cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of ultrasound to evaluate outcome following colic surgery for equine large colon volvulus.

Summary Reasons for performing study: The post operative response of the large colon wall after a surgically corrected large colon volvulus (LCV) has not been investigated. Objectives: To use transabdominal ultrasound to monitor the post operative change in large colon wall thickness following surgical correction of LCV. Hypothesis: A prolonged period to colon wall involution is correlated with an increased rate of post operative morbidity and mortality. Methods: A prospective clinical study including horses that presented to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for colic between September 2006 and March, 2008, had surgically diagnosed and corrected LCV (at least 360°) without resection and recovered from anaesthesia. Ultrasound of the ventral large colon was performed at the time of anaesthetic recovery and every 6–8 h until the colon wall returned to normal thickness (≤5 mm). Outcome was evaluated using a one-way ANOVA to compare average time to colon wall involution between: 1) survivors and nonsurvivors; and 2) horses that developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during the post operative period and those that recovered without evidence of MODS. Results: Sixteen horses that recovered without evidence of MODS had a significantly shorter period to colon wall involution (≤5 mm) compared to those diagnosed with MODS (mean ± s.e. 19.6 h ± 2.5 and 39.7 h ± 6.7 respectively, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in mean period to colon wall involution between survivors and nonsurvivors (26.2 ± 4.9 and 33.2 ± 7.8 h, respectively). Conclusions: A shorter time to colon wall involution was associated with decreased post operative morbidity in horses presented for surgical correction of large colon volvulus without resection. Potential relevance: Ultrasonographic monitoring of colon wall involution after surgical correction of LCV may aid in identifying those cases at risk of MODS. Further investigation of colon wall involution time using a larger number of horses is warranted.
Kaon CP violation and radiative corrections

This paper has been withdrawn by the author, because a profoundly overhauled and improved version, also with a new title and two more authors, has now been submitted to the arXiv, with no. hep-ph/0310059. In view of the elapsed time and the very substantial changes in the original paper, a new e-print was judged more appropriate than just a replacement.
Significance and Accuracy

A question that is encountered extremely frequently in the analysis of experimental data is, “Does the value of an observation, y i , really depend on a parameter, x?” In the two parameter problem of the previous chapter the question could be phrased, “Is the value of the coefficient, b, ‘significantly’ different from zero?” One way to answer this question is to find some independent estimate of σ2, and determine whether the spread of the values of y i about their mean, ӯ, is different from the spread of the observed values of y i , about their predicted values, ŷ i . Suppose, for example, that for each value of x we measure y several times. If we designate by m i the number of times we measure y when x = x i , the function we wish to minimize becomes $$ f(a,\,b) = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^n {} \sum\limits_{j = 1}^{{m_i}} {{{({y_{ij}} - a - b{x_i})}^2}.} $$
Applications of the Lattice Boltzmann Method to Complex and Turbulent Flows

We briefly review the method of the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE). We show the three-dimensional LBE simulation results for a non-spherical particle in Couette flow and 16 particles in sedimentation in fluid. We compare the LBE simulation of the three-dimensional homogeneous isotropic turbulence flow in a periodic cubic box of the size 1283with the pseudo-spectral simulation, and find that the two results agree well with each other but the LBE method is more dissipative than the pseudo-spectral method in small scales, as expected
Evaluation of Portable Infrared Cameras for Detecting Rio Grande Wild Turkeys

Observing nocturnal, cryptic, highly mobile, or elusive wildlife in the field is difficult. Precise abundance estimates are necessary to make management decisions. Numerous methods have been examined to estimate wild turkey abundance with limited success. The use of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology has increased and may improve the detection of wildlife. We sought to estimate Rio Grande wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) abundance using FLIR surveys and to assess the accuracy of these estimates by comparing them with independent estimates from ground surveys. We conducted 8 ground and aerial FLIR surveys of roost sites in 3 distinct ecological regions of Texas, USA. We were unable to aerially detect roosting turkeys using the portable FLIR camera because of altitudinal restrictions required for safe helicopter flight and lack of thermal contrast. Flight altitude was a principal obstacle because topography and aerial obstructions (i.e., utility poles, towers, and wires) often required higher-altitude flights than ideal for turkey observation. From an aerial perspective, wild turkey thermal signatures were camouflaged by their surroundings. The external temperatures of turkeys, tree branches, and other background objects (e.g., rocks, bare ground) were within 1.5°C of each other despite ambient temperatures or other weather variables (i.e., wind speed, humidity, and cloud cover). Therefore, there was not sufficient difference in radiant temperature of a turkey and its background to permit adequate detection from an aerial perspective.
Multiple dietary necrotic degeneration in the mouse

Bei der Maus wird durch eine Diat eine todliche Mangelkrankheit, sogenannte multiple, nekrotische Degeneration, erzeugt. Diese Diat ist arm an Cystin und frei von Faktor 3 und Vitamin E. Nekrosen des Herzmuskels stehen im Vordergrund, ausserdem kommt es zu Degeneration von Leber, Nieren und Muskulatur. Pankreas und Testes zeigen Atrophie bei gestortem Wachstum. Die Krankheit wird entweder durch den Faktor 3 oder durch Vitamin E verhutet. Der Faktor 3, der vor kurzem als eine organische Selenium-Verbindung identifiziert wurde, ist durch Selenit-Selenium ersetzbar.
Development of a CD-ROM internet hybrid: a new thoracic surgery curriculum

The TSDA Prerequisite Curriculum Committee has successfully developed the content for a didactic curriculum to be mastered by the residents before their matriculation in a thoracic surgical residency program. In addition the committee assembled an innovative electronic format consisting of a CD-ROM Internet Hybrid to teach this curricular material. By use of a serialized CD-ROM Internet Hybrid it is possible to store relatively dense high bandwidth portions of the curriculum including video and audio materials on the CD-ROM and yet allow constant updating and interaction of the other portions of the curriculum. In addition, it is possible to track the performance and utilization by the residents during the entire course of their residency program. By studying the relationship between the utilization of the curriculum, particularly as it relates to certain subject areas, and comparing that to performance or standardized examinations as well as other measurements of resident satisfaction, the efficacy of the prerequisite curriculum will be tracked during the upcoming years. It is anticipated that the process of developing the content of the prerequisite curriculum will allow the residents and program directors to focus on the subject material currently deemed necessary for successful initiation of a thoracic surgery residency, and that by keeping this subject material outline up-to-date, the changing spectrum of what we anticipate our residents will know at the time of their matriculation will continue to mature. Although electronic-based education has been available for a number of years, a prospective randomized study comparing it with traditional textbook-based learning is novel. Multiple attempts have been made to implement Web-based or CD-ROM-based educational tools in other specialties with variable results. It is our anticipation that successful completion of this project will not only allow for the use of an innovative highly technical means of education for our residents but may in turn become broadly applicable to many other types of educational projects within thoracic surgery education. This may also be applicable to other types of educational projects in the postgraduate education industry and other venues as well. The conduct of a scientific study monitoring the impact of this curriculum project as well as the acceptance of the project by the resident is also relatively unique and will be scrutinized by numerous professional medical and educational groups.
Active transport and ATP in frog gastric mucosa.

Abstract Measurement of adenine nucleotides in isolated frog gastric mucosae showed that ADP levels were elevated by stimulating acid secretion in resting preparations. The ratio, ATP/ADP, was thereby decreased upon stimulation. These changes could be prevented by blocking acid secretion, using Cl-free solutions to bathe the mucosa. Treatment of histamine-stimulated mucosae with ouabain, K-free solutions or acetazolamide significantly depressed acid secretion and increased ATP/ADP. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ATP is the immediate substrate for acid secretion and they suggest that secretagogues act by increasing ATP utilization.
Backbone nuclear relaxation characteristics and calorimetric investigation of the human Grb7‐SH2/erbB2 peptide complex

Grb7 is a member of the Grb7 family of proteins, which also includes Grb10 and Grb14. All three proteins have been found to be overexpressed in certain cancers and cancer cell lines. In particular, Grb7 (along with the receptor tyrosine kinase erbB2) is overexpressed in 20%–30% of breast cancers. Grb7 binds to erbB2 and may be involved in cell signaling pathways that promote the formation of metastases and inflammatory responses. In a prior study, we reported the solution structure of the Grb7-SH2/erbB2 peptide complex. In this study, T1, T2, and steady-state NOE measurements were performed on the Grb7-SH2 domain, and the backbone relaxation behavior of the domain is discussed with respect to the potential function of an insert region present in all three members of this protein family. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies were completed measuring the thermodynamic parameters of the binding of a 10-residue phosphorylated peptide representative of erbB2 to the SH2 domain. These measurements are compared to calorimetric studies performed on other SH2 domain/phosphorylated peptide complexes available in the literature.
An All-Sky X-Ray Monitor for the UK-5 Satellite

An x-ray imaging system using a pin-hole camera and a position sensitive proportional counter at the image plane has been designed for an all-sky x-ray monitor for UK-5 satellite. This high-sensitivity device with real-time coverage of the entire celestial sphere would aid in programming satellite maneuvers such that transient events in the x-ray sky could be investigated in detail by the other primary satellite experiments. Discussion of design criteria for the camera geometry, the position sensitive proportional detector, and electronics to handle the data are presented in this paper.
Countercurrent flow of air/water and steam/water through a horizontal perforated plate

Abstract The onset of downwards penetration of a bubbly water pool above a perforated plate was studied with both air and steam upflows. An interpolative scaling length is developed empirically, which, when introduced into the Wallis countercurrent flow equation, fits the air-water data for a variety of perforatedplate geometries, as well as full-length tube bundle data with saturated water and steam. The same equation, when suitably corrected for steam condensation in the immediate neighborhood of the plate, fits the steam-water data also. Implications for the cooling of overheated nuclear reactor cores are discussed.
Calculation of spectral line profiles of multielectron emitters in plasmas.

A theoretical formalism and computer code have been developed to calculate spectra of multielectron emitters in plasmas. The plasma electron broadening is treated by a quantum-mechanical relaxation theory. The static-ion approximation is used to treat plasma ion broadening of the atomic levels. Calculated lithiumlike and berylliumlike krypton spectra are compared to experimental spectra obtained in laser implosion experiments at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester.
Brief postnatal exposure to phenobarbital impairs passive avoidance learning and sensorimotor gating in rats

Phenobarbital is the most commonly utilized drug for the treatment of neonatal seizures. However, mounting preclinical evidence suggests that even brief exposure to phenobarbital in the neonatal period can induce neuronal apoptosis, alterations in synaptic development, and long-lasting changes in behavioral functions. In the present report, we treated neonatal rat pups with phenobarbital and evaluated behavior in adulthood. Pups were treated initially with a loading dose (80 mg/kg) on postnatal day (P)7 and with a lower dose (40 mg/kg) on P8 and P9. We examined sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition), passive avoidance, and conditioned place preference for cocaine when the animals reached adulthood. Consistent with our previous reports, we found that three days of neonatal exposure to phenobarbital significantly impaired prepulse inhibition compared with vehicle-exposed control animals. Using a step-though passive avoidance paradigm, we found that animals exposed to phenobarbital as neonates and tested as adults showed significant deficits in passive avoidance retention compared with matched controls, indicating impairment in associative memory and/or recall. Finally, we examined place preference conditioning in response to cocaine. Phenobarbital exposure did not alter the normal conditioned place preference associated with cocaine exposure. Our findings expand the profile of behavioral toxicity induced by phenobarbital.
Oxidative damage to cytosine: Implication for the study of radiation-induced damage to DNA

A radical observed in irradiated single crystals of cytidine, 3‘-CMP, and 5‘-dCMP is characterized by three anisotropic proton hyperfine couplings and is called the 3αH radical. The 3αH radical shares properties with the allyl-like radical observed in thymine derivatives. The goal of the present work is to show that the previously observed 3αH radicals are cytosine base radicals formed on 5-methylcytosine impurities in these crystals. Ab initio electron propagator calculations in the partial third-order (P3) approximation with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set have been used to show that these 5-methylcytosines are good hole traps, having an ionization potential comparable to that of guanine. The importance of these cytosine oxidation sites to the radiation chemistry of DNA is discussed.
Rare-earth metal ion complexes of N-methyl-γ-butyrolactam

Abstract Complexes of the rare-earth metal ions and N-methyl-γ-butyrolactam (NMBuL) have been prepared and characterized. With Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd or Tb, these compounds have the general formula [Ln(NMBuL)8](ClO4)3. The formula [Ln′(NMBuL)7](ClO4)3 describes complexes for Ln′ = Dy, Ho, Er, Yb or Y. Infra-red spectra, as well as conductance and molecular weight measurements, have been used to characterize these compounds.
Biosocial Processes Predicting Multisystemic Therapy Treatment Response

This study examined biological (testosterone) and social (deviant peer affiliation) factors early in treatment as predictors of treatment outcome among adolescent boys receiving Multisystemic Therapy (MST) in community settings. Outcome variables included changes in youth aggression and delinquency as reported by the primary caregiver. Testosterone and deviant peer affiliation were assessed at treatment onset; and outcome variables (aggression and delinquency) were assessed at treatment onset, mid-treatment and end-of-treatment. Participants were 112 adolescent boys (M age = 15.42, SD = 1.31) and their caregivers. Growth curve analyses revealed that the combination of high testosterone and high deviant peer affiliation early in treatment were significantly associated with less of a decline in aggression and delinquency over the course of treatment. Results provide novel evidence for the role of testosterone in the prediction of future externalizing behaviors. Clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.
DIRECT OBSERVATION OF SPONTANEOUS EMULSIFICATION AND ASSOCIATED INTERFACIAL PHENOMENA AT THE SLAG-STEEL INTERFACE

Interfacial tension decreases drastically when an intense chemical reaction occurs at a steelslag interface. This phenomenon results in spontaneous droplet spreading during the initial period of re...
Fluid flow in subduction zones: evidence from Nd- and Sr-isotope variations in metabasalts of the Franciscan complex, California

Greenstone, blueschist and eclogite metabasaltic blocks from the Franciscan complex of California preserve extensive petrographic and chemical evidence for interaction with hydrous fluids at high-P, low-T metamorphic conditions. The Nd and Sr isotope variations within and among the blocks constrain the origin of the basaltic protoliths, the nature of the fluid metasomatism that occurred within the upper levels (15–45 km) of the paleosubduction zonc, and the character and provenance of the rock that generated the hydrous fluids within the paleosubduction zone. Samples with little or no petrographic evidence of retrograde alteration and unaltered garnet separates have ɛNd. With increasing degrees of retrograde alteration, Nd isotope compositions are consistently lower, ranging down to ɛNd(160)=5. Actinolitic alteration rinds which are present on some blocks have the least radiogenic compositions with ɛNd=1.6 to 6.1. While Nd isotope compositions of unaltered blockes are in the range expected for basalt derived from normal depleted mantle, the Sr isotope compositions are more radiogenic ranging from ɛSr(160)=−5 to +11. Compositions of unaltered eclogite and blue-schist blocks are consistent with a protolith origin in normal oceanic crust derived from depleted mantle. The Sr isotopy systematics indicate that the protoliths were modified by seawater alteration in an ocean-floor hydrothermal system. Isotopic compositions of samples from parts of blocks that have a retrograde metamorphic overprint show a strong correlation between less radiogenic Nd compositions and the extent of retrograde metamorphism. Maximum Nd isotope ratios of the metasomatizing fluid are provided by analyses of actinolitic rinds, and range from ɛNd(160)=1.6 to 6.1. A possible source for fluids of this composition is subducted sediment that was derived from a continental craton. Because rind formation occurred while the basaltic blocks were within an ultramafic matrix, the fluids must have migrated from sediments in the accretionary wedge into an overlying wedge of mantle material imbricated with blocks of oceanic crust. This suggests possibly km-scale movement of fluids that carry an amount of the rare-earth elements sufficient to significantly modify the trace-element budget of subducted basalt.
Impact of the 1980-1983 Selected Traffic Enforcement Program On Traffic Accidents in Batavia, Illinois

During the period 1980-1983, the police department of the City of Batavia, Illinois, received a grant to reduce traffic accidents. To analyze whether this program was effective, an interrupted time series design was used. Using yearly statistics from 1972 to 1987, changes in the trend and level of accidents were calculated One explicit control variable, weather, was included. A statistically significant decline in intercept and slope were discovered To confirm the impact, a similar analysis was performed on a nearby community that did not have such a program. Some of the same declines were noted, indicating either some spillover from the Batavia program or the existence of other factors during the same time period that also affected accidents However, the more significant declines in Batavia versus the control community lead to the conclusion that the program was effective. The long-run nature of the decline in accidents seems to be due to the extensive training in accident investigation of the Batavia officers This contributed to suggested and implemented redesign of problem intersections. Language: en
Internal and Overall Peptide Group Motion in Proteins: Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Lysozyme Compared with Results from X-ray and NMR Spectroscopy

The motions of the main-chain N−H vector and of the atoms which define the peptide plane in proteins have been analyzed by use of a 1.6 ns molecular dynamics simulation of hen lysozyme in explicit ...
Cardiovascular function as influenced by type of prior sport participation.

Abstract Comparisons were made among three groups of former athletes (FA) in habitual lifestyle, self-perception of fitness, intensity of prior sport participation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), blood pressure (SBp and DBp), heart rate (HR), and systolic time intervals (STIs). Three hundred and fifty FA, aged 27–74, were divided into three categories according to the sport type in which they had participated, i.e., team sports, individual sports, or team and individual sports. FA who participated in both individual and team sports were engaged in significantly greater occupational activity and intensity of prior sport participation compared with FA who had participated in individual or team sports. There were no significant differences in leisure time physical activity, self-perception of physical fitness, or smoking habits according to sport type. Furthermore, there were no significant differences among sport type categories in VO2max, HR, or STIs at rest or postexercise, and SBp or DBp at rest. The evidence suggests that the type of sport participation, at least as categorized for this study, has little effect upon lifestyle and cardiovascular function in later life.
Using continental observations in global atmospheric inversions of CO2: North American carbon sources and sinks

We evaluate North American carbon fluxes using a monthly global Bayesian synthesis inversion that includes well-calibrated carbon dioxide concentrations measured at continental flux towers. We employ the NASA Parametrized Chemistry Tracer Model (PCTM) for atmospheric transport and a TransCom-style inversion with subcontinental resolution. We subsample carbon dioxide time series at four North American flux tower sites for mid-day hours to ensure sampling of a deep, well-mixed atmospheric boundary layer. The addition of these flux tower sites to a global network reduces North America mean annual flux uncertainty for 2001–2003 by 20% to 0.4 Pg C yr -1 compared to a network without the tower sites. North American flux is estimated to be a net sink of 1.2 ± 0.4 Pg C yr -1 which is within the uncertainty bounds of the result without the towers. Uncertainty reduction is found to be local to the regions within North America where the flux towers are located, and including the towers reduces covariances between regions within North America. Mid-day carbon dioxide observations from flux towers provide a viable means of increasing continental observation density and reducing the uncertainty of regional carbon flux estimates in atmospheric inversions. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2010.00501.x
Morphine tolerance and dependence in nociceptin/orphanin fq transgenic knock-out mice

It has been hypothesized that morphine tolerance and dependence in mice following chronic exposure may reflect increased compensatory activity of antiopioid systems. The endogenous peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ has been shown to have anti-opioid effects, for example antagonizing morphine analgesia. Moreover, chronic morphine administration increases synthesis of the peptide, and morphine tolerance and dependence can be attenuated or reversed by antagonists and agonists of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor, respectively. The present study seeks to confirm a role for nociceptin/orphanin FQ in opioid tolerance and dependence by comparing morphine ED(50) values and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal jumping in mice homozygous (knock-out) and heterozygous for a null mutation of the Npnc1 gene encoding the nociceptin/orphanin FQ propeptide, and their wild type littermates, following chronic morphine exposure. Relative to morphine-naive control mice, significant rightward shifts in the morphine dose-response curve, resulting in increased morphine ED(50) values (approximately two to three-fold), was observed for all genotypes following three days of repeated systemic morphine injections. However, no differences between genotypes in the magnitude of tolerance were observed. In contrast, knock-out mice displayed significantly increased naloxone-precipitated withdrawal jumping relative to heterozygous and wild-type mice following implantation with a morphine pellet (25mg) for 72h. Use of nociception/orphaninFQ transgenic knock-out mice thus demonstrate the differential involvement of nociceptin/orphanin FQ in morphine tolerance and dependence.
Photodissociation spectrum of CH3I+ prepared by multiphoton ionization

Abstract Two-photon resonant multiphoton ionization has been used to prepare rotationally cooled and selected CH 3 I + ions with controlled vibrational and electronic distributions. These ions are photodissociated by a second laser. The highly simplified photodissociation spectrum displays a clear dissociation threshold as well as bands hidden in earlier spectra. The data suggests corrections to previously determined vibrational constants.
Impact of reimbursement and health care reform on the ambulatory oncology setting

Changes in reimbursement and health care reform permeate all practice settings of oncology care today. Chemotherapy and biologic regimens used in cancer therapy are easy targets for reimbursement denials because of regulations against their investigational status, "off-label" usage, methods of administration, and high cost. The clinician requires a knowledge of health care trends, different types of reimbursement, reimbursement issues unique to ambulatory oncology care, and strategies useful in resolving billing issues.
Electronically driven instabilities and superconductivity in the layered La2-xBaxCuO4 perovskites.

Body-centered tetragonal ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ is shown to have its electronic structure and properties dominated by the layered in-plane Cu-3d--O-2p interactions. A strong Fermi surface instability along [110] with \ensuremath{\Vert}q\ensuremath{\Vert}=2${k}_{\mathrm{F}}$ leads, via a soft-phonon mode, to the observed orthorhombic phase and accounts for its semiconducting properties. The addition of divalent metals, i.e., Ba, Sr, suppresses the instability and stabilizes the tetragonal phase where the same soft-phonon branch apparently contributes to a large electron-phonon interaction and a high ${T}_{c}$.
Inverse problems for scattering by periodic structures

Suppose the 3-dimensional space is filled with three materials having dielectric constants ɛ1 above S1={x2=f1(x1), x3 arbitrary}, ɛ2 below S2 = {x2 =f2(x1), x3 arbitrary} and ɛo in {f2(x1) 0, if the measurements for the two pairs are δ-close, then \(\tilde S_1\) and \(\tilde S_2\)are 0(δ)-close to S1 and S2, respectively.
Trunk and Head Damage on a Low-Crested Breakwater

AbstractThe spatial variation of damage on different sections of the trunk and head of a low-crested stone structure on a fixed bottom is examined using a cross-shore numerical model extended to oblique waves. The computed wave transmission coefficient and damage on the front slope, back slope, and total section of the trunk are compared with available data consisting of 188 tests. Similarity of trunk and head damage for a low-crested breakwater is proposed to predict damage on the front head and back head using the numerical model. The agreement is mostly within a factor of 2; however, the model overpredicts damage on the back head of a submerged structure. An experiment was conducted in a wave flume for a low-crested stone structure located inside the surf zone on a sand beach. The model is shown to reproduce the measured cross-shore wave transformation on the beach with and without the structure as well as the measured small damage on the structure. Sand deposition inside the porous structure will need...
Density map visualization from motion sensors for monitoring activity level

This paper describes ongoing work in capturing and analyzing sensor data logged in the homes of seniors. Sensor networks have been deployed in TigerPlace apartments, to promote aging in place. Here, we introduce a visualization of the sensor data in the form of an activity density map which includes time away from home. The visualization is intended to aid caregivers in understanding the sensor data. In the density map, different colors are used to represent different levels of density in motion sensor data. For evaluating the activity density level accurately, time away from home was determined first using a system of fuzzy rules. Three case studies are included to illustrate how the density map can be used to track general activity level over time. (8 pages)
Nanocrystalline BaTiO3 powder via a sol process ambient conditions

Abstract Nanocrystalline BaTiO 3 particles have been prepared by ambient condition sol (ACS) process starting from soluble precursors of barium and titanium yielding a mixed oxide/hydroxide gel. The gel was peptized and crystallized in water under a refluxing condition. Higher initial pH and Ba/Ti ratio led to smaller crystallite sizes of BaTiO 3 powders. Organic mineralizer, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), can adsorb on the BaTiO 3 nuclei and inhibited further growth of the particles. Adding a polymer during BaTiO 3 synthesis led to a smaller particle size and increased redispersibility of the particles in water.
Fraud and Corruption in U.S. Nonprofit Entities: A Summary of Press Reports 2008-2011

The charitable sector is vulnerable to fraud losses, with these losses negatively impacting the organization’s reputation, future funding, and ability to advance its mission. Research on nonprofit fraud is relatively scarce, due mainly to limited availability of data. We create a database that summarizes and describes basic facts (nature and timing of fraud, description of organization, magnitude of loss, and perpetrators) for 115 incidents of detected fraud occurring in U.S. nonprofit organizations. We find a disproportionately high incidence of nonprofit fraud in the Health and Human Services National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities Groups, a high percentage of females committing misappropriation frauds, and that the organizational role of the perpetrator is related to the size of the fraud loss. We also investigate whether organizations detecting a nonprofit fraud report this information, as required, on Internal Revenue Service Form 990, and find that many organizations do not comply.
The Effect of Trimming and Normality Assumptions on the Efficiency of the O-BLUE Estimators

Abstract The seriousness of trimming samples, and considering the trimmed samples as if they are complete samples of the retained size, from a normal distribution is explored for the parameters of the simple linear regression model. The exact efficiencies of the O-BLUE estimators of the parameters under these conditions are investigated relative to the O-BLUE estimators based upon the trimmed samples from the actual distribution G. Five symmetric distributions are considered. It is found that the overall loss in relative efficiency is quite substantial especially when the true distribution has heavier tails than the normal distribution, and in particular for larger amounts of trimming.
Coherent backscattering of optical second-harmonic generation in silver films.

We report an experimental study of coherent scattering of optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) due to excitation of the long-range surface-plasmon mode at the interface between a thin silver film and a nonlinear quartz crystal. Fitting of the angular half-width of the SHG backscattering cone to a scattering model leads to a determination of the mean scattering displacement vector in the interface. Results from a study of the peak intensity and angular width of the backscattering cone as a function of silver film thickness are given. A peak in the scattered SHG in the direction normal to the interface is also reported. Explanation of many of the observations reported here awaits a quantitative theory of coherent backscattering of SHG with surface waves.
An analysis of children's oppositional behavior.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between children's oppositional behavior and the following two variables: number of commands issued and time from command presentation. Twenty-four five year-old children and their mothers served as subjects. The results indicated an increase in oppositional behavior as the number of commands increased. Furthermore, most oppositional behavior occurred immediately following the presentation of a command.
Square wave anodic stripping voltammetric analysis of lead and cadmium utilizing titanium dioxide/zirconium dioxide carbon paste composite electrode

Abstract Recently, our research group has developed a novel carbon paste composite electrode, in which titanium dioxide/zirconium dioxide was incorporated into graphite carbon paste, to detect cadmium and lead in aqueous solution via cyclic voltammetry. In the current work, the newly developed titanium dioxide/zirconium dioxide carbon paste composite electrode was used to quantify lead and cadmium, individually and simultaneously, utilizing square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. In addition to optimization of multiple stripping analysis parameters, trace levels quantification of both metals was attempted. Using the mentioned titanium dioxide/zirconium dioxide carbon paste composite electrode, the detection limits, in modeling solutions, for Pb and Cd were estimated to be 0.48 ppb and 0.77 ppb, respectively. Furthermore, reproducibility of analytical stripping current signal was also calculated and expressed as relative standard deviation for both metals, 3.8% for Cd and 2.5% for Pb (n = 10). The proposed sensor was also tested in river water and well water samples to illustrate its potential for real world application. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy was employed to investigate and characterize the electrode surface morphology.
Inhibition of sexual behavior in female guinea pigs by a progestin receptor antagonist

The new steroidal progestin receptor antagonist, RU 38486, was used to determine if progesterone-facilitation of sexual behavior in female guinea pigs requires interaction of the hormone with neural progestin receptors. Five milligrams but not 0.5 mg RU 38486 inhibits the expression of sexual behavior in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed guinea pigs treated with 0.1 mg progesterone. This inhibition can be overcome by administration of a large dose of progesterone, suggesting that the drug-effect is specific to the progestin receptor system. RU 38486 binds, in vitro, to progestin receptors and decreases the availability of hypothalamic progestin receptors in estrogen-treated guinea pigs. These studies provide strong evidence that progesterone interaction with intracellular neural progestin receptors mediates the facilitation of sexual behavior by progesterone in female guinea pigs.
Reply to 'Editorial policies on financial disclosure'

We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the issues raised by Drs. Carroll and Rubin, which were also featured in a recent New York Times article1. This is not the first time Drs. Carroll and Rubin have criticized our peer-reviewed publications and citation of our work in the popular press. Two journals, Biological Psychiatry2, 3 and Neuropsychopharmacology4, 5 have previously published their letters and our responses, and the interested reader may wish to refer to this scientific dialogue. These investigators have never contacted us directly regarding their concerns about our scientific publications.
Changes in mediobasal hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid levels induced by mating or ovariectomy in a reflex ovulator, the ferret.

The ferret is a reflex-ovulating species in which receipt of an intromission induces a prolonged (±12 h) preovulatory LH surge in the estrous female. This LH surge is probably stimulated by a large release of GnRH from the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). In Exp 1 we asked whether GnRH messenger RNA (mRNA) levels increase in response to mating so as to replenish the MBH GnRH stores needed to sustain the preovulatory LH surge. Estrous females were killed 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 14, or 24 h after the onset of a 10-min intromission from a male. Coronal brain sections ranging from the rostral preoptic area caudally to the posterior hypothalamus were processed for in situ hybridization using a 35S-labeled oligoprobe complementary to the human GnRH-coding region. We found no evidence of increased MBH GnRH mRNA levels during the ferret’s mating-induced preovulatory LH surge. Instead, the number of GnRH mRNA-expressing cells dropped significantly in the arcuate region beginning 6 h after onset of intromission and re...
Design Mixers to Minimize Effects of Erosion and Corrosion Erosion

A thorough review of the major parameters that affect solid-liquid slurry wear on impellers and techniques for minimizing wear is presented. These major parameters include (i) chemical environment, (ii) hardness of solids, (iii) density of solids, (iv) percent solids, (v) shape of solids, (vi) fluid regime (turbulent, transitional, or laminar), (vii) hardness of the mixer's wetted parts, (viii) hydraulic efficiency of the impeller (kinetic energy dissipation rates near the impeller blades), (ix) impact velocity, and (x) impact frequency. Techniques for minimizing the wear on impellers cover the choice of impeller, size and speed of the impeller, alloy selection, and surface coating or coverings. An example is provided as well as an assessment of the approximate life improvement.
Composition, abundance, and phenology fF foliose red algae associated with two central California kelp forests

Abstract Seasonal variations in biomass and reproductive phenology of red algae were studied in two central California kelp forests with different physical environments. At each site, random 0.25-m2 samples of foliose red algae were collected monthly and biomass (g dry weight) and reproductive condition recorded for each species. At the more protected, rocky site, the perennials Botryocladia pseudodichotoma (Farl.) Kyl., Gigartina corymbifera (Kutz.) J. Ag., and Rhodymenia californica var. califomica Kyl. were most abundant. At the more exposed site with moving sand, both perennials (Gigartina corymbifera and Rhodymenia pacifica Kyl.) and annuals such as Polyneura latissima (Harv.) Kyl., Phycodrys setchellii Skottsb., and Nienburgia andersoniana (J. Ag.) Kyl. were abundant. At both sites, the biomass of female and tetrasporic plants was generally very low relative to the total biomass. Reproductive plants at the protected site occurred from March to October whereas various species were reproductive at different times during the year at the exposed site. Several interacting factors appear to regulate red algal composition and abundance in these kelp forests. Overstory development, lack of disturbance, and invertebrate overgrowth seems most important at the protected site whereas physical disturbance in the form of sand and water movement appear to be more important at the exposed site.
Sonication-based isolation and enrichment of Chlorella protothecoides chloroplasts for Illumina genome sequencing

With the increasing world demand for biofuel, a number of oleaginous algal species are being considered as renewable sources of oil. Chlorella protothecoides Kruger synthesizes triacylglycerols (TAGs) as storage compounds that can be converted into renewable fuel utilizing an anabolic pathway that is poorly understood. The paucity of algal chloroplast genome sequences has been an important constraint to chloroplast transformation and for studying gene expression in TAGs pathways. In this study, the intact chloroplasts were released from algal cells using sonication followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation, resulting in a 2.36-fold enrichment of chloroplasts from C. protothecoides, based on qPCR analysis. The C. protothecoides chloroplast genome (cpDNA) was determined using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform and found to be 84,576 Kb in size (8.57 Kb) in size, with a GC content of 30.8 %. This is the first report of an optimized protocol that uses a sonication step, followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation, to release and enrich intact chloroplasts from a microalga (C. prototheocoides) of sufficient quality to permit chloroplast genome sequencing with high coverage, while minimizing nuclear genome contamination. The approach is expected to guide chloroplast isolation from other oleaginous algal species for a variety of uses that benefit from enrichment of chloroplasts, ranging from biochemical analysis to genomics studies.
Effects of micro-injections of L-glutamate into the hypothalamus on attack and flight behaviour in cats.

WE have carried out experiments in which cannulae (26 gauge, insulated except for 0.25 mm at their tips) were implanted stereotaxically in six adult cats in regions of the hypothalamus that produce “direct attack behaviour”, “flight behaviour” or a combination of both of these behaviours with electrical stimulation1. Electrical thresholds for “attack” and “flight” were determined with a constant-current stimulator, and 1 M L-glutamate, pH 7.4, was injected with a microlitre syringe. Adult unanaesthetized rats were used as attack objects1.
The Cherry Case-Bearer, Coleophora Pruniella Clemens, In Michigan

A survey of the present distribution and abundance of the cherry case bearer in Michigan, with data upon the damage inflicted.
Text clustering with extended user feedback

Text clustering is most commonly treated as a fully automated task without user feedback. However, a variety of researchers have explored mixed-initiative clustering methods which allow a user to interact with and advise the clustering algorithm. This mixed-initiative approach is especially attractive for text clustering tasks where the user is trying to organize a corpus of documents into clusters for some particular purpose (e.g., clustering their email into folders that reflect various activities in which they are involved). This paper introduces a new approach to mixed-initiative clustering that handles several natural types of user feedback. We first introduce a new probabilistic generative model for text clustering (the SpeClustering model) and show that it outperforms the commonly used mixture of multinomials clustering model, even when used in fully autonomous mode with no user input. We then describe how to incorporate four distinct types of user feedback into the clustering algorithm, and provide experimental evidence showing substantial improvements in text clustering when this user feedback is incorporated.
Solid-to-shell transition elements for the computation of interlaminar stresses

This paper presents an accurate and practical technique for coupling shell element models to three-dimensional continuum finite element models. The compatibility between these two types of formulations is enforced by degenerating a continuum element through kinematic constraints compatible with shell deformations. Two formulations of two-dimensional/three-dimensional transition elements are presented. The first and simplest formulation is based on the Mindlin-Reissner plate assumptions, and is found to perform well in a variety of problems involving the analysis of geometrically linear/non-linear laminated structures. The second formulation is based on a higher-order shell theory that allows stretching in the through-the-thickness direction. This additional freedom virtually eliminates the interlaminar normal stress boundary layer that can form in lower-order transition elements. Finally, the coupling of two-dimensional to three-dimensional subdomains is enriched with the use of an interface element, which can be used in conjunction with either transition formulation. The interface element improves the efficiency of the solid-to-shell transition modeling scheme by allowing the independent selection of optimal mesh sizes in the shell and the three-dimensional regions of the model.
Thermal inactivation of foot-and-mouth disease virus in milk using high-temperature, short-time pasteurization.

Abstract Previous studies of laboratory simulation of high temperature, short time pasteurization (HTST) to eliminate foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in milk have shown that the virus is not completely inactivated at the legal pasteurization minimum (71.7°C/15s) but is inactivated in a flow apparatus at 148°C with holding times of 2 to 3s. It was the intent of this study to determine whether HTST pasteurization conducted in a continuous-flow pasteurizer that simulates commercial operation would enhance FMDV inactivation in milk. Cows were inoculated in the mammary gland with the field strain of FMDV (01/UK). Infected raw whole milk and 2% milk were then pasteurized using an Arm-field pilot-scale, continuous-flow HTST pasteurizer equipped with a plate-and-frame heat exchanger and a holding tube. The milk samples, containing FMDV at levels of up to 10 4 plaque-forming units/mL, were pasteurized at temperatures ranging from 72 to 95°C at holding times of either 18.6 or 36s. Pasteurization decreased virus infectivity by 4 log 10 to undetectable levels in tissue culture. However, residual infectivity was still detectable for selected pasteurized milk samples, as shown by intramuscular and intradermal inoculation of milk into naive steers. Although HTST pasteurization did not completely inactivate viral infectivity in whole and 2% milk, possibly because a fraction of the virus was protected by the milk fat and the casein proteins, it greatly reduced the risk of natural transmission of FMDV by milk.