cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane Associated Carbonic Anhydrase IV (CA IV): A Personal and Historical Perspective

Carbonic anhydrase IV is one of 12 active human isozymes and one of four expressed on the extracellular surfaces of certain endothelial and epithelial cells. It is unique in being attached to the plasma membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatiydyl-inositol (GPI) anchor rather than by a membrane-spanning domain. It is also uniquely resistant to high concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which allows purification from tissues by inhibitor affinity chromatography without contamination by other isozymes. This unique resistance to SDS and recovery following denaturation is explained by the two disulfide bonds. The 35-kDa human CA IV is a “high activity” isozyme in CO2 hydration activity, like CA II, and has higher activity than other isozymes in catalyzing the dehydration of HCO3 −. Human CA IV is also unique in that it contains no oligosaccharide chains, where all other mammalian CA IVs are glycoproteins with one to several oligosaccharide side chains.
What Does China’s Rise in Patents Mean? A Look at Quality vs. Quantity

Using three measurements of patent quality, we argue that there is still room for China to improve its innovative activities. Comparing the number of patent applications and patent grants across countries, we see that although the United States and Japan have been global leaders in innovation for a long time, South Korea and China are catching up fast. If China sustains its large innovation investment and shifts its focus from quantity to quality, together with an improvement in intellectual property rights, the likelihood of becoming one of the next innovation leaders could be much higher.
Effective Control Flow Integrity Checks for Intrusion Detection

Ensuring run time Control Flow Integrity (CFI) has proven to be a good way to detect and prevent intrusions which result from exploitation of unknown vulnerabilities in the software. Attackers need to change the control flow and/or the code text of the victim application to achieve their malicious intent. However, existing techniques for monitoring run time CFI have been impractical due to their large software and hardware costs. In this paper, we describe a practical hardware based approach at a fine granularity to ensure integrity of code and the control flow of an executing application. We utilize the low power benefits and randomness of a stream cipher based hash, combined with the efficient hardware based monitoring, to provide a practical and functional defense against intrusion attacks.
Accreditation: How It Works and Is It Working?

This chapter focuses on the issues and challenges facing higher education accreditation and how regional accrediting bodies play a significant role in the broader systemic problems facing public colleges and universities. One of the challenges facing the nation’s regional accreditation bodies is the general lack of understanding of their goals, objectives, and processes by faculty, administrators, and governing boards. The history and purposes of accreditation are outlined which provide the foundation for a discussion of the present issues and challenges including major concerns of conflict of interests built into the system. This assessment views the present accreditation policies as one of the obstacles to much needed reforms in the nation’s institutions of higher education. The role played by accreditation in the federal student loan programs is discussed as are the widespread concerns arising from Congress, legislators, and policy makers. Other models of quality assurance are presented and discussed including the Bologna Process and related innovations.
Chemical Transformation of Nanorods to Nanowires: Reversible Growth and Dissolution of Anisotropic Gold Nanostructures.

This manuscript describes a reversible wet chemical process for the tip-selective one-dimensional (1D) growth and dissolution of gold nanorods (AuNRs) and gold nanowires (AuNWs). Tip-selective dissolution was achieved by oxidation of AuNRs with a Au(III)/CTAB complex, whereas the growth of AuNRs was carried out by the reduction of Au(I) ions on the AuNR surface with a mild reducing agent, ascorbic acid (AA). Both the dissolution and growth processes are highly tip selective and proceed exclusively in one dimension. A decrease in the aspect ratio (AR) of AuNRs during the dissolution resulted in a blue shift in the longitudinal plasmon band (LPB) position, and red shifts in the LPB position were achieved by increasing the AR by 1D growth of AuNRs. Both growth and dissolution processes are fully controllable and can be stopped and resumed at any given time when the desired AR and/or LPB position is achieved. In addition, the tip-selective 1D growth of AuNRs can be continued with the additional supply of Au(I...
Carnival's Fantasy Class Cruise Ship: Ticket to Success

Carnival Cruise Line's Fantasy class of cruise ships is the largest group of virtually identical passenger vessels in the history of ocean travel. These ships represent the culmination of Carnival's product development and are a prime reason for the line's current success. The author details the evolution of their design, with emphasis on hotel aspects, through previous ships in the fleet.
Reconceptualizing Urbanism: Insights From Maya Cosmology

Sustainable practices in the present are typically designed to mitigate immediate concerns over decadal timespans. In the face of exponential population growth, overuse of resources, and global climate change, this time span is inadequate; longer, more resilient and sustainable options need to be implemented. Here, we tackle the intersection of human behavior and the urban environment by taking a holistic approach—that is, a non-anthropocentric approach critical to ensure the longevity, or even survival, of the planet. We thus approach urbanism as we would any ecosystem, with the broad understanding that the urban, the rural, humans, and non-humans are all interdependent. One cannot understand cities without an understanding of the surrounding rural or non-center areas, thus making critical an appreciation of urban-rural interdependence (URI). The holistic model is based on insights from the ancient Maya of Central America—a tropical society where farmers practiced widespread, sustainable agriculture for 4000 years without denuding the landscape. The Classic Maya accomplished this feat in large part due to their sustainable URI and cosmocentric worldview (CWV)—that is, a cosmology of conservation, or merged existence, where people, animals, plants, rivers, stones, clouds, etc. each played a role in maintaining the world. Their CWV was also expressed in urban planning through manifestations of traditional knowledge, multi-purpose designs, and local resource networks. Insights from the Maya indicate that diversity is fundamental—across all scales; diverse strategies are flexible, spread risk, and are resilient in the face of change. As such, we present past lessons from Maya kings and farmers who built cities with reservoirs, causeways, monumental constructions and other urban features that integrated the built into the existing environment, ultimately resulting in green cities interspersed with farmsteads and managed biodiverse forests. In brief, our holistic model suggests possibilities for the re-integration of nature and culture, with the goal of a resilient URI.
Visualizing theme park visitors’ emotions using social media analytics and geospatial analytics

Abstract Despite the popular use of social media analytics to scrutinize customer emotions, less scholarly efforts have been invested in visualizing theme park visitors' emotions. Employing the convergence of social media analytics and geospatial analytics, this paper visualized cohesive places where Disneyland visitors express distinct types of emotion in social media messages. Among 226,946 collected tweets, this study used 19,809 tweets containing one or more emotion words listed in Russell's Circumplex Model of Affect. Text mining analysis and GIS-based exploratory spatial data analysis showed that tweets reflecting each quadrant of emotions have considerable spatial variations and different topics related to visitor emotions. The research approach enabled displaying particular spots in theme park zones and areas of riding attractions where emotions of each quadrant are significantly clustered. This study highlights methodological implications of visualizing spatial patterns of visitors' emotions and provides practitioners with a useful guide to develop routes evoking pleasant emotions.
Effects of Low and High Density Lipoproteins on Renal Cyclosporine A and Cyclosporine G Disposition in the Isolated Perfused Rat Kidney

Purpose. This study investigated the effects of low (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) on renal cyclosporine A (CsA) and cyclosporine G (CsG) disposition in the isolated perfused rat kidney model. Methods. Kidneys were perfused with CsA or CsG in perfusion medium containing 6% protein, bovine serum albumin only (BSA) (Control), LDL (200 mg/dl) and BSA, or HDL (200 mg/dl) and BSA. In vitro protein binding studies were conducted with CsA and CsG in the same media. Results. The unbound fractions (fu) of CsA and CsG were significantly reduced with LDL and HDL in the perfusion media. In the presence of LDL, fu for CsA and CsG was 3.9% and 5.9%, respectively. With HDL, fu was 2.1% for CsA and 1.8% for CsG. fu for the controls was 14.7% for CsA and 11.9% for CsG. Renal clearance (CLR) of CsA and CsG was significantly reduced when perfused with perfusion medium containing LDL and HDL. LDL and HDL had similar effects on reducing CsA and CsG CLR, and were ∼four-fold lower when compared to controls (∼0.006 Vs. 0.023 ml/min). Renal CsA and CsG tissue (whole organ, cortex and medulla) concentrations were lower than corresponding controls when perfused with LDL or HDL. Conclusions. The interaction of CsA and CsG with LDL and HDL significantly reduced the CLR and extent of renal tissue distribution of both compounds.
Effectiveness of value-based purchasing for substance use treatment engagement and retention.

Abstract Introduction Many people drop out of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment within the first few sessions, which suggests the need for innovative strategies to address this. We examined the effectiveness of incentive-based contracting for Maine's publicly funded outpatient (OP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) SUD treatment, to determine its potential for improving treatment engagement and retention. Methods Maine's incentive-based contract with federally block grant–funded OP and IOP treatment agencies created a natural experiment, in which we could compare treatment engagement and retention with a group of state-licensed treatment agencies that were not part of the incentive-based contract. We used administrative data for OP (N = 18,375) and IOP (N = 5986) SUD treatment admissions from FY2005–FY2011 to capture trends prior to and after the FY2008 contract implementation date. We performed multivariable difference-in-difference logistic regression models following propensity score matching of clients. Results Two-thirds (66%) of OP admissions engaged in treatment, defined as 4+ treatment sessions, and 85% of IOP admissions satisfied the similar criteria of 4+ treatment days. About 40–45% of OP admissions reached the threshold for retention, defined as 90 days in treatment. IOP treatment completion was attained by 50–58% of admissions. For OP, the incentive and nonincentive groups had no significant differences in percentages with treatment engagement (AOR = 1.28, DID = 5.9%, p = .19), and 90-day retention was significant in the opposite direction of what we hypothesized (AOR = 0.80, DID = −4.6%, p = .0003). For IOP, the incentive group had a significant, but still small, increase in percentage with treatment engagement (AOR = 1.52, DID = 5.5%, p = .003), but the corresponding increase in treatment completion was not similarly significant (AOR = 1.12, DID = 2.7%, p = .53). In all models, individual-level variables were strong predictors of outcomes. Conclusion We found little to no impact of the incentive-based contract on the treatment engagement, retention, and completion measures, adding to the body of evidence that shows few or null results for value-based purchasing in SUD treatment programs. The limited success of such efforts is likely to reflect the bandwidth that providers and programs have to focus on new endeavors, the importance of the incentive funding to their bottom line, and forces beyond their immediate control.
Delphine de Girardin en trois portraits

Delphine Gay de Girardin (1804-1855) was a poet, a novelist and a playwright, better known for her salon and her chronicles of Parisian life published in her husband’s newspaper La Presse than for her literary works. Ranked in the category of “minor” writers, she soon fell into oblivion, in spite of the undeniable prestige she had acquired in the literary circles of the Restoration and the July Monarchy. This article traces the problematic career of this exceptional woman, through three portraits of her—a painting by Louis Hersent, a caricature by Honore Daumier, and a photograph by Charles Hugo. This iconography, which served to delegitimize Delphine de Girardin, paradoxically contributed to the recent rediscovery of this writer of disenchantment and failure, who was one of the most original and controversial figures of the Romantic generation.
The role of non-cognitive skills in farmers' adoption of climate change mitigation measures

Abstract Farmers' adoption of climate change mitigation measures is key to successfully reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. This article investigates the role of non-cognitive skills, namely self-efficacy and locus of control, in farmers' uptake of mitigation measures. The study is based on a combination of survey and census data from 105 farmers in Switzerland. Almost all farmers in our sample already adopt some of the considered measures to reduce greenhouse gases on their farm. On average, 37% of the mitigation measures available to the specific farm type are adopted. We find that a one standard deviation increase in non-cognitive skills is associated with a 20 to 40% higher share of adopted mitigation measures. This relationship is robust to the inclusion of a comprehensive vector of controls, inspired both from the agricultural economics and the psychology literature. Additionally, we find that omitted variable bias would need to be implausibly large to refute our findings. Finally, we explore potential mechanisms. The suggested pathway through which non-cognitive skills are associated with the adoption of climate change mitigation measures is the innovativeness of the farmers. Fostering farmers' non-cognitive skills could be an effective policy lever to accelerate the diffusion of climate change mitigation measures.
Gender-specific Stratification of Survival Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Based on Intratumoral Expression of a B cell Gene Signature.

Abstract Background There is a great need to identify biomarkers that can accurately identify patients who will obtain the most clinical benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. While high intratumoral B cell gene expression correlated with an ICI response in melanoma, whether it adds predictive value in other cancers is unknown. Objective To examine the relationship between B cell gene signature (BCGS) expression and overall survival (OS) following ICI treatment. Design, setting, and participants A total of 348 patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma from the IMvigor 210 phase 2 clinical trial of atezolizumab and 406 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were included. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis We analyzed tumor RNA sequencing data of included patients to examine the relationships between a BCGS and clinical outcomes. Results and limitations Tumors with high levels of B cell and CD8+ T cell gene signatures (BCGS/CD8TGS or B8T high/high) were associated with the longest OS of all B8T groups. Moreover, the B8T cell signature stratified patients whose tumors had a high tumor mutational burden or high programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) into subsets with differential OS outcomes. Whereas the B8T high/high tumors were associated with the best clinical outcomes in ICI-treated men, they were not associated with better OS in women. Conversely, women with B8T high/high tumors had the best clinical outcomes in non–ICI-treated muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Conclusions These data suggest that the B8T signature can enhance OS stratification in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who are treated with ICI therapy and that sex-specific differences in the tumor immune microenvironment may drive disparate outcomes. Patient summary We examined whether the presence of two immune cell gene signatures within tumor samples impact survival in patients with bladder cancer. High levels of both of these signatures (B cells and CD8+ T cells) associate with superior survival in patients who receive immune therapy.
The Roots of English Colonialism in Ireland

Introduction: nature is a language 1. Planting a landscape: cultivation and reform in Ireland 2. Planning a landscape I: cultivation as reformation 3. Planning a landscape II: cultivation through plantation 4. Inscribing a landscape: maps, surveys and records 5. Material signs: ordering the built 6. A civil offer: the failure to adopt English customs 7. Bad manners, nasty habits: the elimination of Irish customs Conclusion Bibliography Index.
Abstract 159: Androgen Deficiency Influences Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Intimal Hyperplasia Development After Vascular Injury

Objectives: Androgen deficiency (AD) is associated with increased risk of vascular disease, yet the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our group has previously shown testosterone regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Here we investigated the role of AD and androgen replacement therapy (ART) on inflammatory cytokines and MMP-modulated intimal hyperplasia (IH) development in vivo. Methods: Aged orchiectomized (AO) rats were implanted with increasing doses of testosterone pellets (TST; 0.5-150mg). ELISA and multiplex array determined serum TST and cytokine levels. Young intact (YI), Aged intact (AI), and AO rats given placebo (Plac) or TST supplementation underwent balloon angioplasty of the left common carotid following 14d ART. Tissue samples were collected 14d post-injury for Intima:Media (I:M) or MMP quantification. Results: Therapeutic TST doses were achieved at 14d with 0.5, 2.5, 5, and 35mg pellets when compared to controls (Table 1). Interleukin family isoforms were elevated at sub-physiological TST levels but returned to control levels with physiological TST (Table 2). I:M was decreased in AI and physiological TST levels compared to YI (Fig 1). I:M was increased with sub- and supra-physiological TST. Injury-induced expression of MMP-2 was highest in AI and physiological TST conditions, though these values were not significant (Table 3). Analysis of other MMP isoforms is ongoing. Conclusions: We demonstrated that low testosterone levels increase interleukin inflammatory signaling, regulate MMP expression, and increase IH development in vivo. This effect is reversed by physiologic testosterone supplementation. AD could be playing a role in vascular disease via MMP regulatory mechanisms under the control of inflammatory signaling cascades. Future studies will examine targeted inhibition of inflammatory-modulated MMP mechanisms in the prevention of dysfunctional vascular remodeling. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Comparisons of Numerical Random Sea Simulations

Two numerical models previously developed by Rice for modeling Gaussian, white-noise, electronic signals are used to simulate in the frequency domain nonlinear random ocean waves in water of finite depth. The following two models were developed by Rice: (1) Nondeterministic Spectral Amplitude model (NSA), and (2) Deterministic Spectral Amplitude model (DSA). These two Rice models are used with finite Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to simulate linear Gaussian random wave realizations by the process of filtering Gaussian white noise in the frequency domain. A nonlinear random wave interaction matrix then operates on the linear Gaussian wave spectra to generate a complex-valued nonlinear random wave spectrum that is correct to second-order in the Stoke's wave perturbation parameter. Both the lineear and the nonlinear realizations obtained from both of Rice's two simulation models are compared with a realization obtained from hurricane-generated real ocean waves measured in the Gulf of Mexico. Statistical comparisons indicate that the NSA Rice model is better for both linear and nonlinear random wave simulations when band-limited white noise is digitally filtered.
The Impact of Fiber Filling Density Variation on the Acoustic Performance of Silencers

Fibrous materials are often used to fill chambers in automotive silencers to achieve acoustic attenuation of air borne noise (especially above 200 Hz) in exhaust systems. It is clear that one of the major determinants of the acoustic performance of an absorptive silencer is the amount of fibrous material in the silencer [1]. However, there is little published data as to the impact upon acoustic performance of fiber packing density variations [2] within a silencer chamber In this study, cylindrical silencers with a straight through perforated tube have been used to experimentally study the impact of large density variations and voids, in both the radial and axial directions, upon the acoustic performance of a silencer. The acoustic transmission loss in a no-flow apparatus was the test measurement employed to determine acoustic performance.
Insulin Prohormone Processing, Distribution, and Relation to Metabolism in Aplysia californica

The first Aplysia californica insulin gene is characterized and its proteolytic processing from prohormone to final peptides elucidated using a combination of biochemical and mass spectrometric methods. Aplysia insulin (AI) is one of the largest insulins found, with a molecular weight of 9146 Da, and an extended A chain compared with other invertebrate and vertebrate insulins. The AI prohormone produces a series of C peptides and also a unique N-terminally acetylated D peptide. AI-producing cells are restricted to the central region of the cerebral ganglia mostly within the F and C clusters, and AI is transported to neurohemal release sites located on the upper labial and anterior tentacular nerves. The expression of AI mRNA decreases when the animal is deprived of food, and injections of AI reduce hemolymph glucose levels, suggesting that the function of insulin-regulating metabolism has been conserved.
A unique urinary constituent, 6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-heptanone, is a pheromone that accelerates puberty in female mice

Background Olfactorily mediated puberty acceleration in female mice (measured by an increase in uterine weight) has been observed since the 1960s without the active chemosignal being structurally identified. There are many controversies in the literature as to whether this male-originated pheromone is a volatile substance. We investigated the chemical nature of the urinary fractions that are responsible for the characteristic uterine weight increases. Results The active pheromone was identified as 5,5-dimethyl-2-ethyltetrahydrofuran-2-ol and/or its open-chain tautomer (6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3- heptanone). A series of cyclic vinyl ethers were isolated from chromatographically active fractions of the urine. Because these compounds did not accelerate puberty, we postulated that these ethers were degradation products of a lactol (5,5-dimethyl-2-ethyltetrahydrofuran-2-ol). The lactol was then detected directly in the mouse urine extract using a silylation agent. Synthetic 6-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-heptanone had strong biological activity, whereas its close structural analogs did not. Conclusions The male house mouse excretes into its urine a large quantity of a volatile substance that has a unique lactol/hydroxyketone structure. This substance is capable of binding to the less volatile urinary constituents, such as proteins or peptides, and is active in puberty-acceleration bioassays. The controversies regarding the volatility of the puberty-accelerating pheromones can now be explained by considering a complex of volatile lactol/hydroxyketone and urinary proteins.
Evolutionary genomics: Codon bias and selection on single genomes

Arising from: J. B. Plotkin, J. Dushoff & H. B. Fraser Nature 428, 942–945 (2004); see also communication from Nielsen et al.; Chen et al.; Plotkin et al. reply The idea that natural selection on genes might be detected using only a single genome has been put forward by Plotkin and colleagues1, who present a method that they claim can detect selection without the need for comparative data and which, if correct, would confer greater power of analysis with less information. Here we argue that their method depends on assumptions that confound their conclusions and that, even if these assumptions were valid, the authors' inferences about adaptive natural selection are unjustified.
Adrenal Factors in Hypertension

The relation of adrenal function to hypertension in man is discussed. It is pointed out that hypertension accompanying hyperaldosteronism may recur after removal of the tumor and correction of the electrolyte abnormality. The complex relationship between blood pressure, excretion of sodium loads, total body sodium and aldosterone excretion is emphasized. Results following bilateral adrenalectomy in man indicate a permissive role for the adrenal cortex; this is further supported by the occasional clinical observation that certain patients with Addison's disease who have an unusual pressor response to substitution therapy have had a prior hypertension or a prominent family history of this disease.
Augmentation of Functional Prostaglandin E Levels on the Respiratory Epithelial Surface by Aerosol Administration of Prostaglandin E

Prostaglandin E (PGE), a cyclooxygenase metabolite normally present in high concentrations in respiratory epithelial lining fluid (ELF), is capable of suppressing mesenchymal cell proliferation mediated by polypeptide-derived growth factors. Although PGE is normally abundant in respiratory ELF, PGE levels in ELF of individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a fibrotic lung disorder characterized by intraalveolar mesenchymal cell accumulation and fibrosis, were found to be 50%lower than normal (p < 0.01): that is, a relative PGE “deficiency” in ELF may enhance intraalveolar mesenchymal cell proliferation in IPF. With this background, it is rational to consider augmenting PGE levels in ELF as a future therapy for IPF. Since systemic administration of PGE is associated with significant adverse effects, in vitro and experimental animal studies were carried out to evaluate whether aerosol PGE administration could augment ELF PGE levels. Greater than 50%of a solution of PGE1 could be placed in drople...
Development of a method to selectively isolate pathogenic Leptospira from environmental samples

Current isolation methods are incapable of selectively recovering pathogenic Leptospira from environmental samples which contain saprophytic Leptospira . In this study the Faine's Test and the Modified Faine's Test, both of which simulate internal body conditions, were evaluated to promote the growth of the pathogen in vitro while inhibiting the growth of the saprophyte. Only the saprophytic Leptospira were found to be inhibited by the test conditions provided. These tests were used for the isolation of pathogenic Leptospira from soil and stream water samples. Preliminary data suggest that Faine's Test and the Modified Faine's Test may be useful in serving this purpose.
Lithium isotopic composition of submarine basalts: implications for the lithium cycle in the oceans

Abstract We have measured the Li isotope composition of young, pristine basalts from active ocean ridge crests, of progressively older basalts along a dredging transect, and a limited number of hydrothermally altered basalts. The data significantly extend our limited knowledge of the isotopic abundance ratio of Li in geological material. Fresh mid-ocean ridge basalts have δ6Li values of between −3.4 and −4.7‰ relative to isotope standard L-SVEC. During low-temperature weathering on the seafloor, the isotopic composition of the rock becomes increasingly heavier due to addition of seawater Li ( δ6Li= −32.3‰ ). The oldest (46 m.y.) and most altered rock studied has an isotopic composition of −14‰. A linear relationship exists between δ6Li and the inverse of Li concentration, suggesting that Li in weathered basalts can be regarded as a two-component mixture of basaltic Li and seawater-derived Li that has been incorporated in alteration minerals, most likely secondary clays such as smectite and phillipsite. The inferred Li isotopic composition of the alteration endmember indicates an apparent isotopic fractionation factor of 1.019 relative to the seawater source. Thus Li uptake by secondary minerals from the low-temperature weathering process and, by analogy, incorporation in similar authigenic minerals in marine sediments provides a mechanism for preferential removal of the lighter Li isotope from ocean water. However, isotopic fractionation due to authigenic clay formation alone cannot account for the isotopic difference between seawater and its principal sources, unless the hydrothermal flux is comparable to the river flux. Alternatively, more important sinks of6Li must exist if the steady state isotopic composition of Li in ocean water is to be maintained.
Dynamics of the stream‐power river incision model: Implications for height limits of mountain ranges, landscape response timescales, and research needs

The longitudinal profiles of bedrock channels are a major component of the relief structure of mountainous drainage basins and therefore limit the elevation of peaks and ridges. Further, bedrock channels communicate tectonic and climatic signals across the landscape, thus dictating, to first order, the dynamic response of mountainous landscapes to external forcings. We review and explore the stream-power erosion model in an effort to (1) elucidate its consequences in terms of large-scale topographic (fluvial) relief and its sensitivity to tectonic and climatic forcing, (2) derive a relationship for system response time to tectonic perturbations, (3) determine the sensitivity of model behavior to various model parameters, and (4) integrate the above to suggest useful guidelines for further study of bedrock channel systems and for future refinement of the streampower erosion law. Dimensional analysis reveals that the dynamic behavior of the stream-power erosion model is governed by a single nondimensional group that we term the uplift-erosion number, greatly reducing the number of variables that need to be considered in the sensitivity analysis. The degree of nonlinearity in the relationship between stream incision rate and channel gradient (slope exponent n) emerges as a fundamental unknown. The physics of the active erosion processes directly influence this nonlinearity, which is shown to dictate the relationship between the uplift-erosion number, the equilibrium stream channel gradient, and the total fluvial relief of mountain ranges. Similarly, the predicted response time to changes in rock uplift rate is shown to depend on climate, rock strength, and the magnitude of tectonic perturbation, with the slope exponent n controlling the degree of dependence on these various factors. For typical drainage basin geometries the response time is relatively insensitive to the size of the system. Work on the physics of bedrock erosion processes, their sensitivity to extreme floods, their transient responses to sudden changes in climate or uplift rate, and the scaling of local rock erosion studies to reach-scale modeling studies are most sorely needed.
The Treatment of Endometriosis

The treatment of endometriosis focuses upon amelioration of two symptoms: pain and infertility. The treatment of endometriosis-associated pain has been well studied and all major medical therapies appear to be superior to placebo. In addition, none seems to be drastically better than another. Surgical therapy also appears to be efficacious, albeit with a relatively high rate of recurrence of symptoms following conservative surgical intervention. There are no trials comparing the relative value of medical versus surgical therapy. Combination surgery/medical therapy has several high-quality trials for evaluation, but its value remains unclear. The treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility presents a different picture: medical therapy has not been shown to be of any value and may prove detrimental to fertility. Surgical treatment does improve fertility, probably for all stages of disease. Assisted reproduction also seems to be efficacious, with both controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination as well as in vitro fertilization shown to be of benefit. Finally, the combination of in vitro fertilization and either medical or surgical therapy may be beneficial with advanced endometriosis, but further study is required.
Spaces with subparacompact completions

Abstract If the completely regular space X admits a quasi-perfect map onto the Dieudonne complete semi-metric space Y, then δX, the Dieudonne completion of X, is subparacompact; if in addition, Y is a Moore space, then δX is a subparacompact p-space.
Interference terms, phases, and the 1/N expansion

Abstract The problem of interference terms in the Lee-Veneziano model is solved. The solution is exact to all orders in 1/ N within the context of the model, although higher-order corrections of different types are not taken into account. It is compared with the first term of the 1/ N expansion and the conclusion is that the first term is a reasonable approximation for Regge trajectories. The naive phase of the amplitude is derived using the effective- t approximation and a new relation for the 2-reggeon vertex. Exchange-degeneracy is broken in the reggeon level both for I =0 and I =1 exchanges. The Zweig rule for the reggeon coupling is already violated in the first order in 1/ N . The intercept of the full pomeron is higher than the intercept of its planar part. A method for determining the charge-conjugation properties of the output reggeons is presented. The exotic exchange at t = 0 is purely of positive charge conjugation.
Use of personal digital assistants in diagnostic radiology resident education1

Rationale and objectives Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are gaining widespread use in the medical community. We introduced a PDA-based mobile system that provides departmental and educational information with a seamless connection to the intranet. The objective of this study is to determine the impact a PDA has on educational resources (learning or data reference) brought to work and used at home by a radiology resident based on user surveys. Materials and methods Survey was performed on 32 radiology residents in our department before and 6 months after the release of the PDA-based system. We assessed the changes in (1) sources of learning at home and at work, and in (2) data reference. The second survey also evaluated the usefulness of each component of the system. Results After the release of the PDA-based mobile system, the use of “digital books and references” as data references and educational resources that were brought to work every day significantly increased ( P = .016, P P = .125). Conclusion The introduction of a PDA-based system consisting of educational and departmental information had a statistically significant impact in increasing the use of digitized information in radiology resident education.
The relationship between inflation and its variability: International evidence from the 1970s

Abstract This paper reexamines the empirical relationship between the average level of inflation and its variability. Based on a sample of 40 diverse economies, our results suggest that no one group of countries was able to avoid the decreased inflation predictability associated with higher levels of inflation during the 1970s. In contrast, previous research showed that Highly Industrialized countries, as a group, were able to control inflation variability during the period 1950–1970. Our results also suggest that the “threshold” level of inflation appears to have risen substantially during the 1970s. Whereas previous research suggested an upper bound of the threshold at about a four percent rate of inflation, the evidence from the 1970s indicates that the threshold may have risen to about a nine percent inflation rate.
Brachytic stem trait, row spacing, and plant population effects on soybean yield

Brachytic stem (sb 1 sb 1 sb 2 sb 2 ) of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is characterized by shortened internodes, resulting in shorter, sturdier plants than normal stem types. Although studies have shown yield of brachytics to be less than normal types, this trait may have potential for higher yield in some environments. Little information is available on response of brachytics to planting pattern, particularly for duration of development stages or yield components. A field study was conducted to determine brachytic trait effects on yield, agronomic traits and yield components of four near-isoline pairs, each consisting of one normal and one brachytic near-isoline tested at plant populations of 51 and 26 plants m -2 and row spacings of 76 and 28 cm in four environments. Soil types were a Cahaba fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults) and a Norfolk fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Kandiudults). Normal types yielded more and responded to narrow rows; brachytics did not. Row spacing and plant population did not affect most other traits. Brachytics flowered later and had shorter reproductive period than normal types. Brachytic soybean produced more branch and mainstem nodes and greater seed mass and harvest index than normal types, but this was not enough to effect yield advantages over normal soybean. We concluded that plant growth and yield performance of the brachytic trait is influenced more by genetic background than other factors; however, under suitable conditions, brachytic soybean's production of larger seeds and more nodes indicates its potential for higher yields.
Physical and Chemical Processes in the Diffuse and Dense Neutral ISM

Most of the mass of the interstellar medium is in neutral phases that are heated by far-ultraviolet radiation from star forming regions. The gas, in turn, emits line radiation in the infrared and submillimeter that potentially has great diagnostic value. In this paper, we will review the physical processes (including heating, cooling, gas phase and grain surface chemistry) that give rise to this line emission and present diagnostic diagrams. We will also discuss several examples where models of neutral gas emission have been used to interpret line emission, including observations of H 2 O and O 2 in molecular clouds and an example which points out the caution that must be used when applying the diagnostics to kiloparsec-sized regions in other galaxies.
Ability of preoperative serum prostatespecific antigen value to predict pathologic stage and DNA ploidy Influence of clinical stage and tumor grade

Although the preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration has been demonstrated to be directly proportional to pathologic stage, it has been found to be unreliable for predicting final pathologic stage on an individual basis. Statistical analysis was thus performed to determine whether combining various preoperative parameters could enhance the predictive power of PSA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, indeed, local clinical stage (determined by digital rectal examination) and tumor grade (determined from the biopsy specimen) significantly enhanced the predictive power of PSA (P < 0.0001 and < 0.0001, respectively). These preoperative parameters were thus all combined into a model from which probability plots were generated. These probability plots allow the practicing urologist to estimate preoperatively for an individual patient the probability of a given pathologic stage and DNA ploidy status. For example, the predicted probability of organ-confined disease for a patient with a PSA value of 10 ng/mL, when used alone, is 53 percent. However, the predicted probability of organ-confined disease for a patient with a PSA value of 10 ng/mL, clinical Stage B2, and high-tumor grade is only 30 percent. Thus, the findings of this investigation allow the physician maximal use of the preoperative variables to discuss more accurately with the patient what might be expected at the time of operation and to plan more precisely the surgical procedure that will possibly ensure complete removal of the prostate cancer with the least compromise to normal physiologic function (continence and potency).
Frequent Emergency Department Visits are More Prevalent in Psychiatric, Alcohol Abuse, and Dual Diagnosis Conditions than in Chronic Viral Illnesses Such as Hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract Background Repeat users of Emergency Departments (ED), so-called “frequent visitors,” place a substantial burden on limited ED resources. The illness features of frequent visitors have not been well defined, though chronic medical and psychiatric illness and substance abuse are implicated. Study Objectives This study assessed whether chronic conditions such as hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more prevalent in frequent ED users compared to a viral condition with relatively less disability, hepatitis B (HBV). As a comparison, psychiatric complaints and alcohol abuse were also compared in frequent and non-frequent visitors. Methods All visits to a university ED in a particular calendar year were retrospectively reviewed. Frequent visitors were defined as those who made four or more visits. Presenting complaints and past medical history were examined for HCV, HIV, HBV, psychiatric complaints, and alcohol abuse. Results Frequent visitors accounted for 28% of all ED visits. HCV, HIV, and alcohol abuse were more prevalent in frequent visitors than non-frequent visitors. People with HBV comprised a small proportion of both groups. Frequent visitors with psychiatric complaints were more prevalent than those with HBV or alcohol abuse. Psychiatric history comorbid with alcohol abuse and HCV with alcohol abuse were more prevalent in frequent vs. non-frequent visitors. Conclusion Although chronic hepatitis and psychiatric complaints are both implicated in frequent ED visits, patients with psychiatric complaints present to the ED more often. Patients with a “dual diagnosis” of psychiatric condition and alcohol abuse are likely to be frequent visitors. This population should be targeted for creative intervention strategies, both within and outside of the emergency system, that comprehensively screen for symptomatology and integrate mental health treatment with substance abuse interventions.
Model systems in developmental biology

The practical criteria by which developmental biologists choose their model systems have evolutionary correlates. The result is a sample that is not merely small, but biased in particular ways, for example towards species with rapid, highly canalized development. These biases influence both data collection and interpretation, and our views of how development works and which aspects of it are important.
A Superposition Framework for Discrete Dislocation Plasticity

A superposition technique is introduced that allows for the application of discrete dislocation (DD) plasticity to a wide range of thermomechanical problems with reduced computational effort. Problems involving regions of differing elastic and/or plastic behavior are solved by superposing the solutions to i) DD models only for those regions of the structure where dislocation phenomena are permitted subject to either zero traction or displacement at every point on the boundary and ii) an elastic (EL) (or elasticlcohesivezone) model of the entire structure subject to all desired loading and boundary conditions. The DD subproblem is solved with standard DD machinery for an elastically homogeneous material. The EL subproblem requires only a standard elastic or elasticlcohesivezone finite element (FE) calculation. The subproblems are coupled: the negative of the tractions developed at the boundaries of the DD subproblem are applied as body forces in the EL subproblem, while the stressfield of the EL subproblem contributes a driving force to the dislocations it? the DD subproblem structure. This decomposition and the generic boundary conditions of the DD subproblem permit the DD machinery to be easily applied as a "black-box" constitutive material description in an otherwise elastic FE formulation and to be used in a broader scope of applications due to the overall enhanced computational efficiency. The method is validated against prior results for crack growth along a plastic/rigid bimaterial interface. Preliminary results for crack growth along a metal/ceramic bimaterial interface are presented.
Survival of Enterococcus faecalis in root canals ex vivo

Sedgley CM, Lennan SL, Appelbe OK. Survival of Enterococcus faecalis in root canals ex vivo. International Endodontic Journal, 38, 735–742, 2005. Aim The hypotheses tested in this study were that: (i) Enterococcus faecalis can survive long-term entombment in root filled teeth without additional nutrients, (ii) initial cell density influences the survival of E. faecalis in instrumented root canals and (iii) gelatinase-production capacity influences the survival of E. faecalis in root
The Preparation of Some Iodinated Phenyl- and Pvridylalkanoic Acids†

A series of aminodiiodophenylbenzamidoalkanoic acids was prepared by nitrobenzoylation of a group of amino acids, followed by reduction and iodination. Nine new aminodiiodophenylsulfonamidoalkanoic acids were prepared. 3,5-Diiodo-4-pyridone was allowed to react with a series of α-bromo acids and the corresponding diiodopyridone-N-alkanoic acids were studied for intravenous cholecystography. 3,5-Diiodo-4-pyridinethiol was condensed with a group of α-bromo acids. All the iodinated acids were evaluated as oral cholecystographic agents. An attempt has been made to point out the structural features that are necessary for a good gallbladder contrast medium.
Personalization in library databases: not persuasive enough?

Purpose – The intersection of persuasive technology and personalization features in enterprises such as Amazon.com delivers familiar consumer web interactions related to the purchase of goods. This paper aims to describe the intersection in terms of academic library database personalization features, persuasive technology, and student research.Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares personalization features in popular academic library databases and a case study of usage in a university system provides a perspective on use in the academic community. Research on student use of technology related to databases and Web 2.0 provides information on potential and actual use of personalization features.Findings – Personalization and filtering features of research databases and the evolving Web 2.0 technology platform offer helpful tools to researchers, but the technology may not be persuasive enough to make significant changes in research behavior. Usage statistics indicate that personalization features a...