cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Resistant Enterococcal Urinary Tract Infections

Enterococcus spp have emerged as important pathogens in urinary tract infection (UTI), especially in hospitalized patients. Resistance to multiple antibiotics, including vancomycin, has become common, particularly in infections involving Enterococcus faecium. The management of UTIs caused by Enterococcus spp has become challenging given the presence of underlying comorbidities in these patients and the limited therapeutic options available to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus. Routine therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria with MDR-Enterococcus is not recommended. Removal of indwelling urinary catheters should be considered. Appropriate antibiotic therapy selection should be guided by urine culture and susceptibility results. Data are limited on the treatment of UTIs caused by MDR-Enterococcus. Potential oral agents active against MDR-Enterococcus that may be considered for acute uncomplicated UTI include nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and fluoroquinolones. Potential parenteral agents for the treatment of pyelonephritis and complicated UTIs caused by MDR-Enterococcus include daptomycin, linezolid, and quinipristin-dalfopristin. Aminoglycosides or rifampin may be considered as adjunctive therapy in serious infections.
Chromatographic procedure for determination of fat content of small specimens of milk.

Abstract Milk, 30-60 mg, is extracted with a mixture consisting of methanol–dimethyl carbonate–benzene (3:2:3 v/v) containing an internal standard of methyl tridecanoate. After centrifugation, the clear upper layer is made alkaline with sodium methoxide and then acidified with methanolic-HCl. Gas liquid chromatography of the resulting methyl esters gives a chromatogram from which the fat content and fatty acid composition may be calculated.
The role of tyrosine phosphorylation and PTP-1C in CTLA-4 signal transduction

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the inhibitory regulators of lymphocyte activation, and in particular, the role of CD28 homologue CTLA-4 in the regulation of T cell responses. Interaction of CTLA-4 with B7 ligands inhibits T cell responses, including T cell proliferation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion. The mechanism(s) responsible for CTLA-4 signal transduction are unknown, but it has been suggested that tyrosine phosphorylation is involved. Here we demonstrate that phorbol ester phorbol 12-myrislate 13-acetate (PMA), which increases tyrosine phosphorylation by stimulating protein kinase C and p21ras, can overcome the CTLA-4-mediated inhibition of T cell proliferation. This provides the first functional evidence that tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in CTLA-4 signal transduction. Most interestingly, CTLA-4-mediated inhibition of IL-2 secretion was not influenced by the presence of PMA. Further, we demonstrate that CTLA-4 cross-linking inhibits proliferation and IL-2 secretion of T cells from motheaten mice. These mice lack PTP-1C, a tyrosine phosphatase which mediates in a number of lymphocyte inhibitory responses, indicating that PTP-1C is not essential for CTLA-4 signaling. Collectively, these results demonstrate that regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation plays a pivotal role in CTLA-4 function, and that the inhibition of the transition from G0/G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle and the inhibition of IL-2 secretion require distinct signaling pathways. These experiments provide a useful model system which can be used to elucidate the signaling pathways involved in CTLA-4 function and to understand how CTLA-4, CD28 and Tcell receptor-mediated signals are integrated in T cell responses to antigen.
The gas distribution of comet Halley and its relation to the nucleus rotation

We used a set of spatially resolved spectra of comet Halley to explore whether the gas distribution profile could be inverted to yield information on the rotation of the comet. The data were obtained both pre- and post-perihelion. The pre-perihelion data showed reasonable symmetry and so were used to define the lifetimes against photodissociation of the various molecules. These lifetimes were then used to define the lifetimes against photodissociation of the various molecules. These lifetimes were then used along with a nonsteady-state vectorial model to fit the post-perihelion gas distribution profiles. The resulting molecular lightcurves are compared with the photometric lightcurves of Schlicher et al. (1990) to show that the rotational information is encoded in the observed gas distribution within the coma. The molecular lightcurves can differentiate between the preferred Schlicher et al. average period and the period they find for the same time interval as the spectra.
A 2,2′-bipyridine ligand for incorporation into oligodeoxynucleotides: Synthesis, stability and fluorescence properties of ruthenium—DNA complexes

A non-nucleoside linker based upon the ligand 2,2'-bipyridine and ethylene glycol is prepared and placed into the backbone of a number of oligonucleo-tides. The bipyridine ligand is reacted with cis -dichloro bis(2,2'-bipyridyl) Ru(II) to generate the relatively substitutionally inert complex based upon the well-characterized tris -2,2'-bipyridyl Ru(II). The ruthenium-containing DNA complexes exhibited UV and fluorescence characteristics that are consistent with those previously observed for simple tris -2,2'-bipyridyl Ru(II) complexes. Oligonucleotides containing the ruthenium complex will form both DNA duplexes and triplexes with stabilities that are slightly better than those formed from simple tethered oligonucleotide probes in which the two hybridizing sequences are tethered by simple tri(ethylene glycol) or hexa(ethylene glycol) linkers.
Cadmium accumulation by the blue crab, callinectes sapidus: Involvement of hemocyanin and characterization of cadmium-binding proteins

Abstract The accumulation of cadmium from seawater by the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, was studied as a function of metal concentration and exposure time, with special emphasis on cadmium-binding proteins. Cadmium was found, in decreasing order of magnitude, in gills, digestive gland and hemolymph. When exposed to 0·5 ppm cadmium for 2–24h, virtually all of the cadmium in the cytosolic fraction of the gill was associated with a low molecular weight (LMW) cadmium-binding protein (MW 8000). However, after 48h of exposure only 50% of the cadmium in the cytosol was bound to this protein. The rest wasfound to be associated with proteins of a molecular weight of 300 000 and 60 000. This pattern of cadmium distribution did not change over a 12-day depuration period. Similar results were obtained upon exposure to 0·1 ppm cadmium. The pattern of cadmium accumulation in the cytosolic fraction of the digestive gland was in marked contrast to that observed for the gill. Initially, the cadmium was distributed over three low molecular weight fractions. During depuration the distribution of cadmium changed and all of the metal became bound to a low molecular weight protein (MW 9000). The cadmium concentrations in the gill and digestive gland remained essentially constant during depuration (12 days). The LMW cadmium-binding proteins were purified by a combination of gelpermeation and ion-exchange chromatography. Their molecular weight, spectral properties and amino acid composition are characteristic of the vertebrate metallothioneins. During exposure to cadmium the metal rapidly appeared in the hemolymph, mainly associated with hemocyanin. During depuration cadmium was transferred from the hemolymph to the digestive gland, demonstrating that hemocyanin acts as a carrier in trace metal transport.
OBSERVATIONS ON SOME HISTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE HUMAN PLACENTA, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LIPOIDS, GLYCOGEN AND IRON

SEVERAL convergent events in the past few years have focused attention upon some of the chemical and physiological mechanisms in the placenta. It is now well known that estrogens and progesterone are present in the placenta, and it is generally believed that these substances are elaborated as well as stored there. Moreover, studies of the transfer of material across the placenta have led to the necessity of postulating mechanisms capable of providing energy for the transfer processes, and to the question of the localization of these mechanisms. Finally, a detailed cytological study (Wislocki and Bennett, 1943) has formed a sound morphological basis for the investigation of certain histochemical reactions and their localization in the human placenta. The principal material employed in the present study consisted of nine human placentae secured at operation or at term.2 The youngest placenta was from an embryo of 3 mm. in length. Three specimens of approximately six weeks of age were also available.
EMG Activation Patterns Associated with High Frequency, Long-Duration Intracortical Microstimulation of Primary Motor Cortex

The delivery of high-frequency, long-duration intracortical microstimulation (HFLD-ICMS) to primary motor cortex (M1) in primates produces hand movements to a common final end-point regardless of the starting hand position (Graziano et al., 2002). We have confirmed this general conclusion. We further investigated the extent to which the (1) temporal pattern, (2) magnitude, and (3) latency of electromyographic (EMG) activation associated with HFLD-ICMS-evoked movements are dependent on task conditions, including limb posture. HFLD-ICMS was applied to layer V sites in M1 cortex. EMG activation with HFLD-ICMS was evaluated while two male rhesus macaques performed a number of tasks in which the starting position of the hand could be varied throughout the workspace. HFLD-ICMS-evoked EMG activity was largely stable across all parameters tested independent of starting hand position. The most common temporal pattern of HFLD-ICMS-evoked EMG activity (58% of responses) was a sharp rise to a plateau. The plateau level was maintained essentially constant for the entire duration of the stimulus train. The plateau pattern is qualitatively different from the largely bell-shaped patterns typical of EMG activity associated with natural goal directed movements (Brown and Cooke, 1990; Hoffman and Strick, 1999). HFLD-ICMS produces relatively fixed parameters of muscle activation independent of limb position. We conclude that joint movement associated with HFLD-ICMS occurs as a function of the length–tension properties of stimulus-activated muscles until an equilibrium between agonist and antagonist muscle force is achieved.
Nanotechnology Education: The Pennsylvania Approach

A workforce educated at the two-year degree and four-year degree level in nanotechnology, nanofabrication, and nano-scale characterization is required to grow and sustain nanotechnology manufacturing, and R&D. Pennsylvania has addressed this need with the creation of the Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) Partnership, a state-wide collaborative involving Penn State University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, all of the community colleges in PA, the 14 universities of the state-system, PA state government, the National Science Foundation, and PA industry. This partnership is based on sharing the expertise and facilities at Penn State's University Park campus with partner colleges and universities across the state. With this state-wide approach, the NMT Partner educational institutions can offer two-year degrees in nanotechnology and four-year degrees in biology, physics, and chemistry, with a concentration in nanotechnology, across PA. With the Partnership approach, participating institutions are also able to offer three-day Nanotech Camps for secondary school students, three-day nanotechnology workshops for secondary school teachers, and a variety of tools and materials for introducing nanotechnology into the secondary school classroom.
A Monte Carlo study of the structur and composition of (001) semicoherent interphase boundaries in CuAgAu alloys

Abstract Monte Carlo simulation, in conjunction with embedded atom method, has been used to model the composition and structure of semicoherent (001) interphase boundaries separating coexisting Cu-rich and Ag-rich phases in a ternary CuAgAu alloy. This approach has also been used to re-examine previous results obtained on two-phase binary CuAg alloys. Results of computations performed at 600 and 900 K on both binary and ternary alloys show good agreement between predicted bulk phase composition and the experimental phase diagrams. A statistical structural and compositional analysis of the atomic configurations at interfaces has shown that the (001) interface is unstable and tends to break down into {111} facets. This faceting manifests itself as the formation of silver-rich pyramids which penetrate deeply into the copper-rich phase. Possible sources for the instability of the (001) interface are discussed. It is also found that while this faceting is well defined at 600 K, it is substantially smeared out at 900 K. Segregation of gold occurs along the facet surfaces, and as a result appears to be weak in composition profiles calculated along the [001] direction. This conclusion about the nature of the composition profiles in confirmed by comparisons between the results obtained in the early stages of the simulation, when the (001) interface is metastable, and from a regular solution model of the composition profile across a coherent (001) interface.
Urban and rural voting patterns in Senegal: the spatial aspects of incumbency, c. 1978–2012

One of the most striking voting patterns in many African elections is the marked difference between urban and rural voters in their willingness to support the incumbent. In many countries, incumbents receive their worst electoral scores in the cities, whereas the countryside votes overwhelmingly for them. This pattern is puzzling because there is no evidence that rural areas benefit more from government policies. On the contrary, most governments in Africa exhibit a pro-urban policy bias. Why then do rural voters support incumbents at higher rates? Using evidence from original interviews with politicians in Senegal, coupled with media coverage from several elections, I contend that incumbents enjoy higher success in rural vis-a-vis urban areas because rural voters are more susceptible to clientelism. Tight social structure, cohesion and the prominent role of local patrons facilitate the acquisition of entire blocs of rural voters for the incumbent. These findings are independent of ethnic, religious or party identity.
Amending Invasion With Carbon: After Fifteen Years, a Partial Success

Amending Invasion With Carbon: After Fifteen Years, a Partial Success DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v32i1_alpert
The uncertain future of gross anatomy.

I was interested to see the Random Samples item “Anatomy classes face gross shortage,” which describes widespread concern about the dearth of faculty capable of effectively teaching gross anatomy to medical students (28 Feb., p. 1309). The time commitment is indeed great, not only for the actual
Aggressive behavior in the rat: effects of isolation, and olfactory bulb lesions.

Abstract Forty-nine male hooded rats 84 or 94 days of age were used as subjects. S s were housed individually or in groups for 1 month and were then subjected to an olfactory bulbectomy or a sham operation. They were again housed either individually or in a group cage for 1 month. S s were then tested for mouse killing, frog killing, reactions to a gloved hand including squealing, escape, and biting, intermale aggression and shock-induced aggression. Results indicate that biting the glove was the only type of aggressive behavior significantly affected by olfactory bulb lesions. Postoperative isolation increased mouse killing, and escape from the gloved hand and the number of bites on the hand. There was also a significant operation by postoperation isolation interaction for number of bites on the glove. Mouse killing and frog killing were significantly correlated as were escape and squealing; escape and bites; and bites and mouse killing. Intermale aggressive behavior was notably absent and was unaffected by any condition. It was concluded that this study adds further evidence that aggression is not a unitary phenomenon and that different manipulations differentially affect different kinds of aggression.
Efficiency of service delivery systems in large commercial banks

This article provides novel empirical evidence on the cross-sectional variation of the productive efficiency of large banks relative to their service delivery systems. The analysis is conducted using data drawn from a sample of 118 large U.S. commercial banks for the years 1989 through 1991. The analysis reveals that centralized service delivery systems increase bank costs significantly. In no case was it found that centralized service delivery systems reduce costs, as is often envisioned by proponents of centralization. It is also found that centralized back-office operations tend to reduce costs significantly and are consistent with the existence of scale economies in bank back-office operations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Alterations in the regulation of expression of the αl(I) collagen gene (COL1A1) in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

At present, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of collagen genes in normal and pathologic fibroblasts are not known. Thus, the detailed study of transcriptional regulation of COL1A1 in SSc cells will increase our current understanding of the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases. These studies will yield valuable information regarding the important biological process of regulation of collagen gene expression under normal and pathologic conditions, a process that has remained elusive despite intense recent investigations. It is now evident that persistent overproduction of collagen is responsible for the progressive nature of tissue fibrosis in SSc. Up-regulation of collagen gene expression in SSc fibroblasts appears to be a critical event in this process. The coordinate transcriptional activation of numerous collagen genes suggests a fundamental alteration in the regulatory control of gene expression in SSc fibroblasts. Trans-acting nuclear factors which bind to cis-acting elements in enhancer (intronic) and promoter regions of the genes modulate the basal and inducible transcriptional activity of the collagen genes. The identification of the nuclear transcription factors that regulate normal collagen gene expression may provide promising approaches to the therapy of this incurable disease.
Spatial Structure in Mangabey Groups

The spatial order of mangabey age-sex classes in progressions across canopy gaps was found to resemble strongly that of baboons. Greater peripherality of adult males (particularly dominant males) and centrality of independent juveniles characterized intragroup spatial structure whether the predominant group activity was feeding, social interaction, or movement. The similarities in spacing, despite striking differences in the number and nature of predators, between arboreal, forest mangabeys and terrestrial, open-country baboons suggest that intragroup spatial structure responds to factors other than predation.
A 2.8-mW Sub-2-dB Noise-Figure Inductorless Wideband CMOS LNA Employing Multiple Feedback

A wideband low-noise amplifier (LNA), which is a key block in the design of broadband receivers for multiband wireless communication standards, is presented in this paper. The LNA is a fully differential common-gate structure. It uses multiple feedback paths, which add degrees of freedom in the choice of the LNA transconductance to reduce the noise figure (NF) and increase the amplification. The proposed LNA avoids the use of bulky inductors that leads to area and cost saving. A prototype is implemented in IBM 90-nm CMOS technology. It covers the frequency range of 100 MHz to 1.77 GHz. The core consumes 2.8 mW from a 2-V supply occupying an area of 0.03 mm2. Measurements show a gain of 23 dB with a 3-dB bandwidth of 1.76 GHz. The minimum NF is 1.85 dB, while the average NF is 2 dB across the whole band. The LNA achieves a return loss greater than 10 dB across the entire band and a third-order input intercept point IIP3 of - 2.85 dBm at the maximum gain frequency.
Some aspects of particle acceleration and transport at CME-driven shocks

Gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) events are now believed to be associated with CME-driven shocks. As the shock propagates out from the Sun, particles are accelerated diffusively at the shock front and some will escape upstream and downstream into the interplanetary medium. This is in contrast with “impulsive” events, which are believed to be due to solar flares. However, recent observations have found that in some gradual SEP events, the time intensity profile show a two peak feature, suggesting a mixture of particles from solar flares with particles from CME-driven shock. Furthermore, the observed spectra of large SEP events show tremendous variability. The Fe/C (Fe/O) ratio behave oppositely in events which have similar solar progenitors. In this work, we use a numerical model to follow particle acceleration and transport at CME-driven shocks. We investigate a possible scenario for the re-acceleration of flare particles by CME-driven shocks and calculate the Fe/O ratio for two exemple shocks. These simulations are helpful in interpreting observations of particle data obtained in situ at 1 AU by spacecraft such as ACE and WIND.
Outcomes of grafted bulbar urethroplasty in men with class II or III obesity.

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of grafted bulbar urethroplasty in class II or III obese patients. Material and Methods Retrospective chart review was performed for men with World Health Organization class II/III obesity undergoing grafted urethroplasty for management of bulbar strictures from 2003-2010. Extracted data included age, body mass index (BMI), stricture etiology, stricture length/location, number/type of previous therapies, definitive therapy, follow-up, outcome, and complications. Outcomes were compared with a cohort of 20 age-matched nonobese men with bulbar strictures managed with grafted urethroplasty. Results Fifteen class II/III obese men were included in the study. Obese patient age (43.8 years, range 27-60) and BMI (44.0 kg/m 2 , range 35-57) were averaged. Each patient reported a mean of 3.8 previous dilations or urethrotomies (range 0-9). All men were treated with grafted bulbar urethroplasty (11 ventral, 4 dorsal) with oral mucosa (13 buccal, 2 lingual). After a mean follow-up of 29.4 months (range 7-62), the urethral patency rate was 66.7% (10/15). Complications included prolonged urethral leak in 5/15 (33%) and wound infection in 5/15 (33%) patients. Urethral patency rates and complications were significantly higher in class II/III obese patients when compared with the nonobese cohort. Conclusion Obese men demonstrated poorer outcomes after grafted bulbar urethroplasty when compared with published success rates in the general population as well as an aged-matched, nonobese cohort from our institution. Prior failed endoscopic procedures and other medical comorbidities may have also contributed to the observed results in this patient population.
Seismicity and active faulting of the Kanab‐Fredonia area of the southern Colorado Plateau

[1] Detailed study of the historic seismicity of the Kanab-Fredonia area adds information to the location of the Colorado Plateau tectonic boundary in this area and to the nature of contemporary seismicity and faulting on this part of the Colorado Plateau. Historic seismicity over 45 years (1959–2004) defines a band of activity which extends through Fredonia, Arizona and into southern Utah around Kanab. The area is dominated by north trending high-angle normal faults. The spatial distribution of epicenters consists of clusters associated with the West Kaibab, Big Springs, and Toroweap-Sevier faults indicating that these faults may be active. Four focal mechanism solutions show Basin-Range style high-angle normal faulting on north to north-northwest trending surfaces that are parallel to subparallel in most cases to mapped Quaternary faults. This suggests a present east-west extension occurring on the southern Colorado Plateau for the Kanab-Fredonia area and an expansion of the adjacent Basin-Range province eastward into the plateau as far as the West Kaibab/Big Springs faults. The West Kaibab/Big Springs faults are proposed to be the tectonic boundary of the southern Colorado Plateau in this area since they mark the limit of significant seismic activity that is combined with Basin-Range type faulting.
Evaluation of tissue-air ratios and tissue-maximum ratios with the photon energy-fluence absorption dose model

Values of tissue-air ratio (TAR) and tissue-maximum ratio (TMR) have been calculated with the photon energy-fluence absorption dose model, at depths d greater than dn (depth of dose normalization) in a homogeneous water phantom, for Co-60 gamma-ray, and 4, 6, 10, 14, and 45 MVp x-ray beams of EQS (the side of the equivalent square) up to 20 cm. It has been found that by (i) slightly altering the formula for the depth modification factor so that it depends on the difference (d -- dn) rather than d alone; and (ii) permitting E, the effective energy of the beam, to vary with EQS for some x-ray beams, it is possible for the model to reproduce within 2.5% the measured data at depths d greater than dn, on TAR, TMR and PDD (the central axis percent depth dose), for any source to surface distance.
Ferrihydrite dissolution by pyridine-2,6-bis(monothiocarboxylic acid) and hydrolysis products

Abstract Pyridine-2,6-bis(monothiocarboxylate) (pdtc), a metabolic product of microorganisms, including Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas stutzeri was investigated for its ability of dissolve Fe(III)(hydr)oxides at pH 7.5. Concentration dependent dissolution of ferrihydrite under anaerobic environment showed saturation of the dissolution rate at the higher concentration of pdtc. The surface controlled ferrihydrite dissolution rate was determined to be 1.2 × 10 −6 mol m −2 h −1 . Anaerobic dissolution of ferrihydrite by pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid or dipicolinic acid (dpa), a hydrolysis product of pdtc, was investigated to study the mechanism(s) involved in the pdtc facilitated ferrihydrite dissolution. These studies suggest that pdtc dissolved ferrihydrite using a reduction step, where dpa chelates the Fe reduced by a second hydrolysis product, H 2 S. Dpa facilitated dissolution of ferrihydrite showed very small increase in the Fe dissolution when the concentration of external reductant, ascorbate, was doubled, suggesting the surface dynamics being dominated by the interactions between dpa and ferrihydrite. Greater than stoichiometric amounts of Fe were mobilized during dpa dissolution of ferrihydrite assisted by ascorbate and cysteine. This is attributed to the catalytic dissolution of Fe(III)(hydr)oxides by the in situ generated Fe(II) in the presence of a complex former, dpa.
Comparison of dynamic range properties of high-order active bandpass filters

The design procedures necessary for maximising dynamic range of cascade, f.l.f., i.f.l.f. and m.l.f. active-filter topologies, are presented and equations are derived for computing the total output-noise voltage contributed by internal-noise sources. Further, it is shown that the equivalent input noise of a second-order biquad section is dependent not only on circuit configuration and pole-Q, but in some cases also on the section gain. As a result, the total output noise of high-order filters may or may not be a function of the overall filter gain, depending on whether the equivalent input noise of the second-order section used as building block is not or is, respectively, a function of section gain. A comparison of the different topologies indicates that in addition to the advantage of being easy to design, the f.l.f. filter is the only topology whose output noise can remain constant regardless of the overall filter gain and the type of second-order used.
Elimination of Intensity-induced Sideband Noise in Interferometric Fiber Sensors

Up-conversion of low-frequency optical intensity noise can degrade the signal-to-noise ration (SNR) in sensors employing phase carriers. We demonstrate a 20-25 dB improvement in the SNR in the presence of a 300 mrad rms phase carrier by stabilizing the laser intensity.
Strut fracture and embolization of a Björk-Shiley valve from the tricuspid valve position.

Abstract Between 1976 and 1986, approximately 83,000 patients had heart valve replacement with the Bjork-Shiley 60 ° CC prosthesis. A recognized complication of this prosthesis is strut fracture with embolization of the occluder disk. 1 This linearized frequency of this complication has been related to prosthetic size and date of manufacture. Whereas this complication is recognized for prostheses used in the mitral and aortic positions it has not yet been described in a prosthesis in the tricuspid position. The case described highlights such an occurrence.
Inelastic scattering and excitation of Li 6

Differential cross sections for elastic and inelastic $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ scattering from $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ at ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.=16}$ and 20 MeV, and scattering from $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ at 18.7 MeV were measured out to ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.\mathrm{\ensuremath{\approxeq}}170}$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Also by scattering $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ from $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, the inelastic cross sections for the excitation of the ${3}^{+}$ (2.18 MeV) and the ${2}^{+}$ (4.31 MeV) states of $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ and an estimate of the continuum inelastic cross sections of $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ were determined. The inelastic data were analyzed using the distorted-wave Born approximation and coupled-channels techniques with folded real and phenomenological imaginary form factors, with the deformations derived from electron scattering. The inelastic data are well described. Coupled-channels effects due to the ${3}^{+}$ state of $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ were found to play an important role in the scattering. The inclusion of the ${3}^{+}$ state in the coupled-channels calculations reduced the discrepancy in the normalization of the real double-folded potential between $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ and other heavy-ion projectiles, and the imaginary potential became weaker in the surface region. The present results show that L=2 coupling in the elastic scattering is very important and that the source can be a state in either the projectile, the target, or both.
The use of otolith chemistry to characterize diadromous migrations

Chemical constituents in otoliths have become a valuable tool for fish ecologists seeking to reconstruct migratory patterns and life-history diversity in a wide range of species worldwide. This approach has proved particularly effective with fishes that move across substantial salinity gradients over the course of their life, including many diadromous species. Freshwater endmembers of several elemental and isotope ratios (e.g. Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca and (87)Sr:(86)Sr) are typically identifiably distinct from marine values, and often differ among freshwater tributaries at fine spatial scales. Because these chemical tags are generally incorporated in proportion to their ambient dissolved concentrations, they can be effective proxies for quantifying the presence, duration and frequency of movements between freshwater and marine habitats. The development of high precision probe-based analytical techniques, such as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and microbeam methods, has allowed researchers to glean increasingly detailed life-history profiles of these proxies across otoliths. Researchers are also combining multiple chemical proxies in an attempt to refine interpretations of habitat residence patterns. A thorough understanding of the spatial and temporal variation in water chemistry as well as environmental and physiological controls on incorporation of specific elements into otoliths is required for confident estimation of lifetime salinity experience. First some assumptions, methodological considerations and data processing options that are particularly relevant to diadromous otolith chemistry studies are discussed. Insights into diadromous migrations obtained from decades of otolith chemistry research, highlighting the increasingly recognized importance of contingent behaviour and partial migration are then discussed. Finally, areas for future research and the need to integrate otolith chemistry studies into comprehensive assessments of the effects of global environmental change are identified.
Group decision support systems and consensus building: issues in electronic media

Abstract This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of GDSS (Group Decision Support Systems) when compared to established consensus building techniques (Nominal Group Technique and Delphi Analysis). Practical and research recommendations are presented.
Epistemic Mediation: Aligning Expertise across Boundaries within an Endangered Species Habitat Conservation Plan

This paper uses videotaping and discourse analysis to study participants' dialogue and conduct during preparation of the Coachella Valley habitat conservation plan in southern California. The research uses social worlds analysis to reveal that the plan's technical advisors did not find facts through the collective discovery of scientific truths with unitary meanings, but instead constructed facts by aligning professional visions of space, time, and agency. The validity of the resulting plan relied on its ability to be a “boundary object”, meaning different things to different groups, while simultaneously laying claim to universality and objectivity. However, its subsequent failure to satisfy an unexpected scientific peer review demonstrates the importance of anticipating downstream reception and use when developing such documents. This case study shows that planners can be epistemic mediators, creating and stabilizing technical knowledge claims that project authority by showing a responsive face to many a...
Effect of bilateral enucleation on the development of layers in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

Abstract Previous results in tree shrew ( Tupaia glis ) have demonstrated that retinal afferents in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus segregate prenatally and that cell layers segregate postnatally ( Brunso-Bechtold & Casagrande , 1980). In the present study, we examined the effect of bilateral enucleation at birth on the cytoarchitectural differentiation of these cell layers in the tree shrew lateral geniculate nucleus. The enucleated animals were killed at several postnatal ages up to maturity, their brains embedded in celloidin, and sections stained with thionin. The main result was that interlaminar spaces failed to form. Nevertheless, several cellular and cytoarchitectural features characteristic of normal layers were apparent; these included staining intensity, packing density and cell orientation. It can be concluded that the presence of retinal afferents appears necessary for the formation of interlaminar spaces in the lateral geniculate nucleus but not for the differentiation of all characteristics which define the layers.
Sex differences and similarities in frequency and intensity of sexual desire

Only within the past decade have social scientists commonly recognized the phenomenon of sexual desire as a distinct and vital component of human sexual response. Of the various factors believed to be associated with sexual desire, gender (biological sex) is presumed by many theorists to be one of the most important. Limited empirical work suggests that men experience desire more frequently than do women; however, sex differences in intensity or level of desire have yet to be examined. This study explored both the self-reported frequency and intensity of sexual desire among an ethnically diverse sample of 676 men and women. As hypothesized, men reported experiencing a higher overall level of sexual desire than did women. Sex differences also were found with respect to frequency of sexual desire. Men reported experiencing sexual desire more often than did women and, when asked to estimate the actual frequency with which they experienced desire, men’s estimated frequency (37 times per week) was significantly higher than women’s (9 times per week). These results do not imply that men always feel desire or that women lack sexual desire. In fact, virtually every participant in this study reported feeling sexual desire on a regular basis. This suggests that desire may be the most universal sexual response experienced by both men and women.
Evolutionary history of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase gene family in eukaryotes

The Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) superfamily was originally identified as enzymes that catalyze the attachment of ADP-ribose subunits to target proteins using NAD+ as a substrate. The family is characterized by the catalytic site, termed the PARP signature. While these proteins can be found in a range of eukaryotes, they have been best studied in mammals. In these organisms, PARPs have key functions in DNA repair, genome integrity and epigenetic regulation. More recently it has been found that proteins within the PARP superfamily have altered catalytic sites, and have mono(ADP-ribose) transferase (mART) activity or are enzymatically inactive. These findings suggest that the PARP signature has a broader range of functions that initially predicted. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary history of PARP genes across the eukaryotes. We identified in silico 236 PARP proteins from 77 species across five of the six eukaryotic supergroups. We performed extensive phylogenetic analyses of the identified PARPs. They are found in all eukaryotic supergroups for which sequence is available, but some individual lineages within supergroups have independently lost these genes. The PARP superfamily can be subdivided into six clades. Two of these clades were likely found in the last common eukaryotic ancestor. In addition, we have identified PARPs in organisms in which they have not previously been described. Three main conclusions can be drawn from our study. First, the broad distribution and pattern of representation of PARP genes indicates that the ancestor of all extant eukaryotes encoded proteins of this type. Second, the ancestral PARP proteins had different functions and activities. One of these proteins was similar to human PARP1 and likely functioned in DNA damage response. The second of the ancestral PARPs had already evolved differences in its catalytic domain that suggest that these proteins may not have possessed poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity. Third, the diversity of the PARP superfamily is larger than previously documented, suggesting as more eukaryotic genomes become available, this gene family will grow in both number and type.
“You think it’s hard now … It gets much harder for our children”: Youth with autism and their caregiver’s perspectives of health care transition services:

Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis often have complex comorbid physical and mental health conditions. These youth rely heavily on their medical providers and struggle through the often rocky transition out of pediatric care into adulthood and adult-centered care. This study is among the first to qualitatively examine the health care transition experiences of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers. We conducted four focus groups with youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (n = 13) and their caregivers (n = 19) and used thematic analysis strategies to identify key themes. Parents’ discussions emphasized (a) loss of relationship with provider and lack of support transitioning from pediatric to adult care, (b) providers’ lack of knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder, and (c) concerns about losing guardianship. Youth emphasized their confusion and anxiety around (a) medical providers’ role, especially in the transition to adulthood; and (b) managing their medical lives indepe...
Design and Synthesis of Phosphorescent Iridium Containing Dendrimers for Potential Applications in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Three phosphorescent dendrimers (IrC1, IrC3, and IrF2) with an iridium complex core and oligocarbazole or oligofluorene substituted ligands were synthesized and characterized. The structures of the oligocarbazole were designed to maintain high triplet energy of the ligands so that phosphorescence quenching in the resulting dendrimers can be prevented, while the oligofluorene in IrF2 resulted in undesired phosphorescence quenching. Best performance was obtained from an IrC3 based electro-phosphorescent light-emitting device with a maximum luminance of 13 060 cd m -2 at a driving voltage of 11.5 V and a peak current-efficiency of 4.3 cd. A -1 1 at a luminance of 3 400 cd. m -2 , owing to its high PL efficiency, and efficient energy transfer between the iridium complex core and the ligands.
Health Risk Behavior and Sexual Assault Among Ethnically Diverse Women

Sexual assault is associated with a number of health risk behaviors in women. It has been hypothesized that these risk behaviors, such as hazardous drinking, may represent women's attempts to cope with psychological distress, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, extant research has failed to evaluate these relationships among ethnic minority samples or identify the mechanisms responsible for this association. The current study examined sexual assault history and two health risk behaviors (hazardous drinking and engaging in sexual behavior to regulate negative affect) in a diverse sample of 1,620 college women. Depression and anxiety were examined as mediators of the relationship between sexual assault and health risk behaviors. There was evidence of moderated mediation, such that for European American women, but not for ethnic minority women, both forms of psychological distress were significant mediators of the sexual assault/hazardous drinking relationship. In contrast, among all ethnic groups, the relationship between sexual assault and both forms of psychological distress was mediated by the use of sexual behavior as an affect regulation strategy. Results support a need to evaluate the assault experiences of ethnically diverse women, as well as the impact of the assault on their postassault experiences including health risk behaviors and psychological adjustment. Additionally, results suggest that practitioners should carefully assess health risk behaviors among victims of sexual assault and be aware that there may be differences in the risk factors and motives for these behaviors among women of various ethnic backgrounds.
Air Embolism during Insertion and Replacement of Tunneled Dialysis Catheters: A Retrospective Investigation of the Effect of Aerostatic Sheaths and Over-the-Wire Exchange

Abstract Purpose To determine the impact of the introduction of aerostatic sheaths on air embolism (AE) events during tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertion and to characterize such events occurring during over-the-wire exchange (OTWE). Materials and Methods Between July 2001 and April 2013, 5,789 TDCs were placed, including 3,963 de novo placements, 1,811 OTWEs, and 15 tract recanalizations. There were 15 AE events reported, and the medical records of these patients were reviewed. The effect of aerostatic sheaths, introduced in July 2005, was compared with the period before their introduction; the same TDC design was used throughout. Results Of the 15 AE events, 10 occurred during de novo placement (10 of 3,963 placement; 0.25%), 4 occurred during OTWE (4 of 1,811 placements; 0.22%), and 1 occurred during tract recanalization. With regard to aerostatic sheaths in de novo TDC placement, 4 of 1,174 (0.34%) AE events occurred before aerostatic sheath introduction, and 6 of 2,789 (0.22%) AE events occurred after aerostatic sheath introduction. These rates did not differ statistically ( P = .5). Conclusions Use of aerostatic sheaths trended toward reducing AE events during de novo TDC placement. This trend was not statistically significant, probably owing to the rarity of AE despite the large sample size. Air embolism occurs during OTWE at a rate similar to de novo placement with aerostatic sheaths as well as during tract recanalization.
Does renal ageing affect survival

The effects of ageing on progressive deterioration of renal function, both in human and experimental animals, are described elsewhere, but the effect of renal damage on overall survival and longevity is not yet clearly established. The wild-type animals of various genetic backgrounds, fed with regular diet, overtime develop severe age-associated nephropathy, that include but not limited to inflammatory cell infiltration, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Such renal damage significantly reduces their survival. Reducing renal damage, either by caloric restriction or by suppressing growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) activity could significantly enhance the longevity of these animals. Available survival studies using experimental animals clearly suggest that kidney pathology is one of the important non-neoplastic lesions that could affect overall survival, and that restoration of renal function by preventing kidney damage could significantly extend longevity. Careful long-term studies are needed to determine the human relevance of these experimental studies.
Comparing flux-averaged and resident concentration in a fractured bedrock using ground penetrating radar

This is the published version. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union. All rights reserved.
Improved functional vision with a modified prolate intraocular lens.

Results: Monocular comparison was made between the 2 IOL groups, which comprised 15 patients each. The Tecnis IOL provided significantly better contrast sensitivity at 6 cycles per degree (cpd) under photopic conditions and at 1.5 and 3 cpd under mesopic conditions. Seven patients with a Tecnis IOL and 9 patients with an AR40e IOL had subsequent implantation in the fellow eye. In all eyes, including fellow eyes, having IOL implantation, the Tecnis provided significantly better contrast sensitivity at 3 and 6 cpd under photopic conditions and at 1.5, 3, and 6 cpd under mesopic conditions. The mean contrast sensitivity in fellow eyes showed that the Tecnis IOL produced significantly better results at some spatial frequencies. Conclusions: Results show the Tecnis IOL with a modified prolate anterior surface may produce better contrast sensitivity than a standard spherical IOL under mesopic and photopic conditions. Because contrast sensitivity testing correlates well with functional vision, a goal of future research should be to evaluate patient performance using functional tests such as driving simulation. J Cataract Refract Surg 2004; 30:986–992  2004 ASCRS and ESCRS
The transformation of nitrogen oxides in the polluted troposphere

The transformation of nitrogen oxide was investigated using an explicit chemical reaction mechanism developed for use in tropospheric photochemical models. Through box-model simulations, the mechanism was first used to study the formation of organic nitrate species in an urban setting for a range of hydrocarbon to NO x ratios. Next, several changes to the basic mechanism were incorporated to study their effect on organic nitrate formation. The results show organic nitrates are present and their amounts depend on the ratio of hydrocarbons to NO x . At high HC/NO x ratios, as much as 24% of the nitrogen emitted into an urban area may be transformed to organic nitrates. Experimental evidence on the yields and rates of some reactions is scarce. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1988.tb00111.x