cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resonant neutron scattering from YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract We have developed a new scattering geometry for magnetic neutron scattering experiments on YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 in which the phonon background around q ~ ( π a , π a ), ω ~ 40 meV is significantly reduced. We use this new approach to study the previously detected sharp magnetic excitation at ~ 40meV in the superconducting state in detail. The excitation does not shift substantially in energy up to at least 75K. (~0.8 T c ). Polarized neutron scattering experiments (horizontal minus vertical field) confirm the magnetic origin of the 40meV excitation and put stringent limits on the magnetic scattering intensity in the normal state.
Expression of the dopaminergic phenotype in the olfactory bulb: Neither calcitonin gene-related peptide nor olfactory input is necessary

In the olfactory bulb, expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in juxtaglomerular neurons is dependent on innervation by the olfactory nerve. The presence of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) within the olfactory nerve has led to the hypothesis that CGRP is responsible for regulation of TH expression in the bulbar neurons. On the other hand, other investigators claim that olfactory receptors never produce CGRP and that functional contact with olfactory axons regulates production of TH by bulbar neurons. Two different experimental procedures were used to test whether either CGRP or contact with the olfactory nerve is essential for production of TH by bulbar neurons in vivo. The peptidergic innervation of the olfactory bulb was eliminated either by neonatal capsaicin treatment, or by stereotaxic, electrolytic lesions of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Both of the treatments leave the olfactory innervation of the bulb intact while eliminating the CGRP-immunoreactive fibers in the olfactory nerve and glomeruli. Subsequent immunocytochemistry reveals a normal complement of bulbar TH-immunoreactive juxtaglomerular neurons in the absence of peptidergic innervation. In order to test whether olfactory nerve input is necessary for expression of TH in vivo, the anlage of the olfactory bulb was removed from embryonic (E16) rat pups and transplanted into the anterior chamber. These ectopic olfactory bulbs, although devoid of olfactory nerve input, contain numerous TH-immunoreactive neurons. Thus olfactory nerve input is not necessary for expression of TH in bulbar neurons.
Antiproliferative effect of β-elemene in chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma cells is mediated through arrest of the cell cycle at the G2-M phase

Elemene is a natural antitumor plant drug. However, the effect of elemene on cell growth in ovarian cancer is unknown. In this study, we show that β-elemene inhibited the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells and their parental cells, but had only a marginal effect in human ovary cells, indicating differential inhibitory effects on cell growth between ovarian cancer cells and normal ovary cells. We also demonstrated for the first time that β-elemene markedly enhanced cisplatin-induced growth inhibition in resistant cells compared to sensitive cells. In addition, cell cycle analysis revealed a synergistic effect of β-elemene and cisplatin on the induction of cell cycle G2-M arrest in our resistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Furthermore, we showed that treatment of these cells with both drugs downregulated cyclin B1 and Cdc2 expression, but elevated the levels of p53, p21waf1/cip1, p27kip1 and Gadd45. Finally, the combination of β-elemene and cisplatin was found to increase the phosphorylation of Cdc2 and Cdc25C, which leads to a reduction in Cdc2-cyclin B1 activity. These novel findings suggest that β-elemene sensitizes chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma cells to cisplatin-induced growth suppression partly through modulating the cell cycle G2 checkpoint and inducing cell cycle G2-M arrest, which lead to blockade of cell cycle progression.
Vigor and salt tolerance in 3 lines of tall wheatgrass

The F1 progeny of the cross of two salt-tolerant lines of Thinopyrum elongatum [Host] D. R. Dewey grew better than either parent under non-saline and saline growth conditions. Under non-saline conditions, the hybrid produced 1.8 times as much vegetative tissue as one parent and 3.2 times more than the other parent in the same length of time. The relative growth rates of the 2 parental lines decreased equally as media osmotic potentials decreased. The relative growth rate of the hybrid did not decrease as rapidly as that of the parents; therefore, it was concluded that the greater growth of the hybrid was due to increased salt tolerance. Carbohydrate reserves and water-soluble solutes believed to be involved in osmotic adjustment were assayed to determine if there were any differences between the hybrid and its parents in their abilities to accumulate these compounds. The concentrations of these constituents were measured at dawn and at dusk of the same day in plants grown in media at osmotic potentials ranging from –0.1 to –1.2 MPa. There were no differences in pool sizes of the organic compounds in the 3 lines. Starch increased 10–40 fold in leaves from dawn to dusk and sucrose increased 100-fold. However, this pattern was unaffected by salinity. Conversely, betaine concentrations increased with increasing salinity but were the same at dawn and dusk. Na+ and K+ were affected by both light and salinity. Cl was one-half (Na++ K+) on a molar basis under all conditions. Proline accumulated when (Na++ K+) exceeded 200 μmol (g fresh weight)−1. Since this amount of (Na++ K+) existed only in tissues harvested at dusk from severely saline-stressed plants, only leaves from such plants harvested at dusk contained proline.
Possible lunar ring dikes

A search for lunar features that showed characteristics of terrestrial ring dikes was conducted, using the Lunar Orbiter series of photographs. Features exhibiting one or more of the following four criteria were included as lunar analogs to terrestrial ring dikes: (1) inner ridges approximately concentric with the crater wall, (2) inner rills approximately concentric with the crater wall, (3) outer ridges and/or rills approximately concentric with the crater wall, and (4) interior and exterior slopes of the crater wall approximately equal. Features exhibiting each of the four criteria were found, and some had combinations of two or more including rills merging into ridges - e.g., in Taruntius and Posidonius. Gambart is an example of equal inner and outer slopes, while Hesiodus A and Marth are two of the best examples of complete inner rings concentric with the outer rings. Ten per cent of the candidates were probable impact craters but had subsequent volcanic activity of a ring dike nature. The initial search showed a distribution of the possible lunar ring dikes that was nonrandom and strongly associated with the margins of the maria, further implying that they are volcanic features.
Application of A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines: Parenteral Nutrition Use at a University Hospital and Development of a Practice Guideline Algorithm

Few studies have attempted to implement the 1993 A.S.P.E.N. Guidelines into clinical practice. We retrospectively studied parenteral nutrition (PN) use over a 3-month period in 148 patients. Forty-three percent of PN starts lasted ≤5 days. This short-term use of PN was more likely to occur when peripheral access for PN was used. Overall, short-term use of PN was found over a wide variety of diagnoses for a large number of reasons given in the medical record. Next, an algorithm was developed for the decision to initiate PN based on the 1993 A.S.P.E.N. Guidelines and was used to evaluate the use of PN. Several potential means for reducing overuse of PN were identified: using established criteria for malnutrition, restricting PN to known conditions in which the gastrointestinal (GI) tract cannot be used, and recognizing the transitory nature of many GI disorders.
Antarctic feature named for John F. Noxon

John F. Noxon's landmark contributions to stratospheric chemistry were recently recognized through the naming of a geographical feature in Antarctica: the Noxon Cliff. Noxon,a quintessential scientific explorer, was an international leader in the study of atmospheric chemistry and aeronomy and a member of AGU. He began his career in the 1960s as a pioneer in measurements of the airglow and aurora, research which took him to icy Greenland. In the mid-1970s, he was among the pioneers of the technique of visible spectroscopy for measuring stratospheric trace gases, particularly nitrogen dioxide.
An optical method of generating slope and curvature contours of bent plates

Abstract In order to determine the state of stress of a thin plate under transverse elastic bending, it is necessary to have the curvature value at each and every point of the bent plate. Most experimental methods yield deflection as the primary data which have to be differentiated twice for the stress calculations. Since numerical differentiation is an inherently inaccurate process, it should be avoided if at all possible. In this paper a method is devised whereby either the first derivative (slope) or the second derivative (curvature) of the plate deflection is obtained directly in the form of slope or curvature contour fringes, thus reducing or eliminating the necessity of numerical differentiation. Examples to both static and dynamic problems are presented.
Marine pollution problems, North American West Coast

Abstract Results of investigations of pollution-related problems in coastal waters near the four major population centers (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle-Tacoma) of the U.S. West Coast revealed a variety of toxic chemicals in bottom sediments and in selected marine species. Associated with some of the most contaminated of these locations were a number of pathological conditions in bottomfish species. Although the various urban locations have not been investigated to the same degree, different patterns in types of pollution-related problems found in these areas were observed. Certain chemicals (e.g. aromatic hydrocarbons, PCBs, DDTs, and copper) were found in high concentrations in samples from specific locations, whereas samples from other locations had substantially lower concentrations. For example, concentrations of DDTs and related compounds were very high in sediments and biota from near Los Angeles; however, concentrations of these chemicals were either markedly lower or below the limits of detection in similar types of samples from the other sites. Conversely, some chemicals, especially certain metals (e.g. cadmium and lead) were found in similar concentrations in samples from some urban and nonurban sites. A variety of pollution-associated pathological conditions (e.g. liver lesions or fin erosion) were identified in bottomfish species from San Diego Bay, the Los Angeles area, and from Commencement and Elliott Bays in Puget Sound. Liver lesions, including neoplasms, have been detected in one or more fish species from the Los Angeles area, San Francisco Bay, and several sites in Puget Sound. The extensive studies at 46 sampling sites in Puget Sound have yielded correlative evidence of a relationship between certain liver diseases in English sole ( Parophrys vetulus ) and concentrations of AHs in sediment and metabolites or aromatic compounds in fish bile. High body burdens of toxic chemicals and the presence of pathological conditions have been successfully used as indicators of adverse pollution effects on fish. However, histopathological conditions in fish tend to reflect the effects of chronic, long-term exposures to polluted environments, and provide little indication of acute effects which may be occurring. Therefore, more extensive use of bioassays to evaluate the short-term lethal and sublethal effects of polluted environments is needed. It is generally accepted that the current state-of-the-art in analytical chemistry provides a relatively narrow ‘view’ of the myriad chemicals in the marine environment. Improved and more cost-effective analytical procedures for identifying and quantitating additional toxic contaminants are also needed.
The impact of echography on evaluation and management of posterior segment disorders

Abstract Purpose To investigate the impact on patient management of posterior segment echographic evaluation at an academic institution. Design Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Methods Records were reviewed of all patients evaluated for the first time with ocular echography for posterior segment evaluation at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between September 2000 and August 2001. Patients with prior posterior segment echography, intraocular tumors, or suspected optic nerve or orbital disease were excluded. An "impactful" echographic evaluation was defined as an evaluation that confirmed the diagnosis and management plan. A "pivotal" evaluation was defined as an evaluation that either (1) made or subclassified the diagnosis or (2) established or changed the management plan or both. Main outcome measures include proportions of impactful and pivotal echographic evaluations and factors associated with pivotal evaluations. Results The study included 154 eyes of 143 patients. The requesting physician was a retina fellowship-trained faculty member in 55 cases (36%), a nonretina faculty member in 22 (14%), a fellow in 9 (6%), and a resident in 68 (44%). Reasons for obtaining echography included evaluation for retinal tear or detachment in 83 eyes (54%), evaluation for posterior segment disease (for example, before cataract extraction) in 40 (26%), evaluation for endophthalmitis in 10 (7%), evaluation for intraocular foreign body in 8 (5%), characterization of choroidal detachment in 4 (2%), and other in 9 (6%). Echography confirmed the suspected diagnosis and pre-echography management plan in 128 eyes (83%). Echography made or subclassified the diagnosis in 20 eyes (13%) and established or changed the management plan in 12 eyes (8%). Accounting for definitional overlaps, echography was pivotal in 22 eyes (14%). Significant predictors of a pivotal evaluation or an evaluation that affected the management plan include a retina faculty member as the requesting physician ( P = .003), lack of a management plan before echography ( P P = .032). The final clinical or pathologic diagnosis confirmed the echographic diagnosis in 148 eyes (96%). Conclusions Posterior segment echography may be a very useful diagnostic tool. Its value may be optimized in certain subsets of patients. Considerations such as these may contribute to more cost-effective allocation of resources.
Sequential Estimation of the Maximum in a Model for Corrosion Data

One method of monitoring corrosion in an underground storage tank involves placing a sensor in the tank and running it around the tank's interior. As it runs, the sensor records the local thickness of the tank. In this paper we consider the problem of estimating the maximum pit depth by providing a confidence interval that achieves both a specified confidence level and a specified degree of precision. A particular model, the three-parameter beta, is considered, and a stopping rule for determining the sample size is proposed. It is shown that the stopping rule achieves the desired confidence level and precision, asymptotically as the precision requirement becomes increasingly stringent. Moreover, the stopping rule is asymptotically efficient in terms of sample size. The limiting distribution of the stopping rule is derived, and simulation results are presented to supplement the asymptotics with finite sample size behavior.
Cortical maturation and behavioral outcomes in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

AbstractObjective. Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) affects approximately 10% of patients with sensorineural hearing loss. While many studies report abnormalities at the level of the cochlea, auditory nerve, and brainstem in children with ANSD, much less is known about their cortical development. We examined central auditory maturation in 21 children with ANSD. Design. Morphology, latency and amplitude of the P1 cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) were used to assess auditory cortical maturation. Children's scores on a measure of auditory skill development (IT-MAIS) were correlated with CAEPs. Study Sample. Participants were 21 children with ANSD. All were hearing aid users. Result. Children with ANSD exhibited differences in central auditory maturation. Overall, two-thirds of children revealed present P1 CAEP responses. Of these, just over one third (38%) showed normal P1 response morphology, latency and amplitude, while another third (33%) showed delayed P1 response latencies and signi...
Growth hormone secretory capacity of individual somatotropes in rats with chronic renal insufficiency.

ABSTRACT: Growth failure is a common consequence of chronk renal insufficiency (CRI) in children and may be due to a number of factors. With regard to growth hormone (GH), regulation is often abnormal in CRI patients. The present study investigated the effect of CRI on the GH secretory responsiveness to GH-releasing hormone in individual rat pituitary somatotropes. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a a 5/6 nephrectomy to produce CRI. Control rats (SHAM) received sham operations, which included kidney decapsulation but not removal. Two wk later, during a period of stable uremia, serum creatinine [CRI: 1.1 ± 0.08 mg/dL (97 ± 7 μtmol/L); SHAM: 0.4 ± 0.04 mg/dL (35 ± 4 μmol/L)] and serum urea nitrogen [CRI: 60.7 ± 83 mg/dL (21.7 ± 3.0 mmol/L); SHAM: 15.8 ± 1.2 mg/ dL (5.6 ± 0.4 mmol/L)l were significantly elevated in the CRI rats (p < 0.0005). Weight gain (p < 0.0005), length gam (p < 0.0005), food intake (p < 0.0005), and food efficiency (p < 0.005) were all significantly lower in the CRI rats. The GH secretory capacity of individual somatotropes was determined using the reverse hemolytic plaque assay technique. Plaque areas were measured to assess relative amounts of GH secreted. The total number of pituitary cells per rat, the percentage of somatotropes, and the mean plaque areas were similar for the two groups. These findings compare favorably with our in vitro study of GH responsiveness in perifnsed rat pituitary cells under conditions of mild nremia. We conclude that the secretory responsiveness of individual somatotropes is not signifi-rantiy changed under conditions of moderate CRI, and that potential abnormalities in GH secretion are doe to factors other than an alteration in the capability of somatotropes to respond to GH-rdeaamg hormone.
Feedback-directed unit test generation for C/C++ using concolic execution

In industry, software testing and coverage-based metrics are the predominant techniques to check correctness of software. This paper addresses automatic unit test generation for programs written in C/C++. The main idea is to improve the coverage obtained by feedback-directed random test generation methods, by utilizing concolic execution on the generated test drivers. Furthermore, for programs with numeric computations, we employ non-linear solvers in a lazy manner to generate new test inputs. These techniques significantly improve the coverage provided by a feedback-directed random unit testing framework, while retaining the benefits of full automation. We have implemented these techniques in a prototype platform, and describe promising experimental results on a number of C/C++ open source benchmarks.
Schooling as experimentation: a reappraisal of the postsecondary dropout phenomenon☆

Abstract Dropout from postsecondary schooling is widely considered a social problem. In fact, reducing dropout would not necessarily make society better off. This conclusion derives from analysis of the process of postsecondary enrollment and completion. The key observation is that students contemplating enrollment do not know whether completion will be feasible or desirable. Hence, enrollment is a decision to initiate an experiment, one of whose possible outcomes is dropout. Experiments should be evaluated by their ex ante expected return, not by their ex post success rate. It follows that, told only the completion rate of enrolled students, one cannot judge whether the right enrollment decisions have been made.
Small Scale Structures in the Solar Corona

The observational characteristics of the small scale magnetic structures are summarized. The temperature structure and temporal variability of the emission from coronal bright points, that pervade the source region of the solar wind in coronal holes and the quiet sun, and from active regions are shown to be remarkably similar. Particular emphasis is given to observations, potentially feasible with SOHO, that could resolve some of the outstanding issues regarding the role of the small scale magnetic structures in the energy balance and properties of the solar wind.
In vitro release of lidocaine from pluronic F-127 gels

Abstract The release of lidocaine from aqueous, crystal clear and colorless gels of Pluronic F-127 (a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene surface-active block polymer) has been studied in an in vitro release model which did not utilize a membrane. Pluronic F-127 forms micelles in aqueous systems and the gels are believed to be viscous isotropic liquid crystals. Due to their reverse thermal gelation behavior, good solubilization capacity, optical properties and low toxicity, they appear to have potential application as topical drug delivery systems. It has been found that the rate of lidocaine release was inversely proportional to its concentration, the concentration of Pluronic F-127 and electrolyte concentration (sodium chloride). Release of lidocaine was maximal at pH values close to its pK a ; however, release of the more water-soluble benzocaine (included for comparison purposes) was relatively pH-independent over the pH range studied. Since the apparent diffusion coefficient of lidocaine increased with increasing temperature, in spite of increasing macro-viscosity of the gel, it is apparent that drug is released by diffusion through the extramicellar aqueous channels of the gel matrix. Hence, the rate of drug release was determined by the micro-viscosity of the extramicellar fluid, the dimensions of the aqueous channels, and the equilibrium relationship of drug between the micelles and the external aqueous phase.
Proximity-driven social interactions and their impact on the throughput scaling of wireless networks

We present an analytical framework to investigate the interplay between a communication graph and an overlay of social relationships. We focus on geographical distance as the key element that interrelates the concept of routing in a communication network with the dynamics of interpersonal relations on the corresponding social graph. We identify classes of social relationships that let the ensuing system scale — i.e., accommodate a large number of users given only finite amount of resources. We establish that geographically concentrated communication patterns are indispensable to network scalability. We further examine the impact of such proximity-driven interaction patterns on the throughput scaling of wireless networks, and show that, when social communications are geographically localized, the maximum per-node throughput scales approximately as 1/ log n, which is significantly better than the well-known bound of 1/√n log n for the uniform communication model.
Nogo Receptor 1 Limits Tactile Task Performance Independent of Basal Anatomical Plasticity

The genes that govern how experience refines neural circuitry and alters synaptic structural plasticity are poorly understood. The nogo-66 receptor 1 gene (ngr1) is one candidate that may restrict the rate of learning as well as basal anatomical plasticity in adult cerebral cortex. To investigate if ngr1 limits the rate of learning we tested adult ngr1 null mice on a tactile learning task. Ngr1 mutants display greater overall performance despite a normal rate of improvement on the gap-cross assay, a whisker-dependent learning paradigm. To determine if ngr1 restricts basal anatomical plasticity in the associated sensory cortex, we repeatedly imaged dendritic spines and axonal varicosities of both constitutive and conditional adult ngr1 mutant mice in somatosensory barrel cortex for two weeks through cranial windows with two-photon chronic in vivo imaging. Neither constant nor acute deletion of ngr1 affected turnover or stability of dendritic spines or axonal boutons. The improved performance on the gap-cross task is not attributable to greater motor coordination, as ngr1 mutant mice possess a mild deficit in overall performance and a normal learning rate on the rotarod, a motor task. Mice lacking ngr1 also exhibit normal induction of tone-associated fear conditioning yet accelerated fear extinction and impaired consolidation. Thus, ngr1 alters tactile and motor task performance but does not appear to limit the rate of tactile or motor learning, nor determine the low set point for synaptic turnover in sensory cortex.
An Experimental Investigation of HCCI Combustion Stability Using N-Heptane

In this paper, cyclic variations in the combustion process of a single-cylinder HCCI engine operated with n-heptane were measured over a range of intake air temperatures and pressures, compression ratios, air/fuel ratios, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rates. The operating conditions produced a wide range of combustion timings from overly advanced combustion where knocking occurred to retarded combustion where incomplete combustion was detected. Cycle-to-cycle variations were shown to depend strongly on the crank angle phasing of 50% heat release and fuel flow rate. Combustion instability increased significantly with retarded combustion phasing especially when the fuel flow rate was low. Retarded combustion phasing can be tolerated when the fuel flow rate is high. It was also concluded that the cyclic variations in imep are primarily due to the variations in the total heat released from cycle-to-cycle. The completeness of the combustion process in one cycle affects the in-cylinder conditions and resultant heat release in the next engine cycle.Copyright © 2007 by ASME and National Research Council of Canada
A broad range of Fab stabilities within a host of therapeutic IgGs.

Abstract Although the functional properties of IgGs are well known, little has been published concerning the stability of whole IgG molecules. Stability is, however, a requirement for the development of antibodies for therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The hypervariable antigen-binding region (Fv) is responsible for stability variations between IgGs of identical subclass. To determine the range of stabilities that may be expected for human(ized) antibodies, differential scanning calorimetry was performed on 17 human(ized) antibodies from various in-house programs. The antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) of these antibodies exhibited thermal unfolding transitions with midpoints ( T M s) varying from 57 to 82 °C. Antibodies with very low Fab stabilities were found to aggregate and express poorly. Fab instability was often associated with high levels of uncommonly observed amino acids or CDR loop lengths particularly within the variable heavy chain domain. Overall, the study provides a thermostability range for IgGs and suggests possible stability guidelines for developing antibody diagnostics or therapeutics.
The empirical validity of the New Keynesian Phillips curve using survey forecasts of inflation

Abstract This paper investigates the performance of the New Keynesian Phillips curve when survey forecasts of inflation are used to proxy for inflation expectations. Previous authors such as Brissimis and Magginas (2008) have applied survey measures of inflation expectations to the NKPC, and have concluded that these estimates are superior to those estimated using actual data on future inflation. However this approach employs the use of the labor income share as the proxy for real marginal cost, something which is highly problematic once we consider the countercyclicality of this variable. This paper develops and tests a procyclical marginal cost variable alongside various survey measures of inflation forecasts in the NKPC, while recognizing the problem of weak instruments that occurs when estimating the model using conventional GMM. We find that the NKPC produces a counter-intuitive negative and significant coefficient on procyclical marginal cost when surveys of inflation forecasts are used, which casts serious doubt on the empirical viability of the NKPC model, even when estimated with survey inflation forecasts.
Socioeconomic factors and phthalate metabolite concentrations among United States women of reproductive age

Introduction: Relatively little is known about the socioeconomic correlates of phthalate metabolite urine concentrations among the general population, exposures of increasing public health concern, particularly for women of reproductive age. Methods: We pooled data from the 2001–2008 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine the associations between phthalate metabolite concentrations (including the molar sum of four di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, the molar sum of two dibutyl phthalate (DBP) metabolites, and metabolites of benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP)) with socioeconomic indicators (including ethnicity, education, income, and food security status) among women 20 to 39 years age. We also derived a socioeconomic status summary measure using factor analysis and investigated its associations with metabolite concentrations. Results: In fully adjusted models, the lowest quartile of overall socioeconomic status was associated with 1.83 (95% CI¼ 1.54–2.17) times the concentrations of mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), and 0.72 (95% CI¼ 0.54–0.98) times the concentrations of (molar sum) DEHP metabolites compared with the highest quartile of overall socioeconomic status. This latter association was driven primarily by educational attainment. All Non-White ethnicities combined had 1.24 (95% CI¼ 1.09–1.40) times the concentrations of (molar sum) DBP metabolites, 1.32 (95% CI¼ 1.12–1.56) times the mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) concentrations, and 0.82 (95% CI¼0.71–0.96) the concentrations of MBzP of NonHispanic Whites. Conclusions: Biomarkers of phthalate exposure vary with socioeconomic factors in women of reproductive age in the United States. Given the public health concern surrounding phthalate exposure, more research is needed to elucidate the reasons for these differences.
Are Tobacco Control Policies Effective in Reducing Young Adult Smoking

Purpose: We examined the influence of tobacco control program funding, smoke-free air laws, and cigarette prices on young adult smoking outcomes. Methods: We use a natural experimental design approach that uses the variation in tobacco control policies across states and over time to understand their influence on tobacco outcomes. We combine individual outcome data with annual state-level policy data to conduct multivariable logistic regression models, controlling for an extensive set of sociodemographic factors. The participants are 18- to 25-year-olds from the 2002e2009 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. The three main outcomes are past-year smoking initiation, and current and established smoking. A current smoker was one who had smoked on at least 1 day in the past 30 days. An established smoker was one who had smoked 1 or more cigarettes in the past 30 days and smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his or her lifetime. Results: Higher levels of tobacco control program funding and greater smoke-free-air law coverage were both associated with declines in current and established smoking (p < .01). Greater coverage of smoke-free air laws was associated with lower past year initiation with marginal significance (p ¼ .058). Higher cigarette prices were not associated with smoking outcomes. Had smoke-freeair law coverage and cumulative tobacco control funding remained at 2002 levels, current and established smoking would have been 5%e7% higher in 2009. Conclusions: Smoke-free air laws and state tobacco control programs are effective strategies for curbing young adult smoking.
Exploring the effects of creative CEO leadership on innovation in high-technology firms

Abstract This study introduces two dimensions of strategic leadership, termed operational and creative specifically developed for top executives of high-technology firms. Creative leadership reflects a CEO's emphasis on developing social and human capital and investing in the firm's internal knowledge development. We contrast this with operational leadership which reflects a CEO's ability to explore new paths of growth as well as exploit existing ones by redefining and extending the boundaries of the firm to new product and market domains. Hypotheses relating these two dimensions of leadership with innovation quantity, innovation resonance and novelty are tested using a sample of 77 high-technology firms.
Quartz dissolution in organic-rich aqueous systems

Abstract Organic electrolytes are a common component of natural waters and are known to be important in many rock-water interactions. The influence of organic electrolytes on silica mobility, quartz solubility, and quartz dissolution kinetics, however, is less well understood. While there is mounting evidence supporting the presence of an aqueous organic-silica complex in natural waters, the significance of this species is difficult to characterize because of competing interactions in mixed inorganic-organic electrolyte environments. In the experiments reported here, the kinetics of quartz dissolution in dilute aqueous organic-acid solutions between 25 and 70°C were investigated to determine the influence of both organic and inorganic electrolytes. Batch-reactor dissolution experiments in inorganic and organic electrolyte solutions were designed to investigate the hypothesis that organic acids at circum-neutral pH accelerate the dissolution and increase the solubility of quartz in water. Results suggest that multi-functional organic acids such as citrate and oxalate accelerate quartz dissolution by decreasing the activation energy by approximately 20%. The increase in dissolution rate was accompanied by a 100% increase in apparent quartz solubility at 25°C. Experiments using inorganic electrolytes, in contrast, increase the rate of quartz dissolution without decreasing the activation energy, and without increasing solubility. From these data, a model for both a solution complex between dissolved organic acid and monomeric silicic acid, and an activated complex on quartz surfaces is proposed. The model suggests that dissolved organic compounds in natural waters at near-neutral pH and low temperatures are capable of accelerating the dissolution of quartz and increasing its solubility.
Exploring the use of iPads to Investigate Forces and Motion in an Elementary Science Methods Course

Many science educators emphasize the need for meaningful science learning experiences and promote the idea of social constructivism in their methods classes, usually with inquiry-based activities that include physical manipulatives. However, the proliferation of technology in the nation’s schools suggests the need to incorporate this trend into inquiry-based elementary classrooms. This paper describes a shared common course assignment on forces and motion in an elementary science methods course, in which the iPad was introduced to preservice teachers as a tool for developing understanding of key concepts and processes. The study focused on the aspects of iPad use that 98 elementary preservice teachers perceived as beneficial in the forces and motion unit. Participants discussed the utility of the iPad for recording and replaying test data, its potential for visualizing science phenomena, and its value for communicating science understanding. Additionally, participants described how the iPad influenced instructional efficiency, engagement, and social learning. The implications of these findings are described given the scientific and engineering practices outlined in the new Framework for K-12 Science Education (National Research Council, 2012).
First Report of Cladocolea cupulata on Pinus douglasiana and P. herrerai in Northern Mexico.

The mistletoe Cladocolea cupulata Kuijt (Loranthaceae) has previously been reported parasitizing pines (Pinus spp., Pinaceae) in central Mexico (3). As of today, reported pine hosts have been Pinus jaliscana Perez de la Rosa and P. lumholtzii B.L. Rob. & Fernald from the state of Jalisco (1,2). During July 2005, we found this mistletoe parasitizing P. douglasiana Martinez and P. herrerai Martinez along Route 40 in Durango approximately 8 km east of El Palmito (23°35′54″N, 105°50′45″W, elevation 2,000 m). We also found the mistletoe on P. douglasiana along Route 40 at approximately 18 km west of El Palmito (23°27′51″N, 105°49′58″W, elevation 1,780 m) in the state of Sinaloa. Additional populations of this mistletoe were observed along the roadside of Route 40 in the Sinaloa-Durango border region. Infected trees had one to five mistletoe plants on them. Comparing infected hosts with neighboring noninfected hosts, the mistletoe appeared to have no effect on the growth of the infected trees. No mortality asso...
Professional Skill and Support for Democratic Principles The Case of Local Government Department Heads in Northern Illinois

This study examines the impact of professional skill on citizen participation and respect for political leadership among local government department heads in Northern Illinois. Data were collected ...
A Chaplain-led Spiritual Life Review Pilot Study for Patients with Brain Cancers and Other Degenerative Neurologic Diseases

Objective This pilot study was designed to describe changes in spiritual well-being (SWB), spiritual coping, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with brain cancer or other neurodegenerative diseases participating in a chaplain-led spiritual life review interview and development of a spiritual legacy document (SLD). Methods Eligible participants were enrolled and completed baseline questionnaires. They were interviewed by a board-certified chaplain about spiritual influences, beliefs, practices, values, and spiritual struggles. An SLD was prepared for each participant, and one month follow-up questionnaires were completed. Two cases are summarized, and spiritual development themes are illustrated within a spiritual development framework. Results A total of 27 patients completed baseline questionnaires and the interview; 24 completed the SLD, and 15 completed the follow-up questionnaire. Increases in SWB, religious coping, and QOL were detected. The majority maintained the highest (best) scores of negative religious coping, demonstrating minimal spiritual struggle. Conclusions Despite the challenges of brain cancers and other neurodegenerative diseases, participants demonstrated improvements in SWB, positive religious coping, and QOL. Patient comments indicate that benefit is related to the opportunity to reflect on and integrate spiritual experiences and to preserve them for others. Research with a larger, more diverse sample is needed, as well as clinical applications for those too vulnerable to participate in longitudinal follow-up.
ALCOHOL-RELATED ADMISSIONS TO AN INNER CITY HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

We investigated the impact of alcohol-related medical emergencies on health care utilization in an inner city hospital medical intensive care unit (ICU). Data from 200 consecutive admissions to the medical ICU were collected prospectively. The major reason for each patient's admission to the ICU was recorded and the causal relationship between alcohol abuse and the admission diagnosis was determined. Clinical and demographic data as well as the insurance status and cost of goods and services delivered were determined for all patients. Twenty-one per cent of all the ICU admissions were directly alcohol-related, with a mean hospital charge of $52,527. The alcohol-withdrawal syndrome was the commonest alcohol-related admission, with a mean ICU stay of 5 days and a mean hospital charge of $21,336. Of the patients with non-alcohol related admission diagnoses, 61% had health insurance, compared to 42% for the patients with alcohol-related admission diagnoses (P < 0.05). Patients with alcohol-related admissions tended to be younger and male. In conclusion, we demonstrated that alcohol-related admissions are common in inner city hospital ICUs and consume considerable hospital resources. The treatment of these patients is costly, with hospitalization being essentially non-curative. In this era of health care reform, more effective primary and secondary preventative measures are required to control this pervasive health care problem.
Severe Hypocalcemia due to Denosumab in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody used for prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. Hypocalcemia is a rare and dangerous side effect of the drug Denosumab. We present a case of a patient with metastatic prostate cancer who developed severe hypocalcemia after the administration of the drug. The patient’s vitamin D levels were low when checked after administration of the drug, which likely predisposed him to the development of hypocalcemia. He was placed on high doses of oral and intravenous (IV) calcium and vitamin D without any appreciable response in the serum calcium level. His ionized calcium remained below 0.71 mmol/L despite very high doses of oral and IV calcium supplements. During the hospital course, he developed hydronephrosis from the spread of a tumor and did not want to undergo percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement; therefore, it was decided to dialyse him for acute renal failure and to correct his hypocalcemia. Checking calcium and vitamin D levels prior to the administration of Denosumab is vital in preventing hypocalcemia. If hypocalcemia is severe and not responsive to high doses of vitamin D, oral and IV calcium, then hemodialysis with a high calcium bath can correct this electrolyte abnormality.
MEASURE AND DIMENSION FOR SOME FRACTAL FAMILIES

We study self-similar sets with overlaps, on the line and in the plane. It is shown that there exist self-similar sets that have non-integral Hausdorff dimension equal to the similarity dimension, but with zero Hausdorff measure. In many cases the Hausdorff dimension is computed for a typical parameter value. We also explore conditions for the validity of Falconer's formula for the Hausdorff dimension of self- affine sets, and study the dimension of some fractal graphs.
Novel Method for High Speed SiC Vapor Growth

Silicon carbide is a promising semiconductor material for electrical and optoelectronic applications in the area of high power, high temperature, high frequency and intense radiation. Many groups have worked on growing SiC bulk crystals by sublimation from SiC powder source at a temperature above 2000 oC under an argon environment. They have also worked on improving the crystal growth rate. Traditional approach is to increase furnace temperature to enhance the growth rate. However, high cost of inert crucible at high temperature and impurity caused by crucible degradation set limit on the maximum growth rate which can be achieved. Current existing crucible and other components in the furnace are no longer passive at high temperature. Also understanding of vapor transport during powder sublimation and the interplay between vapor transport and powder sublimation is important for the optimization of the sublimation growth process. A comprehensive numerical model combining heat transfer, sublimation, species transport, and powder porosity evolution of SiC sublimation growth process is developed in this paper. The mechanism of vapor transport is described, in which a driving force is introduced to explain vapor transport. A new method to increase crystal growth rate is proposed based on the model. The new method includes changing the initial powder porosity and creating a hole in the packed powder. Simulation results for the case with a central hole and without hole are presented. The results show that the powder sublimation rate increases by creating a hole, and it is also validated by experiments. The results also reveal that the mass of the as-grown crystal increases if the powder sublimation rate increases. Finally, the powder geometry is optimized using numerical simulations.
Caring for patients with cancer histories in community-based primary care settings: a survey of primary care physicians in the southeastern US

As the numbers of cancer survivors grow, community-based primary care physicians are playing a larger role in their care. The goal of this pilot study was to begin to identify the problems and challenges faced by primary care physicians who treat patients with cancer histories. A mail survey was undertaken of 141 community-based primary care physicians in the Southeastern US that addressed physician characteristics, numbers and types of cancer patients treated, problems faced by these patients and challenges physicians face when caring for these patients. These physicians reported that on average 10% of their primary care patients had a history of cancer. The most frequent types of cancers seen by these physicians were skin, breast and prostate cancer, but there was a broad range of other cancers seen in their practices. They reported that patients and family members’ fears and emotional problems were frequently encountered problems. Side-effects of cancer and its treatments and limited access to supportive care services were also reported as frequent problems for the cancer patients they treated. The most challenging aspect of caring for patients with cancer histories they reported was promoting cancer-related risk reduction behaviours. Primary care physicians play a large and important role in the care of cancer survivors. They encounter a number of problems when providing this care, including patient fears and access to supportive care. These findings may be used to guide educational and policy initiatives aimed at improving the care of cancer survivors.
Gender Differences in Reasoning About Military Intervention

The question of gender associations with moral reasoning and values has received a great deal of attention since Gilligan first published In a Different Voice in 1982. Various authors have argued that women are less hierarchical, more relational, more caring, more empathetic, and more concerned about not harming others than men. Yet, these claims have been questioned by other scholars. Data from a small survey of college students are used to address this question. We found that, in examining students' narrative justifications of their opinion on a particular question of military intervention, gender was related to the type of justification used in a manner consistent with the arguments of Gilligan. We argue that “objective” tests are less likely to detect this difference than content analyses of narratives. The different bases of judgments have implications for political opinions as well as interpersonal interactions.