cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Structural MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) share genetic, phenomenologic, and cognitive abnormalities with people diagnosed with schizophrenia. To date, 15 structural MRI studies of the brain have examined size, and 3 diffusion tensor imaging studies have examined white matter connectivity in SPD. Overall, both types of structural neuroimaging modalities have shown temporal lobe abnormalities similar to those observed in schizophrenia, while frontal lobe regions appear to show more sparing. This intriguing pattern suggests that frontal lobe sparing may suppress psychosis, which is consistent with the idea of a possible neuroprotective factor. In this paper, we review these 18 studies and discuss whether individuals with SPD who both resemble and differ from schizophrenia patients in their phenomenology, share some or all of the structural brain imaging characteristics of schizophrenia. We attempt to group the MRI abnormalities in SPD into three patterns: 1) a spectrum of severity—abnormalities are similar to those observed in schizophrenia but not so severe; 2) a spectrum of region—abnormalities affecting some, but not all, brain regions affected in schizophrenia; and 3) a spectrum of compensation—abnormalities reflecting greater-than-normal white matter volume, possibly serving as a buffer or compensatory mechanism protecting the individual with SPD from the frank psychosis observed in schizophrenia.
The National Security Doctrine, Military Threat Perception, and the “Dirty War” in Argentina:

It has been taken for granted that Latin American military governments of recent decades have been under the strong influence of the National Security Doctrine. However, no systematic assessment has been made about the degree to which the doctrine directly or indirectly has shaped military perceptions. This study focuses on the Argentine military government of 1976-1981, and on its identification of threats to national security, its strategies to overcome those threats, and whether these fit within the parameters of the NSD. Through content analysis of military speeches, interviews, and private memos, it is found that members of the government perceived their adversaries in vague, operational terms; that they focused on subjective agents to the exclusion of underlying objective conditions; and that they failed to appreciate the importance of political solutions to national security problems. Together, these views find only partial support within the NSD. It is concluded that the military practiced selecti...
Spin-orbit final state interaction in the framework of Glauber theory for (e,e{prime}p) reactions

The authors investigate the reactions D(e,e{prime}p)n and D({rvec e},e{prime}p)n at GeV energies and discuss the opportunities to distinguish between different models for the nuclear ground state by measuring the response functions. In calculating the final-state interaction (FSI) they employ Glauber theory, and they also include relativistic effects in the electromagnetic current. They include not only the central FSI, but also the spin-orbit FSI which is usually neglected in (e,e{prime}p) calculations within the Glauber framework and they show that this contribution plays a crucial role for the fifth response function. All of the methods developed here can be applied to any target nucleus.
Visual and tactual form discrimination: Psychophysical comparison within and between modalities

Intermodal perceptual equivaience was investigated, using visual and tactual oddity discrimination and cross-modal matching-to-sample tasks. Four groups of Ss were presented with 100 problems made up of randomly derived forms from five levels of sidedness. The same quadratic relationship was observed for all tasks as a function of complexity, with optimal performance at eight sides. Comman information utilization, as indicated by intercorrelations of performance variables and by correlational analyses with differences in form measures, was not as pronounced within side classes. Evidence concerning the nature of pattern-feature usage in discrimination was obtained from graphical analyses.
Evaluation and extrapolation of the solubility of H2 and CO in n-alkanes and n-alcohols using molecular simulation

Abstract We have improved the estimation of the solubility of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a range of linear alcohols and alkanes (between C4 and C32) by using the method of molecular dynamics (MD) together with experimental data and traditional thermodynamics analysis. The goal of the study was to use a fundamental molecular-based method, after validation, to fill gaps in data in current literature, especially for systems considered challenging for traditional measurement and estimation methods. The simulation system used semi-permeable membranes to mimic actual experimental studies of gas solubility. Our combined analysis of both data and simulation results demonstrated that for higher carbon numbers (CN) both CO and H2 individually have similar Henry’s constant values in the two solvents, with H2 values being roughly 50% higher in both solvents. The data and simulation results were also used to estimate limiting values of the mass-based Henry’s constant for H2 and CO in the higher alcohols (large CN).
Will the Real Achievement Anxiety Test Please Stand up: Effects of Removing Buffer Items and Altering Item Format of the Alpert-Haber Achievement Anxiety Test

50 subjects were randomly assigned to each of six versions of the Achievement Anxiety Test which varied in terms of three item formats and the omission vs inclusion of the neutral buffer items. An analysis of covariance indicated a significant effect of item format on the Facilitative and Debilitative scales of the test. The internal consistency reliability of the Facilitative and Debilitative scales varied as a function of item format and removal of the buffer items. The results suggest that removal of the buffer items may improve the reliability of the two anxiety scales. This study replicated and extended an earlier study which investigated the effects of alterations on the Achievement Anxiety Test. The results of this study underscore the importance of precise and thorough description of all procedural details in published research for facilitating replication and cross-study comparisons of results.
Colorimetric determination of fluoride employing thorium lodate and the linear starch-iodine system

Abstract Fluoride ion can be determined colorimetrically by reaction with solid thorium iodate in 1:1 ethanol-water solvent to release iodate ion, reduction of the iodate with iodide in acid solution, and formation of the starch-iodine blue complex. By using different dilutions of the reaction solution fluoride ion can be measured from approximately 0.15 to 6.0 ppm. The color system is stable and reproducibility is good. A number of common anions interfere seriously with the method.
When the KChIPs are down.

Defects in the mechanisms responsible for maintaining the heart's rhythmic contractions can be fatal. The finding that a defect in a potassium-channel accessory protein can predispose mice to cardiac arrhythmia provides insights into the molecular basis of this group of diseases.
Analysis of fenbendazole residues in bovine milk by ELISA

Fenbendazole residues in bovine milk were analyzed by ELISAs using two monoclonal antibodies. One monoclonal antibody (MAb 587) bound the major benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs, including fenbendazole, oxfendazole, and fenbendazole sulfone. The other (MAb 591) was more specific for fenbendazole, with 13% cross-reactivity with the sulfone and no significant binding to the sulfoxide metabolite. The limit of detection of the ELISA method in the milk matrix was 7 ppb for MAb 587 and 3 ppb for MAb 591. Fenbendazole was administered in feed, drench, and paste form to three groups of dairy cattle. Milk was collected immediately before dosing and then every 12 h for 5 days. The ELISA indicated that residue levels varied widely among individual cows in each group. Fenbendazole levels peaked at approximately 12-24 h and declined rapidly thereafter. Metabolites were detected at much higher levels than the parent compound, peaked at approximately 24-36 h, and declined gradually. Residue levels were undetectable by 72 h. The ELISA data correlated well with the total residues determined by chromatographic analysis, but the use of the two separate ELISAs did not afford an advantage over ELISA with the single, broadly reactive MAb 587. The ELISA method could be used to flag high-residue samples in on-site monitoring of fenbendazole in milk and is a potential tool for studying drug pharmacokinetics.
Integration of sustainability in higher education: three case studies of curricular implementation

The integration of sustainability into higher education academic programs is occurring at an accelerated pace in response to international and national imperatives to rethink the way it serves the needs of society. Three case studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Northern Arizona University, and Kean University (NJ) outlines the academic structure, program, resources, the motivation and mechanisms for curricular change, key sustainability-learning outcomes and program goals, curricular changes, and assessment strategies these institutions used to integrate sustainability into their undergraduate curriculum. These three case studies exhibit several commonalities. They emphasize systems thinking and explicitly link human behavior and ecological processes by including opportunities for students to learn about behavioral sciences, life sciences, Earth and atmospheric sciences, social sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and information sciences. Another shared attribute is that students are involved in inquiry along with the application of knowledge to real-world problems. All three programs provide opportunities for students to explore technologies, systems of economic production, cultural systems, laws and politics, and ideas and ideologies they currently employ for living with the rest of nature. Each program also provides opportunities for students to reflect and act on viable alternatives and to ask the critical questions to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional training to make a real difference in the world. Future program assessment processes will need to develop to address the issue of how differing levels and types of sustainability integration into undergraduate programs facilitate the achievement of sustainability-learning outcome goals.
The Proton-translocating NADH-Quinone Oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of Thermophilic Bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB-8 COMPLETE DNA SEQUENCE OF THE GENE CLUSTER AND THERMOSTABLE PROPERTIES OF THE EXPRESSED NQO2 SUBUNIT

The genes encoding the proton-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of a thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB-8 were cloned and sequenced. They constitute a cluster that is composed of 14 structural genes and contains no unidentified reading frames. All of the 14 structural genes, which are designated NQO1-14, encode subunits homologous to those of Paracoccus denitrificans NDH-1, respectively, and are arranged in the same order as other bacterial NDH-1 genes. T. thermophilus NDH-1 contains at most nine putative iron-sulfur cluster binding sites, eight of which are commonly found in other organisms. The T. thermophilus NQO2 subunit was expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed subunit bears a single [2Fe-2S] cluster whose optical and EPR properties are very similar to those of N1a cluster in the P. denitrificans NQO2 subunit (Yano, T., Sled', V.D., Ohnishi, T., and Yagi, T. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 494-499). These results strongly suggest that the T. thermophilus NDH-1 is similar to other NDH-1 enzyme complexes in terms of subunit and cofactor composition. The T. thermophilus NQO2 subunit displayed much higher stability than the mesophilic equivalent and its iron-sulfur cluster remained intact even after incubation for 3 h at 65 degrees C under anaerobic conditions. With the advantage of thermostability, the T. thermophilus NDH-1 provides a great model system to investigate the structure-function relationship of the NDH-1 enzyme complexes.
Markedly elevated thyroglobulin levels in the preoperative thyroidectomy patient correlates with metastatic burden

Background Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a marker of tumor recurrence during thyroid cancer follow-up. While helpful in the postoperative setting, the clinical significance of preoperative Tg measurements remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine if preoperative Tg levels are indicative of underlying malignancy or burden of metastatic disease.
Rationale for the Use of Azithromycin as Mycobacterium avium Chemoprophylaxis

Abstract The development of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in HIV-infected patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Azithromycin is an azalide antibiotic of the macrolide family that has been shown to accumulate within macrophages at levels exceeding the 90% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 90 ) of Mycobacterium avium. The dibasic nucleus of the molecule is responsible for its prolonged retention at elevated levels within the lysosome. Azithromycin is not significantly metabolized through the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system and consequently is not associated with significant drug interactions. Numerous animal models of MAC infection have provided preclinical support for activity in vivo. Based on these data, two randomized, comparative, double-blind studies were performed to assess the activity of azithromycin, given as 1,200 mg once weekly, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with CD4 counts 3 . The results of these trials revealed a significant protective effect of azithromycin over placebo and efficacy at least as good as rifabutin. Resistance to macrolides in the breakthrough MAC isolates was uncommon (0–11%). The strength of these efficacy findings was associated with a low rate of discontinuation for side effects over the course of 1 year of therapy (8–14%). The use of azithromycin is a safe, effective, and convenient option for prophylaxis of disseminated MAC in HIV-infected patients.
Polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in selected estuarine and coastal marine finfish and shellfish of New Jersey

Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in selected finfish and shellfish from the estuarine and coastal marine waters of New Jersey reveals variable levels of contamination in different regions of the state. Monitoring surveys conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection during the last two decades indicate that biota from the northeast region are the most severely contaminated with PCBs. Early monitoring in the 1970s showed that as much as 75% of the finfish and 50% of the shellfish analyzed for Aroclor 1254—the most persistent and toxic mixture of PCBs—contained detectable levels of PCB in their edible flesh. The American eel (Anguilla rostrata), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), white catfish (Ictalurus catus), white perch (M. americana), and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) exhibited high PCB levels in 1981–1982, generally approaching or exceeding the United States Food and Drug Administration action level of 2 ppm fresh weight for these organisms. PCB contamination in finfish and shellfish collected during survey periods of 1986–1987 and 1988–1991 was consistent with the previous years' data showing the northeast region of the state to be the most severely contaminated. Despite decreases in contaminant levels in some species (e.g., striped bass) and regions, results of the most recent survey confirm widespread occurrences of PCBs above background levels in the edible portions of various species from many areas of New Jersey.
Modal Parameter Identification of 500kV SF6 Current Transformer Based on Natural Excitation Method

In this paper the feasibility of natural excitation method which uses cross-correlation function instead of impulse response function of the response to identify the modal parameter of 500kV SF6 current transformer was discussed .Four different algorithms were used to extract the modal parameter of 500kV SF6 current transformer with the measured cross-correlation function obtained by natural excitation method. The results of modal parameter identification using natural excitation method and experimental modal analysis were compared in the experimental way.
Mast cells can contribute to axon–glial dissociation and fibrosis in peripheral nerve

Expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in murine Schwann cells results in loss of axon–Schwann cell interactions and collagen deposition, modeling peripheral nerve response to injury and tumorigenesis. Mast cells infiltrate nerves in all three situations. We show that mast cells are present in normal mouse peripheral nerve beginning at 4 weeks of age, and that the number of mast-cells in EGFR + nerves increases abruptly at 5–6 weeks of age as axons and Schwann cells dissociate. The increase in mast cell number is preceded and accompanied by elevated levels of mRNAs encoding the mast-cell chemoattractants Rantes, SCF and VEGF. Genetic ablation of mast cells and bone marrow reconstitution in W 41 × EGFR + mice indicate a role for mast cells in loss of axon – Schwann cell interactions and collagen deposition. Pharmacological stabilization of mast cells by disodium cromoglycate administration to EGFR + mice also diminished loss of axon – Schwann cell interaction. Together these three lines of evidence support the hypothesis that mast cells can contribute to alterations in peripheral nerves.
A note on “departure time and route choice for the morning commute”

Abstract This note corrects a small but important error in the uniform portion of the socially optimal step toll derived by Arnott et al. (1990a). In particular, we show that this toll is actually a function of the values of travel time, early arrival time, and late arrival time (i.e., not just the value of travel time). In addition, we show that the toll needed to obtain the optimal route split in the presence of a time-varying step-toll is different from the one that is needed in the absence of any time-varying toll.
A Test for Bottlenecks in theVibrational Relaxation of CH3Cland CH3Br by Ar

The method of time-resolved optoacoustics was used to measure the rate of vibrational relaxation of CH3Cl(&#x03BD;6) and CH3Br(&#x03BD;6) by Ar. The pressure pulses generated by the relaxing gas revealed that the rate of production of translational energy from &#x03BD;6 &#61; 1 is approximately twice the decay rate of IR fluorescence from &#x03BD;3 &#61; 1. No evidence was found for a previously proposed bottleneck in rotational relaxation, which would have resulted in an acoustic relaxation rate slower than the fluorescence decay. The faster rates observed here can be explained qualitatively by a rapid energy release from energy levels above &#x03BD;3 which precedes the IR fluorescence. A simple three-level model, however, is unable to explain our observations quantitatively.
Oxidation of cysteine residues from alpha-A crystallin during cataractogenesis of the human lens.

Abstract Although it has been known for many years that opacification of the human lens is accompanied by oxidation of cysteine sulfhydryl groups to half-cystine residues, nothing is known concerning the exact amino acid sequences involved in this oxidative process. Since alpha-A crystallin is one of the major proteins of the lens, and since a decrease in its molecular chaperone activity has been implicated in possible mechanisms of cataract formation, alpha-A crystallin was purified from total lens proteins by reverse phase chromatography, followed by digestion with lys-C endoprotease. Mass spectral analysis of the digest indicated that in normal transparent lenses, cys-131 and cys-142 from alpha-A crystallin are present as a mixture of cysteine sulfhydryl and half-cystine disulfide groups, while identical analysis from cataractous lenses demonstrated undetectable levels of the cysteine sulfhydryl group. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time, the involvement of specific cysteine residues in the oxidative mechanism of human lens opacification.
Review of Pesticide Retention Processes Occurring in Buffer Strips Receiving Agricultural Runoff1

Arora, Kapil, Steven K. Mickelson, Matthew J. Helmers, and James L. Baker, 2010. Review of Pesticide Retention Processes Occurring in Buffer Strips Receiving Agricultural Runoff. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(3):618-647. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00438.x Abstract: Review of the published results shows that the retention of the two pesticide carrier phases (runoff volume and sediment mass) influences pesticide mass transport through buffer strips. Data averaged across different studies showed that the buffer strips retained 45% of runoff volume (ranging between 0 and 100%) and 76% of sediment mass (ranging between 2 and 100%). Sorption (soil sorption coefficient, Koc) is one key pesticide property affecting its transport with the two carrier phases through buffer strips. Data from different studies for pesticide mass retention for weakly (Koc 1,000) averaged (with ranges) 61 (0-100), 63 (0-100), and 76 (53-100) %, respectively. Because there are more data for runoff volume and sediment mass retention, the average retentions of both carrier phases were used to calculate that the buffer strips would retain 45% of weakly to moderately sorbed and 70% of strongly sorbed pesticides on an average basis. As pesticide mass retention presented is only an average across several studies with different experimental setups, the application of these results to actual field conditions should be carefully examined.
Considerations in software character generation

Two concerns about the development of a computer-driven display system to achieve tachistoscopic displays are discussed. Approaches to solving these problems are described.
Application of mercury-plated graphite electrodes to voltammetry and chronopotentiometry

Abstract The preparation and application of mercury-plated, graphite electrodes has been discussed. The electrodes were prepared by controlled.potentialelectrodeposition on the exposed planar surface of a wax.impregnated graphite electrode. The mercury-plated electrodes were evaluated by voltammetric and chronopotentiometric applications to various reversible and irreversible systems. Experimental data were compared to rigorous voltammetric theory. Theory for chronopotentiometric curves at thin-film electrodes with amalgam-forming substances was developed, and experimental correlations with the Cd(II) system were made. In each case correlations were good.
Molecular dissection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA intein: design of a minimal intein and of a trans-splicing system involving two intein fragments

Abstract Most protein-splicing elements (inteins) function both as catalysts of protein splicing and as homing endonucleases. In order to identify the domains of inteins that are essential for protein splicing, the intein sequence embedded in the recA gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was genetically dissected. The effect of various modifications of the intein on the ability to mediate splicing was studied in Escherichia coli transformed with plasmids in which the coding sequence for the RecA intein was inserted in-frame between coding regions for the E. coli maltose-binding protein and a polypeptide containing a hexahistidine sequence as the N- and C-exteins, respectively. One type of genetic alteration of the RecA intein involved deletion of the the central region encoding 229 amino acids (aa), representing the entire homing endonuclease homology domain. The residual intein (211 aa plus an undecapeptide spacer) was able to promote protein splicing as efficiently as the wild-type intein, indicating that the homing endonuclease domain plays no role in the protein-splicing process and that the protein-splicing active center is confined to the N- and C-terminal segments of the intein, less than 110 aa each. Another type of alteration involved the introduction of overlapping translation termination and initiation codons in-frame into the intein coding region. The modified RecA intein, although synthesized as two separate components, could nevertheless mediate protein splicing, indicating that the N- and C-terminal protein-splicing domains can interact with sufficient affinity and specificity to allow protein-splicing to occur in trans. The efficiency of trans-splicing was much enhanced when the homing endonuclease domain was entirely deleted so that the length of the interacting N- and C-terminal intein fragments was only about 110 aa each.
Stoichiometry Effects on the Fracture of TiO2−x

Fracture characteristics of TiO/sub 2-x/ were studied as a function of stoichiometry. With increasing x, the fracture toughness K/sub Ic/ and the fracture surface energy ..gamma../sub f/ decrease and the amount of transgranular cleavage increases, corresponding to the increased concentration of planar defects within the grains. Increasing nonstoichiometry also shifted the K/sub I/-V) diagram to lower K/sub I/ values, commensurate with the K/sub Ic/ decrease. Water accelerated stress corrosion by promoting intergranular failure during subcritical crack growth.
Topological density wave states of nonzero angular momentum

The pseudogap state of high-temperature superconductors is a profound mystery. It contains tantalizing evidence of a number of broken symmetry states, not necessarily conventional charge- and spin-density waves. Here we explore a class of more exotic density wave states characterized by topological properties observed in recently discovered topological insulators. We suggest that these rich topological density wave states deserve closer attention not only in high-temperature superconductors but in other correlated electron states as well.
Commoners, Kings, and Subaltern: Political Factionalism and Structured Inequality in Lesotho

Conflict studies continue to focus on ethnicity because violence often arises among culturally heterogeneous populations. Conflicts also occur, however, in culturally homogeneous settings such as Lesotho. In Lesotho, sporadic violence has resulted not from ethnic conflicts, but from contests between interest groups vying to control the state and concomitant perquisites. Particular models for state control are legitimized by global interests seeking to promote formation of labor and commodity markets. As a result, the political system in Lesotho has fractured into multiple parties which struggle to promote specialized interests, while expressions of civil society are commonly suppressed. This article concludes that without freedom to develop institutions of civil society, sporadic violence will remain a problem for Lesotho. The lessons learned from analysis of conflict in a culturally homogenous state such as Lesotho also shed light on the ways that factors other than ethnicity contribute to conflict in culturally heterogeneous populations.
Severity of Visual Field Loss and Health Related Quality of Life

Purpose To examine the association between severity of visual field loss (VFL) and self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample. Design Population-based cross-sectional study. Methods Participants in the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including visual field testing by the Humphrey Automated Field Analyzer II (Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm [SITA] Standard 24-2) [Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA]. Mean deviation (MD) scores were used to determine severity of VFL both as a continuous variable and stratified by severity: no VFL (MD ≥ −2 decibels [dB]), mild VFL (−6 dB Results Of the 5,213 participants included in this study, 18% had unilateral mild, 1.5% unilateral moderate to severe, 19% bilateral mild, and 6.5% bilateral moderate to severe VFL. Worse NEI-VFQ-25 and SF-12 HRQOL scores were associated with VFL in a linear manner. Four- to 5-dB differences in VFL were associated with a five-point difference in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite and most subscale scores. Persons with VFL had the greatest difficulty with driving activities, dependency, mental health, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Conclusions HRQOL is diminished even in persons with relatively mild VFL on the basis of MD scores. Prevention and management of persons with VFL may be important in preventing or reducing poor HRQOL related to difficulties in driving, distance and peripheral vision activities, and a sense of dependency.
Clearance Time Estimation for Incorporating Evacuation Risk in Routing Strategies for Evacuation Operations

This study seeks to develop an approximate but efficient approach for estimating evacuation clearance time which is defined as the time required to evacuate the population of a location to areas of safety. Elsewhere, this estimate of the clearance time is used as input to infer evacuation risk for a location which reflects whether the population of that location can be safely evacuated before the disaster impacts it. As the computed evacuation risk is used in a real-time stage-based framework for evacuation operations, the approach for clearance time estimation needs to be computationally efficient while being capable of approximating traffic flow dynamics reasonably. To address these needs, a dynamic routing policy labeled the location-priority routing is proposed, and the associated clearance time estimation problem is formulated as a dynamic network flow problem. The location-priority is based on the lead time that a location has until it is impacted by the disaster, and designates that the population at a location with a shorter lead time has higher priority in using roadway capacity for evacuation. By combining the location-priority routing with the consideration of a super sink, the routing problem for the evacuation network is transformed into sequential single-origin single-destination dynamic routing problems. It avoids expensive iterative search processes, enabling computational efficiency for real-time evacuation operations. The solution approach approximately captures the evolution of traffic dynamics across the stages of the operational framework. Results from numerical experiments illustrate that the proposed approach can address the aforementioned needs related to clearance time estimation.
Antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria from cultured catfish and aquaculture ponds

The incidence of antibiotic resistance was compared in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the intestinal tracts of catfish and from water and sediment in aquaculture ponds and rivers of the southeastern United States. Resistance to tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, ampicillin, and nitrofurantoin was determined. The predominating microflora were Plesiomonas shigelloides and Aeromonas hydrophila. Individual and multiple antibiotic resistances were associated with antimicrobial use. Resistance apparently was higher in ponds undergoing antimicrobial therapy or with a history of recent treatment than in ponds without recent antimicrobial treatment. The lowest incidence of resistance was found in riverine bacteria.
The role of adult attachment security in non-romantic, non-attachment-related first interactions between same-sex strangers.

Abstract Research using the Adult Attachment Interview has largely examined its predictive significance for interpersonal behavior within the context of observations of parent – child and romantic relationships. A limitation of this state of affairs is that the literature does not make clear whether or when attachment-related variation becomes reflected in other kinds of interpersonal encounters. This study demonstrates that links between adults' states of mind regarding childhood attachment experiences and the quality of their interpersonal interactions are evident in first meetings between same-sex strangers in a non-attachment-related context. More specifically, in a study of 50 stranger dyads (50% female), secure adults demonstrated positive emotional engagement during a challenging puzzle-building task. In contrast, preoccupied adults dominated the task, whereas dismissing adults evidenced negative emotion during the interaction. Results held controlling for the Big Five personality dimensions and su...
Chemically modified tetracycline-3 (CMT-3): A novel inhibitor of the serine proteinase, elastase

Two classes of enzymes play an important role in connective tissue breakdown during various inflammatory diseases: serine proteinases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Tetracyclines (TCs) exhibit important anti-inflammatory and MMP-inhibitory properties that are unrelated to their antibacterial activities. Of the various TCs and their chemically modified NON-antibiotic analogs (CMTs) tested in vitro and in vivo, CMT-3 (6-demethyl-6-deoxy 4 de-dimethylamino tetracycline) has repeatedly been shown to be the most potent inhibitor of MMP activity and cytokine production. In addition to its anti-MMP function, we have shown that among all CMTs, CMT-3 is the only CMT that can also directly inhibit both the amidolytic activity of human leukocyte elastase (HLE, a serine proteinase) and the extracellular matrix degradation mediated by HLE. In addition, CMT-3 has been found to reduce leukocyte elastase activity in vivo in gingival extracts of rats with experimental periodontal disease. Thus, CMT-3 can inhibit pathologic connective tissue breakdown by (at least) two mechanisms: direct inhibition of neutral proteinases (elastase and MMPs); and protecting their endogenous inhibitors, α(1)-PI and TIMPs, from being digested and inactivated by MMPs and HLE, respectively. The pleiotropic properties of CMT-3 including (but not limited to) inhibition of serine proteinases, MMPs, and cytokines provide impressive therapeutic potential to reduce excessive connective tissue breakdown during various pathologic processes including inflammatory diseases, cancer metastasis and metabolic bone diseases.
Influence of late-season iron, nitrogen, and seaweed extract on fall color retention and cold tolerance of four bermudagrass cultivars

Late-season fertilization of bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp. L.C. Rich.) in the transition zone of the United States has traditionally been not recommended. This study was conducted to determine whether late-season fertilization could extend the duration of turfgrass color retention and visual quality without negatively impacting cold tolerance. Field plots of 'Midiron' and 'Tifway' bermudagrasses (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy), as well as 'Princess-77' and 'Riviera' bermudagrasses [C. dactylon (L.) Pers. var. dactylon] received applications of seaweed extract (SWE) (0.54 kg ha -1 ), N (49 kg ha -1 ), and Fe (1 kg ha -1 ) every 3 wk during the fall of 2001 and 2002. Visual turfgrass assessment showed that cultivar color ratings decreased as the fall progressed, with Princess-77 having greatest color retention in November of both years. Nitrogen was the only treatment to increase turfgrass color ratings relative to the control at the end of each growing season. Stolon samples removed from acclimated plants were artificially frozen to determine freezing tolerance. Midiron displayed the best freezing tolerance followed by Riviera, Tifway, and Princess-77. Chemical treatments did not have a significant effect on shoot regrowth from stolon nodes after freezing. In both years Midiron and Riviera displayed the quickest and greatest amount of spring greenup followed by Tifway and then Princess-77. Cold tolerance indicators proline and linolenic acid were highest in Midiron, followed by Riviera, Tifway, and Princess-77. Nitrogen, SWE, and Fe did not generally have an effect on linolenic acid and no consistent effects of these chemical treatments were noted on proline concentration. The results of this study indicate that judicious N applications during the fall can promote color retention and do not have a negative effect on bermudagrass cold tolerance.
Rallying the Nation: Sport and Spectacle Serving the Greek Dictatorships

This study offers brief soundings into the exploitation of sport by the Greek dictatorial regimes, both the interwar dictatorship of 1936–1941 and the military regime of 1967–1974. During those eras, sport provided templates of competition and combat. The most recent dictatorship showcased sport along with a ‘canon’ of historical re-enactments in massive open-air spectacles, which deserve further attention. The strongmen of both regimes saw, in addition to communist threats, signs of decay in Greek society, and they insisted on military-style discipline and orderliness. How then did their regimes approach sport? Or rather, how did they manage to convey persuasive images of sport and of the political propaganda behind it? This article addresses the above questions and reconstructs the dictators' excessive acts of stage-managing a mass theatre of indoctrination through athletic events, military displays and historical re-enactments. I argue that Greek dictatorial regimes allocated an important role to sport...
Immunocompetence in patients with prosthetic graft infection

Abstract The immunologic competence of 12 patients with advanced and fulminating prosthetic graft infections was studied. Critical deficiencies were noted in the immune status of all the patients. Enhancement of immune responses with accelerated recovery occurred in 8 of the 12 patients who received total parenteral nutritional support. The four patients who exhibited anergy and were not given the benefits of supplemental nutrition endured a prolonged convalescence, and two subsequently died. This study brought to our attention not only the prevalence of depressed host resistance in these critically ill individuals with advanced prosthetic graft injections but also the benefits of adjunctive parenteral nutritional support in combination with the more conventional modes of therapy, including antibiotics, surgical removal of the septic nidus, and bypass to restore arterial continuity. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:45-49.)
An evaluation of combination 5-fluorouracil and spirogermanium in the treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma

Seventeen patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma were treated with a combination of 5-fluorouracil and spirogermanium, a recently developed azaspiran-germanium compound remarkable for its lack of hematologic, gastrointestinal, renal or hepatic toxicity. Response to treatment and the incidence and severity of toxicity were evaluated. No patient achieved a complete response; there were three partial responses. Toxicity was unexpectedly frequent and severe; one patient was removed from study early due to intractable diarrhea, and there were two toxic deaths, both attributable to neutropenia and sepsis. Significant toxicity occurred in all seventeen patients, including three instances of Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity. Given the low response rate and high incidence of life-threatening toxicity, we do not recommend further evaluation of this schedule of 5-fluorouracil and spirogermanium in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
Atmospheric icing and communication tower failure in the United States

Abstract CRREL has established a database of communication tower collapses (TV, AM, FM, CATV, microwave, cellular, and so forth) that have occurred in the United States due to atmospheric ice accretion. The information was compiled primarily from newspaper articles and telephone interviews but also from a multitude of other sources. The database currently lists 140 such failures of towers, ranging in height from 40 to 2000 ft (12 to 610 m) above ground level (agl), dating as far back as 1959. For each case, the following information is being compiled: (1) structural characteristics of the tower, (2) the geographic location and topography, (3) a description of the collapse, (4) concurrent weather, and (5) damage. The database is growing and therefore not fully analyzed. For many cases, data in all these topic areas do not exist or are not available; some data have yet to be obtained. I present trends in the current information.
Four patterns of laminin-immunoreactive structure in developing rat brain

Abstract Laminin has been known to promote neurite outgrowth in culture. We have recently demonstrated that laminin facilitates and guides fiber growth of grafted neurons in the brain. In this study, I report that 4 distinct patterns of laminin immunoreactivity — small and large punctiform laminin, sheath laminin, and somal laminin — were expressed in the brain, each having unique spatial and temporal distributions. They are extensively produced in the developing brain while nerve fibers and vessels are actively growing. Two patterns of laminin, small and large puncta, disappear when the brain matures; the other two, sheath laminin and somal laminin, reduce in intensity but persist through adult life. The small puncta, size less than 1 μm in diameter, frequently accumulated along acellular spaces where future fiber bundles will form, interneuronal spaces and surfaces of neurons where terminal fibers dwell, and around the microvessels where neomicrovessels form. The small puncta, which reportedly appear at the eight-cell stage, were observed in our study at stage E10. They increased in expression from E14 to 19 during the stage when many nerve fibers are navigating to their targets, and subsided in the early postnatal days (P6) when less fiber growth occurs. Large puncta, size about 2 μm in diameter, existed exclusively in the hippocampus. They appeared about E16, and ended P16. The sheath laminin is known to form wrappings on microvessels, the ependymal layer, the choroid plexus, and the surface of the brain. This pattern of laminin attaches to non-neuronal structures which associate with CNS fluid. It was detected at E10 (our youngest group), increased its distribution along with expansion of the associated structure, and persisted throughout the adult life. The somal laminin, associated mainly with the soma of neurons, was the latest appearing laminin pattern (not until E16). It also persisted through adult life in the brain. The somal laminin, which was highly associated with the appearance of neuronal groups in brain nuclei, appeared group by group along with neurons. In summary, laminin attaches with distinct groups of cells in the central nervous system with specific temporal association. This close temporal and spatial association may allow laminin to actively affect nerve growth during brain development. The detailed mapping of laminin distribution is in progress in our lab.
Connections on the total Picard sheaf and the KP hierarchy

A family of connections is introduced on a direct limit of Poincare sheaves of a curve. These connections descend to connections on the corresponding direct limit of Picard sheaves, defined globally on the Jacobian of the curve. All such connections are classified; in particular they are all flat. Krichever's algebro-geometric solutions of the KP equations are recovered upon trivializing the resulting \tdD-modules over the complement of the Θ divisor.
Laser Processing For Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)

ASIC devices can be programmed by lasers using two techniques - a photochemical approach to direct-write connections or localized heating of the circuits by a laser spot to cut or form link structures. The technique to cut links is a mature process based on cutting similar link structures used to repair memory devices with redundant circuitry. The link-cutting process described here provides a 90% or higher programming yield on a 100,000 link ASIC based on specific process recommendations including optical verification of link cutting performance.
A prosocial self‐concept approach to understanding organizational citizenship behavior

Purpose – Individual characteristics have been weaker correlates of organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) than have attitudinal and contextual variables; however, few individual characteristics have been examined. This paper seeks to broaden the search for possible antecedents to include individuals' prosocial self‐concept.Design/methodology/approach – A survey (n=226) was conducted to examine the relationship between university students' prosocial self‐concept and their intentions to engage in campus‐related service and citizenship activities. Prosocial self‐concept was assessed with Crandall's 24‐item Social Interest Scale.Findings – Prosocial self‐concept correlated modestly, but significantly, with OCB intentions toward fellow students (r=0.16, p<0.05), and OCB intentions toward society (r=0.18, p<0.05), but not with OCB intentions toward the university (r=0.12). Identification with the university correlated significantly with OCB intentions toward the university (r=0.29, p<0.001), but not with ...
Coherent far-field excitation of surface plasmons using resonantly tuned metal nanoparticle arrays

Recent work in plasmon nanophotonics has shown the successful fabrication of surface plasmon (SP) based optical elements such as waveguides, splitters, and multimode interference devices. These elements enable the development of plasmonic integrated circuits. An important challenge lies in the coupling of conventional far-field optics to such nanoscale optical circuits. To address this coupling issue, we have designed structures that employ local resonances for far-field excitation of SPs. The proposed coupler structure consists of an array of ellipsoidal silver nanoparticles embedded in SiO 2 and placed close to a silver surface. To study the performance of the coupler we have performed simulations using the Finite Integration Technique. Our simulations show that normal incidence illumination at a free-space wavelength of 676 nm leads to the resonant excitation of SP oscillations in the Ag nanoparticles, accompanied by coherent near-field excitation of propagating SPs on the Ag film. The excitation efficiency can by maximized by tuning the aspect ratio of the nanoparticles, showing optimum coupling at an aspect ratio of 3.0 with the long axis (75 nm) along the polarization of the excitation signal. We discuss the origin of these observations.
Efficient Extraction of Fuel Oil Hydrocarbons from Wood

Abstract Sequential cold (room temperature) extraction from aged contaminated wood samples (southern yellow pine) with acetone followed by n‐pentane (upon a 3–4 days of sample incubation with each solvent) yielded more than 90% analyte recovery for both ambient (natural moisture content) and water‐submerged wood, significantly exceeding the recoveries obtained with one‐step extraction using single solvents and/or their mixtures. By contrast, a much faster ultrasound/Soxhlet extraction led to a virtually complete analyte recovery while using a 1∶1 mixture of these two solvents. Evidence obtained indicates that a possible role for the first solvent, acetone (in addition to collection of loose analyte), is the removal of an aqueous barrier surrounding the strongly adsorbed hydrocarbon, thus enabling its extraction by the second (non‐polar) solvent. For larger analyte concentrations (>60 mg n‐hexadecane/g wood), the high‐affinity binding sites became saturated (yielding 5–10 mg unrecovered analyte/g wood), an...