cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced alkaline stability in a hafnium-substituted NaSICON ion conductor

We present here a multi-length scale integration of compositionally tailored NaSICON-based Na+ conductors to create a high Na+ conductivity system resistant to chemical attack in strongly alkaline aqueous environments. Using the Pourbaix Atlas as a generalized guide to chemical stability, we identify NaHf2P3O12 (NHP) as a candidate NaSICON material for enhanced chemical stability at pH > 12, and demonstrate the stability of NHP powders under accelerated aging conditions of 80 °C and pH = 13–15 for a variety of alkali metal cations. To compensate for the relatively low ionic conductivity of NHP, we develop a new low temperature (775 °C) alkoxide-based solution deposition chemistry to apply dense NHP thin films onto both platinized silicon wafers and bulk, high Na+ conductivity Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) pellets. These NHP films display Na+ conductivities of 1.35 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 200 °C and an activation energy of 0.53 eV, similar to literature reports for bulk NHP pellets. Under aggressive conditions of 10 M KOH at 80 °C, NHP thin films successfully served as an alkaline-resistant barrier, extending the lifetime of NZSP pellets from 4.26 to 36.0 h. This integration of compositionally distinct Na+ conductors across disparate length scales (nm, mm) and processing techniques (chemically-derived, traditional powder) represents a promising new avenue by which Na+ conducting systems may be utilized in alkaline environments previously thought incompatible with ceramic Na+ conductors.
Mechanics and failure characteristics of hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HyFRC) composites with longitudinal steel reinforcement

Abstract While the properties of hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HyFRC) have been well-reported in the literature, the behavior of reinforced HyFRC (i.e., HyFRC with embedded steel rebar) is less understood. This paper investigates the mechanics and failure characteristics of reinforced HyFRC under direct tension. Samples with a low longitudinal steel reinforcement ratio were studied to evaluate the feasibility of reducing rebar congestion in structural applications through the use of fiber-reinforced concrete. Although reinforced HyFRC forms multiple cracking sites when loaded, rebar strain and HyFRC crack opening are generally concentrated at a single location under post-yield displacements. The onset of rebar plastic deformation and the exhaustion of fibers’ bridging load capacity are coincident events at a dominant crack. For a cracked reinforced HyFRC section to strengthen, the magnitude of load resistance increase from strain hardening rebar must exceed the magnitude of load resistance decrease from fiber pull-out processes. Comparisons are made with studies reported in the literature to demonstrate how longitudinal reinforcement ratio and fiber type influence cracking behavior and ultimate strain capacity. The research presented herein has far-reaching impacts on the structural design of all types of reinforced fiber-reinforced concrete materials detailed for a ductile response under large displacements.
The ability of isolated fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes to provide complete diagnostic information without necessitating additional diagnostic procedures: A retrospective cohort study.

e18341Background: Diagnostic fine needle aspiration (FNA) of pathologically enlarged lymph nodes is a relatively safe, quick, and well-tolerated procedure that can be quickly analyzed to identify t...
Setting the Clock on Dynamic Leader Behaviors: Empirical and Theoretical Extensions

In recent years, a growing contingent of leadership scholars and studies have begun to adopt a more explicit focus on time and the change of leader behaviors, both theoretically and empirically. Th...
21 – Malignant bone tumors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pathology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evolutions, classification, and treatments of malignant bone tumors. The tumors constitute approximately 6% of all childhood malignancies. In the United States, the annual incidence in children under 20 years of age is 8.7 per million. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma comprise the most frequently encountered malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. Osteosarcoma is a tumor in which the malignant spindle cell stroma produces osteoid. The factors that correlate with its existence are bone growth, genetic factors, and environmental factors. The histologic diagnosis of osteosarcoma is dependent on the demonstration of osteoid material associated with anaplastic stromal cells. Osteosarcoma is classified into: classic, telangiectatic, small cell, periosteal, and perosteal. The two therapeutic modalities currently used in the primary treatment are surgery and chemotherapy. Ewing sarcoma is a malignant tumor of bone in which the predominant feature is densely packed small cells with round nuclei without prominent nucleoli. The etiology of Ewing sarcoma is unknown. Ewing sarcoma is derived from primitive, pluripotent, postganglionic parasympathetic primordial cells. It is one of the small round blue-cell tumors of childhood. The treatment of Ewing sarcoma involves a multimodal approach, using surgery and radiation therapy for control of the primary lesion and chemotherapy for eradication of subclinical micrometastases.
Nutrient Sensing in Leishmania: Flagellum and Cytosol

Parasites are by definition organisms that utilize resources from a host to support their existence, thus, promoting their ability to establish long-term infections and disease. Hence, sensing and acquiring nutrients for which the parasite and host compete is central to the parasitic mode of existence. Leishmania are flagellated kinetoplastid parasites that parasitize phagocytic cells, principally macrophages, of vertebrate hosts and the alimentary tract of sand fly vectors. Because nutritional supplies vary over time within both these hosts and are often restricted in availability, these parasites must sense a plethora of nutrients and respond accordingly. The flagellum has been recognized as an "antenna" that plays a core role in sensing environmental conditions, and various flagellar proteins have been implicated in sensing roles. In addition, these parasites exhibit non-flagellar intracellular mechanisms of nutrient sensing, several of which have been explored. Nonetheless, mechanistic details of these sensory pathways are still sparse and represent a challenging frontier for further experimental exploration.
Blaming the Ref: Understanding the Effect of Unexpected Emotional Cues on Family Violence

Domestic violence generates long-term effects on offenders, victims, and other household members. Insight into triggers of family violence can inform policy and improve services aimed at reducing abusive behavior. We investigate potential domestic violence triggers by analyzing unexpected losses in National Basketball Association games. The literature identifies increasing in-home violence after unexpected losses in the National Football League. Combining information on referee accuracy and fatigue, we develop a unique identification strategy to explore the impact of human error on family violence following unexpected losses. Results indicate that as referees are more accurate (more rested) in unexpected losses, family violence decreases, suggesting that the ability to place blame for a loss on referees increases the likelihood of violent outbursts. Further investigation shows that these results concentrate in games where referees are less rested and betting markets were less certain of the game outcome.
Viscosity control of borosilica by Fe doping in Mo–Si–B environmentally resistant alloys

Abstract Multiphase Mo–Si–B alloys comprised of Mo(ss), Mo3Si (A15), and Mo5SiB2 (T2) phases offer attractive high-temperature mechanical properties with some capability to resist oxidation via production of a borosilica surface layer. In previous work, Fe additions into Mo-rich Mo–Si–B alloys appreciably limited transient oxidation, where the major mass change occurs, by enhancing the fluidity of borosilica. In the current study, the mechanism for borosilica modification is attributed to non-bridging oxygen (NBO) production and retention by Fe addition. An oxidation kinetics model is developed for Mo–Si–B alloys with Fe additions that can be extended to other oxidation-resistant refractory metal systems.
Endourologic Resolution of Transplant Complications

The incidence of urologic complications is approximately 10% of all renal transplant patients. These complications may have conseqences such as graft loss and even death and the surgical correction is required. The surgical complications can be divided into: A) Urologic B) Vascular C) Lymphatic and D) extrarenal. More than 90% of urological complications are due to urinary fistulae and ureteric obstruction.
WE‐EF‐303‐07: Imaging of Prompt Gamma Rays Emitted During Delivery of Clinical Proton Beams with a Compton Camera: Feasibility Studies for Range Verification

Purpose: Evaluation of a prototype Compton camera (CC) for imaging prompt gamma rays (PG) emitted during clinical proton beam irradiation for in vivo beam range verification. Methods: We irradiated a water phantom with 114 MeV and 150 MeV proton pencil beams at clinical beam currents ranging from 1 nA up to 5 nA. The CC was placed 15 cm from the beam central axis and PGs from 0.2 MeV up to 6.5 MeV were measured during irradiation. From the measured data, 2-dimensional (2D) PG images were reconstructed. One-dimensional (1D) profiles from the PG images were compared to measured depth dose curves. Results: The CC was able to measure PG emission during delivery of both a single 150 MeV pencil beam and a 5 cm × 5 cm mono-energetic layer of 114 MeV pencil beams. From the 2D images, a strong correlation was seen between the depth of the distal falloff of PG emission and the Bragg peak (BP). 1D profiles extracted from the PG images show that the distal 60% falloff of the PG emission lined up well with the distal 90% of the BP. Shifts as small as 3 mm in the beam range could be detected on both the 2D PG images and 1D profiles with an uncertainty of 1.5 mm. With the current CC prototype, a minimum dose delivery of 400 cGy was required to produce usable PG images. Conclusions: It was possible to measure and image PG emission with our prototype CC during proton beam delivery and to detect shifts in the BP range in the images. Therefore prompt gamma imaging with a CC for the purpose of in vivo range verification is feasible. However, for the studied system improvements in detector efficiency and reconstruction algorithms are necessary to make it clinically viable.
Applied Behavior Analysis for Children with Neurogenetic Disorders

Abstract Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a behaviorally based intervention approach that has significant implications for improving outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite its broad utility as an effective instructional tool, it has been implemented mostly with behaviorally diagnosed conditions, such as autism and emotional–behavioral disorders. Individuals with neurogenetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome, have behavioral profiles that are probabilistically unique to that syndrome, but that also share considerable overlap in cognitive, language, and adaptive abilities with developmental disorders that ABA has proven efficacy for, such as autism. Application of ABA for individuals with neurogenetic conditions thus far, has been limited primarily to addressing challenging behavior. The utility of ABA as a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, early and intensive behavioral intervention for individuals with neurogenetic syndromes is discussed. Further research on the efficacy and utility of ABA as an early intensive behavioral intervention for children with neurogenetic disorders is critical and necessary to move toward innovative early interventions for this population.
Lagrangian Transport Signatures in Models and Observations

Abstract : Within the overall objective of identifying and comparing Lagrangian transport signatures in models and observations, we are primarily interested in two aspects of the problem: (1) What do Lagrangian features tell us about mixing processes across eddy boundaries and fronts?; and (2) What is the predictability of these features and the underlying transport patterns? Building on our work from FY10, we have quantified the fluid exchange between one particular eddy, the Loop Current Ring Fourchon, and its environment from model data over the course of the eddy's life. We also have made much progress on the second aspect of the problem, due to the wealth of observations and model data that became available in connection with the clean-up of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in the spring of 2010. In FY11, we followed two lines of inquiry: (1) Lagrangian aspects of mixing across eddy boundaries, and (2) Lagrangian forecasts for oil spill evolution. Under the first theme, we implemented and compared two eddy boundary detection algorithms at depth based on geopotential height contours and nearly closed instantaneous streamlines; studied the structure of eddies at depth; quantified area and vorticity changes for the LCR Fourchon over the course of its life (157 days); and quantified the fluid exchange at the surface between Fourchon and its environment. Under the second theme, we generated oil spill forecasts based on GOM-HYCOM and initialized with observations of the surface slick from two separate sources; developed two complementary metrics to evaluate the quality of oil spill surface movement forecasts against observations; evaluated the following potential error sources: windage effects, unspecified continuous leakage, and initialization uncertainty; and investigated the usefulness of Lagrangian coherent structures in the context of oil spill forecasts.
Ups and Downs of CO2 Uptake

[HN14] Thanks to international efforts, COconcentrations in the atmosphere are monitored at ~100 sites worldwide. By comparison, very few decade-long ocean COrecords exist, and consequently very little is known about the variability of COconcentrations in the surface ocean. In his Perspective, Quay highlights the report of Gruber, Bates, and Keeling, who present an 18-year record of surface-ocean COconcentrations near Bermuda. The study provides much-needed observational data for testing models, but more such records are needed to predict how much anthropogenic COwill be taken up by the ocean.
ABA Ratings of Federal District Court Judges and Likelihood of a Shepard's Warning Signal

Using a sample of 131,931 opinions written by 542 federal district court judges, this paper examines the relationship between a judge's ABA rating at nomination and the likelihood an opinion will be assigned a Shepard's Warning signal (roughly equivalent to a reversal). This paper finds a statistically significant increased likelihood of a Shepard's Warning signal for judges receiving the lowest rating, Not Qualified, when they are recently commissioned (in the calendar year of commissioning or the following year). The differences are not significant thereafter, and the two other ratings (Qualified and Well Qualified) are not qualitatively different from each other. However, the presence of dissent within the ABA committee, depending on the party of the appointing President, appears to identify an attribute with a long-term influence (lower likelihood where a Republican). The factors influencing the choice of rating, then, appear qualitatively different from those that result in dissent within the voting committee.
Monitoring of low-level virus in natural waters.

The insoluble polyelectrolyte technique for concentrating virus is extended to extremely low virus levels. The effectiveness of this method employing a coliphage T2 model is a constant 20% over a range of virus levels from 103 to 10−4 plaque-forming units/ml. The efficiency of the method is dependent upon pH control during the concentration phase. Although the study was initiated to develop a method for quantitating the effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment methods for the removal of viruses from waters at low concentrations, the potential of the technique for efficient monitoring of natural waters is apparent.
All lesions great and small, part 2. Diagnostic cytology in veterinary medicine

This is the second in a two-part review of diagnostic cytopathology in veterinary medicine. As in human medicine, cytopathology is a minimally invasive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic modality with broad utilization. In this second part, the diagnostic applications of cytology in respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, ocular, and central nervous system tissues are discussed with a section describing fluid analysis in veterinary medicine. As noted in the previous manuscript, which characterized the cytology of the skin/subcutis, musculoskeletal, and lymphoid tissues, the interpretation of veterinary cytology samples must be undertaken with extensive knowledge of the breadth of animal species, including familiarity with the frequency and clinical progression of diseases, both of which can be influenced by species, breed, and husbandry conditions. Similar to part one, this review focuses on the most common domestic companion animal species (dog, cat, and horse) and highlights lesions that are either unique to veterinary species or have relevant correlates in people. The cytologic features and biological behavior of similar lesions are compared, and selected mechanisms of disease and ancillary diagnostics are reviewed when appropriate. Supporting figures illustrate a subset of lesions. While not an exhaustive archive of veterinary cytology, the goal is to give cytopathologists working in human medicine a general impression of correlates and unique entities in veterinary practice.
Operations management in multi-channel retailing: an exploratory study

Multi-channel (MC) shopping is revolutionizing retail operations. For traditional retailers, the growing importance of online sales means creating new supply chain models. This requires a solid understanding of the operations processes. Current literature on MC management focuses on customer perspectives, but only touches on the operational aspects. The primary goal of this study is therefore to give a comprehensive overview of the operations structures of MC retailing, identify the operations systems in use and analyze their planning interdependencies. We identify network design, inventory management, warehouse operations and capacity management as the areas of MC operations planning. Their planning interdependencies are investigated. We analyze the different MC networks and the associated inventory management approaches as well as the various design concepts in warehouse operations. The efficiency of integrating warehouse operations is the core lever for integrated MC operations. While inventory pooling favors integrated networks, channel-specific operational challenges are a reason to simplify structures and operate separate networks. Specific operational design options (e.g., in picking and scheduling) are identified to optimally complement the network design selected. Company examples also give an idea of how to efficiently design the coordination of on- and offline logistics. Retailers can gain important insights into how to further develop their systems. We used an explorative approach to identify structures and processes in a relatively new research area. We questioned 43 executives from 33 different European-based leading companies in MC retailing in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. This paper describes the results of what is currently the largest study on MC operations.
Partial Pore Blocking in Microfiltration Recycling of a Semisynthetic Metalworking Fluid

In this paper, the fouling of sintered α-alumina membranes by an uncontaminated semisynthetic metalworking fluid (MWF) is addressed. Experimental evidence of the form of flux reduction curves, scanning electron microscope images of the membranes, and MWF particle size measurements is used to identify two fouling mechanisms, pore blocking and partial pore blocking, as the major contributors to flux decline. A probability-based mechanistic model is developed based on the time-dependent particle size distribution and membrane pore sizes. The model is fitted to experimental data from two commonly used membrane pore sizes with good agreement. Partial blocking is shown to be a predominant first step in the pore blocking mechanism in microfiltration of semisynthetic MWFs due to the tortuous nature of the pores present in sintered ceramic membranes.
Toxicity and uptake of Kepone in marine unicellular algae

Four species of marine unicellular algae were exposed to Kepone in laboratory bioassays. EC50 values after seven days’ growth, in mg/liter (ppm), were:Chlorococcum sp., 0.35;Dunaliella tertiolecta, 0.58;Nitzschia sp., 0.60;Thalassiosira pseudonana, 0.60. When exposed to 100 μg/liter (ppb) Kepone for 24 hr, residues associated with the algae, in mg/kg (ppm) wet weight, were:Chlorococcum sp., 80;D. tertiolecta, 23;Nitzschia sp., 41;T. pseudonana, 52.
Late diagnosis of HIV infection at two academic medical centers: 1994–2004

Abstract Over the last decade, there has been increased attention to the role of earlier HIV testing in the United States. Our objective was to determine if this has translated into changes in the proportion of inpatients with advanced disease at the time of initial HIV diagnosis. We identified inpatients discharged with a new diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS between 1994 and 2004 at two academic medical centers. We examined trends in initial CD4 count at diagnosis over three time periods: 1994–1996, 1997–2000 and 2001–2004. Between 1994 and 2004, 235 inpatients were newly diagnosed with HIV infection or AIDS in the two centers. For the 217 patients with available CD4 count data, the median initial CD4 count was 41/µl (interquartile range 19–138/µl). Of the 217 patients, 184(85%) had CD4 ≤200/µl and 119/217 (55%) had CD4 ≤50/µl. There were no significant differences in median CD4 count by time period. A large majority of inpatients with newly diagnosed HIV infection at two academic medical centers betwe...
On the Arrangement of Ions in Imidazolium-Based Room Temperature Ionic Liquids at the Gas−Liquid Interface, Using Sum Frequency Generation, Surface Potential, and Surface Tension Measurements

The characterization of three ionic liquids [BMIM][BF4], [BMIM][DCA], and [BMIM][MS] having a common cation and with anions of varying sizes and shapes was performed with three complementary surface techniques: sum frequency generation-polarization mapping, surface tension measurement, and surface potential measurement. Custom vacuum cells were designed for each technique to be able to perform measurements in a highly controlled environment minimizing the presence of water and other contaminants, which may compromise measured values. SFG results show evidence of having anions and cations present on the surface with the butyl chain of the cation positioned toward the gas phase and the imidazolium ring mostly parallel to the surface plane. Results from the surface potential measurements reveal the relative positions of the ions where the anions are located at a slightly lower plane compared to the cations. Observed values from the surface tension measurements denote surface intermolecular interactions indic...
Raman studies of the crystalline, solution, and alkaline-denatured states of beta-lactoglobulin.

The Raman spectra of β-lactoglobulin in the crystalline, freeze-dried, and solution states are compared. The spectra of the freeze-dried and crystalline proteins were practically identical. The conformationally sensitive amide III line appearing at 1242 cm−1 increased in intensity 30% upon dissolution of the protein in water which is interpreted as a conformational change in the disordered chains of the protein. This result appears to be a phenomenon for globular proteins containing a large disordered chain fraction. The alkaline denaturation of β-lactoglobulin was studied. When the pH was increased from 6.0 to 11.0, the amide III line shifted from 1242 to 1246 cm−1, broadened, and decreased in intensity. This is consistent with the conversion of β-sheet regions in β-lactoglobulin to the disordered conformation, as has been proposed by other investigators. At pH 13.5 the amide III shifts to 1257 cm−1 characteristic of a completely disordered protein, indicating that any remaining “core” of β-sheet has been randomized. Several changes in the intensities of the tyrosine and tryptophan vibrations accompany the denaturation. As the pH is increased from 6.0 (native state) to 11.0 (denatured state) the intensity ratio of two tyrosine ring vibrations, I855 cm−1/I830 cm−1, decreases from 1.0:0.9 to 1.0:1.3. The same ratio for a copolymer consisting of 95% glutamic acid and 5% tyrosine at pH 7.0, where the polymer forms a random coil exposing the tyrosine to the aqueous environment, is 1.0:0.62. This ratio more closely resembles that corresponding to β-lactoglobulin at pH 6.0 (native state) than pH 11.0 (denatured state) suggesting that the average tyrosine in the denatured state may be in a more hydrophobic environment than in the native state. A time-dependent polymerization of the denatured protein reported by other investigators and observed by us may account for the change in the tyrosine environment. A tryptophan vibration appearing at 833 cm−1 in the spectrum of the native state becomes weak as the pH is increased to 11.0. The intensity of this line may also reflect the local environment of the tryptophan residue.
Diagnosis of homozygosity and heterozygosity in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and control of treatment

Abstract In congenital adrenal hyperplasia the incidence of 21-hydroxylase deficiency is very high (approximately 1 :7,000), whereas other enzyme defects such as 11-hydroxylase deficiency, 17-hydroxylase deficiency and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency are much less frequent. The various forms of enzyme defects can be diagnosed by determining specific plasma steroids or specific urinary steroid metabolites. A new semi-automatic capillary gas liquid chromatography method has been introduced for the diagnosis of CAH and assessment of therapy. Heterozygous carriers of 21-hydroxylase deficiency can be detected in the general population by measuring 17-hydroxyprogesterone plasma levels after ACTH stimulation; however, results overlap with the general population. In families with a CAH index case, heterozygosity and homozygosity for the 21-hydroxylase deficiency gene can be detected by HLA-typing. 21-hydroxylase deficiency can be diagnosed prenatally by HLA-typing or by determining 17 OH-progesterone levels in the amniotic fluid.
Food and water resources used by the Madagascan hissing-cockroach mite, Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi

We determined the food source and water balance properties of the hissing-cockroach mite, Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi. The food source for mites was identified using Evans blue dye by direct injection into a fasting host cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, or by incorporation into cockroach food. No coloration was observed in mites on dye-injected cockroaches, but coloration was present in mites when only the food for the cockroaches had been stained. Thus, the mites are scavengers of cockroach food, and are not parasitic as previously thought. Our results demonstrate that the mites can absorb water from the air anywhere between 0.84 and 0.93 a v (%RH/100), and wax-block experiments revealed that the mouth is the site of uptake. The mites are normally clumped together on the host, typically in between the cockroach's legs and around the spiracles. Water loss rates for mites in groups (0.16% h-1) were far lower than for isolated mites (0.30% h-1), suggesting a ‘group effect’ with regard to water balance. Above the transition temperature of 30°C rate of water loss was rapid. The sites occupied by mites on the cockroach's body seem to be highly specific for feeding and absorption of water vapour.
Role of cytochrome P-450 2E1 in ethanol-, carbon tetrachloride— and iron-dependent microsomal lipid peroxidation

This study investigated the role of cytochrome P-450 2E1 in enhanced microsomal lipid peroxidation in experimental alcoholic liver disease. We also examined the contribution of this isoform to the increased microsomal injury in alcoholic liver disease caused by carbon tetrachloride-induced or iron-induced oxidant stress. Adult male Wistar rats were intragastrically infused with a high-fat diet and ethanol or glucose for 16 wk; this resulted in hepatic lipid peroxidation and fibrogenesis in the ethanol-fed animals. Microsomes were isolated by differential centrifugation in the presence of 100 mumol/L deferoxamine, washed twice in buffer without deferoxamine and incubated in the absence or presence of ethanol (50 mmol/L), carbon tetrachloride (150 mumol/L), ferric citrate (50 mumol/L) or ferric citrate plus ethanol at 37 degrees C for 30 min in an NADPH-generating system. The basal rate of lipid peroxidation in microsomes isolated from ethanol-fed rats was increased by 52% compared with that in microsomes from controls. Carbon tetrachloride-induced and ferric citrate-induced lipid peroxidation were also accentuated in microsomes from ethanol-fed rats, by 76% and 108%, respectively. Ethanol added in vitro significantly reduced basal (-58%) and ferric citrate-induced (-48%) lipid peroxidation in microsomes from ethanol-fed rats, whereas it had an insignificant effect on that in control microsomes. In fact, this protective effect of ethanol on microsomes from ethanol-fed rats resulted in attenuation of the difference in the level of microsomal lipid peroxidation between the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Introduction to the mechanics and design of undamageable materials

In this work proposed damage variables that are examined in the framework of continuum damage mechanics are used to illustrate the new concept of an undamageable material. This type of material is derived theoretically in this work with exact nonlinear stress–strain relationships. Such a material may undergo deformation with zero damage, i.e. maintain a zero value for the damage variable in the context of continuum damage mechanics. The theoretical formulation is presented in the hope that in the future, the manufacturing of such a material may be realized. The proposed undamageable material is a type of hyperelastic material similar to the Mooney–Rivlin material. It is hoped that this work will open the way for new areas of research in materials science.
Electronic Medical Records And Health Care Transformation

Effective electronic medical care record (EMR) systems will make a critical contribution to health care transformation. However, we need to know more about the total costs of EMRs and the ways in which they will interact with existing health care systems to make compelling predictions about their clinical benefits or the savings they can enable.
Anticonvulsant effects of benzhydryl piperazines on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in mice.

Abstract The anticonvulsant effects of three benzhydryl piperazines, SC-13504 (an anticonvulsant), hydroxyzine (HDX, an anxiolytic), chlorcyclizine (CCZ, an antihistaminic), and trimethadione (TRI, an anticonvulsant) were investigated in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice. Mice were treated with SC-13504, 20 to 40 mg/kg; HDX, 10 to 40 mg/kg; CCZ, 10 to 40 mg/kg; or TRI, 125 to 500 mg/kg. Thirty min later, mice were given PTZ, 70 mg/kg s.c., an approximate CD50. Trimethadione and SC-13504 both decreased the percent of mice with clonus, while CCZ increased the percent of mice with clonus, and HDX had no effect. The results of the present study are consistent with our previous report that SC-13504 was a more effective anticonvulsant than its structural analogs HDX and CCZ.
Polymerizable Ionic Liquids for Fixed-Junction Polymer Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

Fixed-junction light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) using ion-pair monomers (IPMs) have been shown to be promising. Here we present several novel polymerizable ionic liquids that combine the advantages of ionic liquids with the fixed-junction functionality of IPMs. We show significantly improved performance over earlier IPM-based fixed-junction LECs.
Units in tegmental nuclei responding to stimulation of gastric vagal and greater splanchnic fibers in the cat

The response of neurons in the ventral and dorsal tegmental nuclei during electrical stimulation of the gastric vagal fibers which serve the proximal stomach and the left greater splanchnic fibers were evaluated in chloralose-anesthetized cats. The mean latency of 181 gastric vagally evoked unitary responses recorded in the tegmental nuclei was 352.2 ms, whereas the latency of the left greater splanchnic-evoked tegmental response was significantly less (63.2 ms). The unitary responses to the gastric vagal and greater splanchnic fibers stimulation were bilaterally distributed in the ventral and dorsal tegmental nuclei. Convergence of the gastric vagal input from the proximal stomach and the left greater splanchnic input was observed in 151 units (83 percent). Stimulation of the greater splanchnic nerve usually resulted in a short latency excitation followed by an inhibitory effect on gastric vagally evoked responses. The results suggested that some convergent splanchnic inhibition of gastric vagally evoked responses was mediated via an interneuron. Projections from the nucleus tractus solitarius and the parabrachial nucleus to the tegmental nuclei were also identified electrophysiologically by direct microstimulation of the two former areas. The significant number of gastric vagal and splanchnic evoked unitary responses recorded in the ventral and dorsal tegmental nuclei suggested that they may serve as an important pontine site for processing of visceral information between the nucleus tractus solitarius and forebrain sites.
Tailoring of Biomimetic High-Density Lipoprotein Nanostructures Changes Cholesterol Binding and Efflux

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were employed as templates to synthesize spherical, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) biomimics (HDL Au NPs) of different sizes and surface chemistries. The effect of size and surface chemistry on the cholesterol binding properties and the ability of the HDL Au NPs to efflux cholesterol from macrophage cells were measured. Results demonstrate that Au NPs may be utilized as templates to generate nanostructures with different physical characteristics that mimic natural HDL. Furthermore, the properties of the HDL Au NPs may be tailored to modulate the ability to bind cholesterol in solution and efflux cholesterol from macrophages. From the conjugates tested, the optimum size and surface chemistry for preparing functional Au NP-templated HDL biomimics were identified.
The impacts of serial land-use changes and biological invasions on soil water resources in California, USA

Abstract Land-use changes and biological invasions have converted the vegetation of California's Central Valley and surrounding foothills from a mixture of perennial forbs and grasses and spring- and summer-flowering annuals to vegetation dominated by Eurasian spring-flowering annual grasses. The exotic annual grass communities are now rapidly being invaded by a Eurasian summer-flowering annual thistle that has caused losses of soil moisture resources on invaded sites of 15–25% of mean annual precipitation. A rough preliminary estimate indicates that the value of the lost water may range from 16 to 75 million dollars per year in the Sacramento River watershed alone.
Changes in the prevalence of alcohol use in rap song lyrics, 1979–97

Aims This paper explores the role of changing images of drinking and alcoholic beverage use in rap music from its beginnings in the United States in the late 1970s to the late 1990s. Design A sample of 341 rap music song lyrics released from 1979 to 1997 were selected using Billboard and Gavin rating charts. Song lyrics were coded for music genres, alcohol beverage types and brand names, drinking behaviors, drinking contexts, intoxication, attitudes towards alcohol and consequences of drinking. Findings From 1979 to 1997, songs with references to alcohol increased fivefold (from 8 to 44%); those exhibiting positive attitudes rose from 43% to 73%; and brand name mentions increased from 46% to 71%. There were also significant increases in songs mentioning champagne and liquor (mainly expensive brand names) when comparing songs released after 1994 with those from previous years. In addition, there were significant increases in references to alcohol to signify glamour and wealth, and using alcohol with drugs and for recreational purposes. The findings also showed that alcohol use in rap music was much more likely to result in positive than negative consequences. Conclusions Many of these findings are consistent with the idea that rap music has been profoundly affected by commercial forces and the marketing of alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is possible that the increase in references to alcoholic beverages in rap music, particularly spirits, is a reflection of a broader advertising culture which increasingly associates African Americans with alcohol use.
A reexamination of the action spectrum for chlorophyll synthesis in Euglena gracilis

Abstract A detailed action spectrum is presented for the first 24 h of chlorophyll synthesis in Euglena gracilis . Major peaks are observed at 433 nm and at 631 nm, and a minor peak or shoulder is detected at about 597 nm. The ratio of the two major peaks, 433 nm : 631 nm, is about 5:1. This ratio is in good agreement with the 440 nm : 639 nm ratio of about 5:1 for the absorption spectrum of purified bean protochlorophyllide holochrome, suggesting that the Euglena holochrome has a similar absorption spectrum. Possible reasons for the discrepancies in earlier measurements by others are discussed.
A modification on "An improved method to determine MOSFET channel length"

A brief review of a recent paper [1] describing a method to electrically determine the effective channel length is presented. The method uses a simplifying approximation. By defining some new terms this application can be avoided leading to a new method. Finally, data is presented comparing the two methods for MOSFET's clearly violating the approximation and exemplifying the general applicability of the new method.
Spatial Variations in Host Density and the Intensity of Parasitism: Some Empirical Examples

Despite the apparent commonness of parasitoid aggregation in areas of high host density, positive spatial correlations between host density and the intensity of parasitism appear to be uncommon in nature. Negative correlations, and lack of any correlation, have been reported more frequently. Much remains to be learned of these important spatial relationships. They presently lack an unequivocal theoretical explanation, and empirical investigations designed to clarify relationships between searching behavior and spatial variations in the intensity of parasitism have not yet been carried out.
Lamins and Disease: Insights into Nuclear Infrastructure

The nuclear lamina mediates nuclear structure, chromatin organization, and chromosome segregation, and may have structural roles in transcription and the elongation phase of DNA replication. The lamina also retains nuclear membrane proteins, determines nuclear shape, and controls the spatial distribution of nuclear pore complexes. This astonishing array of functions is comparable in principle to the cytoskeleton. Regulated, dynamic changes in the oligomeric or polymeric state of lamins may be crucial for particular interactions (e.g., with distinct components of the DNA replication machinery). In other words, lamins might assemble into different structures for different jobs. Based on current knowledge, we can make at least two predictions about disease mechanisms. First, each disease may have a unique mechanism, depending on which aspect(s) of lamina function is disrupted (e.g., mechanical stability versus gene expression). Second, the pathophysiology may not reflect the primary molecular defect per se (e.g., lamin disorganization). Instead, disease may arise from the downstream effects on chromatin structure or gene expression that are caused by lamin disorganization, failure to provide attachment sites for transcriptional regulators, or reduced binding affinity for other essential partners. These “downstream effects” may be responsible for the majority of clinical symptoms and tissue-specific pathology in human laminopathies. By dissecting the molecular mechanism of each laminopathy, we will gain unprecedented insight into the inner workings of the nucleus, and perhaps understand how to alleviate disease symptoms.
Setal Variation in Clonal Lineages of the Strawberry Aphids Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) and C. thomasi (Hille Ris Lambers) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

The currently accepted abdominal chaetotaxy for the strawberry aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii is zero to one submarginal setae, whereas for C. thomasi it is seven to eight submarginal setae. Intermediates having two to six setae are common. The number and position of submarginal setae were determined for aphids collected from three locations in the Pacific Northwest, and the setal patterns of these aphids' parthenogenetic offspring were determined for several generations. Setal number and position were highly variable between siblings and generations. Either “species” readily produced offspring with setal numbers of the opposite “species.” These results suggest that a separation of C. fragaefolii and C. thomasi based on setal number may not be valid.
Varve and radiocarbon dating support the rapid advance of Jakobshavn Isbræ during the Little Ice Age

Abstract Large outlet glaciers draining the Greenland Ice Sheet significantly influence overall ice sheet mass balance. Considerable short term (years to decades) retreat and fluctuations in velocity of Jakobshavn Isbrae, western Greenland, illustrate the complex nature by which large outlet glaciers respond to climate change, making predictions of future ice sheet change challenging. To provide a longer-term view (centuries), we investigate the geological record of Jakobshavn Isbrae change. We use continuous sediment records from lakes that were influenced by the recent advance of Jakobshavn Isbrae, which took place during the Little Ice Age. In particular, we explore the use of annually laminated lake sediments (varves) to precisely constrain the advance of the ice margin as it approached its late Holocene maximum extent. We find that the ice margin advanced recently, at least after ∼1650 to ∼1700 AD, and more likely ∼1800 AD. We suggest that during this period Jakobshavn Isbrae advanced at a rate that was similar to its historically documented average retreat since ∼1850 AD. Our results indicate that Jakobshavn Isbrae, and presumably other large marine calving glaciers, have the ability to advance quickly in response to climate forcing.
CLONING OF A CDNA ENCODING HUMAN ALDH7, A NEW MEMBER OF THE ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE FAMILY

Abstract Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH; EC 1.2.1.3) are a family of isozymes which have been suggested to play a major role in the detoxification of aldehydes generated by alcohol metabolism and lipid peroxidation. Five non-allelic ALDH genes, encoding the ALDH1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 isozymes, have previously been identified and cloned in our laboratory. In this paper, we report the cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding a new human ALDH (ALDH7). Degenerate oligodeoxyribonucleotides derived from conserved regions of known ALDH cDNAs amplified a 408-bp product from human kidney total RNA by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedures [Hsu et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266 (1992) 3030–3037]. This PCR product was subcloned, selected and used as a probe to screen a human kidney cDNA library. The full-length human kidney cDNA (ALDH7) is 2791 bp in length and contains an open reading frame encoding 468 amino acids (aa). The deduced sequence of ALDH7 is longer than that of the human stomach ALDH3 by 15 aa at the C terminus. The degree of identity between the two isozymes is 52% with a positional alignment of 453 aa. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that lung is another major tissue expressing ALDH7.
Depressive symptoms during adolescence: Direct and stress-buffering effects of coping, control beliefs, and family relationships

This study explored the direct and interactive effects of coping, family relations, and control-related beliefs on depressive symptoms during adolescence. The sample included 471 adolescents who were surveyed in sixth grade year and again in seventh grade. Analyses revealed that negative life events, active coping, family relations, and control beliefs all correlated with concurrent reports of depressive symptoms. Control beliefs buffered the effects of stress on adolescents' reports of depressive symptoms. We were able to show that both control beliefs and family relationships significantly predicted depressive symptomatology at Time 2, even after controlling for symptoms at Time 1. Results are discussed in terms of the processes that may lead to depression and the factors that may buffer the effects of stress.
Computed tomography use in a tertiary care university hospital.

Purpose Improvements in computed tomography (CT) technology, with shorter scan times and better image quality, have contributed to an increase in the use of CT in the United States in recent years. This increased use has implications for health policy and radiation risk assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in CT use. Methods The CT performance records at a university-based, tertiary care, level 1 trauma center hospital were evaluated from 1998 to 2005. The hospital's decision support infrastructure was used to track overall patient visits and stays. From these data sets, the age and sex dependency of CT use rates were evaluated for outpatients, inpatients, and emergency department (ED) patients. Results Outpatient use rates averaged over the age groups of 21 to 30 years, 41 to 50 years, and 61 to 70 years were 20, 59, and 87 CT scans per 1,000 outpatient visits, respectively. Inpatient use rates for these same age groups were 88, 148, and 162 CT scans per 1,000 inpatient days, respectively. ED patient use rates for these same age groups were 705, 687, and 394 CT scans per 1,000 ED patient visits, respectively. Male patients outnumbered female patients for both ED and inpatient CT use from the early teens to the mid-40s age range. Conclusion The overall CT use increased 27% and 48% from 2000 to 2004 for outpatient and inpatient visits, respectively. CT use in the hospital's high-volume ED increased 131% from 2000 to 2004, which may be partly attributable to the installation of 2 CT scanners near the ED.