cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic Finite Element Method: Response Statistics

An important objective of a stochastic finite element analysis of an engineering system should be the determination of a set of design criteria which can be implemented in a probabilistic context. In other words, it is important that any method that is used for the numerical treatment of stochastic systems be compatible with some rationale that permits a reliability analysis. Traditionally, this problem has been addressed by relying on the second order statistical moments of the response process. These moments offer useful statistical information regarding the response of the system and equations will be developed in an ensuing section for their determination. However, second order moments do not suffice for a complete reliability analysis. For this, higher order moments and related information are required. In this context, the response of any system to a certain excitation may be viewed as a point in the space defined by the parameters describing the system. In other words, for every set of such parameters, the response is uniquely determined as a function of the independent variables. When these parameters are regarded as random variables, the response function may be described as a point in the space spanned by these variables, defining a surface that corresponds to all possible realizations of the random parameters.
Underwater vocal complexity of Arctic seal Erignathus barbatus in Kongsfjorden (Svalbard)

In this study the description of underwater vocal repertoire of bearded seal in Svalbard (Norway) was extended. Two autonomous passive acoustic recorders were deployed for one year (August 2014–July 2015) in the inner and outer parts of the Kongsfjorden, and 1728 h were recorded and 17 220 vocalizations were found. Nine different vocalization classes were identified and characterized using ten acoustic parameters. The calls showed heterogeneous spectral features, but share the descending trend of frequency modulation. The different classes emerged were discriminated primarily by bandwidth and duration, and then by minimum frequency, central frequency, and maximum frequency in this order. This study represents a step forward to improve the understanding of the acoustic behaviour and the social function of these calls, and identified long passive acoustic monitoring as an effective method to assess vocal complexity and the ecology of marine species producing sounds.
Transitioning from General Pediatric to Adult-Oriented Inpatient Care: National Survey of US Children's Hospitals.

Background Hospital charges and lengths of stay may be greater when adults with chronic conditions are admitted to children's hospitals. Despite multiple efforts to improve pediatric-adult healthcare transitions, little guidance exists for transitioning inpatient care. Objective This study sought to characterize pediatricadult inpatient care transitions across general pediatric services at US children's hospitals. Design, setting and participants National survey of inpatient general pediatric service leaders at US children's hospitals from January 2016 to July 2016. Measurements Questionnaires assessed institutional characteristics, presence of inpatient transition initiatives (having specific process and/or leader), and 22 inpatient transition activities. Scales of highly correlated activities were created using exploratory factor analysis. Logistic regression identified associations between institutional characteristics, transition activities, and presence of an inpatient transition initiative. Results Ninety-six of 195 children's hospitals responded (49.2% response rate). Transition initiatives were present at 38% of children's hospitals, more often when there were dual-trained internal medicine-pediatrics providers or outpatient transition processes. Specific activities were infrequent and varied widely from 2.1% (systems to track youth in transition) to 40.5% (addressing potential insurance problems). Institutions with initiatives more often consistently performed the majority of activities, including using checklists and creating patient-centered transition care plans. Of remaining activities, half involved transition planning, the essential step between readiness and transfer. Conclusions Relatively few inpatient general pediatric services at US children's hospitals have leaders or dedicated processes to shepherd transitions to adultoriented inpatient care. Across institutions, there is a wide variability in performance of activities to facilitate this transition. Feasible process and outcome measures are needed.
The effect of applying a pipe-joint lubricant to connect ductile iron pipe on off-flavors in drinking water distribution systems

This study was used to help define the contribution to taste and odor problems caused by the application of a pipe-joint lubricant to connect ductile iron pipe in drinking water distribution systems. Tyton Joint Lubricant (TJL) was studied. The lubricant produced odors that are continually oxidized by chlorine or oxygen. The mechanism of oxidative rancidity, one of the major causes of food spoilage is the apparent mechanism of oxidation. The odors produced by the lubricant were characterized by a Flavor Profile Analysis (FPA) panel as well as GC/MS and Sensory GC analysis. The most common odors perceived in the TJL water samples for the first six days were waxy/oily and soapy odors with a rancid oil, odor note. The waxy/oily and soapy odors decreased with time in the chlorine medium as the rancid oily odor note increased. Numerous aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and borneol compounds, produced from the lubricants, were tentatively identified and linked to the odors perceived by the FPA panel.
Polymeric dental composites : properties and reaction behavior of multimethacrylate dental restorations

With over 200 million dental restorations performed each year, the importance of developing a restorative material with tooth-like appearance and properties cannot be underestimated. In this article, the use of poly (multimethacrylates) as dental composites is summarized from both fundamental and practical sides. Detail is provided regarding the utilization, procedures, and problems with polymeric composite restoratives, and a complete discussion of the polymerization kinetics and the polymer structural evolution is presented. In the final sections, properties of current composite materials and suggestions for what areas of research would prove most promising are presented.
Hepatic lipid droplets. Isolation, morphology and composition

The floating lipid layer isolated centrifugation of rat liver was examined for composition and ultrastructure. It was chiefly composed of triglycerides and cholesterol esters plus much smaller amounts of free cholesterol, diglycerides, phospholipid and protein. No free fatty acids were detected. The triglyceride and cholesterol ester fractions consisted mostly of esters of linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid. Electron micrographs of the floating lipid layer revealed numerous spherical osmiophilic droplets having a mean diameter of 0.5–2μm with a very-thin dense outer coat. Similar structures were observed as organelles in electron micrographs of the intact liver cell. The amount of triglyceride in the layer decreased in rats starved for 72h, but pellet triglyceride (homogenate minus the floating lipid layer) was unchanged. These results suggest that the floating lipid layer is the representative in vitro of lipid-rich organelles which probably function as a depot form of hepatic-cell neutral lipid.
An Electrochemical Approach to the Design of Membrane-Based Molecular Optoelectronic Devices

Many prototype molecular optoelectronic devices utilize a membrane or a thin film as the substrate in which photoactive elements are embedded.1,2 This type of design strategy is implemented in nature as photosynthetic and visual membranes (for reviews, see Refs. 3–6). Thus, insights into the operating mechanisms in these structures via “reverse engineering” may be useful in the development of molecular devices. Not only can the associated biopigments be exploited as bioelectronic materials, but a better understanding of the fundamental design principle of these structures can also inspire new strategies to build novel devices from synthetic organic materials.
Case Study 2: Navigating Treatment Settings

This case discusses Allison, a 17-year-old female with a history of a past sexual assault who is experiencing severe depressive symptoms in the context of opioid use. Clinicians are advised to carefully screen adolescents with a history of trauma for any substance use and vice versa. The treatment of underlying psychiatric illness in addition to any substance use disorder (dual diagnosis) has also been found to be superior to treating only substance use disorders. The American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria is used to assess appropriate placement and navigate different levels of care for Allison.
Decreasing surgical site infections in pediatric stoma closures.

Abstract Introduction Gastrointestinal (GI) operations represent a significant proportion of the surgical site infection (SSI) burden in pediatric patients, resulting in significant morbidity. We have previously demonstrated that a GI bundle decreases SSI rates, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges. Following this success, we hypothesized that by targeting the preoperative antibiotics for stoma closures based on organisms found in infected wounds, we could further decrease SSI rates. Methods As part of a broad quality improvement effort to reduce SSI rates, we reviewed the responsible pathogens and their sensitivities as well as the preoperative antibiotic used, and found that 15% of wound infections were caused by enterococcus. Based on this information, starting in April 2017, we changed the prior preoperative antibiotic cefoxitin to ampicillin-sulbactam, which more accurately targeted the prevalent pathogens from April 2017 to October 2018. Results The baseline SSI rate for all stoma takedown patients was 21.4% (25 of 119). After bundle implementation, this decreased to 7.9% (17 of 221; p = 0.03) over a period of 2.5 years. Then, after changing the preoperative antibiotics, our rate of SSI decreased further to 2.2% (1 of 44; p = 0.039) over a period of 1.5 years. Conclusion Significant reduction of SSI in GI surgery can be accomplished with several prevention strategies (our GI bundle). Then a change of the preoperative antibiotic choice, chosen based on causative wound infection organisms, may further decrease SSI rates. We recommend an institution specific analysis of wound infections and modification of preoperative antibiotics if the responsible organisms are resistant to the original antibiotic choice. Type of study Retrospective cohort study. Level of evidence Level III.
Parent Perspectives on Schooling Experiences of Internationally Adopted Youth with Disabilities

Internationally adopted youth (IAY) with disabilities have distinctive needs for adaptive development, and schools play a central role in supporting and meeting these needs. Yet in our qualitative examination of 41 families of IAY with disabilities, we found that these needs are not often well understood by practicing educators and school staff. Using Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) bioecological systems model as a framework, we explored the resources utilized by families of IAY with disabilities, including those offered by schools, as well as participants’ perceptions of their experiences in utilizing these resources. We found that participants encountered widespread misconceptions regarding adoption, trauma, and disability among school staff and often struggled to access resources necessary for adaptive development. At the same time, teachers and other school staff were often key sources of social and emotional support for IAY with disabilities, and schools were, in general, the central hub of a well-functioning mesosystem. Subscribe to LDMJ
Outcomes of ER, PR, HER2, and triple-negative mutated breast cancer with brain metastasis.

e14009Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of metastatic brain tumors. The presence of estrogen receptors (ER), and progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 receptors have been us...
Building a Peaceful Society from Martin Buber's Perspective of I-Thou/You and I-It Relationship

The existence of broken world cannot be denied. Human beings must accept the fact that this broken world is caused by human beings themselves. The solution is going back to human beings’ relationship. Since society is built upon relations, therefore human relationship must be restored to heal the broken world. The kind of human relationship that can restore unified society is subject to subject relationship, not subject to object relationship. World crisis is caused by I-It relationship in which another human being is treated as object and as a result abuse and manipulation are becoming the norms of relationship. Conflict happens because of misunderstanding and such misunderstanding is caused by not being open to one another. People do not reveal themselves to one another because of mistrust. Buber’s advice is that everyone should open to one another and should be treated as equal human beings, as subjects. Therefore, honest and sincere dialogue between man and man is a prerequisite to build a dream world: unified world, not a broken one.
A comprehensive analysis of cytopenias and bone marrow morphology in patients with a history of bariatric and metabolic surgery.

Introduction Following bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS), patients may develop persistent cytopenia(s) despite adequate micronutrient levels. A comprehensive analysis of laboratory and hematopathologic findings in BMS patients with unexplained cytopenia(s) has not been previously described. Methods We reviewed the clinical and laboratory data, bone marrow histology, and used ancillary testing to characterize patients with a history of BMS who had subsequent bone marrow biopsies due to unexplained cytopenia(s). Results All patients had anemia and 59% (23/39) had additional cytopenias. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and clonal cytopenia of unknown significance (CCUS) were diagnosed in 8% (3/39) and 10% (4/39), respectively. Remaining cases were classified as idiopathic cytopenia of unknown significance (ICUS) with anemia alone (ICUS-A) in 47% (15/32) or multiple cytopenias (ICUS-PAN) in 53% (17/32). Time since surgery, age, or amount of weight loss was not associated with a specific diagnosis. No patient was vitamin B12 or folate deficient. However, vitamin B6 and zinc were decreased in 47% (5/11) and 29% (9/29), respectively. Examination of bone marrow aspirates revealed slight erythroid dyspoiesis affecting Conclusion Bone marrow findings in patients with unexplained cytopenia(s) after BMS are not specific in the majority of cases, and caution is advised when interpreting dyserythropoiesis. Levels of micronutrients and vitamins other than iron, folate and vitamin B12 are frequently disturbed in this patient cohort and warrant correction and close clinical follow-up.
Chapter 30. Progress in the Characterization of Peptide Receptors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the selected recent research on receptors for peptides of medicinal interest, focusing mainly on G protein-coupled receptors and growth factor receptors/tyrosine kinases. Recombinant DNA technology has been a ground-breaking tool in these efforts. In general, regardless of the structural class, receptor functions, such as ligand binding, signal transduction, and receptor internalization (regulation) are carried out independently by separate domains of a single chain or by different receptor subunits or accessory proteins. It has been more difficult to characterize the complete second messenger cascade triggered by ligand-receptor binding, partly because many of the ligands mediate a plethora of effects; an interesting new development is the involvement of G-proteins and phosphoinositides with many of the growth factor receptors. Protein and cellular biochemistry are coming to the fore in solving these problems now that molecular genetics has provided much of the necessary information on receptor structure. Another development likely to advance the understanding of the receptor structure and function is the continued discovery of nonpeptide receptor antagonists. Such molecules have already provided the basis for important contributions in the cholecystokinin (CCK) and all areas. New antagonists for the LH-RH receptor, and presumably for other receptors as well, are likely to serve to accelerate the pace of discovery in the field of receptor structure and function.
Enzymatic and electrochemical oxidation of uric acid

Abstract The oxidation of uric acid has been studied by thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry using an optically transparent gold minigrid electrode and enzymatically using peroxidase. Under both enzymatic and electrochemical conditions a u.v.-absorbing intermediate (λmax=302–304 nm between pH 7–9.3) is observed. This intermediate is proposed to be an imine-alcohol species formed by rapid hydration of the primary reaction product which is a diimine. Under the conditions employed in both the enzymatic electrochemical studies the imine-alcohol intermediate is hydrated in a first order reaction with an observed rate constant of 3.5×10−3s−1 between pH 7–9.3. This study establishes the similarity between the electrochemical and enzymatic oxidation of uric acid and indicates that electrochemical investigations of the redox behavior of purines can provide unique insights into their biological redox properties.
Configuring ATM Networks

This article describes how to configure Linux-based PCs and an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch to build on ATM network
Do brainstem cavernous malformations have a higher rate of hemorrhage

The natural history of brainstem cavernous malformation is particularly complex. Currently, there is a wide range of reported annual rates of hemorrhage. Many studies report a significantly higher rate of hemorrhage and/or rehemorrhage in cavernous malformations located in the brainstem, but this is quite controversial. It is possible that brainstem cavernous malformations have a higher risk of hemorrhage and rehemorrhage, but reported variance in the literature may also be due to study limitations along with selection, patient and disease-specific; follow-up; and recall bias. An accurate assessment of hemorrhagic risk along with evaluation of patient and lesion-specific characteristics is critical in the decision-making process for potential intervention, as microsurgical intervention can significantly decrease the risk of future hemorrhage, but may be associated with significant complications.
Reproductive and immune effects of chronic corticosterone treatment in male White's treefrogs, Litoria caerulea

Amphibian populations are declining globally. The potential contribution of glucocorticoid hormones to these declines has received little attention, but chronic elevation of glucocorticoids has been linked to a suite of negative outcomes across vertebrate taxa. Recently, chronic environmental stress has been associated with precipitous declines in sperm count and sperm viability in White's treefrogs (Litoria caerulea), but the mechanism remains unknown. In order to determine whether corticosterone is responsible for suppressing reproductive and immune function in this species, we elevated circulating concentrations of corticosterone in 10 male captive-bred frogs via transdermal application for 7 days. We compared sperm count, sperm viability, splenic cell count and circulating leucocyte counts in corticosterone-treated frogs with those in untreated control frogs. Chronic application of exogenous corticosterone led to supraphysiological circulating concentrations of corticosterone, but had no effect on sperm count or viability. However, corticosterone-treated frogs demonstrated a significant decrease in circulating eosinophils, which are immune cells implicated in fighting a variety of pathogens, including extracellular parasites. These findings suggest that although chronic elevation of circulating corticosterone is not necessarily associated with reproductive suppression in this species, it may cause immunosuppression. Thus, chronic glucocorticoid elevations in amphibians might enhance susceptibility to infection with pathogens and parasites, and their potential contributions to global population declines warrant further study.
Canopy CO2 assimilation, energy balance, and water use efficiency of an alfalfa crop before and after cutting

Abstract Canopy photosynthesis, energy balance and evapotranspiration (ET), and water use efficiency of an alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) crop were followed by measuring the above-canopy fluxes with the Bowen ratio/energy balance/CO 2 gradient technique and correcting for CO 2 released by the soil and roots via respiration. Measurements were taken late in the season, just before the last cutting, after cutting, during regrowth, and during the initial senescence phase near the end of autumn. Before cutting, canopy photosynthesis rate was similar to those for other high yielding crop species and ET was very close to reference ET rate, with most of the energy for evaporation coming from net radiation and a small part from sensible heat. Net canopy CO 2 assimilation rate ( A c ) reached 1.7 mg (39 μmol) CO 2 m −2 s −1 around noon on sunny days and up to 2.4 mg (55 μmol) CO 2 m −2 s −1 in periods between clouds on a windy and relatively cool day. A c increased with increase in photosynthetic active radiation up to 1700 μmol m −2 s −1 with no sign of light saturation. Immediately after cutting, ET was reduced markedly; A c was reduced even more drastically but remained positive. Energy balance changed so that only a minor fraction of the net radiation was used for ET, and the major part was dissipated as sensible heat and as storage heat flux into the soil. Evapotranspiration dropped to about 1 mm per day, but started to increase after cutting over a period of about 2 weeks. A c also increased and reached 84% of pre-cutting value about 3 weeks after cutting. Seven diurnal curves of A c , ET, and parameters associated with energy fluxes are presented, spanning pre-cutting, immediately after cutting, regrowth and the start of senescence. Before cutting, water use efficiency of the alfalfa normalized for the evaporative demand was between 49.1 and 52.8 g CO 2 m −2 per day (approximately 10.5–11.3 g dry matter m −2 per day), declined to 7.5 g CO 2 m −2 per day after cutting, but increased afterwards continuously, reaching 46.3 g m −2 per day 3 weeks later, before declining under less favorable growing conditions as the end of autumn approached. Under favorable conditions, alfalfa water use efficiency appears to be as high as most other crops when the cost in assimilates for symbiotic nitrogen fixation and mycorrhizal fungi, larger proportion of root biomass, and higher protein content are taken into account. Its reputation as a water spender is not deserved.
Active Site Reactant Center Geometry in the CoII−Product Radical Pair State of Coenzyme B12-Dependent Ethanolamine Deaminase Determined by Using Orientation-Selection Electron Spin−Echo Envelope Modulation Spectroscopy

The distances and orientations among reactant centers in the active site of coenzyme B12-dependent ethanolamine deaminase from Salmonella typhimurium have been characterized in the CoII−product radical pair state by using X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and two-pulse electron spin−echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopies in the disordered solid state. The unpaired electron spin in the product radical is localized on C2. Our approach is based on the orientation−selection created in the EPR spectrum of the biradical by the axial electron−electron dipolar interaction. Simulation of the EPR line shape yielded a best-fit CoII−C2 distance of 9.3 A. ESEEM spectroscopy performed at four magnetic field values addressed the hyperfine coupling of the unpaired electron spin on C2 with 2H in the C5‘ methyl group of 5‘-deoxyadenosine and in the β-2H position at C1 of the radical. Global ESEEM simulations (over the four magnetic fields) were weighted by the orientation dependence of the EPR line shap...
Solubility and partitioning. VII: Solubility of barbiturates in water

The solubility equation of Yalkowsky was used to estimate the aqueous solubility of 33 barbiturates in the temperature range of 5 to 45 degrees C. The equation was extended by adding a term which accounts for the effect of pH on the solubility of the drug. The extended equation is successful in estimating the aqueous solubility of this series of drugs under different conditions of temperature and pH. The results indicate that the extended equation can be used to estimate the aqueous solubility of nonelectrolytes as well as weak electrolytes.
The right to water: an assessment1

The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR) declared access to water as a human right on 26 November 2002. The committee defined water as a social and cultural go...
Using different hydrological variables to assess the impacts of atmospheric forcing errors on optimization and uncertainty analysis of the CHASM surface model at a cold catchment

[1] Estimation of parameters for land-surface models, along with their corresponding uncertainties, relies on the input data for the atmospheric forcing variables including atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and incoming shortwave and longwave radiation. Most studies assume that forcing data are accurate and contain no random or systematic observational errors. In practice, there are indeed systematic errors in precipitation measurements, especially for snowfall, due to wind-caused undercatch. Incoming shortwave and longwave radiation fluxes are often not directly measured, but estimated from empirical formulations. Uncertainties in these forcing data may substantially affect optimization and uncertainty estimates of land surface models. In this study, we used 18-year forcing and calibration data as well as information about the uncertainties in the forcing variables at Valdai, Russia, to study the impacts of forcing errors on selection of optimal model parameters and their uncertainty estimates when three different hydrological variables were used for calibration. The results show that forcing errors have few effects on the selection of optimal model parameter sets when monthly evapotranspiration and runoff are calibrated. However, forcing errors do introduce significant effects on the selection of optimal model parameters when daily snow water equivalent is calibrated. Forcing errors also significantly affect uncertainty estimates of the land surface model parameters. In addition, constraints of forcing errors are different when different hydrological variables are calibrated. All three hydrological variables constrain the incoming longwave radiation error well, and the snow water equivalent and runoff constrain winter snowfall errors well. However, all three hydrological variables cannot constrain the incoming solar radiation error well. We highlight in this study that runoff is shown to be a good observable to use for calibration, the reason being that it integrates multiple hydrological processes; and the results support the theory that typical rain/snow gauges have 10–20% undercatch.
Stochastic radiative transfer in Markovian mixtures: Past, present, and future

Abstract The Markovian approach, originally suggested in the early 1900s, has widespread practical use in many of our present-day studies and allows one to build bridges between diverse research areas such as statistical physics, astronomy, and computational science. This overview takes a broad sweep of several important examples with the emphasis on the stochastic radiative transfer in a cloudy atmosphere. In particular, the overview (i) highlights important contributions made by Pomraning and Titov to the neutron and radiation transport theory in a stochastic medium with homogeneous statistics and (ii) illustrates that ideas and tools introduced by these two distinguished scientists are gaining increasing impact and recognition in the atmospheric science.
Mutagenicity and transformation by recycled water.

Increased use of contaminated water and long‐range plans for the direct use of recycled water necessitate a careful assessment of the potential health effects on the population. Selected in vitro assays were used to evaluate the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of a concentrated, recycled water sample. It was found that the concentrated water induced mutagenicity in hamster lung cells and cellular transformation in human embryonic lung fibroblasts. The use of in vitro analyses in conjunction with epidemiologic studies in determining the human risks of environmental carcinogens is discussed.
Nucleobase- and p-glycoprotein-mediated transport of AG337 in a Caco-2 cell culture model.

This study aimed to determine the intestinal transport characteristics of AG337. Caco-2 cell monolayers were used for directional transport of AG337. The results indicated that the rate of basolateral (BL) to apical (AP) or secretory transport of AG337 was always higher than the rate of AP to BL or absorptive transport. The BL−AP/AP−BL ratio increased from 7.6 to 17.2 as the concentration increased from 10 to 75 μM and stabilized afterward. The following results suggest that the p-glycoprotein is involved in the AP efflux of AG337. (1) Verapamil completely abolished the directional transport. (2) The apparent activation energy for secretory transport was high (33 kcal/mol). (3) Secretory transport was inhibited by verapamil (63%) and dipyridamole (35%), but not by probenecid. (4) AP to BL transport was enhanced by verapamil (232%) and dipyridamole (41%), but was not altered by probenecid or an AP pH change. An additional carrier mechanism may be involved in the AP uptake of AG337 because (1) absorptive pe...
Towards an ecological understanding of mutual-help groups: The social ecology of “fit”

Adopted an ecological framework to view mutual-help groups, and illustrated its usefulness by examining aspects of the social ecology of "fit" among 163 members of Compassionate Friends (bereaved parents; CF), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Overeaters Anonymous (OA) groups. Concerning person-group fit, personal Spirituality was positively related to (a) Providing Support, and to (b) Group Satisfaction for members of a group whose helping ecology emphasized "reliance on a higher power" (OA). (Contrary to prediction, the relationship with Group Satisfaction was also manifest for members of MS). Furthermore, OA members reported higher levels of Spirituality than CF members. Concerning helping mechanism-focal problem fit, Friendship Development was positively related to Group Satisfaction only for individuals with a focal problem characterized by high levels of social network disruption (MS). In addition, Time in Group was inversely related to Depression for members of life stress (CF) and medical disorder (MS) groups, but not for members of a "behavioral control" type group (OA). The implications of the ecological perspective for future research are discussed.
The green line of atomic oxygen in the day airglow.

Abstract It is argued from the observations of the red line that the rate coefficient for deactivation of the excited oxygen atoms in collisions with molecular oxygen cannot be much less than 10−10 cm3 sec−1 and that the solar flux in the region of 1450 A cannot be as large as the reported measured values. It is further argued that photodissociation of molecular oxygen and recombination of molecular ions are inadequate to explain the observations and that an additional mechanism is operative at high altitudes. The mechanisms of fluorescent excitation and of non-thermal excitation by photoelectrons are briefly examined and it is concluded that although the latter may be a significant source of excited atoms, neither mechanism explains the observed variability. It is suggested that the variability in red line intensities is associated with the presence of hot thermal electrons and sample calculations are presented of the altitude profiles that may result from this source.
Radiation damage and electron lifetime measurements for liquid ionization chambers

Abstract Ionization chambers filled with liquids at room temperature have begun to be implemented in high-energy physics for total-ionization calorimeters and offer potential applications in medical physics for dosimetry and imaging of radiotherapy beams. One liquid that is commonly used is 2,2,4,4 tetramethyl pentane (TMP). When suitably purified, the lifetime of electrons in this liquid can be on the order of microseconds, and the mobility is high enough to allow the rapid collection of charge when desirable. In all of these applications, the susceptibility of the liquid to radiation damage is an important question. We present results of studies of radiation damage in TMP and the effect of doses of ∼6000 Gy on the electron lifetime and on the output per unit dose. Our experience in purifying the TMP to optimize the electron lifetime is also described.
Effects of sensorimotor restriction and anoxia on gait and motor cortex organization: Implications for a rodent model of cerebral palsy

Chronic or acute perinatal asphyxia (PA) has been correlated with the subsequent development of cerebral palsy (CP), a developmental neurological disorder characterized by spasticity and motor abnormalities often associated with cognitive deficits. Despite the prevalence of CP, an animal model that mimics the lifetime hypertonic motor deficits is still not available. In the present study, the consequences of PA on motor behavior, gait and organization of the primary motor cortex were examined in rats, and compared with the behavioral and neurological consequences of early postnatal movement-restriction with or without oxygen deprivation. Rats subjected to PA had mild increases in muscular tone accompanied by subtle differences in walking patterns, paralleled by significantly altered but relatively modest disorganization of their primary motor cortices. Movement-restricted rats, suffering PA or not, had reduced body growth rate, markedly increased muscular tone at rest and with active flexion and extension around movement-restricted joints that resulted in abnormal walking patterns and in a profoundly distorted representation of the hind limbs in the primary motor cortex. Within the sensorimotor-restricted groups, non-anoxic rats presented the most abnormal pattern and the greatest cortical representational degradation. This outcome further supports the argument that PA per se may represent a substrate for subtle altered motor behaviors, and that PA alone is sufficient to alter the organization of the primary motor cortex. At the same time, they also show that early experience-dependent movements play a crucial role in shaping normal behavioral motor abilities, and can make a powerful contribution to the genesis of aberrant movement abilities.
Strength evolution in heterogeneous granular aggregates during chemo–mechanical compaction

Abstract We present a model capable of following the evolution of strength in granular aggregates where dissolution driven by local contact stresses may result in grain interpenetration, precipitation and bonding. At each particle–particle contact mineral redistribution results from the serial processes of stress-enhanced dissolution, mass diffusion along the fluid film separating grain boundaries and then mass ejection into the pore space — where it may then be reprecipitated on the pore wall. All of these processes contribute to strength gain during chemical compaction by two principal mechanisms. First, stressed particles merge together by dissolution to reduce the pore space, remove existing micro-fractures and increase the contact area. Second, mass is transported by diffusion into the pore space where overplating increases particle size and initiates neck growth between particles and increases the cross-sectional contact between particles. We complete numerical experiments on unconfined prismatic samples to evaluate the influence of time dependent strengthening on initially unbonded sands undergoing diagenesis then failure. Strength gain is evaluated both by proxy from scaling with the growth of contact area and neck strength and by numerically failing the sample at different stages of compaction. The proxy method overestimates ultimate strength by less than ∼10%. For particle of original radius ∼200 μm grow by precipitation by ∼2% and with a neck thickness of 20 μm as a result of chemo—mechanical compaction. This results in an increase in cohesion from 0 MPa to ∼22 MPa. Feedbacks of pressure solution on the mechanical response results both in a reduction in local particle–particle contact stresses and a more uniform distribution of stresses in the aggregate. Strength evolution is evaluated by two proxies and by numerical experimentation to failure that shows an ∼50% increase of peak stress of the granular system after chemo–mechanical compaction compared with that before chemo–mechanical compaction.
Visual instruments for an interactive mural

We present a design for interacting with a prototype device combining a large, high-resolution wall-mounted display and an optically tracked laser pointer. Interactions are supported by an object-based multi-layer open-GL-based graphic system, Millefeuille. We focus here on use-based design considerations for an experimental interface based on visual instruments, currently being implemented.
Circles, pendulums, and progress in science education

This article is taken from an address which the author delivered at the joint NSSA-AETS luncheon at the annual meetings of those organizations in Chicago in March 1964.
Sun-Believable Solar Paint. A Transformative One-Step Approach for Designing Nanocrystalline Solar Cells

A transformative approach is required to meet the demand of economically viable solar cell technology. By making use of recent advances in semiconductor nanocrystal research, we have now developed a one-coat solar paint for designing quantum dot solar cells. A binder-free paste consisting of CdS, CdSe, and TiO2 semiconductor nanoparticles was prepared and applied to conducting glass surface and annealed at 473 K. The photoconversion behavior of these semiconductor film electrodes was evaluated in a photoelectrochemical cell consisting of graphene–Cu2S counter electrode and sulfide/polysulfide redox couple. Open-circuit voltage as high as 600 mV and short circuit current of 3.1 mA/cm2 were obtained with CdS/TiO2–CdSe/TiO2 electrodes. A power conversion efficiency exceeding 1% has been obtained for solar cells constructed using the simple conventional paint brush approach under ambient conditions. Whereas further improvements are necessary to develop strategies for large area, all solid state devices, this ...
A new comparator for SEM stereophotogrammetry

The design of a new multi-axis recording stereo-comparator, originally conceived for the analysis of stereo-pair SEM images is outlined. In the three-axis instrument for SEM work, X, Y, and delta-X (or parallax) co-ordinates are output directly to a microcomputer.
Plant regeneration of creeping bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. Stoloniferum (Nash) J. Wipff) via somatic embryogenesis

Creeping bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. stoloniferum (Nash) J. Wipff) embryogenic callus growing on solid medium was used to establish a cell suspension culture in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 1.5 mg l−1 (6.8 μM) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.2 mg l−1 (0.88 μM) 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.5 mg l−1 (1.4 μM) zeatin, 0.2 mg l−1 (0.58 μM) gibberellic acid (GA3), and 10% (v/v) of coconut water (CW). Pro-embryos from suspension culture matured on semi-solid MS medium in about 18 wk, and were then cultured on semi-solid MS medium without growth regulators for 2–3 wk. Shoots were regenerated on MS basal medium supplemented with 3.0 mg L−1 (13.6 μM) 2,4-D, 1.0 mg l−1 (4.4 μM) BA, 1.0 mg l−1 (2.9 μM) GA3, 0.5 mg l−1 (2.7 μM) 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 500 mg l−1 easein hydrolysate, and 10% (v/v) CW. Rooted plantlets were successfully accelimatized to greenhouse and outdoor conditions. Using this protocol, it would be possible to produce at least 1300 fully acclimatized plantlets annually.
Antiphospholipid antibodies: an update from the eighth international symposium.

It has been 15 years since the first description of the antiphospholipid syndrome by Hughes and colleagues. During this time the condition has been recognized as an important disease affecting a wide variety of patients. The Eighth International Symposium on Antiphospholipid Antibodies held in Sapporo, Japan, from October 6–9, 1998, brought together individuals with expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive biology, immunology, rheumatology, hematology, neurology, and dermatology. Numerous advances have been made regarding the nature of antiphospholipid antibodies and their epitopes, potential mechanisms of thrombosis and pregnancy loss in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, and how to optimally treat affected individuals. However, many of these issues are still unresolved and further research is needed to improve outcome for this morbid condition. This article will review some of the highlights from the Eighth International Symposium. The role of beta2-glycoprotein-I (b2-GP-I) in testing for antiphospholipid antibodies and the pathogenesis of thrombosis was again a focal point of the conference. This abundant plasma glycoprotein has previously been shown to be a critical cofactor for the binding of many antiphospholipid antibodies to phospholipid. In fact, some investigators believe that b2-GP-I
Temporal and spatial variation on coda Q−1 associated with the North Palm Springs earthquake of July 8, 1986

A temporal and spatial change of codaQ−1 associated with the occurrence of the North Palm Springs earthquake of July 8, 1986 was studied by using 242 small local earthquakes in the vicinity of the mainshock. We found that the codaQ−1 of earthquakes which occurred before the mainshock was significantly higher than that of the aftershocks in the mainshock area while the codaQ−1 for the surrounding area remained almost constant throughout 1986. CodaQ−1 was determined separately for the lapse time windows of 10 to 20 sec. and 15 to 40 sec. for the period from 1981 to 1987. The result for the time window 10 to 20 sec. showed a peak in codaQ−1 before the time of mainshock at all frequencies. The peak appeared earlier at lower frequencies. There was no significant change in codaQ−1 for the time window 15 to 40 sec., probably because the change was restricted to a small area.
Surface characterization and adhesive bonding of toughened bismaleimide composites

Abstract The use of composite materials in structural applications requires that they be joined or fastened in some manner. The objective of this research was to obtain an improved understanding of the factors which contribute to bond strength and durability in adhesively bonded bismaleimide matrix composites. Composite surface pretreatments included solvent wipe, grit, blast, peel, ply and gas plasma treatment. The results of lap shear and wedge testing in ambient, hot/dry, hot/wet and chemically aggressive environments were correlated to the surface composition after pretreatment as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ion scattering spectroscopy and contact angle analysis. The topography of the pretreated composite surfaces was analysed by scanning electron microscopy and profilometry. Solvent wiping was not effective in removing processing contamination and resulted in poor bond strengths. Peel ply and oxygen plasma pretreatments provided good initial bond strength as well as superior hot/wet durability; however, grit blasting was detrimental to both strength and moisture resistance.
Effective Narrow-Band UVB Radiation Therapy Suppresses the IL-23/IL-17 Axis in Normalized Psoriasis Plaques

Narrow-band UVB radiation (NB-UVB) therapy offers a well-established treatment modality for psoriasis. However, despite the common use of this form of treatment, the mechanism of action of NB-UVB is not well understood. We studied a group of 14 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with carefully titrated and monitored NB-UVB for 6 weeks. Lesional plaques were classified as normalized (n=8) or nonresponsive (n=6) based on their histological improvement and normalization. We characterized lesional myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells and their inflammatory mediators using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. NB-UVB suppressed multiple parameters of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in normalized plaques, but not in nonresponsive plaques. NB-UVB decreased the numbers of CD11c(+) DCs, specifically CD1c(-)CD11c(+) "inflammatory" DCs, and their products, IL-20, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-12/23p40, and IL-23p19. Furthermore, effective NB-UVB suppressed IL-17 and IL-22 mRNAs, which strongly correlated with lesion resolution. Therefore, in addition to its known role in suppressing IFN-γ production, NB-UVB radiation therapy can also target the IL-17 pathway to resolve psoriatic inflammation.JID JOURNAL CLUB ARTICLE: For questions, answers, and open discussion about this article, please go to http://www.nature.com/jid/journalclub.
Social and Temporal Comparisons Made by Individuals Living With HIV Disease: Relationships to Adherence Behavior1

When faced with the uncertainty of serious illness, individuals cope by comparing themselves to other people (social comparisons) and to other times in their lives (temporal comparisons). Participants were 44 individuals being treated for HIV who completed questionnaires measuring comparisons, adherence, and self-efficacy; 34 also completed qualitative interviews that were coded for comparisons. High levels of comparison to worse-off others, worse-off past selves, and better-off future selves were prevalent. Comparisons to worse-off others resulting in positive affect were associated with greater medication adherence; comparisons to better-off others resulting in negative affect were related to worse adherence. Self-efficacy to adhere mediated the relationship between comparison and adherence. Individuals who are uncertain about treatment outcomes may engage in social comparison to gain specific knowledge about adherence.
Desmoid fibromatosis is a clonal process

Desmoid fibromatosis is a locally aggressive proliferative soft tissue lesion of controversial nature. The authors investigated the clonality of this process by molecular genetic analysis of DNA methylation pattern at a polymorphic site at the human androgen-receptor gene (HUMARA) to examine the inactivation pattern of the X chromosome. Twenty desmoid fibromatoses including primary and recurrent lesions from 11 female patients were studied. Sixteen lesions from eight patients showed nonrandom X inactivation, consistent with a clonal origin and, therefore, a true neoplastic nature. Furthermore, multiple recurrent lesions from two patients exhibited the same inactivation pattern as the corresponding primary lesions, suggesting that they were derived from the same cell clone as the primary lesion. One patient was homozygous at the HUMARA locus, and two patients had the same skewed pattern in their normal and lesional tissues. The authors also found that digestion with HpaII, but not HhaI, failed to generate a nonrandom X inactivation pattern in some of the cases, suggesting that the methylation status at the HpaII sites was altered in some lesions, and that HhaI should be used to verify results and to avoid incorrect conclusions.
Hairline Tooth Fracture: A Clinical Case Report

References to the hairline fracture and the difficulty of diagnosis abound in the literature. A case is presented that illustrates the importance of early detection and treatment of the syndrome.