cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proton pump inhibitors: better acid suppression when taken before a meal than without a meal.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors including omeprazole and lansoprazole inhibit gastric acid secretion by selectively and non-competitively inactivating the H+, K+ ATPase molecules of the parietal cell, but possibly only those that are actively secreting acid. This might imply that stimulation of acid secretion by a meal is necessary for optimal inhibition of gastric secretion. Aim: To quantify and compare the effect on daytime gastric acidity of omeprazole 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg daily taken 15 min before breakfast, with that of the same drug taken without a meal. Methods: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either omeprazole or lansoprazole. They were given the drug for two separate periods of 7 days in randomized order and at least 7 days apart. During one period the study medication was taken before breakfast; during the other it was taken at the same hour, but with no meal until 12:00 hours. Lunch was standardized. On day 7, intragastric pH-metry was performed, starting at 08:00 hours. Tracings were analysed for the 8-h period from 08:00 hours until 16:00 hours with regard to percentage time for which gastric pH was below 4.0 and 3.0, and median gastric pH. Tracings were also analysed after removing the 1 h breakfast period, to exclude the buffering effect of the meal. Results: When taking the drug with breakfast, the median percentage time for which gastric pH < 4.0 was 17.2 (interquartile range 4.6–45.5), compared with 42.0 (interquartile range 31.4–48.8) when taken without food (P=0.01). Fifteen subjects had better control of gastric acidity when the medication was taken with breakfast. A pH threshold of 3 and median pH showed similar differences. When the breakfast period was removed, the differences were no longer statistically significant. Conclusions: When therapy with omeprazole or lansoprazole is indicated, medication should be taken before a meal for optimal control of daytime gastric acidity.
Rutting Model for HMA Overlay Treatment of Composite Pavements

Timely rehabilitation and preservation of pavement systems are imperative to maximize benefits in terms of driver’s comfort and safety. However, the effectiveness of any treatment largely depends on the time of treatment and triggers governed by treatment performance models. This paper presents the development of rutting model for overlay treatment of composite pavement in the State of Louisiana. Various factors affecting the rutting of overlay treatment were identified. Regression analysis was conducted, and rut prediction model is generated. In order to better predict the pavement service life, the existing condition of the pavement was also utilized through the model. The developed models provided a good agreement between the measured and predicted rut values. It was found that the predictions were significantly improved, when existing pavement condition was incorporated. The resulting rutting model could be used as a good pavement management tool for timely pavement maintenance and rehabilitation actions to maximize LADOTD benefits and driver’s comfort and safety.
Pursuing excellence in qualitative inquiry.

Psychological science is now in a period of major transition. After almost a century of dominance by a foundational view of empirical science, a new pluralism is sweeping the field. We witness the rapid and global expansion of perspectives, visions, and goals of inquiry. Partly owing to the traditional distinction between quantitative and qualitative research, these pluralistic pursuits are typically gathered under the qualitative umbrella. As I will first propose, the criteria of excellence applicable to traditional empirical research are mistakenly applied to most forms of qualitative inquiry. Furthermore, because of their differing ontologies, epistemologies, and aims of inquiry, there are no adequate criteria of excellence applicable across the qualitative spectrum. Thus explored is the emergence and sustainability of criteria within communities of practice. Within such communities, criteria of excellence become evident. At the same time, when criteria are solidified, their rigorous application is inimical to the well-being of the field and its contributions to society. Discussions of excellence ultimately may profit from an orientation of reflective pragmatism.
Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Combination with a Twice-Daily Lopinavir-Ritonavir-Based Regimen in HIV-Infected Women Showed Effective Contraception and a Lack of Clinically Significant Interactions, with Good Safety and Tolerability: Results of the ACTG 5283 Study

We conducted an open-label, steady-state pharmacokinetic (PK) study of drug-drug interactions between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and twice-daily lopinavir (LPV) plus low-dose ritonavir (RTV) (LPV/r) among 24 HIV-infected women and compared the results to those for HIV-infected women receiving DMPA while on no antiretroviral therapy or on nucleosides only (n = 14 subjects from the control arm of AIDS Clinical Trials Group [ACTG] study 5093). The objectives of the study were to address the effect of LPV/r on DMPA and to address the effect of DMPA on LPV/r therapy. PK parameters were estimated using noncompartmental analysis with between-group comparisons of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) PKs and within-subject comparisons of LPV and RTV PKs before and 4 weeks after DMPA dosing. Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured every 2 weeks after DMPA dosing through week 12. Although the MPA area under the concentration-time curve and maximum concentration of drug in plasma were statistically significantly increased in the study women on LPV/r compared to those in the historical controls, these increases were not considered clinically significant. There were no changes in LPV or RTV exposure after DMPA. DMPA was well tolerated, and suppression of ovulation was maintained. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01296152.).
State of the Climate in 2003

Abstract The earth's climate was influenced by a moderate El Nino in the tropical Pacific Ocean at the beginning of 2003. This ENSO warm event developed during October–November of 2002, and eventually dissipated during March–April 2003, giving way to near-neutral ENSO conditions for the remainder of the year. Despite the cessation of El Nino during the boreal spring, the ENSO warm event affected regional precipitation anomalies over a broad area of the Pacific basin, including wet anomalies along the west coast of South America, and dry anomalies in eastern Australia, the southwest Pacific, and Hawaii. The global mean surface temperature in 2003 was within the highest three annual values observed during the period of regular instrumental records (beginning in approximately 1880), but below the 1998 record-high value. Global surface temperatures in 2003 were 0.46°C (0.83°F) above the 1961–90 mean, according to one U.K. record, which ranked as third highest in this archive. In the U.S. temperature archive, ...
Allometry of territory size and metabolic rate as predictors of self-thinning in young-of-the-year Atlantic salmon

1. Self-thinning is a progressive decline in population density caused by competitively induced losses in a cohort of growing individuals and can be depicted as: log10 (density) = c − β log10 (body mass). 2. In mobile animals, two mechanisms for self-thinning have been proposed: (i) the space hypothesis predicts that maximum population density for a given body size is the inverse of territory size, and hence, the self-thinning slope is the negative of the slope of the allometric territory-size relationship; (ii) the energetic equivalence hypothesis predicts that the self-thinning slope is the negative of the slope of the allometric metabolic rate relationship, assuming a constant supply of energy for the cohort. 3. Both hypotheses were tested by monitoring body size, population density, food availability and habitat for young-of-the-year Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick. The results were consistent with the predictions of the space hypothesis. Observed densities did not exceed the maximum densities predicted and the observed self-thinning slope of −1·16 was not significantly different from the slope of −1·12, predicted by the allometry of territory size for the population under study. 4. The observed self-thinning slope was significantly steeper than −0·87, predicted by the allometry of metabolic rate, perhaps because of a gradual decline in food abundance over the study period. The decline in density was more rapid in very shallow sites and may have been partly caused by a seasonal change in water depth and an ontogenetic habitat shift rather than solely by competition for food or space. 5. The allometry of territory size may be a useful predictor of self-thinning in populations of mobile animals competing for food and space.
A bioeconomic analysis of an emerald ash borer invasion of an urban forest with multiple jurisdictions

Abstract Bio-invasions occur in management mosaics where local control affects spread and damage across political boundaries. We address two obstacles to local implementation of optimal regional control of a bio-invasion that damages public and private resources across jurisdictions: lack of local funds to protect the public resource and lack of access to protect the private resource. To evaluate these obstacles, we develop a spatial-dynamic model of the optimal control of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota, USA. We focus on managing valuable host trees with preventative insecticide treatment or pre-emptive removal to slow EAB spread. The model includes spatial variation in the ownership and benefits of host trees, the costs of management, and the budgets of municipal jurisdictions. We develop and evaluate centralized strategies for 17 jurisdictions surrounding the infestation. The central planner determines the quantities of trees in public ownership to treat and remove over time, to maximize benefits of surviving trees net costs of management across public and private ownerships, subject to constraints on municipal budgets, management activities, and access to private trees. The results suggest that centralizing the budget across jurisdictions rather than increasing any one municipal budget does more to increase total net benefits. Strategies with insecticide treatment are superior to ones with pre-emptive removal because they reduce the quantity of susceptible trees at lower cost and protect the benefits of healthy trees. Increasing the accessibility of private trees to public management substantially slows EAB spread and improves total net benefit.
Recent Evidence on the Effectiveness of Prenatal Care

Objective.—To assess the evidence of effectiveness of prenatal care. Design.—A 2-day conference with commissioned papers with summary at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Outcome Measures.—Effectiveness of prenatal care in preventing prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, and birth defects and in improving women's health. Conclusions.—Current technology provides limited ability to prevent adverse fetal outcomes but may do much to ameliorate morbidity. However, the latter is not well assessed in data systems. In contrast, the opportunity to improve women's health appears much greater, but doing so is hampered by a number of structural and attitudinal barriers.
Connoisseur's Choice: Bornite, Dzhezkazgan Mine, Dzhezkazgan, Karagandy Province, Kazakhstan

Such comments as “that specimen is rare,” or “it's a rare species,” or “that species is rare from that locality” are heard multiple times when collectors get together for a chin wag. In fact, rarit...
Food intake suppression by growth factors and platelet peptides by direct action in the central nervous system

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) microinfusion of epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) suppressed 2 h and nighttime food intake in rats. The following daytime food intake did not change or increased. I.c.v. infusion of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) suppressed only 2 h food intake. I.c.v. infusion of bovine serum albumin (BSA), nerve growth factor (NGF), or inactivated EGF, bFGF and PF4 had no effect. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of EGF, bFGF, PF4 and PDGF in doses equivalent to or higher than those administered centrally had no effect. The results suggest a central action of growth factors and platelet peptides on feeding regulation.
Pivotal estimation with applications for the intraclass correlation coefficient in the balanced one-way random effects model

In this paper pivotal quantities are used to obtain estimators of parameters. As an application of this technique, a family of estimators is presented for the intraclass correlation coefficient in the balanced one-way random effects model. The family is derived by equating a pivotal quantity to different values of the pivoting distribution, and includes the familiar REML and ML estimators. It is shown that under certain conditions, in terms of mean-squared error, most members of the family of estimators are admissible within the family. The authors provide guidance concerning the choice of an individual member of the family for estimation purposes and indicate how the method can be extended to unbalanced designs.
Cell fusion and reprogramming: resolving our transdifferences.

Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) can contribute to the regeneration of diverse adult tissues, including brain, liver and heart, following bone marrow transplantation. These unexpected events were initially considered a result of transdifferentiation of BMDCs, supporting the emerging idea of extended plasticity of adult stem cells. Although studies observing transdifferentiation were met with great enthusiasm, the characterization of such events was incomplete. Meanwhile, an alternative hypothesis, cell fusion, began to emerge. New studies have now clearly demonstrated that spontaneous cell fusion, rather than transdifferentiation, was the primary cause for unexpected cell fate-switches of BMDCs into hepatocytes, Purkinje cells and cardiac myocytes in vivo.
The winged bean as an oil and protein source: A review

Despite high protein contents in its ripe seeds, tubers and fresh leaves (ranging from 29.3–39.0%, 3.0–15.0% and 5.0–7.6% respectively) and the high quality of that protein, the winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) remained an obscure food source until about 10 years ago. Recently, this legume has received increasing attention from scientists because of its potential multiple uses as a food protein source in the humid tropics. This article reviews the utilization and nutrition literature of winged bean published during the last 10 years. The following aspects are covered: classification of winged bean proteins, nutritional properties and antinutritional components of the protein, protein quality, functional properties, and protein-based food products. The oil content of winged bean seeds ranges from 15.0–20.4%, and use of the winged bean as a potential oilseed crop is discussed. Areas of needed research are identified and described.
The development and testing of a dermal exposure system for pharmacokinetic studies of administered and ambient water contaminants.

Abstract Introduction: In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics of water-borne chemicals while eliminating exposures by other routes, a dermal exposure system was developed to expose the hand and forearm of human subjects. Methods: The goal was, primarily, to study the dermal pharmacokinetics of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a water contaminant, and, secondarily, the ambient disinfection byproducts (DBPs). MTBE is used as a fuel oxygenate and DBPs result from chlorination of drinking water. The DBPs measured in the water and blood of the subjects were chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane. The dermal exposure system was constructed of inert and impervious materials. The interface between the glass and Teflon exposure tank and the subject was custom-made of clear Tedlar (polyvinylfluoride) so that the depth of the arm in the media could be monitored. Results: Sampling of the water concentration of the test chemical, MTBE, demonstrated stability over the duration of the exposure. A temperature loss of about 1.5 °C occurred over the course of the 1-h exposure. Blood concentrations taken from 14 human subjects before, during, and after the 1-h exposure demonstrated that measurable MTBE and DBPs were absorbed. Discussion: This system has the advantages of maintaining contaminant concentration and exposing an anatomically distinct body region, and the convenience of blood sampling.
Thrombocytopenia associated with use of a biocompatible hemodialysis membrane: a case report.

Biocompatibility of a dialyzer membrane has been defined largely by the degree to which it activates complement. Modifications of the cellulose membrane and the development of synthetic membranes have minimized the activation of complement and its associated complications. However, less is known about the blood–dialyzer membrane interactions that may occur in membranes made of the same synthetic polymer. A patient is described who developed dialysis-associated thrombocytopenia using a Fresenius Medical Care Optiflux polysulfone membrane (F-160) that significantly improved when switched to the polysulfone Asahi REXEED 25S membrane (AR-25S). A comparison of postdialysis d-dimer level suggests that the F-160 membrane activated the coagulation pathway to a greater extent than the AR-25S. Subtle differences between the internal surfaces of the membranes that are manufacturer specific may be responsible for exposing this patient's unique predisposition to thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. Despite the advances in membrane biocompatibility, differences may exist among membranes made of the same synthetic polymer.
Intimate Indulgences: Salvation and Local Religion in Eighteenth-Century Santiago de Guatemala

Most studies of pious foundations in colonial Spanish America examine an elite spiritual economy that was headed primarily by noble patriarchs whose substantial endowments sponsored the ecclesiastical careers of descendants and reinforced ties between elite families and the clergy. This analysis takes a different approach and examines modest perpetual mass foundations funded by a broader array of benefactors. These perpetual mass foundations illuminate an alternative spiritual economy in eighteenth-century Santiago de Guatemala marked by the active participation of sacred images and spaces, priests and monastic communities, and single and widowed laywomen. This analysis offers a new lens onto local religion in a colonial Spanish American urban center and reveals the complex web of relationships that framed death and salvation.
Does Political Incorporation Matter? The Impact of Minority Mayors Over Time

The authors assess the effects of minority political incorporation in large cities. An interrupted time-series research design is used to determine whether the election of a city’s first minority mayor has any short-term or long-term impact on fiscal policies. The authors examined six cities that elected black or Latino mayors and six cities with white mayors from 1972 to 1992. In general, they find that minority political incorporation did not significantly change fiscal policies in different ways from that which occurred in cities without minority incorporation.
RECOVERY and CONCENTRATION of FLAVOR COMPOUNDS IN APPLE ESSENCE BY PERVAPORATION

Recovery and concentration of flavor compounds from an apple essence (x 500) was attempted by pervaporation using a silicone rubber (polydimethylsiloxane) membrane at room temperature. the flavor components were identified by GC-MS method, and the ratio of concentration of the flavor compound in the permeate to that in the feed was determined for each component. It was found that pervaporation is indeed an effective measure for the above purpose. Concentration ratios above 20 were achieved for flavor components with boiling points lower than 100°C.
Development of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria of Soils Irrigated with Reclaimed Wastewater

Wastewater reclamation for municipal irrigation is an increasingly attractive option for extending water supplies. However, public health concerns include the potential for development of antibiotic resistance (AR) in soil bacteria after exposure to residual chemicals in reclaimed water. Though scientific studies have reported high levels of AR in soils irrigated with wastewater, these works often ignore the natural occurrence of soil AR. We are comparing AR patterns in soil Enterococcus isolated from water storage basins recharged with either reclaimed water or groundwater in central Arizona. Resistance to 16 antibiotics is being quantified from the soil surface (0-5 cm) to a depth of 30 cm. Results reveal that resistance to multiple antibiotics, including tetracycline, daptomycin, and erythromycin, exists in soils regardless of the water source (groundwater, reclaimed water). Though resistance patterns differ between bacteria isolated from soils from the two treatments, overall AR is not increased in soils exposed to reclaimed water. Comparing the development of AR in soil bacteria at these two sites will increase awareness of the environmental and public health impacts of using reclaimed water for irrigation of municipal areas.
Cloning, expression and in vitro evaluation of recombinant canine Tum5, an angiostatic domain of mammalian type IV collagen

The process of new blood vessel formation within and around neoplastic tissue, termed angiogenesis, is a significant factor in the development, progression and metastasis of malignant tumours in all species. A major cause of death in cancer patients is the development of treatment-resistant metastatic disease, which may be avoided by therapies that target the genetically stable population of vascular endothelial cells within tumours. Tumstatin is a small protein formed by the cleavage of the alpha-3 subunit of the non-collagenous domain of mammalian type IV collagen. Recombinant human Tumstatin has been shown to have potent angiostatic properties in vitro and in vivo. Tumstatin is a potent initiator of apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells in cell culture. Recently, a fragment of Tumstatin, termed Tum5, has been shown to have biologic activity similar to the parent compound. The systemic administration of angiostatic proteins like Tum5 may result in the remission of established tumours, while preventing or delaying the onset of clinically detectable metastasis. Recombinant canine Tum5 (cTum5) was cloned and its protein expression induced in a prokaryotic vector. The resulting cTum5 protein caused dose-dependent inhibition of vascular endothelial cells in vitro, which appears to be mediated through apoptosis.
Herpes zoster-related hospitalizations and expenditures before and after introduction of the varicella vaccine in the United States

Objective. With childhood varicella vaccination in the United States have come concerns that the incidence of herpes zoster may increase, because of diminishing natural exposure to varicella and consequent reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus. We wanted to estimate the rate of herpes zoster-related hospitalizations and the associated hospital charges before and during the promotion of varicella vaccination in the United States. Design. A retrospective study of patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 1993–2004 who were hospitalized due to herpes zoster infection. Methods. We searched for diagnoses of herpes zoster (using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revison, Clinical Modification codes starting with 053) in all 15 diagnostic-code fields included for hospital discharges in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample during 1993–2004. We designed our analysis to examine the rates of severe illness due to herpes zoster that resulted in hospitalization, as measured by the rates of herpes zoster-related hospital discharges (HZHDs). The annual population-adjusted rate of HZHDs (per 10,000 US population) and the annual inflation-adjusted total charges for HZHDs were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included mean charges for HZHDs and the distribution of total charges for HZHDs by expected primary payer. Varicella-related hospital discharges (VRHDs) were identified by use of similar diagnosis-based methods, which were described in our previous study. Results. Population-adjusted rates of HZHDs did not change significantiy from the prevaccination years (1993–1995) through the initial 5 years of the varicella vaccination period. Beginning in 2001, however, the rate of HZHDs overall began to increase, and by 2004 the overall rate was 2.5 HZHDs (95% confidence interval, 2.38–2.62) per 10,000 US population, significantly higher than any of the rates calculated during the years prior to 2002. Hospital charges for HZHDs overall increased by more than $700 million annually by 2004; in particular, we found that the herpes zoster vaccine–eligible population (ie, persons aged 60 years or older) accounted for 74% of the total annual hospital charges in 2004. The annual rate of VRHDs and the associated hospital charges decreased significantly from 1993 through 2004, but the decrease in hospitalizations and charges for VRHDs was less than the increase in hospitalizations and charges for HZHDs. Conclusions. AS the rates of VRHDs and the associated charges have decreased, there has been a significant increase in HZHDs and associated charges, disproportionately among older adults. Herpes zoster vaccine may mitigate these trends for HZHDs.
Hope for the future: Strategies for effective conservation education

The traditional strategy of attempting to modify the attitudes of children in zoo education may be ill-fated, as changes may arrive too late to produce significant results in a depleted environment. Adults, however, have the resources to make a real difference today and are therefore the primary target audience at the Cincinnati Zoo. The focus for programs is the positive side of conservation; in addition to intensive captive propagation and education efforts, zoos must support international conservation efforts to be most effective in the conservation movement.
Investigation of the Deposition and Integration of Hard Coatings for Moving MEMS Applications

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have been identified as a key technology for small-scale satellites, integrated sensors, and intelligent control systems. Using methods developed for highly integrated electronics, mechanical components are co-fabricated on planar wafers and subsequently etched free for mechanical movements in three dimensions. A major design limitation for these systems is their inability to withstand prolonged sliding surface contact. The fundamental problem is that the surface properties of silicon and poly-silicon, two of the most widely used materials for MEMS, are highly unsuitable for moving MEMS devices, resulting in high wear during operation. This work explores the feasibility and benefits of depositing thin, wear-resistant, low-friction coatings on silicon or poly-silicon. To achieve this goal, three-dimensional test silicon microstructures have been fabricated. Wear-resistant titanium carbide (TiC) coatings are deposited on these test structures using a novel non-line-of-sight pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process. In parallel, this paper addresses the integration of the TiC coating directly into the MEMS fabrication processes and its compatibility with standard silicon processing.
Strict Semimonotonicity Property of Linear Transformations on Euclidean Jordan Algebras

Motivated by the equivalence of the strict semimonotonicity property of the matrix A and the uniqueness of the solution to the linear complementarity problem LCP(A,q) for q∈R+n, we study the strict semimonotonicity (SSM) property of linear transformations on Euclidean Jordan algebras. Specifically, we show that, under the copositive condition, the SSM property is equivalent to the uniqueness of the solution to LCP(L,q) for all q in the symmetric cone K. We give a characterization of the uniqueness of the solution to LCP(L,q) for a Z transformation on the Lorentz cone ℒ+n. We study also a matrix-induced transformation on the Lorentz space ℒn.
Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel Testing of the Orion Spacecraft

The Orion aerodynamic testing team has completed more than 40 tests as part of developing the aerodynamic and loads databases for the vehicle. These databases are key to achieving good mechanical design for the vehicle and to ensure controllable flight during all potential atmospheric phases of a mission, including launch aborts. A wide variety of wind tunnels have been used by the team to document not only the aerodynamics but the aeroacoustic environment that the Orion might experience both during nominal ascents and launch aborts. During potential abort scenarios the effects of the various rocket motor plumes on the vehicle must be accurately understood. The Abort Motor (AM) is a high-thrust, short duration motor that rapidly separates Orion from its launch vehicle. The Attitude Control Motor (ACM), located in the nose of the Orion Launch Abort Vehicle, is used for control during a potential abort. The 8 plumes from the ACM interact in a nonlinear manner with the four AM plumes which required a carefully controlled test to define the interactions and their effect on the control authority provided by the ACM. Techniques for measuring dynamic stability and for simulating rocket plume aerodynamics and acoustics were improved or developed in the course of building the aerodynamic and loads databases for Orion.
Robotic Surgery: Considerations for the Future

Robotic surgery stands on the threshold of novel innovations and advances. This involves the development of newer robotic systems, novel robotic applications, and the incorporation of image-guidance and augmented reality navigation systems. Herein, we describe some examples of these ongoing advances in robotic surgery such as flexible ureterorenoscopy, robotic laser surgery, and robotic-assisted single-port surgery.
Idealized, inaccurate but successful: A pragmatic approach to evaluating models in theoretical ecology

Ecologists attempt to understand the diversity of life with mathematical models. Often, mathematical models contain simplifying idealizations designed to cope with the blooming, buzzing confusion of the natural world. This strategy frequently issues in models whose predictions are inaccurate. Critics of theoretical ecology argue that only predictively accurate models are successful and contribute to the applied work of conservation biologists. Hence, they think that much of the mathematical work of ecologists is poor science. Against this view, I argue that model building is successful even when models are predictively inaccurate for at least three reasons: models allow scientists to explore the possible behaviors of ecological systems; models give scientists simplified means by which they can investigate more complex systems by determining how the more complex system deviates from the simpler model; and models give scientists conceptual frameworks through which they can conduct experiments and fieldwork. Critics often mistake the purposes of model building, and once we recognize this, we can see their complaints are unjustified. Even though models in ecology are not always accurate in their assumptions and predictions, they still contribute to successful science.
A note concerning Seifert manifolds for 2-knots

Elementary observations yield new classes of knotted 2-spheres in S 4 which do not admit Punct (# S 1 × S 2 ) as a Seifert manifold. This provides a rather painless proof which re-establishes the existence of non-ribbon 2-knots.
Application of Solvent‐Directed Assembly of Block Copolymers to the Synthesis of Nanostructured Materials with Low Dielectric Constants

An inverse relationship: Mixtures of poly(dimethylacrylamide)-block-polylactide copolymer (PDMA-b-PLA) with organosilicate oligomers (PMSSQ) selectively sequestered into the PDMA phase form micelles and inverse micelles in solution depending on the solvent. The micellar structures are imprinted into the resulting cured organosilicate to give monoliths or assemblies of densely packed organosilicate nanoparticles, respectively.
Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelia Fail to Kill Bacteria Because of Abnormal Airway Surface Fluid

thelia causes chronic bacterial infections in cystic fi- al. (1989) have shown that airway surface fluid from brosis (CF) airways. Here, we show that common CF patients with CF has increased concentrations of Cl2 pathogens were killed when added to the apical sur- and Na 1 when compared with that of normal subjects. face of normal airway epithelia. In contrast, these bac- But how do these abnormalities relate to airway infecteria multiplied on CF epithelia. We found that bacteri- tions? cidal activity was present in airway surface fluid of both normal and CF epithelia. However, because bacterial killing required a low NaCl concentration and Results because CF surface fluid has a high NaCl concentration, CF epithelia failed to kill bacteria. This defect was Normal but Not CF Epithelia Kill Bacteria corrected by reducing the NaCl concentration on CF Applied to the Apical Surface epithelia. These data explain how the loss of CFTR Cl 2 Human airways are continually exposed to bacteria in channels may lead to lung disease and suggest new ambient air (10 3 /m 3 ) and to aspirated bacteria (DeKoster approaches to therapy.
Buckling and Crack Propagation of Cracked Box Beams

The stress-intensity factors of cracked box beams under torsion, geometrically linear and nonlinear twist buckling, and crack propagation under combined loading are discussed. This study is motivated by a previous work which derived a closed-form expression of Mode II stress-intensity factor for thin-walled beams with a centered longitudinal crack and subjected to torsion. Naturally, the way in which Mode I stress-intensity factors are influenced by torsion is of interest. The influence of parameters like crack length, crack angle, width and depth of beam, wall thickness, stiffener size on Mode I and Mode II stress intensity factors have been studied using the finite element method and represented the data in a surrogate model using two approaches: a) a Fourier-series based correction factor, and b) an artificial neural network. The torsional-buckling problem and crack propagation are also of interest. Specifically, the former is studied based on both geometrically linear and nonlinear theory for the critical loading and the load-twist angle relation; the crack propagation study focuses on both the limit loadings and the angle in which the initial crack growth occures. The results, which are based on finite element analysis of a box beam in the presence of a crack, indicate, that even for a tiny crack, the crack grows prior to buckling.
Tuning the Metal-Adsorbate Chemical Bond through the Ligand Effect on Platinum Subsurface Alloys**

Scratching beneath the surface: Pt-M(3d)-Pt(111) (M(3d) = Co, Ni) bimetallic subsurface alloys have been designed to show the ligand effect tunes reactivity in oxygen and hydrogen adsorption systems. The platinum-oxygen bond order was investigated by oxygen atom projection in the occupied and unoccupied space using X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).
Mathematical theory of the ionospheric dynamo

Abstract A mathematical theory of the three-dimensional ionospheric dynamo is described, which is exact within the context of the assumption that the magnetic field lines are perfectly conducting. Explicit formulae are obtained for the electric fields, and hence for the current systems, which are excited by the dynamo e.m.f. associated with an arbitrary given wind field. They can also be applied to determine the fields arising from an external source of e.m.f., originating for example in the magnetosphere. The convergence properties of the solution are investigated for a simple symmetric wind field; it is found that inclusion of spherical harmonics up to degree 80 is sufficient to yield the features of the electrojet region, now fully coupled to the global current system.
Stopping anger and anxiety: Evidence that inhibitory ability predicts negative emotional responding

Research has begun to suggest that cognitive ability contributes to emotional processes and responses. The present study sought novel evidence for this hypothesis by examining the relationship between individual differences in the capacity for inhibitory control and responses to a common emotion-induction procedure involving autobiographical memories. Participants first completed a stop-signal task to measure inhibitory control and then underwent an anger, anxiety, or neutral emotion induction. Performance on the stop-signal task predicted emotional responses such that participants with poorer inhibitory control reported larger increases in anger following the anger induction and larger increases in anxiety across emotion induction conditions, relative to better inhibitors. These results suggest that individual differences in cognitive ability may influence the intensity of emotional states induced by common laboratory methods of emotion induction.
Rubber Modified Matrices

Fiber-reinforced organic composites are increasingly being considered for structural applications in aerospace and advanced marine systems. This emphasis is basically due to the very high specific modulus and tensile strength the composite materials have to off er. The thrust behind this trend is the potential for replacing as much metallic components as possible with composite parts such that weight reduction may be achieved resulting in energy saving. In current organic composite systems, thermosetting resins such as epoxy and polyimide are widely used as matrix materials. These resins offer the combined properties of high modulus and creep resistance because of their highly cross-linked structures. However, high cross-linking generally leads to brittle materials that are subject to failure by the growth of internal flaws and progressive crack propagation. The flaws that may be anticipated include internal cracks, surface cuts and microvoids inherently present as a result of the current processing methods employed in fabricating composite parts. The growth of these flaws and the subsequent crack propagation usually cause catastrophic breakdown in structures.
Fostering the Creative Spirit in Teaching‐Learning

This author describes creativity and the development of several curriculum projects fostering the creative spirit in the nursing academy as well as in other health sciences. It introduces Dr. Barbara Condon's column describing the use of artistic expression, framed by the humanbecoming school of thought, in a senior level nursing course at Briar Cliff University.
Cholesterol and mortality in heart failure: the bad gone good?

Hypercholesterolemia is a well-established risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and for CAD mortality [(1)][1]. Elevated serum cholesterol levels were also a risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF) in the Framingham study [(2)][2]. Reduction in serum total
Elevations in serum copper, erythrocytic copper, and ceruloplasmin concentrations in smokers.

Previous investigators have reported significant elevations of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in lymphoma patients and subjects using estrogen, but have not taken into account the smoking habits of these populations. In order to determine whether smoking had any effect on these variables, the authors examined five groups for serum and erythrocytic copper and ceruloplasmin levels: 40 healthy subjects, 14 users of oral contraceptives, 25 smokers, 14 nonsmoking pretreatment lymphoma patients, and eight treated lymphoma patients. Significant elevations of serum copper and ceruloplasmin in pretreatment lymphoma patients, treated patients, and estrogen users were found, confirming previous reports. In addition, all groups had elevations of erythrocytic copper compared with the healthy subjects. Also, significant elevations of serum copper (P less than .0053) and ceruloplasmin (P less than .0001) were found in smoking relative to nonsmoking subjects. No correlation between duration of smoking and these elevations was found.
High-Pressure Single-Crystal Structures of 3D Lead-Halide Hybrid Perovskites and Pressure Effects on their Electronic and Optical Properties

We report the first high-pressure single-crystal structures of hybrid perovskites. The crystalline semiconductors (MA)PbX3 (MA = CH3NH3+, X = Br– or I–) afford us the rare opportunity of understanding how compression modulates their structures and thereby their optoelectronic properties. Using atomic coordinates obtained from high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction we track the perovskites’ precise structural evolution upon compression. These structural changes correlate well with pressure-dependent single-crystal photoluminescence (PL) spectra and high-pressure bandgaps derived from density functional theory. We further observe dramatic piezochromism where the solids become lighter in color and then transition to opaque black with compression. Indeed, electronic conductivity measurements of (MA)PbI3 obtained within a diamond-anvil cell show that the material’s resistivity decreases by 3 orders of magnitude between 0 and 51 GPa. The activation energy for conduction at 51 GPa is only 13.2(3) meV, su...
Quantum Chemistry, Reaction Kinetics, and Tunneling Effects in the Reaction of Methoxy Radicals with O2

The reaction of the methoxy radical with O2 is the prototype for the reaction of a range of larger alkoxy radicals with O2 in the lower atmosphere. This reaction presents major challenges to quantum chemistry, with CCSD(T) overpredicting the barrier height by about 7 kcal/mol in the complete basis set limit. CCSD(T) calculations also indicate that the CH3OOO• analog of the HOOO• radical is energetically unstable with respect to CH3O• + O2, a finding that seems unlikely. The previous successful prediction of the barrier height using CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ energies at CASSCF/6-311G(d,p) geometries is shown to rely on the use of a metastable Hartree–Fock reference wave function. The performance of several density functionals is explored and B3LYP is selected to examine the role of tunneling, including the competition between small curvature tunneling (SCT) and large curvature tunneling (LCT). SCT is found to be sufficient to describe tunneling, in contrast to the typical findings for bimolecular hydrogen-abstractio...
Elucidating Oxygen Reduction Active Sites in Pyrolyzed Metal–Nitrogen Coordinated Non-Precious-Metal Electrocatalyst Systems

Detailed understanding of the nature of the active centers in non-precious-metal-based electrocatalyst, and their role in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) mechanistic pathways will have a profound effect on successful commercialization of emission-free energy devices such as fuel cells. Recently, using pyrolyzed model structures of iron porphyrins, we have demonstrated that a covalent integration of the Fe–Nx sites into π-conjugated carbon basal plane modifies electron donating/withdrawing capability of the carbonaceous ligand, consequently improving ORR activity. Here, we employ a combination of in situ X-ray spectroscopy and electrochemical methods to identify the various structural and functional forms of the active centers in non-heme Fe/N/C catalysts. Both methods corroboratively confirm the single site 2e– × 2e– mechanism in alkaline media on the primary Fe2+–N4 centers and the dual-site 2e– × 2e– mechanism in acid media with the significant role of the surface bound coexisting Fe/FexOy nanoparticles...
Restenosis rate study in hybrid implantation of CYPHER and TAXUS stents

Objective:To evaluate the difference of restenosis rate in hybrid implantation of CYPHER and TAXUS stents.Method:Retrospective analysis of consecutive hybrid implantation CYPHER and TAXUS stents with 6 month angiographic follow-up in Fuwai hospital from April 2004 to December 2006.Result:The 101 cases are recruited with implantation of 170 CYPHER and 138 TAXUS.There is no difference in terms of lesion characteristics between the two groups.The in-stent and in-segment restenosis rates in CYPHER group are significantly lower than that in TAXUS group(5.2%∶12.8%,P0.05;6.5%∶15.4%;P0.05),the minimal in-stent diameter and late lose in CYPHER group are significantly lower than that in TAXUS group(2.01±0.02)mm∶(1.96±0.03)mm,P0.01;(0.11±0.04)∶(0.31±0.02)mm,P0.01).Conclusion:The restenosis rate is lower in CYPHER stent compared with TAXUS stent.
The Research and Analysis A Local Epidemic of H3N2 Flu Virus

Objective To discuss further the epidemic causation, forecast the epidemic trend and put the control in practice, by the analyses of epidemiology,the clinic symptoms and the lab's examination of three high schools of some town of Zhanjiang city. Methods The epidemic characterization was adopted to carry out the individual investigate of the cases reported in school, research in house of the status of flu besides the town, the treat of these cases and family members' instance. Collect secretion of pharynx and identify the pathogeny of the patients, examine the antibody in the serums during the disease and recovery. Results 367 cases were discovered in those schools, about 8.10% of the members. 4 positive cases were found by pharynx secretion's examination of 22 patients,examined by PCR. 3 positive cases were examined in separation of virus identified H3N2 flu virus. Conclusion Local flu prevail were affirmed in three schools of the town and H3N2 flu virus was the suspicion.
Reoperation for failed antireflux operations.

Experience with gastroesophageal reflux in patients without prior operations has yielded understanding of pathophysiology, surgical techniques, and results. Less is known about patients with failed antireflux operations. This report of 61 patients undergoing repeat antireflux procedures addresses this issues. Not included are patients with gastroesophageal reflux after ulcer operations or with inappropriate antireflux operations for motility disorders. Group A patients (n = 34) had only one previous operation, Group B (n = 19) had two, and Group C (n = 8) had three or more. Group C had significantly (p
Access to alcohol and heart disease among patients in hospital: observational cohort study using differences in alcohol sales laws

Objective To investigate the relation between alcohol consumption and heart disease by using differences in county level alcohol sales laws as a natural experiment. Design Observational cohort study using differences in alcohol sales laws. Setting Hospital based healthcare encounters in Texas, USA. Population 1 106 968 patients aged 21 or older who were residents of “wet” (no alcohol restrictions) and “dry” (complete prohibition of alcohol sales) counties and admitted to hospital between 2005 and 2010, identified using the Texas Inpatient Research Data File. Outcome measures Prevalent and incident alcohol misuse and alcoholic liver disease were used for validation analyses. The main cardiovascular outcomes were atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. Results Residents of wet counties had a greater prevalence and incidence of alcohol misuse and alcoholic liver disease. After multivariable adjustment, wet county residents had a greater prevalence (odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.09; P=0.007) and incidence (hazard ratio 1.07, 1.01 to 1.13; P=0.014) of atrial fibrillation, a lower prevalence (odds ratio 0.83, 0.79 to 0.87; P Conclusions Greater access to alcohol was associated with more atrial fibrillation and less myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, although an increased risk of congestive heart failure was seen shortly after alcohol sales were liberalized.