cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared light-induced beating of Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations in MBE grown InAs/AlSb quantum wells

Abstract Magnetotransport measurements on a high-quality InAs/GaSb quantum well show single-period Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations at low magnetic fields under dark conditions after initial sample cool down to 4.2 K. However, during and after illumination of the sample with infrared light, a beating pattern is observed in the SdH oscillations, indicating the possible appearance of two sets of Landau levels at low fields. Furthermore, for each condition, the original oscillation pattern persists under the application of a positive (or negative) backgate voltage that increases (or decreases) the two-dimensional electron gas density.
Predicting pass rates on the American Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination.

Our objective was to determine the ability of the internal medicine In-Training Examination (ITE) to predict pass or fail outcomes on the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certifying examination and to develop and externally validated predictive model and a simple equation that can be used by residency directors to provide probability feedback for their residency programs. We collected a study sample of 155 internal medicine residents from the three Virginia internal medicine programs and a validation sample of 64 internal medicine residents from a residency program outside Virginia. Scores from both samples were collected across three class cohorts. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov z test indicated no statistically significant difference between the distribution of scores for the two samples (z=1.284, p=.074). Results of the logistic model yielded a statistically significant prediction of ABIM pass or fail performance from ITE scores (Wald=35.49, SE=0.036, df=1, p<.005) and overall correct classifications for the study sample and validation sample at 79% and 75%, respectively. The ITE is a useful tool in assessing the likelihood of a resident’s passing or failing the ABIM certifying examination but is less predictive for residents who received ITE scores between 49 and 66.
Abstract 2152: Akt/survivin pathway inhibition synergizes the apoptotic cell death induced by A-santalol in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA α-santalol, a major component of sandalwood oil inhibits growth of cultured prostate cancer cells in vitro by causing apoptosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanistic details associated with the induction of apoptosis by α-santalol in cultured prostate cancer cells (LNCaP and PC-3). Expressions of major proteins studied in the present investigation were determined using standard Western blot protocol and analyzed by LICOR-Odyssey infra-red scanner. Activity of survivin was confirmed employing survivin ELISA kit. The cell viability was determined by trypan blue dye exclusion assay and caspase-3 activity was confirmed using caspase-3 (active) ELISA kit. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with α-santalol (20, 40 µM) resulted in the down regulation of survivin, XIAP and p-AKT (s-473) levels. Furthermore, α-santalol significantly reduced the activity of survivin as evidenced by survivin ELISA assay. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt by pharmacological inhibitor LY294002 synergized the apoptotic cell death induced by α-santalol as determined by cell viability, active caspase-3 activity and expression of cleaved PARP, caspase-3 levels. In conclusion, the present study reveals that α-santalol downregulates activity and expression of survivin and that inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway synergize the apoptotic cell death by downregulating survivin. This study was supported by Mentoring Task Force, Type I grant by Wilkes University and by Translational Cancer Research Center funded by South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development. Citation Format: Ajay Bommareddy, Lauren Lockus, Jonathan Seward, William Eggelston, Stacy Prelewicz, Andrea Antal, Sarah Fillman, Christian Castro, Adam L. VanWert, Sreevidya Santha, Chandradhar Dwivedi. Akt/survivin pathway inhibition synergizes the apoptotic cell death induced by A-santalol in prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2152. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2152
α1 ANTITRYPSIN (AAT) ACTIVITY IN DEVELOPMENT OF BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD)

Some of the toxic side effects of oxygen therapy are indirectly attributable to the release of proteases including elastases from PMNs. These may contribute to the pathogenesis of BPD. AAT inhibits elastases and if deficient may lead to an imbalance favoring proteolytic digestion of pulmonary connective tissue. We studied the possible role of AAT activity by measuring the trypsin inhibitory capacity (TIC) in prematures with IRDS who received oxygen. Twenty prematures with IRDS (m wt 1052 gms; m GA 29 wks; M/F = 12/8) had serial TICs drawn on days 1,3,7 and weeks 2-10. They were analyzed for severity of IRDS (mild: IMV ≤ 3 days, severe: IMV ≥ 4 days) and for the development of BPD using standard clinical and xray signs. Higher TICs were observed in 9 patients with mild IRDS (0.91 mg/ml) than in 10 with severe IRDS (0.36 mg/ml) (p<0.02) on day 1 but were comparable thereafter. In the 11 patients who did not develop BPD, TICs (1.05 mg/ml) were higher than in the 9 who did (0.31 mg/ml) (p<0.001) on day 1, week 4 (0.62 vs 0.33 mg/ml) (p<0.03), and week 8 (0.78 vs 0.47 mg/ml) (p<0.03). Decreased AAT activity was associated with the increased severity of IRDS on day 1 and with the occurrence of BPD on day 1 and weeks 4&8. However AAT activity was also directly related to gestational age (r = .6589; p<0.05). Hence AAT activity may play a pathogenetic role in the development of BPD, or may be a non specific marker, or both.
DNA distribution patterns of prostatic tissue obtained at time of transurethral resection.

Abstract One hundred fifty-seven patients with vesical outlet obstruction underwent transurethral prostatic resection with prostatic chips sent for routine histology and for flow cytometry (FCM) using a modification of the Vindelov technique. One hundred nine patients had benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and 48 had adenocarcinoma. Using the criteria of 90 per cent G0–G1 cells and/or less than 10 per cent S + G2 + M cells as normal or benign, the false positive rate was 1 per cent ( 1 109 ) , and the negative rate was 12.5 per cent ( 6 48 ) . The range of cells in G0–G01, for the BPH group was 89–98 per cent, mean 95 per cent, and for the carcinoma group 22–94 per cent, mean 74 per cent. The range of cells in the S + G2 + M compartment for the BPH group was 2–11 per cent, mean 7 per cent, and for the carcinoma group 6–78 per cent, mean 26 per cent. Only 4 cases had aneuploid stem cell lines. FCM measurements of single cell prostatic tissue suspensions are an accurate, objective means of quantifying nuclear DNA content and rate of cell proliferation. How useful this technique is or will be in predicting prognosis and determining therapy in a given individual remains to be determined.
A computational comparison of the first nine members of a determinantal family of root-finding methods

Abstract For each natural number m greater than one, and each natural number k less than or equal to m, there exists a root-finding iteration function, Bm(k) defined as the ratio of two determinants that depend on the first m−k derivatives of the given function. This infinite family is derived in Kalantari (J. Comput. Appl. Math. 126 (2000) 287–318) and its order of convergence is analyzed in Kalantari (BIT 39 (1999) 96–109). In this paper we give a computational study of the first nine root-finding methods. These include Newton, secant, and Halley methods. Our computational results with polynomials of degree up to 30 reveal that for small degree polynomials Bm(k−1) is more efficient than Bm(k), but as the degree increases, Bm(k) becomes more efficient than Bm(k−1). The most efficient of the nine methods is B4(4), having theoretical order of convergence equal to 1.927. Newton's method which is often viewed as the method of choice is in fact the least efficient method.
The Ballooning Posterior Leaflet Syndrome: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Profiles in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Groups

Due to a complex of vague symptoms in some patients with a ballooning posterior leaflet (BPL), a standardized personality inventory test (MMPI) was given to 14 patients exhibiting a midsystolic click and/or late systolic murmur and a positive echocardiogram for a BPL. Seven of the eight symptom-free patients had normal MMPIs. Of the six symptomatic patients, five had abnormal scores for hysteria and hypochondriasis, four abnormal scores for depression, psychopathic deviate and schizophrenia, and three abnormal scores for psychasthenia. Of these six patients, two have been resuscitated from a near-fatal arrhythmia and two have frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Since those patients with life-threatening arrhythmias showed at least four abnormal MMPI scales, it is postulated that an abnormal MMPI in a person with the BPL syndrome portends a greater risk for a potentially fatal arrhythmia. The presence of normal MMPIs in four symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis suggests that life-threatening symptoms per se do not account for the abnormalities found in patients with the BPL syndrome.
Exoelectron emission from torsional fatigue damage in hardened steels

Exoelectron emission associated with surface fatigue damage in two types of steel was measured by means of an ultraviolet laser scanning system. The localized emission from damage areas in quenched and tempered 1541 steel increased systematically with continued fatigue cycling. Plots of emissionvs cycles were in good agreement with earlier results for 1018 steel. Much of this emission resulted from the accumulation of plastic deformation during the crack initiation stage. In the case of relatively brittle 1144 steel, the dominant source of exoelectrons was a fatigue crack with little associated plasticity. However, shot peening of the 1144 steels completely changed the character of the surface layers. While the core material still cracked in a rather brittle manner, the shot peened layer accumulated a broad distribution of plastic deformation as revealed by the systematic development of exoelectron emission. These results indicate that the accumulation of surface fatigue deformation during the crack initiation stage is a systematic and perhaps universal process when viewed on the appropriate microscale.
Algorithmic improvements for schemes using the ADER time discretization

Abstract We detail several algorithmic changes to the ADER Multi-Moment Finite-Volume Methods (ADER + MMFV) of Norman and Finkel (2012) [ 2 ]. The DT recurrence relations are improved, flux and source term differential transforms are saved, each are expanded as polynomials, quadrature is removed from the algorithm, integration is performed analytically, and a different Riemann solver admitting direct use of time-averaged fluxes is used. These algorithmic changes were implemented and tested, and smooth 1-D shallow water experiments confirm the same or slightly better accuracy as well as 2–3× lower runtimes compared to Norman and Finkel (2012) [ 2 ].
The Diffusion Of Customer-Related IT Among Large And Mid-Sized Companies

This study develops a diffusion model of customer-related IT (CRIT) based on stock market announcements of investments in those technologies. Customer-related IT investments are defined in this work as information technology investments made with the intention of improving or enhancing the customer experience. The diffusion model developed in our study is based on data for the companies of the S&P 500 and S&P MidCap 400 for the years of 1996â€“2001. We find empirical support for a sigmoid diffusion model. Further, we find that both the size and industry of the company affect the path of CRIT diffusion. Another contribution of this study is to illustrate how data collection techniques typically used for financial event studies can be used to study information technology diffusion. Finally, the data collected for this study can serve as a Bayesian prior for future diffusion forecasting studies of CRIT.
Leukotrienes as mediators of ischemia and shock

Leukotrienes have been implicated as mediators of ischemia and shock. Recent evidence has been obtained supporting the four major criteria of acceptance of leukotrienes as mediators of shock, namely (a) increased concentration in body fluids during shock states, (b) ability to exert significant pathophysiologic effects which aggravate ischemia and shock, (c) amelioration of the shock state by leukotriene synthesis inhibitors and leukotriene receptor antagonists, and (d) production of a shock-like state by exogenous administration of leukotrienes. In conclusion, both LTB4 and the peptide leukotrienes (e.g. LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4) also known as the slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) can be considered as mediators of ischemia and shock. Although difficulties exist with measuring leukotrienes in circulating blood and in obtaining long lasting selective blockers of leukotriene synthesis, innovative experiments measuring leukotrienes in bile and other body fluids and in employing specific leukotriene receptor antagonists have helped in assessing the significance of the leukotrienes in shock states. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate these findings in perspective, and to compare and contrast the role of leukotrienes to that of other vascular mediators including prostaglandins and thromboxanes, as well as non-eicosanoids including serotonin, histamine, angiotensin II and vasopressin, all of which can play a mediator role in ischemia and shock states. Further clarification of these issues promises to open exciting new chapters in shock research.
Cigarette smoke condensate-induced transformation of normal human breast epithelial cells in vitro

In the present study, we showed that a single-dose treatment of normal breast epithelial cell line, MCF10A, for 72 h with cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) resulted in a transformed phenotype. The anchorage-dependent growth of these cells was decreased due to increased cell cycle arrest in S–G2/M phase; however, the surviving cells developed resistance due to an increased Bcl-xL to Bax ratio. Levels of PCNA and gadd45 proteins – involved in DNA repair in response to genomic damage – were increased, suggesting that the cells were responding to CSC-induced genomic damage. The transformation of MCF10A cells was determined by their colony-forming efficiency in soft-agar in an anchorage-independent manner. CSC-treated MCF10A cells efficiently formed colonies in soft-agar. We then re-established cell lines from the soft-agar colonies and further examined the persistence of their transforming characteristics. The re-established cell lines, when plated after 17 passages without CSC treatment, still formed colonies in the soft-agar. An increased staining of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) further showed a transformation characteristic of MCF10A cells treated with CSC. In summary, our results suggest that CSC is capable of transforming the MCF10A cells in vitro, supporting the role of cigarette smoking and increased risk for breast cancer.
The City as Text: The Politics of Landscape Interpretation in the Kandyan Kingdom. By James S. Duncan. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990. xiv, 229 pp. $49.50.

List of figures Preface Glossary of terms A note on transliteration Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction Part II. Towards an Interpretive Frame: 2. Landscape as a signifying system 3. The discursive field of Kandyan kingship 4. Concretizing the Sakran discourse: from landscape of the gods to landscape of the hero-kings 5. The Kandyan landscape, 1312-1815 Part III. The Politics of Landscape Interpretation in Early-Nineteenth-Century Kandy: 6. From discourse to landscape: a kingly reading 7. From landscape to civic ritual: a kingly reading 8. From landscape to discourse: contestatory readings and material interests 9. Conclusion Appendix Notes List of references Index.
Mining characterized by encumbered space

Abstract To mine safely and efficiently, working conditions must be systematically defined. Their uniqueness distinguishes mining from other engineering professions. The “worst case” in underground mining is delineated and termed “encumbered space”, since it “seriously impedes motion or action.” Working space is often inherently hazardous, transitory, and expensive. It is also tight, distorted, congested, isolated and inaccessible, of poor quality, and deteriorating. These adverse conditions endanger personnel, damage mobile equipment, and affect all activities, even on the surface. The conditions are isolated, reorganized, and characterized in this paper using the fundamental engineering dimensions: matter, space, and time. Consideration is also given to people, money, and purpose. An integrated and intensive effort is made to define mining conditions. Comprehensive tables are presented, with attention paid to “disaster potentials.” Examples of encumbered space in mining activities and methods are cited.
The Electrical Resistance of Graphite at Low Temperatures

The resistance of natural graphite and of high purity polycrystalline graphite has been measured over a range of temperature from room temperature down to 1.35\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The resistance of large-crystal natural graphite was found to increase with increasing temperature over the entire range. For polycrystalline graphite the resistance was found to increase smoothly as the temperature was lowered to about 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At this temperature the resistance begins to level off until around 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K it is virtually independent of temperature, at a value about double the room temperature resistance. Below 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K the resistance seems to fall slightly.
Chlorogenic acids and related depsides

Isolation and Chemistry 668 General Isolation Procedures 668 The Chlorogenic Acids 671 Additional Quinic Acid Depsides 677 Other Phenylpropenoyl Depsides 680 Transesterification Reactions in Quinic Acid Depsides 681 The Chlorogenic Acid-Caffeine Complex 682
Epidermal Differentiation in Barrier Maintenance and Wound Healing.

Significance: The epidermal barrier prevents water loss and serves as the body's first line of defense against toxins, chemicals, and infectious microbes. Disruption of the barrier, either through congenital disorders of barrier formation or through wounds, puts the individual at risk for dehydration, hypersensitivity, infection, and prolonged inflammation. Epidermal barrier disorders affect millions of patients in the United States, causing loss of productivity and diminished quality of life for patients and their families, and represent a burden to the health-care system and society. Recent Advances: The genetic basis of many congenital barrier disorders has been identified in recent years, and great advances have been made in the molecular mechanisms of the formation and homeostasis of epidermal barrier, as well as acute and chronic wound healing. Progress in stem cell (SC) biology, particularly in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has opened new doors...
New World monkey origins

New World monkeys (Platyrrhini) appeared suddenly in South America in the middle Cenozoic. Little is certain about their origin, but theories include an African source, either by vicariance through Cretaceous rifting of South America from Africa, or an Atlantic Ocean raft crossing in the middle Cenozoic. A recent fossil discovery in Amazonian Peru reported by Bond et al. ( 1 ) has identified the oldest platyrrhine primate (named Perupithecus ) at 36 million years ago (Ma), with features that suggest links to African anthropoids of similar age. Although the new fossils reinforce the African rafting source, the details of the author's origin scenario will be controversial.
Photoinduced magnetic properties of sequentially deposited thin films of RbjCok[Fe(CN)6]l · nH2O

Abstract Using sequential deposition methods, we have generated two different films of RbjCok[Fe(CN)6]l · nH2O for magneto-optical studies. The synthesis protocol was intentionally varied in order to generate samples with different degrees of surface homogeneity. As a consequence, film 1 possessed a powder-like rough surface, while film 2 was a smooth, quasi-two-dimensional film. Upon irradiation at 5 K with an external magnetic field of 200 G perpendicular to the film surface, the magnetization of film 1 increased, whereas the magnetization of film 2 decreased. This contrasting behavior is consistent with a dipolar field model describing the phenomena and is related to the novel anisotropy of the photoinduced magnetism in film 2, where the photoinduced magnetization increases or decreases depending on the orientation of the film with respect to the external field.
Low-temperature 30 GeV-proton effects on critical properties of type-II superconducting filamentary conductors

Abstract The highlights of the results of four irradiation runs at 4.2 K using 30-GeV protons on six specimens each run are reported. In situ critical-current measurements were made as a function of fluence and various annealing procedures in applied fields up to 40 kG. Filamentary wire specimens of NbTi, Nb3Sn and V3Ga were investigated. Reductions of Ic in NbTi up to 18% were observed with tecovery of 50–60% observed upon annealing to room temperature. The suppression mechanism is proposed to be “magnetic” in nature rather than microstructural and is coupled to changes in the normal-state resistivity. Nb3Sn exhibits up to 98% reduction in Ic for 1.6 × 1018p/cm2 with recovery that is dependent upon the fluence. More relative recovery is observed for low fluences than for higher ones. This is interpreted to be due to the higher ratio of Frenkel pair defects available for recovery at low fluences to antisite defects produced directly in the initial damage events. At all fluences, however, the recovery of Ic in Nb3Sn is small when compared with that of NbTi.
The sedimentation of a sphere through an elastic fluid Part 2. Transient motion

Abstract Direct comparisons of time-dependent finite-element simulations and experimental observations are presented for the transient benchmark problem of a sphere accelerating from rest in a cylindrical tube of viscoelastic fluid. Finite-element calculations of the trajectory of the sphere using a nonlinear dumbbell model and a nonlinear network model are compared with experimental measurements obtained using a digital video-imaging system. The test fluid is a highly elastic polyisobutylene Boger fluid, and comparisons are carried out over a wide range of Deborah numbers, 0≤De≤11, and for a range of sphere/tube radius ratios, 0.12≤ a R ≤0.63 . In the experiments, the sphere shows a velocity overshoot with a magnitude that is a strong function of the density of the sphere, the radius ratio of the geometry and the Deborah number of the flow. This transient motion is heavily over-damped as a result of the high solvent viscosity of the Boger fluid. The numerical calculations show that significant differences in the transient velocity of the sphere are predicted by the network and dumbbell models, partly as a consequence of the variations in the time-dependent viscometric functions predicted in the start-up of simple shear flow. At short times, the flow is governed by the linear viscoelastic response of the fluid; however, at longer times and higher strains, nonlinear fluid rheology becomes increasingly important. A good description of the experimentally observed trajectory of the sphere can be obtained with a multimode formulation of the nonlinear Phan-Thien-Tanner network model by incorporating both a spectrum of relaxation times and a set of nonlinear model parameters which accurately describe the normal stress response of the fluid in steady shear and in transient uniaxial elongation.
The effects of amphetamine exposure on outcome-selective Pavlovian-instrumental transfer in rats

Repeated exposure to psychostimulants alters behavioral responses to reward-related cues; however, the motivational underpinnings of this effect have not been fully characterized. The following study was designed to examine how amphetamine sensitization affects performance in rats on a series of Pavlovian and operant tasks that distinguish between general-incentive and outcome-selective forms of conditioned responses. Adult male rats underwent Pavlovian and instrumental training for food pellet rewards. Following training, rats were sensitized to d-amphetamine (2 mg/kg for 7 days). Rats were subsequently tested on an outcome-selective Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT) task, an outcome-reinstatement task, and an outcome devaluation task. Additionally, in a separate experiment, PIT was assessed in amphetamine-sensitized and control rats using a Pavlovian backward-conditioned stimulus. Repeated amphetamine exposure sensitized locomotor activity to acute amphetamine challenge. Amphetamine altered responses to CS presentations by increasing conditioned approach. During tests of PIT, amphetamine-treated rats showed no outcome-selectivity in their responding, responding to a CS whether or not it shared a common outcome with the instrumental response. No effect of amphetamine sensitization was observed on tests of outcome-selective reinstatement by outcome delivery or action selection based on outcome value. Amphetamine-sensitized rats showed impaired outcome-selective PIT to a backward CS but were unaltered in conditioned approach. Amphetamine sensitization prevents outcome-selective responding during PIT, which is dissociable from amphetamine's effects on conditioned approach. These data suggest fundamental alterations in how stimuli motivate action in addiction.
biting the utilitarian bullet

the heuristics-and-biases approach requires a clear separation of normative and descriptive models. normative models cannot be justified by intuition, or by consensus. the lack of consensus on normative theory is a problem for prescriptive approaches. one solution to the prescriptive problem is to argue contingently: if you are concerned about consequences, here is a way to make them better.
The Relation of Thyroid to Creatine and Creatinine Excretion in the Rat.

SummaryPreliminary data demonstrate that (1) thyroidectomy decreases creatine excretion and suggests that this decrease always may be accompanied or followed by an increase in creatinine; (2) injection of thyroxin into thyroidectomized rats increases the excretion of creatine with loss in body weight followed by a slight and probably significant decrease in the excretion of creatinine.
Atherosclerosis: the new view.

It Causes Chest Pain, Heart Attack and Stroke, Leading to More Deaths Every Year Than Cancer. The Long-Held Conception of how the Disease Develops Turns out to be Wrong
Potential interactions between GABAb and cholinergic systems: baclofen augments scopolamine-induced performance deficits in the eight-arm radial maze.

Sixteen male Fischer-344N rats were trained on a eight-arm radial maze task for food reinforcement. The effects of various doses of baclofen (1.25 or 2.50 mg/kg) and scopolamine (0.188, 0.375, and 0.750 mg/kg) were determined alone and in combination. Relative to vehicle controls, baclofen alone did not affect performance in the radial arm maze (number correct in the first eight responses, total errors) or the time required to complete the maze. Scopolamine alone decreased the number of correct responses in the first eight arm choices, while increasing both the number of errors and the time necessary to complete the maze. When the two drugs were co-administered, baclofen had no effect on the number of errors or time required to complete the maze in the presence of scopolamine; however, in combination with the high dose of scopolamine, it significantly inreased the number of errors made during the first eight choices. Baclofen thus can exacerbate some radial arm maze dificits produced by an anticholinergic drug. In a subsequent experiment to test the interaction between scopolamine and baclofen using a nonlearned behavior, baclofen (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) did not affect motor activity, whereas all doses of scopolamine (0.188–0.75 mg/kg) increased activity. The higher dose of baclofen attenuated scopolamine-induced hypermotility by 50%, but the lower dose of baclofen was not effective. These data demonstrate pharmacological interactions between baclofen, a drug used clinically for spaticity, and a drug having anticholinergic properties.
Extended Use of, and Comments on, the Drop-Weight (Drop-Volume) Technique for the Determination of Surface and Interfacial Tensions

Correction factors for the drop weight, or drop-volume, technique for the determination of surface and interfacial tensions by Harkins and Brown have been expanded from the range 0.72080 ≥ψ(r/V13) ≥ 0.5352 to include the range 0.9439 ≥ ψ(r/V13) ≥ 0.72080. The problem of using the technique with high density liquids such as metals is discussed. The calculation of the surface tension from the relation between r/a and r/V13 is shown to be a valuable atlernative method because of smoothing of the correction factors.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Lipids on Silver Microprobes

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of model sebaceous gland secretions and their bacterially generated fatty acids are described. Long-chain fatty acids, their parent triglycerides, and long-chain hydrocarbons have characteristic SERS signatures that make them readily resolvable in heterogeneous mixtures. Silicon-substrate silver microprobes are shown to be useful for studying the spatial distribution of lipids and their corresponding fatty acids in nanoflow rate systems.
Current Indications for the Use of The Artificial Genitourinary Sphincter and Management of It's Complications

The first artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 1972 and since then many advances in product design, improvements of surgical techniques, and proper patient selection have resulted in decreasing complication rates and improved patient satisfaction. The currently used artificial sphincter (AUS) is the American Medical Systems (AMS) 800. This prosthesis consists of silicone components: (1) an elastic pressure-balloon reservoir; (2) a control pump; and (3) an inflatable occlusive urethral cuff. The balloon reservoir is manufactured to hold a volume of fluid which exerts a range of preset pressures (51-60, 6170, 71-80, and 81-90cm water) that can be selected from based on the site of cuff placement and the clinical situation. The pump contains a unidirectional valve, a refill-delay resistor and a deactivation button. This assembly allows for complete control of cuff activation/deactivation by the patient and physician. In the activated mode, the urethral cuff is de-pressurized by squeezing the pump, thereby, forcing fluid from the cuff through the unidirectional valve into the balloon reservoir (Fig. 1). Following a delay period of three to five minutes, time allowed for voiding, fluid automatically flows back to repressurize the cuff. The AMS-800 can be non-surgically deactivated by pressing the deactivation button on the pump which prevents fluid in the balloon from returning to the cuff. Deactivation allows for healing to take place without compression on the urethra. Deactivation also facilitates catheterization, cystoscopy and transurethral resection, if necessary. Activation is accomplished by a sustained squeeze of the pump.
Correlation of radiation-induced changes in mechanical properties and microstructural development of Alloy 718 irradiated with mixed spectra of high-energy protons and spallation neutrons

Alloy 718 is a γ'(Ni 3 (Al, Ti)) γ(Ni 3 Nb) hardenable superalloy with attractive strength, and corrosion resistance. This alloy is a candidate material for use in accelerator production of tritium (APT) target and blanket applications. where it would have to withstand low-temperature irradiation by high-energy protons and spallation neutrons. The existing data base, relevant to such irradiation conditions, is very limited. Alloy 718 has therefore been exposed to a particle flux and spectrum at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), closely matching those expected in the APT target and blanket applications. The yield stress of Alloy 718 increases with increasing dose up to ∼0.5 dpa. and then decreases with further increase in dose. The uniform elongation, however, drastically decreases with increasing dose at very low doses (<0.5 dpa), and does not recover when the alloy later softens somewhat. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation of Alloy 718 shows that superlattice spots corresponding to the age-hardening precipitate phases y' and y are lost from the diffraction patterns for Alloy 718 by only 0.6 dpa, the lowest proton-induced dose level achieved in this experiment. Examination of samples that were neutron irradiated to doses of only ∼0.1 dpa showed that precipitates are faintly visible in diffraction patterns but are rapidly becoming invisible. It is proposed that the γ' and γ first become disordered (by <0.6 dpa), but remain as solute-rich aggregates that still contribute to the hardness at relatively low dpa levels, and then are gradually dispersed at higher doses.
HYDROKAL: A module for in-stream hydrokinetic resource assessment

A new tool for hydrokinetic energy potential assessment in rivers-HYDROKAL, which stands for a ''hydrokinetic calculator''-is presented. This tool was developed in the Fortran 90 programming language as an external module for the CCHE2D application, an existing two-dimensional hydrodynamic numerical model developed at the National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering, University of Mississippi. Velocity outputs generated by the CCHE2D model are used by HYDROKAL to compute the instantaneous power density, an essential element in calculating the hydrokinetic power of a river reach. The tool includes a user-defined efficiency factor to account for turbine efficiency, which is fundamental for estimating the energy that could be harvested from the river. For each river cross section along the computational domain, maximum velocity and specific discharge are identified to assist in estimating the stability of the river reach and, thus, the feasibility of installing an in-stream turbine. A Python script was also developed to export the results from HYDROKAL to CCHE2D. HYDROKAL is applied to a reach of the Tanana River at Nenana, Alaska, USA.
Transcriptional control of glial and blood cell development in Drosophila: cis-regulatory elements of glial cells missing

In Drosophila, glial cell differentiation requires the expression of glial cells missing (gcm) in multiple neural cell lineages, where gcm acts as a binary switch for glial vs. neuronal fate. Thus, the primary event controlling gliogenesis in neural progenitors is the transcription of gcm. In addition, gcm is also required for the differentiation of macrophages, and is expressed in the hemocyte lineage. This dual role of gcm in glial cell and blood cell development underscores the need for the precise temporal and spatial regulation of gcm transcription. To understand how gcm transcription is regulated, we have undertaken an analysis of the cis-regulatory DNA elements of gcm using lacZ reporter activity in transgenic embryos, testing the activity of approximately 35 kilobases of DNA from the gcm locus. We have identified several distinct DNA regions that promote most of the elements of gcm expression. These include elements for general neural expression, gcm-independent and gcm-dependent glial-specific expression, as well as early and late hemocyte expression. We show that expression of an abdominal glial-specific element is dependent on the homeotic gene abdominal-A. Our results indicate that gcm transcription is controlled by a combination of general and lineage-specific elements, positive autoregulation, and neuronal repression.
Identification and quantification of regional brine and road salt sources in watersheds along the New York/Pennsylvania border, USA

Abstract The ecologically sensitive Susquehanna River Basin (SRB) is an important recharge area and drinking water source for a large population in the northeastern United States. Seasonal road salt application, the presence of regional brines at shallow depths, and produced waters associated with active and legacy conventional Upper Devonian oil and gas wells could increase total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater and streams. This study focused on SRB watersheds along the New York/Pennsylvania border, in order to assess current water quality and to establish baseline geochemistry for ground and surface water in a region with potential for increased development of the Marcellus Shale and other unconventional shale gas units. Geochemical composition was determined for 300 stream samples collected from ten sites in four watersheds over variable seasonal flow conditions, and for groundwater from over 500 drinking water wells in this region. Results indicate that many streams and groundwater wells in the study area have elevated TDS levels that indicate pre-existing contributions from saline sources. Dilution of these inputs with fresh water, and the lack of low-level trace element concentrations and isotopic composition in many water quality analyses, highlight the need for alternate robust and sensitive chemical signatures. Comparison with Cl/Br anion ratios and 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios indicate that the (Ba + Sr)/Mg ratio can be used to discriminate between road salt and regional brine in these cases, and mixing models show that even small additions (0.1–0.01%) of these contaminants can be detected with this cation ratio. The (Ba + Sr)/Mg ratio may be even more sensitive (by an order of magnitude) to incursions of Marcellus Shale produced water, depending on the composition of Marcellus produced waters in this region. This study highlights the need for baseline sampling of freshwater reservoirs and the characterization of potential high TDS sources at a local and regional scale.
Clusters: A laboratory for studying chaos and ergodicity

The dynamics of clusters are revealed, in part, by the extent and nature of their chaotic and ergodic behavior. Conversely, small clusters offer opportunities to study the origins and evolution of chaotic and ergodic behavior. This investigation uses, as a probe, the time evolution of the distribution of sample values of the largest Liapunov exponent λmax. Two kinds of clusters are examined, Ar3 and Ar7. The distributionsg(λmax,E) allow inference of dynamical characteristics such as dwell times in the various potential minima and durations and frequencies of saddle crossings.
First-generation college students' information seeking: Their personality traits and source use behavior in coursework-related context

This study examines first-generation college (FGC) students' information seeking in coursework-related situations and the relationship between personality and source use behavior. A web survey was used to collect data. Four-hundred and fifty FGC students participated in the study. A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify three subgroups of personality profiles from the sample. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Results show that extroverts used human sources more frequently across all coursework-related situations and tended to consult peers in the same course in their information seeking processes. Conscientious students tended to consult professors and advisors in their coursework-related information seeking processes. Calm and open-minded extroverts consulted human sources (both experts and non-experts) more often and used more diverse sources than nervous and close-minded introverts. The study enriches FGC student literature in information behavior and further incorporates personality traits as predictors of information use. The study also implies that universities and academic libraries should support orientation programs and organizations that can help FGC students, especially introverts, develop their social networks and have an easy transition into college.
Developing a practice-based learning and improvement curriculum for an academic general surgery residency.

Background Program directors in surgery are now facing the challenge of incorporating the ACGME's practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI) competency into residency curriculum. We introduced a comprehensive PBLI experience for postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) residents designed to integrate specific competency goals (ie, quality improvement, clinical thinking, and self-directed learning) within the context of residents' clinical practice. Study Design Fourteen PGY2 residents participated in a 3-week PBLI curriculum consisting of 3 components: complex clinical decision making, individual learning plan, and quality improvement (QI). To assess how effectively the curriculum addressed these 3 competencies, residents rated their understanding of PBLI by answering a 12-question written survey given pre- and post-rotation. Resident satisfaction was assessed through standard post-rotation evaluations. Results Analysis of the pre- and post-rotation surveys from the 14 participants showed an increase in all measured elements, including knowledge of PBLI (p Conclusions The initial implementation of our PBLI curriculum demonstrated that residents report personal progress in their clinical decision making, self-directed learning, and familiarity with QI. This comprehensive PBLI curriculum was accepted by surgical residents as a valuable part of their training. We are encouraged to continue a clinically grounded PBLI experience for PGY2 residents.
Linkage between cellular communications, energy utilization, and proliferation in metastatic neuroendocrine cancers

To identify metabolic features that support the aggressive behavior of human neuroendocrine (NE) cancers, we examined metastatic prostate NE tumors and derived prostate NE cancer (PNEC) cell lines from a transgenic mouse model using a combination of magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy, in silico predictions of biotransformations that observed metabolites may undergo, biochemical tests of these predictions, and electrophysiological/calcium imaging studies. Malignant NE cells undergo excitation and increased proliferation when their GABAA, glutamate, and/or glycine receptors are stimulated, use glutamate and GABA as substrates for NADH biosynthesis, and produce propylene glycol, a precursor of pyruvate derived from glycine that increases levels of circulating free fatty acids through extra-NE cell effects. Treatment of nude mice containing PNEC tumor xenografts with (i) amiloride, a diuretic that inhibits Abp1, an enzyme involved in NE cell GABA metabolism, (ii) carbidopa, an inhibitor of dopa decarboxylase which functions upstream of Abp1, plus (iii) flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist that binds to GABAA receptors, leads to significant reductions in tumor growth. These findings may be generally applicable: GeneChip data sets from 471 human neoplasms revealed that components of GABA metabolic pathways, including ABP1, exhibit statistically significant increases in their expression in NE and non-NE cancers.
Twist-to-Bend Ratios and Cross-Sectional Shapes of Petioles and Stems

Two structural properties, resistance to twisting (torsional rigidity or torsional stiffness, GJ) and resistance to bending (flexural rigidity or flexural stiffness, EI), were measured on a variety of herbaceous stems and petioles. Specimens with non-circular cross-sections had higher values of the ratio of EI to GJ-that is, such specimens were relatively more flexible in twisting than in bending. But both kinds had higher ratios than those that characterize simple, isotropic materials, and thus both structural and material factors contribute to achieving a high twist-to-bend ratio
The heckler and the heckled in the presidential campaign of 1968

Responding to concerns about Vietnam, civil rights, and other issues, vocal protestors were prominent in the “well‐heckled campaigns” of the major‐party candidates in the election year 1968. The author examines the hecklers and their tactics as well as the major candidates' strategies for dealing with their gadflies. Although the heckling was disruptive and often precluded rational debate, it occasionally fostered a closer look at the issues or forced political speakers to respond to real questions. The author concludes with an assessment of heckling's legitimacy in light of the First Amendment and insists that democratically minded people have two obligations: to protect the right of hecklers to speak out as well as the right of platform speakers to he heard by their intended auditors.
Quality of care for colorectal cancer in a fee-for-service and health maintenance organization practice.

This study assessed the effectiveness of two types of health plans, offered by the same health care provider, in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Data on 330 cases diagnosed from 1984 through 1989 were abstracted from medical records. Of these, 205 (62%) used fee-for-service (FFS) and 125 (38%) used health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Overall, there were no differences between FFS and HMO cases for duration of symptoms before diagnosis, training of physician who diagnosed the tumor, anatomic location of the tumor, type of primary treatment, Dukes' stage at final diagnosis, or survival. There were differences between the groups for age, presence of symptoms at diagnosis, time from detection to treatment, and method of detection. Cox regression analysis showed no difference in survival by type of health plan before or after adjusting for age and stage at diagnosis. The findings from this study are consistent with those from studies reporting little or no difference in the process or outcome of care for patients with different types of medical insurance coverage. Cancer 1992; 692418-2425.
Differential reinforcement of other behavior and noncontingent reinforcement as control procedures during the modification of a preschooler's compliance.

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) and noncontingent reinforcement were compared as control procedures during the modification of a 3-yr-old preschooler's compliance. The recorded reinforcer was teacher proximity (within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the subject for at least 5 sec) which was often accompanied by positive verbal comments that varied in content across experimental conditions. The verbal content during contingent reinforcement might have been: “Thank you for picking up the blocks”; during noncontingent reinforcement: “You're wearing a pretty dress”; and during DRO: “I don't blame you for not picking up because it isn't any fun”. Contingent reinforcement increased compliance in all manipulation conditions. Noncontingent reinforcement decreased compliance during two reversal conditions. However, the behavior was variable and did not decrease to the low levels reached during the two DRO reversals.