cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental evaluation of the impacts of reduced inorganic phosphorus fertilization rates on juvenile saugeye production

Abstract Optimizing fertilization rates to obtain suitable algal composition, water quality, and zooplankton forage base to produce stockable-sized juvenile fish remains a challenge for fish managers. Earlier research suggested a weekly fertilization protocol using liquid inorganic fertilizers to restore phosphate concentration to 30 μg/L and inorganic nitrogen to 600 μg/L optimized juvenile saugeye production. We conducted field experiments to test whether the fertilization rate of 30 μg P/L was higher than required and facilitated proliferation of inedible algal species leading to low zooplankton biomass and low fish survival. We compared the original phosphorus fertilization rate of 30 μg P/L with lowered fertilization rates of 20 μg P/L and 10 μg P/L, maintaining a constant inorganic nitrogen fertilization rate of 600 μg N/L. We found that lowering of phosphorus fertilization rate from 30 to 10 µg P/L neither affected the larval saugeye production (in terms of survival, yield, and growth) nor the maintenance of adequate zooplankton forage base throughout the culture duration. The phytoplankton biomass and species composition remained similar among treatments; the inoculum-weighted dominance of Cyanobacteria prevented proliferation of edible algal species in the initial weeks of fish culture. Lowering the phosphorus fertilization rate in percid ponds may reduce the risk of elevated pH, unionized ammonia, low dissolved oxygen concentration, macrophyte infestation and the discharge of nutrient-rich effluent into surrounding waters. Managers of Ohio's state fish hatcheries have implemented a juvenile percid pond fertilization protocol with a lowered phosphorus fertilization rate of 10 μg P/L based on the results of this study.
IS BREATHING FUNDAMENTALLY A REFLEX PHENOMENON

Whether the rhythmic discharge of the respiratory centre is a localised physico-chemical process modified by afferent impulses, or a reflex phenomena modified by chemical conditions, is considered. Effects of varied combinations of afferent inflow suggest that breathing may be largely a resultant of numerous and various afferent nerve impulses. The effectiveness of afferent impulses is profoundly influenced by chemical changes capable of modifying breathing. Results indicate depression of excitatory and inhibitory respiratory reflexes by CO2 saturation and augmentation by CO2 depletion and anoxemia. These findings are tentatively employed to analyse respiratory phenomena. The indirect proportionality of rhythm to intrapulmonary pressure is a reflex effect of changing lung volume. Assuming only a single inhibitory vagal reflex, augmentation of this reflex by sodium carbonate could slow the rhythm and depression by CO2 could accelerate it, at any pulmonary volume. Graded volume change with a dual vagal reflex control could at some point reverse the effects of both CO3 and CO2. Experimentally CO3 retards breathing during inflation, accelerates during deflation and reduces amplitude at neutral volume. CO2 acceleration during inflation is reversed to retardation during deflation. Lung volume, therefore, importantly determines the mode of response to chemical influences by changing the relative dominance of individual pulmonary reflexes. Carbonate apnea is not due to lost excitability, but most probably to augmentation of vagal inhibitory reflexes and possibly other stretch reflexes, for saphenous stimulation during apnea produces superexcessive breathing. Carbon dioxide administrations under otherwise normal conditions may produce its relatively slow breathing by depressing the vagal accelerating function by chemical vagotomy. Anoxemia may produce its relatively rapid breathing by augmenting this function. The present experiments indicate the great importance of reflexes and their modification through chemical changes and suggest the breathing may be fundamentally a reflex phenomena. On the other hand, they are not necessarily opposed to an automatically discharging centre under the influence of chemical and afferent nerve impulse changes. It is suggested that the influence of chemical changes on circulatory reflexes may be a factor in the control of circulation.
Supercapacitors from Activated Carbon Derived from Banana Fibers

Carbon materials were synthesized from banana fibers by treating the fibers with pore-forming substances such as ZnCl2 and KOH with an intention to improve the surface area and their electrochemical performance as electrical double-layer capacitor electrodes. The performance of these materials was studied in a neutral electrolyte for the first time. There has been a substantive increase in the specific surface area of the treated carbon material because of the effective pore generations. The structural and surface properties of the prepared carbon materials were studied using scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption/desorption studies. The surface area of the 10% ZnCl2 treated sample was found to be 1097 m2/g. The electrochemical properties of untreated and porogen treated carbons were evaluated by using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge−discharge studies, and the specific capacitance as high as 74 F/g in 1 M Na2SO4 neutral electrolyte was obtained for 10% ZnCl2 treated carbon as determine...
Introduction to Clinical Forum.

The issues presented in this forum concerning the development of communication and literacy abilities in school-age children who are deaf or hard of hearing are introduced in this article. The auth...
Block Scheduling: More Benefits than Challenges. Response to Thomas (2001)

Far from a failed experiment in time management, block scheduling is being adapted in various ways by schools nationwide to suit students’ needs. This article reviews research on scheduling effects...
Growth and yield characteristics of 'Waldmann's Green' leaf lettuce under different photon fluxes from metal halide or incandescent + fluorescent radiation.

Growth of 'Waldmann's Green' leaf lettuce under metal halide radiation was compared with that under In = Fl at the same photosynthetic photon flux (920 micromol/s/sq m) to evaluate the influence of lamp type on growth. No differences in leaf dry weight, leaf area, relative growth rate or photosynthesis occurred after 8 days of exposure to these radiation treatments for 20 h/day.
Microscale imaging of cilia-driven fluid flow.

Cilia-driven fluid flow is important for multiple processes in the body, including respiratory mucus clearance, gamete transport in the oviduct, right–left patterning in the embryonic node, and cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Multiple imaging techniques have been applied toward quantifying ciliary flow. Here, we review common velocimetry methods of quantifying fluid flow. We then discuss four important optical modalities, including light microscopy, epifluorescence, confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography, that have been used to investigate cilia-driven flow.
Reaching Beyond Borders through Service Learning.

When university Spanish programs integrate a service learning pedagogy into their curriculum, they establish mutually beneficial relationships with the local Latino population. Indeed, all participants benefit: College Spanish students deepen their learning experience, Latino students in public school ESL programs receive individualized tutoring, and the college professor emerges from academic isolation to do the work of a public intellectual. Key words: service learning, borders, public intellectual, Latino population, public schools, ESL
CLINICAL IMPROVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH EXERCISE INDUCED PULMONARY ARTERY HYPERTENSION IS SIMILAR TO PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Exercise-induced Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (EiPAH) represents an early phase of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in which screening and early detection might facilitate treatment aimed at preventing progression of EiPAH to resting PAH. In this study we sought to compare change in 6MWD after
Theory of direct scattering of neutral and charged atoms

The theory for direct elastic and inelastic collisions between composite atomic systems formulated within the framework of the Glauber approximation is presented. It is shown that the phase-shift function is the sum of a point Coulomb contribution and of an expression in terms of the known electron-hydrogen-atom and proton-hydrogen-atom phase shift function. The scattering amplitude is reexpressed, the pure Coulomb scattering in the case of elastic collisions between ions is isolated, and the exact optical profile function is approximated by a first-order expansion in Glauber theory which takes into account some multiple collisions. The approximate optical profile function terms corresponding to interactions involving one and two electrons are obtained in forms of Meijer G functions and as a one-dimensional integral, and for collisions involving one or two neutral atoms, the scattering amplitude is further reduced to a simple closed-form expression.
Minicolumnar Activation Patterns in Cat and Monkey SI Cortex

The distribution of stimulus-evoked 14C-2-deoxyglucose (2DG) labeling in primary somatosensory cortex (SI) of monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and cat was investigated. Reconstructions of the global pattern of labeling reveal that discrete skin stimuli evoke activity within an extensive region of SI, and that the activation pattern typically consists of multiple, elongated regions of above-background labeling ("modules," typically 0.5-1.0 mm wide, and 1-4 mm long). Evidence obtained using recently developed methods (Tommerdahl, 1989) for quantitative analysis of 2DG activity patterns is shown to be consistent with the idea (Whitsel et al., 1991) that SI modules typically are bounded by zones dominated by stimulus-evoked inhibition. The labeling pattern within individual 2DG modules in SI of both cats and monkeys is analyzed quantitatively (in the frequency domain). Within-module spatial activation patterns are demonstrated to be periodic, consisting of radially oriented profiles of above-background labeling separated from each other by less strongly labeled radial profiles. The spectral characteristics of within-module 2DG labeling change systematically with location along the module's long axis: spatial frequencies between 18 and 35 cycles/mm are prominent in the labeling that occupies both the middle and upper layers at central locations in the module, but are a less obvious component of the labeling in both the middle and upper layers at locations remote to the module center. Since the radially oriented periodic variation both (1) in 2DG labeling in regions of SI outside modules and (2) in optical density in images of Nissl-stained sections of SI consists predominantly of spatial frequencies in the range of 18-35 cycles/mm, it is concluded that the radial profiles of labeling within individual 2DG modules correspond to groupings of minicolumns distinguishable from their neighbors on the basis of labeling intensity. The findings raise the possibility that highly structured, within-module spatial patterns of SI minicolumnar activation encode information about the physical properties of tactile stimuli.
An epidemiologic look at the problem of classification in the field of arthritis.

Abstract The need for limiting definitions in the rheumatic disease field has been emphasized. Definitions must draw sharp lines between diseases and at the minimal severity at which a diagnosis is acceptable. This need is just as great for the clinician planning therapeutic trials as for the epidemiologist studying the distribution of disease in the population.
THE RANICON -A RESISTIVE ANODE IMAGE CONVERTER FOR THE SOFT X -RAY AND VACUUM ULTRAVIOLET

A versatile photon imaging system for use in the 1 - 1800 A wavelength range is described. The Ranicon employs a microchannel electron multiplier plate to convert the incident photons into a charge signal. This charge pulse is proximity focussed onto a large area resistive anode plate equipped with pickup electrodes on its edges. Each i event is located electronically by the ratios of the charges collected at the edges or by the differneces of the signals' rise times. One and two dimensional pictures are built up by storing events digitally (e.g. a core memory) or in analog form (e.g. a storage oscilloscope). A compact laboratory model has been constructed and tested. Operating characteristics and applications of the Ranicon are discussed.
Modeling of Ion-Exchange Column Operation. II. Mass Transport Kinetics

Abstract A previously described method for modeling the operation of ion-exchange columns by numerical integration on a microcomputer is modified to include the effect on elution curves of the finite rate of mass transport of solute ions between the resin and the aqueous phase. This is done by means of a time constant approach. The time constant is estimated as the smallest nonzero eigenvalue of a suitably-chosen diffusion problem. Results are presented showing the effect of the size of the time constant and the salt concentration in the eluting liquid on the shapes of the elution curves.
Tumor necrosis factor-α in vitiligo: direct correlation between tissue levels and clinical parameters

Background: Experimental evidences have shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α may play a role in the pathogenesis of nonsegmental vitiligo, and successful cases of vitiligo treated with TNF-α inhibitors have been recently reported.Materials and methods: Two cases of refractory generalized vitiligo, which showed high tissue levels of TNF-α, were commenced anti-TNF-α antibody etanercept 50 mg weekly. A retrospective study, considering chart review and immunohistochemical staining for TNF-α, was then carried out on eight additional patients affected by untreated vitiligo.Results: Etanercept achieved improvement of vitiligo in two patients at 6-month follow-up. Five out of eight specimens showed a strong cytoplasmic staining for TNF-α. Considering all 10 cases, patients with a strong TNF-α staining were characterized by a higher vitiligo disease activity score than patients with a weak staining.Discussion: These findings, albeit limited in significance by the low number of cases and the retrospective natur...
Enhancement of ligand-dependent activation of human natural killer T cells by lenalidomide: therapeutic implications

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are CD1d-restricted glycolipid reactive innate lymphocytes that play an important role in protection from pathogens and tumors. Pharmacologic approaches to enhance NKT cell function will facilitate specific NKT targeting in the clinic. Here we show that lenalidomide (LEN), a novel thalidomide (Thal) analog, enhances antigen-specific expansion of NKT cells in response to the NKT ligand α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) in both healthy donors and patients with myeloma. NKT cells activated in the presence of LEN have greater ability to secrete interferon-γ. Antigen-dependent activation of NKT cells was greater in the presence of dexamethasone (DEX) plus LEN than with DEX alone. Therapy with LEN/Thal also led to an increase in NKT cells in vivo in patients with myeloma and del5q myelodysplastic syndrome. Together these data demonstrate that LEN and its analogues enhance CD1d-mediated presentation of glycolipid antigens and support combining these agents with NKT targeted approaches for protection against tumors.
The origin of the elevated peritoneal fluid alkaline phosphatase activity in small intestinal injury.

The examination of peritoneal fluid obtained by paracentesis and peritoneal lavage has contributed to the evaluation of the patient with abdominal injury [5,7]. Quantitation of erythrocytes and leukocytes, and the identification of bacteria can accurately establish the presence of injury or inflammatory and circulatory disorders involving intraperitoneal organs [6, 81. The analysis of peritoneal fluid for its amylase content is the only chemical investigation that has been regularly utilized in the diagnosis of abdominal trauma [4] In an effort to extend the value of paracentesis as a diagnostic tool, the chemical composition of the peritoneal fluid following abdominal trauma has been studied in a clinical and experimental series. The results of the chemical analysis of the peritoneal fluid in a series of 70 patients has been reported [l]. The study found that a combination of an elevated peritoneal fluid alkaline phosphatase activity and a normal serum alkaline phosphatase activity was seen in patients with full-thickness small intestinal injury or a combination of a small intestinal injury and other organ injuries. The present report is an experimental confirmation of this finding with isoenzyme analysis of the peritoneal fluid alkaline phosphatase to determine the source of this alkaline phosphatase activity.
Electron Momentum Distribution in Vanadium and Vanadium Hydride

The Compton profiles of vanadium and vanadium hydride have been measured. The two profiles are in agreement for values of the electron moment, um greater than 1.5 at. units, indicating that the vanadium core electron momentum distribution is unchanged by addition of the hydrogen. The difference between the profiles is in the valence electron region, and it supports the model of the hydrogen atom giving its electron to the vanadium Fermi sea. Die Comptonprofile von Vanadium und Vanadiumhydrid wurden experimentell bestimmt. Fur Elektronenimpulse groser als 1,5 at. Einh. stimmeii beide Profile uberein. Das weist darauf hin, das die Impulsverteilung der Rumpfelektronen von Vanadium durch Hinzu-fugen von Wasserstoff nicht verkandert wird. Im Bereich der Valenzelektronen sind die beiden Profile verschieden. Diese Ergebnisse unterstutzen die Modellvorstellung, das das Wasserstoffatom sein Elektron an den Fermisee von Vanadium abgibt.
Who Says What About Whom: Young Voters' Impression Formation of Political Candidates on Social Networking Sites

Social information processing theory claims that computer-mediated communication users form impressions of others by utilizing available information in the web environment. As social networking sites offer a wider variety of cues, however, the environment has become increasingly complex. This study explores which cues influence computer-mediated communication users in a cue-rich environment. More specifically, based on the social identification and deindividuation model, we examined not only how others' opinions but also how the perceived age of the commenters and candidates influenced young people's impressions of political candidates. Participants (N = 520) were randomly placed into a 2 (positive/negative comments) × 2 (younger/older commenters) × 2 (younger/older candidate) design and exposed to a fictitious candidate's Facebook profile with unknown others' comments before reporting the candidate's trustworthiness. Although comments' valence was the strongest cue, the results showed that older commente...
Financial conglomeration: Issues and questions

This chapter discusses recent developments in financial conglomeration. My focus is on two types of conglomeration — mergers within the commercial banking industry and expansion of the scope of banking activities — that are fundamentally transforming the financial-services industry. I examine the various reasons for these developments and offer some thoughts about the future evolution of the global financial-services industry.
Characterization and Quantitation of a Zinc-Binding Ligand in Human Milk

A low-molecular-weight zinc-binding ligand from human milk has been isolated and characterized. The ligand was isolated by chromatography on Dowex 50, Dowex 1, and Sephadex G-15 equilibrated with 0.153 mM Zn(NO3)2. Mass spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and infrared spectroscopy proved that the zinc-binding ligand isolated by this method from human milk is pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, commonly known as picolinic acid. The concentration of picolinic acid in human milk was 308 microM, the concentration in one brand of processed cow's milk was 20 microM, but picolinic acid was undetectable in a second brand of cow's milk and in four different infant formulas. Weanling rats fed supplemental picolinic acid absorbed significantly more dietary zinc and gained significantly more weight than rats fed an unsupplemented diet. The results suggest that the high bioavailability of zinc in human milk results from the presence of picolinic acid, a bidentate chelating ligand which facilitates zinc absorption from the intestine.
Spatially and Temporally Resolved Electric Fields in a Plasma Sheath

Summary form only given. We employ laser-induced dip-fluorescence to detect Stark shifts in atomic argon Rydberg states induced by electric fields present in the plasma sheath. The Stark shifts of these Rydberg states are calibrated for a set of known electric fields. The choice of probed Rydberg state determines the electric field range and resolution we can achieve. Both spatially and temporally resolved maps of the electric fields are obtained above powered electrodes generating the plasma. Configurations studied include a metal-dielectric electrode, a stepped electrode, and an electrode composed of dissimilar metals. The structure of the sheath, as well as the structure of the discharge, is observed to be functions of the powered electrode's configuration. Possible mechanisms responsible for the observed electrode dependencies are discussed
Hypothesis: sarcoidosis is a STAT1-mediated disease.

Abstract Immunologic pathways involved in sarcoidosis pathogenesis are largely unknown. We hypothesized that patients with sarcoidosis have characteristic mRNA profiles. Microarray analysis of gene expression was done on peripheral blood (12 patients, 12 controls), lung (6 patients, 6 controls) and lymph node (8 patients, 5 controls). Comparing peripheral blood from patients with sarcoidosis to controls, 872 transcripts were upregulated and 1039 were downregulated at > 1.5-fold change and a significant q value. Several transcripts associated with interferon and STAT1 were upregulated. Lung and lymph node analyses also showed dramatic increases in STAT1 and STAT1-regulated chemokines. Granulomas in lymph nodes of patients with sarcoidosis expressed abundant STAT1 and phosphorylated STAT1. STAT1 might play an important role in sarcoidosis. This novel hypothesis unites seemingly disparate observations with regard to sarcoidosis including implication of a casual role for interferons, a suspected infectious trigger, TH1 predominating lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage, and the association with hypercalcemia.
Development of an experimental model of Microsporum canis infection in cats

An experimental infection model was developed for reliable induction of Microsporum canis skin infections in cats, using a defined number of macroconidia harvested from the fungus in culture. The strain of M. canis used produced highly fluorescent hairs under ultraviolet illumination. Kittens 8 to 9 weeks of age (n = 6) received 10(5) macroconidia applied topically to a closely-shaved area of skin. Sites were dressed with an occlusive bandage for 3 days, then grooming was restricted for an additional 4 weeks. Lesions were first observed 2 weeks after inoculation, enlarged over the following 6 to 8 weeks, then decreased in size and appeared healed at 12 to 14 weeks after inoculation. Cats often developed satellite lesions on the face, ears, or other body regions. The experimental infections strongly resembled moderately severe cases of naturally-occurring feline dermatophytosis in clinical patients. This experimental infection model will be useful for evaluation of topical and systemic treatments for feline M. canis infection.
Stream capture and piracy recorded by provenance in fluvial fan strata

Abstract Stream capture and piracy in tectonically active regions have been described in geomorphic systems worldwide; however, few studies show the influence stream capture has on the rock record. We present an analysis of fluvial fan stratigraphy that developed as a result of multiple stream capture events, building a complex stratigraphic succession beneath the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), California. The LLNL site is located in the southeast portion of the tectonically active Livermore Basin, a transpressional basin in the California Coast Ranges. Geomorphic evidence for this stream capture include: (1) the Arroyo Seco enters the basin from the south through an uplifted fault block, (2) south of this fault block lies an abandoned Arroyo Seco fluvial fan, (3) north of the fault block, in the Livermore Basin, Arroyo Seco built a 7-km2 fluvial fan, apparently forcing the Arroyo Las Positas, a smaller stream that enters the basin from the east, northward around the Arroyo Seco fan, and (4) a knickpoint exists near the point of capture on Arroyo Seco. Stratigraphic evidence reflecting this shift in the Arroyo Seco position into the Livermore Basin was evaluated through a provenance study of 215 gravel units from 34 boreholes spaced evenly over the 2.6 km2 LLNL site. The Arroyo Seco derives its sediment from both the Jurassic–Cretaceous Franciscan Assemblage and the Altamont Hills (which are comprised of Mesozoic Great Valley Group and Tertiary continental sediments). The Arroyo Las Positas drains only the Altamont Hills and thus lacks the Franciscan Assemblage-derived clasts. The origin of the individual gravel units was determined by the percentage of Franciscan Assemblage indicator pebbles (red chert, green chert and blueschist) in the samples. Through this analysis, we determined that high-percentage Franciscan Assemblage-derived clasts were present below a depth of approximately 35 m below the surface, low-percentage Franciscan Assemblage-derived clasts were present at depths between 35 m and 18 m, and high-percentage Franciscan Assemblage-derived clasts were present from depths of approximately 18 m to the surface of the fluvial fan. These results indicate that the Arroyo Seco flowed north and deposited sediments at the LLNL site, then was later absent from the basin at which time it formed a fan south of the fault block. During this absence of the Arroyo Seco, the Arroyo Las Positas, a westerly flowing stream, dominated the sediment supply at the LLNL site. The Arroyo Seco was then captured by a gully headward eroding through the uplifted fault block, redirecting the Arroyo Seco into the basin once again. This history of multiple stream captures created three stratigraphic units with alternating overall channel and paleoflow orientations.
Polymorphic mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) in a coastal riverscape: size class assemblages, distribution, and habitat associations

We compared the assemblage structure, spatial distributions, and habitat associations of mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) morphotypes and size classes. We hypothesised that morphotypes would have different spatial distributions and would be associated with different habitat features based on feeding behaviour and diet. Spatially continuous sampling was conducted over a broad extent (29 km) in the Calawah River, WA (USA). Whitefish were enumerated via snorkelling in three size classes: small (10–29 cm), medium (30–49 cm), and large (≥50 cm). We identified morphotypes based on head and snout morphology: a pinocchio form that had an elongated snout and a normal form with a blunted snout. Large size classes of both morphotypes were distributed downstream of small and medium size classes, and normal whitefish were distributed downstream of pinocchio whitefish. Ordination of whitefish assemblages with nonmetric multidimensional scaling revealed that normal whitefish size classes were associated with higher gradient and depth, whereas pinocchio whitefish size classes were positively associated with pool area, distance upstream, and depth. Reach-scale generalised additive models indicated that normal whitefish relative density was associated with larger substrate size in downstream reaches (R2 = 0.64), and pinocchio whitefish were associated with greater stream depth in the reaches farther upstream (R2 = 0.87). These results suggest broad-scale spatial segregation (1–10 km), particularly between larger and more phenotypically extreme individuals. These results provide the first perspective on spatial distributions and habitat relationships of polymorphic mountain whitefish.
Spectroelectrochemical measurements of redox proteins by using a simple UV/visible cell

Abstract Details are provided of a spectroelectrochemical cell that consists of a UV/vis cuvette. We report the UV/vis spectroelectrochemical measurements of cytochrome c, myoglobin, horseradish peroxidase, and cytochrome bc1 at pH 7.0. The application on cytochrome c was performed by direct electron exchange between the protein and the working electrode. On the other hand, the measurements on myoglobin, horseradish peroxidase, and cytochrome bc1 were carried out in the presence of redox mediators. All the proteins display one-electron redox changes, as expected and measured midpoint potentials (Em) that agree with previously reported values.
Aging of Silver Iodide-Sodium Iodide Generator Effluent in Moist and Dry Air

Abstract The effect of storage of AgI-NaI aerosol particles in moist and dry air upon the efficiency of nucleation of such particles has been investigated. Samples were obtained from a standard solution generator and tested in an optical cold stage at −15C under a controlled atmosphere. The “wet” and “dry” samples were paired and studied together in the optical cold chamber to eliminate several environmental variables. In 16 out of 21 runs the aerosol aged under dry conditions showed a higher nucleation efficiency, there also being a possible weak positive correlation of the ratio of efficiencies of dry to wet samples with time. Differences between these results and those of other workers can best be explained by differences in aging treatment.
Using Spanish as the Language of Instruction with Mexican-American Head Start Children: A Re-Evaluation Using Meta-Analysis.

-Data from an earlier smdp of a cognitively-based Englishlanguage training program for 67 Mexican-American Head Start children were re-analyzed using mem-analysis. A comparison of posttest and follow-up test results on various instruments showed that the use of Spanish as the language of instruction resulted in larger effect sizes than did the use of English, both languages, or a control treatment using arts, crafts, and music activities. Recently expressed doubts about the efficacy of beginning instruction in nonEnglish speakers' native languages are questioned.
Abnormal slow crack growth in polyethylene

The normal slow crack growth behaviour of polyethylenes consists of a ductile-brittle transition where the transition to brittle fracture occurs below a critical stress and after a critical time. The curves of stress vs. failure time depend on temperature, but all curves can be shifted vertically and horizontally by well established shift functions. It has been observed that there are some polyethylenes whose stress vs. time to failure curves do not shift in the normal way and in some cases the time for brittle fracture does not change with temperature. SEM micrographs do not reveal any difference between the fibrillated fractured surfaces from the normal and abnormal specimens. Whereas the normal slow crack growth behaviour has been attributed to the disentanglement of the molecules by sliding without chain scission, it is proposed that the abnormal fracture behaviour may involve a disentanglement mechanism that consists of a combination of chain sliding and scission.
Optical activity in conformationally flexible molecules: a theoretical study of large-amplitude vibrational averaging in (R)-3-chloro-1-butene

The simple Boltzmann averaging procedure that is commonly used for computing chiroptical properties of conformationally flexible molecules has been tested against a more rigorous approach involving explicitly computed vibrational wave functions for large-amplitude motion. A one-dimensional, carbon-backbone torsional potential function of the paradigmatic chiral molecule (R)-3-chloro-1-butene was constructed by mapping out the intrinsic reaction coordinate connecting the three relevant transition states and minimum-energy structures. The corresponding one-dimensional vibrational Schrodinger equation was solved using both numerical and algebraic methods to obtain torsional vibrational wave functions, over which averaged coupled-cluster and density-functional specific rotations were computed. The rigorous vibrational Boltzmann approach was then compared systematically with the simpler method based solely on the relative energies of the zero-point vibrational levels of each conformer. By analysis of scaled to...
Urban Farming: A Non-Traditional Intervention for HIV-Related Distress

As individuals with HIV are living longer with less morbidity, developing interventions that address co-morbidities are essential. Psychological distress symptoms fluctuate throughout HIV infection and interrupt self-care practices. This pilot study was conducted to test the implementation of a clinic-recruited sample to participate in a community-based urban farming intervention, and assess the efficacy of reducing psychological distress symptoms. While the changes were not statistically significant, participants reported less distress symptoms, improved overall general health, and reduced frequency of illicit drug use. These findings support the development of a larger scale study to examine the impact of this nontraditional intervention.
Serum and Glucocorticoid Regulation of Gene Transcription and Expression of the Prostaglandin H Synthase-1 and Prostaglandin H Synthase-2 Isozymes

Mitogenic stimulation has been shown to increase both prostaglandin H (PGH) synthase-1 (PGHS-1) and PGH synthase-2 (PGHS-2) mRNA levels, although the time course and magnitude of induction are different for the two genes. To investigate the mechanism for mRNA induction, we conducted nuclear run-off assays of these two genes in 3T3 cells and correlated mitogen-induced changes in PGHS gene transcription with changes in PGHS mRNA and PGHS isozyme expression. We also examined the mechanism for glucocorticoid inhibition of PGHS mRNA expression and the effects of glucocorticoids on PGHS isozyme expression. Serum stimulation of quiescent 3T3 cells led to a sequential increase in PGHS-2 gene transcription, PGHS-2 mRNA, and PGHS-2 enzyme levels. PGHS-2 gene transcription increased over 25-fold within 30 min of serum addition resulting in an over 70-fold increase in PGHS-2 mRNA by 1 h, and maximal PGHS-2 enzyme expression by 2 h. Increased PGHS-2 isozyme expression thus appears to depend on transcriptional activation of the gene. Transcription of the PGHS-2 gene declined after 30 min, and PGHS-2 mRNA levels declined similarly after 1 h, leading to a return of PGHS-2 levels to near basal levels by 6 h. Glucocorticoids, which previously have been shown to inhibit mitogen-stimulated increases in PGHS-2 levels, were found to inhibit serum-stimulated increases in PGHS-2 gene transcription by 70%, resulting in a 70% reduction in peak serum-stimulated PGHS-2 mRNA levels also. Western blotting with PGHS-2 specific antisera demonstrated that while dexamethasone simply reduced PGHS-2 mRNA levels, it completely suppressed expression of PGHS-2 protein. The coincidental reduction in PGHS-2 transcription, PGHS-2 mRNA, and enzyme levels by dexamethasone, provides further support for the hypothesis that control of transcription is one primary control mechanism for regulating PGHS-2 expression. That complete suppression of PGHS-2 enzyme expression occurs following partial suppression of PGHS-2 mRNA, however, suggests that other mechanisms may also contribute to the glucocorticoid effect. A small, but reproducible, increase in transcription of the PGHS-1 gene occurred 3 h following serum stimulation, coincident with a three- to fourfold increase in PGHS-1 mRNA; PGHS-1 mRNA remained elevated for at least 3 h. Dexamethasone reduced, but did not completely inhibit, the serum-stimulated increases in PGHS-1. However, changes in PGHS-1 mRNA were not accompanied by detectable changes in PGHS-1 protein in the presence or absence of dexamethasone.
Hermitian symmetry and low‐order statistical density matrices

The Dirac and Bloch single-particle density matrices in Thomas--Fermi approximation are derived ab initio by incorporating the idea of a ''local'' approximation into an otherwise exact representation. The forms found yield the usual densities in Thomas--Fermi approximation and are Hermitian. (auth)
Serum Albumin Level as a Predictor of Incident Coronary Heart Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Various studies have reported an inverse association between serum albumin level and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), though biologic mechanisms have not been established. The authors examined the association between serum albumin level and CHD in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort, comprising 14,506 White and African-American middle-aged men and women. The mean albumin level in this population was 3.9 g/dl (standard deviation 0.3). During 5.2 years of follow-up, 470 incident CHD events occurred. The hazard ratio for incident CHD associated with a 1-standard deviation decrease in serum albumin level was 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.38) after adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.30) after additional adjustment for covariates related to CHD. Hazard ratios were similar across gender and ethnic groups. However, there was statistically significant effect modification by smoking status, with hazard ratios of 1.01 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.22) among never smokers, 1.09 (95% CI: 0.92, 1.30) among former smokers, and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.54) among current smokers. Further adjustment for factors related to renal disease, nutrition, platelet aggregation, inflammation, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and hemostasis factors attenuated the albumin-CHD relation only slightly. In this study, serum albumin was inversely associated with incident CHD at the baseline examination in current smokers but not in never or former smokers. Albumin level may be a marker of susceptibility to the inflammatory response that results from smoking.
Daily associations of alcohol use with sexual behaviour and condom use during Spring Break

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Spring Break is associated with high levels of alcohol use and related consequences and with risky sexual behaviour among North American college students. However the extent to which Spring Break drinking and sexual behaviours are related has not been well documented. DESIGN AND METHODS: Undergraduate students (n = 263) were surveyed prior to and immediately after Spring Break including retrospective reports of daily behaviour for each day of Spring Break. RESULTS: Hierarchical linear modelling was used to predict penetrative sex and condom use. Binge drinking on a day was associated with a greater likelihood of penetrative sex and of condom use moderated by relationship status. Binge drinking led to a greater increase in penetrative sex among single students. Single students were more likely to use condoms after drinking; those in a relationship were less likely to use condoms after drinking. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Single college students are more likely to have sex after binge drinking on Spring Break but also more likely to use condoms after drinking compared to students in a relationship. Intervention efforts may need to acknowledge relationship status. (c) 2012 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.
Characterization of the strain rate dependent behavior of nanocrystalline gold films

The strain rate dependence of freestanding, nanocrystalline gold films was evaluated by a microtensile technique with applied strain rates on the order of 10−4 to 10−6 s−1. Film thickness ranged from 0.25 to 1.00 μm with corresponding grain sizes of 40 to 100 nm. The plastic properties were found to be particularly sensitive to strain rate, film thickness, and grain size, while the elastic property remained relatively unchanged. The thinner films exhibited significant strain rate sensitivity, while the thicker film exhibited only marginal changes. Hall–Petch boundary hardening was observed and dominated plastic flow at larger strain rates, while diffusion-controlled deformation mechanisms appeared to be activated with increasing influence as strain rate decreased. Analysis of dislocation-based and grain-boundary diffusion-related creep suggested that the films were likely experiencing power-law creep as the dominant deformation mechanism in this grain size regime at lower strain rates.
Economic Crises and the Substituion of Fiscal Policy by Monetary Policy

The paper discusses the latest economic crisis and the public policies used to mitigate the recession and improve the economic growth. The current target rate (monetary policy) is closed to zero since December 2008 with a new experimental policy (“quantitative easing”) to stimulate investment, growth, and employment. The abandonment of the fiscal policy and the current U.S. tax system, which reduces the disposable income and makes savings negative (dissaving or borrowing) has contributed to this slow growth of output and persistent unemployment. This policy has increased the debt of individuals and the low taxes on businesses have magnified the budget deficits and the national debt. Individuals are borrowing the present value of their uncertain future wealth to satisfy their current consumption and their high debt and low income raise the risk and this high risk premium increases the interest rate on uncollateralized loans, especially on credit cards. The U.S. government has to increase corporate taxes, which will lower the national debt; but at the same time, it has to reduce government expenditures (mostly, military expenditures and national defense), curbing inefficiencies, corruption, and increasing public investment (infrastructures). The public policies must be mixed policies (fiscal and monetary) to improve growth and employment first and then to reduce inflation and interest rates. The current one-sided monetary policy and the tax system need to be changed and become optimal, which are essential to improve social welfare, fairness, equity, justice, and to benefit the neglected middle class (the 90% of the population) in the country. This middle class works and pays just taxes and interest (redistribution of its wealth to government and banks), due to its low disposable income, high unemployment, and unfavorable monetary policy. Impoverishing the middle class will deteriorate the entire state of our socio-economic system and it might threaten the existence of the nation. Keywords: Estimation; Time-Series Models; Consumption and Saving; Taxation; Government Expenditures; Interest Rates; Monetary Policy; Fiscal Policy JEL Classifications: C13; C22; E21; E43; E52; E62; H20; H50
Eluate Analysis of Anti‐Bga Associated Renal Allograft Rejection

Renal allograft rejection, following development of a positive indirect antiglobulin reaction, occurred in a multiply transfused recipient. Panel techniques confirmed both anti-Bga and anti-Kell antibodies. Recognition of the concordant antigenic specificity of the Bga and HL-A7 antigens led to an investigation of the potential role of this antibody in the rejection phenomenon. In the absence of serological cytotoxicity, a modified elution technique was used to directly obtain immunoglobulin from the rejected allograft. The eluate obtained displayed specificity for the Bga red blood cell antigen. The described technique affords an additional approach to the documentation of immunologically mediated graft rejection and obviates the limitations imposed by the absence of serological cytotoxicity. Emphasis is placed on the need for recognition of the relationship between red blood cell and HL-A antigens.
A molecular beam study of isomerization and dehydrogenation of butene on a mica surface

Abstract By means of a Recycling Molecular Beam Reactor (RMBR) we have determined for 1-butene incident on a mica surface the reaction probabilities for: (1) isomerization to cis -2-butene, (2) isomerization to trans -2-butene, and (3) dehydrogenation to 1,3-butadiene. The probabilities for each of these reactions is determined entirely by the temperature of the surface which can be considered as amorphous silica-alumina. The translational and vibrational energies of the incident reactant molecules have no apparent effect on the reaction rates. The reaction probability in each case can be fitted by an equation of the form P = A exp (− E RT ) . For reactions (1), (2), and (3), respectively, A is 2.9 × 10 −3 , 1.2 × 10 −2 , and 0.2 and E is 41.9, 48.1, and 48.2 kJ/mol. These results strongly suggest that the reactions are truly catalytic on the surface and that there is no energy barrier to adsorption. Similar conclusions were reached from some cursory studies of the dehydrogenation of cis -2-butene on mica and the hydrogenation of propylene on rhodium.
A state-space identification for linear image processing

A method for the identification of unknown parameters for a general two-dimensional model of images is presented. One of the advantages of the technique is that the enhanced images can be directly obtained from noisy models. Simulation results have shown the feasibility of the proposed method for adaptation, as well as enhancement, of digital images. >
Dense Gas Flow in Minimum Length Nozzles

Recently, dense gases have been investigated for many engineering applications such as for turbomachinery and wind tunnels. Supersonic nozzle design can be complicated by nonclassical dense-gas behavior in the transonic flow regime. In this paper, a method of characteristics (MOC) is developed for two-dimensional (planar) and axisymmetric flow of a van der Waals gas. A minimum length nozzle design code is developed that employs the MOC procedure to generate an inviscid wall contour. The van der Waals results are compared to perfect gas results to show the real-gas effects on the flow properties and inviscid wall contours.
Challenges to Crossbar Integration of Nanoscale Two-Terminal Symmetric Memory Devices

Crossbar is the most efficient architecture to organize memory devices into dense, large-scale arrays. Emerging nanotechnology promises two-terminal, symmetric memory devices of superior electrical properties. In this work, however, we show that these two-terminal, symmetric devices impose grave challenges to the crossbar-based memory organization. First, we prove that conventional crossbar organization will not work for such symmetric devices. Second, we propose a revised crossbar organization that does work for such devices. However, diodes or switches must be employed to convert such devices into asymmetrical devices in order to avoid considerable energy cost, which can significantly discount their advantage over conventional asymmetrical devices. Third, we demonstrate that there is significant difference in delay and power consumption for accessing a memory device of different contents, i.e., 0 or 1. Such difference constitutes a performance bottleneck of crossbar- based integration of resistive memory devices.
Phase Relations in the System Al2O3─Ce2Si2O7 in the Temperature Range 900° to 1925°C in Inert Atmosphere

Equilibrium relationships in the system Al2O3-Ce2Si2O7 in inert atmosphere have been investigated in the temperature range 900° to 1925°C. A simple eutectic reaction was found at 1375°C and 51 mol% Ce2Si2O7. A high-low polymorphic transformation in Ce2Si2O7 was observed at 1274°C. New XRD patterns are suggested for both polymorphs of cerium pyrosilicate. The melting point of Ce2Si2O7 was found to be 1788°C. A value for ΔH°m,Ce2Si2O7 of 36.81 kJ/mol was calculated from the initial slope of the experimentally determined liquidus in equilibrium with the pyrosilicate phase.