they are unfamiliar. In addition, they arrive with established notions of deviance, which the popular media and political rhetoric create and maintain. Our challenge in teaching the sociology of deviant behavior is to help students understand why there are behaviors considered "deviant," and why it is important to understand these behaviors from a sociological point of view. In other words, one goal of the Sociology of Deviant Behavior course is to banish ethnocentric points of view regarding deviant categories of individuals and groups through the development of a clearer understanding of how deviance is created and defined.