cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Academic boredom in under- and over-challenging situations

Abstract This project explored students’ perceptions of academic boredom in under- and over-challenging situations with the hypothesis that boredom is a multidimensional and situation-dependent construct. In Study 1, college students were asked to think of an under- and over-challenging situation and for each situation complete the 36-item Academic Boredom Scale (ABS-36). Study 2 was a replication of Study 1 but also included Pekrun, Goetz, and Perry’s (2005) Academic Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ). CFA results from both studies suggested one general boredom factor in situations students recalled as being under-challenging but two boredom factors in situations students remembered as being over-challenging. Task-focused boredom was characterized by the tediousness and meaninglessness of a task, whereas self-focused boredom was characterized by feeling dissatisfied and frustrated. A 10-item Academic Boredom Scale (ABS-10) was derived and strong reliability and validity coefficients were obtained. This research helps to provide a clearer picture of different meanings students might have in mind when they say they are bored.
Review of epidemiologic data on the debate over smokeless tobacco's role in harm reduction

Some tobacco researchers have argued that the European Union should remove its ban on a form of low-nitrosamine smokeless tobacco referred to as Swedish 'snus'. This argument has developed in to an international debate over the use of smokeless tobacco as a measure of harm reduction for smokers. Leading authorities in the USA have firmly stated that there is no safe tobacco - a message which does not allow for any discussion of comparative tobacco risks. This commentary is intended to review the origin of the controversy over Swedish 'snus', to examine briefly the meta-analysis on cancer risks by Peter Lee and Jan Hamling (published in July in BMC Medicine) and to discuss the anticipated direction of the debate on tobacco-harm reduction in the USA. We anticipate that much of the debate will shift from the discussion of epidemiologic data to the discussion of the marketing, health communication and economics of smokeless tobacco. While the Food and Drug Administration's newly approved authority over tobacco will undoubtedly affect the smokeless products, it may not be the sole determinant of harm reduction's fate in the USA.
Survey on workforce retention and attrition

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is conducting a survey to gather information on why technical professionals change jobs or quit working. The survey, prompted by concern about the retention of skilled workers, aims to provide information to employers that can assist them in addressing practices that can lead to significant workforce attrition. To participate in the survey, which is open to everyone (including those who are not SPE members), go to http://research.spe.org/se.ashx?s=705E3F1335720258 through 15 May 2013. For more information, contact speresearch@spe.org.
Dental chipping: Contrasting patterns of microtrauma in inuit and European populations

While the study of dental wear has enjoyed wide popularity for over 100 years, dental chipping, or microfractures of the tooth crown, has received little attention. Observations on dental chipping in populations from the Arctic (St. Lawrence Island, Alaska) and Europe (medieval Norway and Spain) reveal patterns of microtrauma that provide insights into the dietary and tooth-tool use behaviour of earlier populations. St. Lawrence Island Inuit, with an emphasis on consuming tough and frozen foods, in combination with extensive tooth-tool use, exhibit a pattern of chipping that is characterised as ‘molar dominant’. The two European samples exhibit an ‘incisor-dominant’ pattern but contrast markedly in frequencies, with medieval Norwegians showing significantly more chipping than medieval and post-medieval Spanish. The systematic study of chipping promises to provide a new perspective on how populations used and/or abused their dentitions in earlier times. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rational Points on Algebraic Curves That Change Genus

Abstract LetKbe an algebraic function field in one variable over an algebraically closed field of positive characteristicp. We give an explicit upper bound for the number of rational points of genus-changing curves overKdefined byyp=r(x) and show that every genus-changing curve of absolute genus 0 has finitely manyK-rational points. We thus prove that every algebraic curve overKthat admits genus change under base-field extensions has finitely manyK-rational points.
Large scale, highly dense nanoholes on metal surfaces by underwater laser assisted hydrogen etching near nanocrystalline boundary

A new method to generate large scale and highly dense nanoholes is presented in this paper. By the pulsed laser irradiation under water, the hydrogen etching is introduced to form high density nanoholes on the surfaces of AISI 4140 steel and Ti. In order to achieve higher nanohole density, laser shock peening (LSP) followed by recrystallization is used for grain refinement. It is found that the nanohole density does not increase until recrystallization of the substructures after laser shock peening. The mechanism of nanohole generation is studied in detail. This method can be also applied to generate nanoholes on other materials with hydrogen etching effect.
"Recreational" misuse of nitrous oxide.

Disorders of the nervous system as effects of prolonged misuse of nitrous oxide by a dentist are discussed. Numbness developed in the hands and feet of a 40-year-old dentist after frequent sedative exposure to nitrous oxide. The hazards of such excessive exposure are discussed.
Evidence that the β-Adrenergic System and Prostaglandins Stimulate Renin Release through Different Mechanisms

In normal man, converting enzyme inhibition (CEI) acutely increases plasma active renin and decreases plasma inactive renin. This reciprocal relationship suggests that conversion of inactive to active renin may be important in the acute response to stimulation of renin secretion. To determine whether the beta-adrenergic system or prostaglandins (PGs) participate in the acute effect of CEI on renin, we administered captopril (50 mg) alone and with either propranolol (P; 80 mg) or a PG cyclooxygenase inhibitor [PI; indomethacin (50 mg) or ibuprofen (800 mg)] to normal subjects ingesting a 25 meq/day Na diet. Supine blood pressure fell by 12 +/- 2 (+/- SE) mm Hg with CEI alone, 10 +/- 1 mm Hg with CEI plus P, and 7 +/- 1 mm Hg with CEI plus PI. Active renin rose 8-fold (P less than 0.01), with a peak at 1-2 h, after CEI and 3-fold (P less than 0.02) in response to CEI plus P or CEI plus PI. P did not block the fall in acid-activated inactive renin compared to CEI alone. The nadir of the inactive renin response to both CEI or CEI plus P occurred at 1-2 h. PI, however, prevented the fall in inactive renin. To extend this observation, we compared the effects of infusion of a vasodilator PG (PGA1; 0.6 micrograms/kg X min) and a pure beta-agonist (isoproterenol; 0.3 micrograms/kg X min). PGA1 increased active renin 2.5-fold and decreased inactive renin by 80% (both P less than 0.02), while isoproterenol increased active renin 4.1-fold, but did not significantly change inactive renin. These data suggest that the beta-adrenergic system and PGs at least acutely stimulate renin production at different steps of its biosynthesis or secretion.
Estimation of missing precipitation records integrating surface interpolation techniques and spatio-temporal association rules

Deterministic and stochastic weighting methods are the most frequently used methods for estimating missing rainfall values. These methods may not always provide accurate estimates due to their inability to completely characterize the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall. A new association rule mining (ARM) based spatial interpolation approach is proposed, developed and investigated in the current study to estimate missing precipitation values at a gauging station. As an integrated approach this methodology combines the power of data mining techniques and spatial interpolation approaches. Data mining concepts are used to extract and formulate rules based on spatial and temporal associations among observed precipitation data series. The rules are then used to improve the precipitation estimates obtained from spatial interpolation methods. A stochastic spatial interpolation technique and three deterministic weighting methods are used as interpolation methods in the current study. Historical daily precipitation data obtained from 15 rain gauging stations from a temperate climatic region (Kentucky, USA) are used to test this approach and derive conclusions about its efficacy for estimating missing precipitation data. Results suggest that the use of association rule mining in conjunction with a spatial interpolation technique can improve the precipitation estimates.
Dropping acid to help cystic fibrosis.

Vesicular accumulation of the membrane component ceramide may underlie key aspects of lung pathology in cystic fibrosis (pages 382–391).
Invariant imbedding and a matrix integral equation of neuronal networks.

A matrix Fredholm integral equation of neuronal networks is transformed into a Cauchy system suited for numerical and analytical studies. A special case is discussed, and a connection with the classical renewal integral equation of stochastic point processes is presented.
Stem Cell Enrichment with Selectin Receptors: Mimicking the pH Environment of Trauma

The isolation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) is critical for transplantation therapy and HSPC research, however current isolation techniques can be prohibitively expensive, time-consuming, and produce variable results. Selectin-coated microtubes have shown promise in rapidly isolating HSPCs from human bone marrow, but further purification of HSPCs remains a challenge. Herein, a biomimetic device for HSPC isolation is presented to mimic the acidic vascular microenvironment during trauma, which can enhance the binding frequency between L-selectin and its counter-receptor PSGL-1 and HSPCs. Under acidic pH conditions, L-selectin coated microtubes enhanced CD34+ HSPC adhesion, as evidenced by decreased cell rolling velocity and increased rolling flux. Dynamic light scattering was utilized as a novel sensor to confirm an L-selectin conformational change under acidic conditions, as previously predicted by molecular dynamics. These results suggest that mimicking the acidic conditions of trauma can induce a conformational extension of L-selectin, which can be utilized for flow-based, clinical isolation of HSPCs.
Lactulose Therapy in Shigella Carrier State and Acute Dysentery

Antibiotic-resistant shigella are increasingly prevalent. Lactulose, a non-absorbable disaccharide, was investigated as an alternative therapy for shigella infection on the hypothesis that the short-chain fatty acids (inhibitory to shigella) resulting from metabolism of lactulose by normal colonic flora would diminish shigella excretion. A long-term antibiotic-refractory carrier (large bowel) excreting 10(4) to 10(7)Shigella sonnei/g of feces was given two courses of lactulose (of 24 and 16 days duration). During lactulose therapy, excretion of shigella was greatly diminished (24-day course) or suppressed below detectable levels (16-day course), but returned to pretreatment levels upon discontinuation of lactulose. The volunteers who developed induced shigellosis during an efficacy test of oral Shigella flexneri 2a vaccine were randomly given oral ampicillin, lactulose, or placebo in double-blind fashion. Daily rectal cultures were taken. After 4 days of therapy, cultures were still positive in four out of four men on lactulose, three of three on placebo and none of three on ampicillin. Mean stool pH of men receiving lactulose (6.1) was significantly lower than those getting ampicillin (7.4), P < 0.01, or placebo (7.0), P < 0.05. Only in the lactulose group was mean stool pH during therapy significantly decreased compared with the level off therapy (6.1 versus 7.1), P < 0.02. Lactulose shows promise for the treatment of shigella carriers but appears ineffective in treatment of acute shigellosis.
The representation of the visual field in the lateral geniculate nucleus of Macaca mulatta.

Microelectrode recording techniques were used to investigate the projection of the visual field into the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of Macaca mulatta. The data were used to construct charts plotting visual direction, designated in terms of azimuth and elevation, onto sections of the nucleus cut in coronal, sagittal and horizontal Horsley-Clarke planes. The projection of the horizontal meridian divides the LGN along its plane of symmetry into a medial-superior half having negative elevations and a lateral-inferior half having positive elevations. Elevations become more positive or negative with distance from this plane. Azimuths closest to the vertical meridian are located posteriorly, while the most peripheral azimuths are found at the anterior pole. Two families of surfaces representing visual directions of constant azimuth and elevation are described. Visual field zones of increasing eccentricity are represented serially along the posterior-anterior axis of the LGN, with the foveal area restricted to the posterior pole and the monocular crescent projecting to the anterior pole. The mapping is completely continuous across the horizontal meridian. The edges of the stacked cell laminae exposed around the periphery of the LGN form an oval band which receives the projection of the perimeter of the contralateral hemifield. The vertical meridian is represented by the posterior two-thirds of this band, while the periphery of the hemifield projects to the anterior third. The central visual field out to the optic disc is represented by six cell layers, while the rest of the binocular field projects to four layers only (2 parvocellular and 2 magnocellular). The monocular crescent is represented by one parvocellular and one magnocellular layer. Features associated with the projection column of the optic disc are integrated into the transition from six to four layers. Details of the receptive field topography in the vicinity of the optic disc discontinuities indicate that these gaps are produced by intralaminar mechanisms. The magnification factor (mm3/steradian) increases monotonically from peripheral visual fields to the foveal center, varying over a range of three decades. This range is intermediate between those derived from data reported in the literature for the retina and the striate cortex. The ratio of LGN magnifications at any two angular eccentricities is a power function, with an exponent of 1.34, of the corresponding ratio of retinal ganglion cell densities. Similarly, the ratio of cortical magnifications (mm2/steradian) at any two eccentricites is a power function, with an exponent of 1.35, of the corresponding ratio of LGN magnifications.
Ethane-xenon mixtures under shock conditions

Mixtures of light elements with heavy elements are important in inertial confinement fusion. We explore the physics of molecular scale mixing through a validation study of equation of state (EOS) properties. Density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) at elevated temperature and pressure is used to obtain the thermodynamic state properties of pure xenon, ethane, and various compressed mixture compositions along their principal Hugoniots. To validate these simulations, we have performed shock compression experiments using the Sandia Z-Machine. A bond tracking analysis correlates the sharp rise in the Hugoniot curve with the completion of dissociation in ethane. The DFT-based simulation results compare well with the experimental data along the principal Hugoniots and are used to provide insight into the dissociation and temperature along the Hugoniots as a function of mixture composition. Interestingly, we find that the compression ratio for complete dissociation is similar for several compositions suggesting a limiting compression for C-C bonded systems.
Back to Bases: How a Nucleotide Biosynthetic Enzyme Controls p53 Activation

In this issue, Reddy et al. (2014) reveal a new twist in the molecular mechanism leading to p53 activation upon cellular stress, illuminating an unexpected nuclear role for a nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme in regulation of a potent tumor suppressor.
Electrophysical properties of fused baddeleyite-corundum refractories over the temperature range 1300–2300°C

The temperature dependence of the resistivity of fused baddeleyite-corundum refractory materials over the temperature range 1300–2300°C lies between the resistivities of Al2O3 and ZrO2 and is characterized by inflections which correspond to the phase transition from the solid to the liquid state.
A preliminary evaluation of a prospective study of pulmonary function studies and symptoms of hypoventilation in ALS/MND patients

There is still no consensus as to which physiologic marker should be used as a trigger for the initiation of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Current practice parameters recommend that the decision to begin treatment be based upon forced vital capacity (FVC) measurements. A prospective, randomized study was performed in 20 ALS patients who had an FVC of 70-100%. Patients received baseline assessments including: ALS functional rating scale-respiratory version (ALSFRS-R), pulmonary symptom scale, Short form 36 (SF-36), FVC%, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and nocturnal oximetry. Patients were randomized to receive NPPV based upon nocturnal oximetry studies suggesting oxygen desaturation <90% for one cumulative minute ("early intervention") or a FVC <50% ("standard of care"). At enrollment, there was no significant correlation between FVC% and the ALSFRS-R, symptom score, MEP, MIP, or duration of nocturnal desaturation <90%. An increase in the vitality subscale of the SF-36 was demonstrated in 5/6 patients randomized to "early intervention" with NPPV. Our data indicate that FVC% correlates poorly with respiratory symptoms and suggests that MIP and nocturnal oximetry may be more sensitive measures of early respiratory insufficiency. In addition, intervention with NPPV earlier than our current standard of care may result in improved quality of life.
Investigation of growth fault bend folding using discrete element modeling : Implications for signatures of active folding above blind thrust faults

[1] Using the discrete element modeling method, we examine the two-dimensional nature of fold development above an anticlinal bend in a blind thrust fault. Our models were composed of numerical disks bonded together to form pregrowth strata overlying a fixed fault surface. This pregrowth package was then driven along the fault surface at a fixed velocity using a vertical backstop. Additionally, new particles were generated and deposited onto the pregrowth strata at a fixed rate to produce sequential growth layers. Models with and without mechanical layering were used, and the process of folding was analyzed in comparison with fold geometries predicted by kinematic fault bend folding as well as those observed in natural settings. Our results show that parallel fault bend folding behavior holds to first order in these models; however, a significant decrease in limb dip is noted for younger growth layers in all models. On the basis of comparisons to natural examples, we believe this deviation from kinematic fault bend folding to be a realistic feature of fold development resulting from an axial zone of finite width produced by materials with inherent mechanical strength. These results have important implications for how growth fold structures are used to constrain slip and paleoearthquake ages above blind thrust faults. Most notably, deformation localized about axial surfaces and structural relief across the fold limb seem to be the most robust observations that can readily constrain fault activity and slip. In contrast, fold limb width and shallow growth layer dips appear more variable and dependent on mechanical properties of the strata.
Predicting Teacher Performance With Test Scores and Grade Point Average: A Meta-Analysis:

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the degree to which teachers’ test scores and their performance in preparation programs as measured by their collegiate grade point average (GPA) predicted their teaching competence. Results from 123 studies that yielded 715 effect sizes were analyzed, and the mediating effects of test and GPA type, criterion type, teaching level, service level, and decade of data collection were considered. It was found that test scores were at best modestly related to teaching competence and that performance in preparation programs was a significantly better predictor of teaching skill. Results revealed that test scores likely do not provide additional information beyond preservice performance to safeguard the public from incompetent teaching.
Epicardial left atrial appendage and biatrial appendage accessory pathways

Background Acute success rates of accessory pathway ablation for Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome can exceed 95%, with rare failures attributed to anatomically complex epicardial connections. Right atrial appendage to right ventricle pathways have been reported, but their left-sided counterparts have only recently been described. Objective The purpose of this study was to report three unique cases of WPW syndrome in children with left atrial appendage and biatrial appendage connections. Results Three young patients with high-risk accessory pathways (accessory pathway effective refractory period=190–240 ms) had unsuccessful endocardial ablations despite aggressive efforts with various catheter techniques. One patient had a left atrial appendage to left ventricular connection; the other two had biatrial appendage pathways connected to their respective ventricular surfaces. The latter two patients had a history of ventricular fibrillation: one experiencing ventricular fibrillation in the electrophysiology laboratory and the other suffering from ventricular fibrillation arrest at home. All three patients were taken to the operating room, where the appendages were noted to be diffusely adherent to their ventricles by fibrofatty connections. Dissection of the appendages led to loss of preexcitation and no further tachycardia. Conclusion Surgical management of atrial appendage accessory pathways should be considered if aggressive attempts at endocardial ablation have failed.
Reported speech in journalistic discourse: The relation of function and text

Les types generaux de discours (genres) etablissent un cadre qui determine la nature fonctionnelle des categories utilisees dans ce cadre. L'A. illustre cela en analysant le discours rapporte dans des textes journalistiques. La principale division du discours rapporte das le texte journalistique est: discours direct vs. discours indirect. Leurs differentes interpretations sont analysees. Le troisieme type de discours rencontre dans ce type de texte est le style indirect libre
Band-gap corrected density functional theory calculations for InAs/GaSb type II superlattices

We performed pseudopotential based density functional theory (DFT) calculations for GaSb/InAs type II superlattices (T2SLs), with bandgap errors from the local density approximation mitigated by applying an empirical method to correct the bulk bandgaps. Specifically, this work (1) compared the calculated bandgaps with experimental data and non-self-consistent atomistic methods; (2) calculated the T2SL band structures with varying structural parameters; (3) investigated the interfacial effects associated with the no-common-atom heterostructure; and (4) studied the strain effect due to lattice mismatch between the two components. This work demonstrates the feasibility of applying the DFT method to more exotic heterostructures and defect problems related to this material system.
Gaining Ground: A History of Landmaking in Boston

Why and how Boston was transformed by landmaking. Fully one-sixth of Boston is built on made land. Although other waterfront cities also have substantial areas that are built on fill, Boston probably has more than any city in North America. In Gaining Ground historian Nancy Seasholes has given us the first complete account of when, why, and how this land was created.The story of landmaking in Boston is presented geographically; each chapter traces landmaking in a different part of the city from its first permanent settlement to the present. Seasholes introduces findings from recent archaeological investigations in Boston, and relates landmaking to the major historical developments that shaped it. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, landmaking in Boston was spurred by the rapid growth that resulted from the burgeoning China trade. The influx of Irish immigrants in the mid-nineteenth century prompted several large projects to create residential land -- not for the Irish, but to keep the taxpaying Yankees from fleeing to the suburbs. Many landmaking projects were undertaken to cover tidal flats that had been polluted by raw sewage discharged directly onto them, removing the "pestilential exhalations" thought to cause illness. Land was also added for port developments, public parks, and transportation facilities, including the largest landmaking project of all, the airport. A separate chapter discusses the technology of landmaking in Boston, explaining the basic method used to make land and the changes in its various components over time. The book is copiously illustrated with maps that show the original shoreline in relation to today's streets, details from historical maps that trace the progress of landmaking, and historical drawings and photographs.
Custom step wedge blocking using dynamic multileaf collimation for parametrial pelvic boost irradiation following brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix

Carcinoma of the cervix is typically treated with a combination of intracavitary brachytherapy and external beam radiation. The external beam dose is delivered with whole pelvis fields followed by split fields that protect midline organs at risk (bladder and rectum) while treating the parametria. Three approaches have been developed to shield midline structures: a simple rectangular block, a block customized to a single brachytherapy isodose line, and a step wedge filter constructed to conform to multiple brachytherapy isodose lines. A customized step wedge filter has the potential to produce a more homogeneous dose distribution but has not achieved widespread use due to labor intensive construction. We have developed a simple, novel method to produce a custom midline step wedge using dynamic multileaf collimation (dMLC). A comparison of film measurements in a phantom with the dose calculated by a commercial treatment planning system demonstrated agreement within 3% or 3 mm. The technique requires delivery times comparable to conventional techniques.
Dynamical properties of antiferromagnetic Heisenberg spin chains

The dynamical properties of spin-1 and spin-1/2 antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chains (AHC's) are studied by diagonalizing exactly clusters of up to 18 and 26 sites, respectively. It is shown that the spin-1 AHC has a quasi-single-mode spectrum for momentum k\ensuremath{\ge}0.3\ensuremath{\pi}, while the low-energy edge of the spin-1/2 AHC is dominated by a spin-wave continuum. The dispersion curve obtained for the spin-1 chain is in excellent agreement with recent experiments on Ni(${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{8}$${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{NO}}_{2}$${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$. The size dependence of the low-energy spectral weights is also analyzed.
Experience of feeding pigs without antibiotics: a European perspective.

The use of antibiotic growth promoters has been questioned in Europe for several decades. The concern has mainly been related to the risk of creating antibiotic resistant microorganisms that can be transferred to humans. The ethical justification for feeding antibiotics to “healthy animals” has been debated as well and during the last decade, the growing consumer demand for “green” food products has further intensified the discussion and created the current situation.
Cyber bullying in ADHD and Asperger Syndrome populations.

Abstract Cyber bullying or electronic bullying refers to bullying that occurs through the Internet or cellular phones. With the rise of technology, researchers have shown a keen interest in the topic of cyber bullying. However, that interest has not extended to individuals with special needs. To address this gap in the literature, the current study examined the prevalence of both “traditional” bullying and cyber bullying in youth with ADHD and/or Asperger's Syndrome, and assessed the social, psychological, and health effects of bullying on participants. In addition, the study addressed the disconnect between parents’ understanding of their child's online experiences and their child's actual experiences in the virtual world. Forty-two children and youth reported high rates of bullying victimization through both traditional and electronic means. Individuals not involved with bullying showed greater levels of physical and psychological health relative to those involved with bullying. Parents and children disagreed on a number of issues related to use of the Internet, indicating the need for more clear communication between parents and their children. The results are discussed in terms of theory of mind, both for self and for others.
Inhibition of Carbamyl Phosphate Synthetase-I and Glutamine Synthetase by Hepatotoxic Doses of Acetaminophen in Mice☆

The primary mechanisms proposed for acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis should deplete protein thiols, either by covalent binding and thioether formation or by oxidative reactions such as S-thiolations. However, in previous studies we did not detect significant losses of protein thiol contents in response to administration of hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen in vivo. In the present study we employed derivatization with the thiol-specific agent monobromobimane and separation of proteins by SDS-PAGE to investigate the possible loss of specific protein thiols during the course of acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis. Fasted adult male mice were given acetaminophen, and protein thiol status was examined subsequently in subcellular fractions isolated by differential centrifugation. No decreases in protein thiol contents were indicated, with the exception of a marked decrease in the fluorescent intensity, but not of protein content, as indicated by staining with Coomassie blue, of a single band of approximately 130 kDa in the mitochondrial fractions of acetaminophen-treated mice. This protein was identified by isolation and N-terminal sequence analysis as carbamyl phosphate synthetase-I (CPS-I) (EC 6.3.4.16). Hepatic CPS-I activities were decreased in mice given hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen. In addition, hepatic glutamine synthetase activities were lower, and plasma ammonia levels were elevated in mice given hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen. The observed hyperammonemia may contribute to the adverse effects of toxic doses of acetaminophen, and elucidation of the specific mechanisms responsible for the hyperammonemia may prove to be useful clinically. However, the preferential depletion of protein thiol content of a mitochondrial protein by chemically reactive metabolites generated in the endoplasmic reticulum presents a challenging and potentially informative mechanistic question.
A rapid solid phase assay for the detection of circulating immune complexes.

Abstract A simplified process, which we have termed Enzyme Immune Complex Assay (EICA™) for the detection of circulating immune complexes (CICs), is described herein. The method utilizes readily available reagents, small quantities of serum, and can be performed quickly with a minimal amount of equipment. Serum from 38 normal controls, 98 burn patients, 36 frostbite injury patients, and 21 patients with elevated rheumatoid factor (RF) were tested for CICs in an immune function study. Elevated immune complex levels were found in the group of patients with frostbite injury, and in the group with elevated RF. Serum from thermally injured patients had slightly depressed yet normal CIC levels. The detection of elevated CICs by the EICA™ method compared favorably with the more cumbersome Raji cell method, with the added advantage of simplicity, speed, and the ability to detect non-IgG immune complexes.
Mechano-chemical model: Reaction temperatures in a concentrated contact

Abstract Successful boundary lubrication is essential in the design and operation of many mechanical components. The lubrication process is complex and it involves contact mechanics, fluid mechanics, tribochemistry, and material deformation and fracture. Two schools of thought have emerged over the years in examining the mechanisms and modeling of boundary lubrication. The chemical school believes that chemical reactions at the rubbing surfaces control the efficacy of the lubrication process. The mechanical school believes that while chemistry is a factor, hydrodynamics, elastohydrodynamics (EHD), and micro-EHD can account for most of the load-bearing mechanisms, so at least in design, they are the principal issues. This paper attempts to bring the two schools together to examine a common set of experimental data. The experiments involve running wear tests on a four-ball wear tester using microliters of lubricant until seizure. Lubricant degradation and breakdown are therefore a factor in the wear test. Eventually we would like to compare the chemical kinetic model with the mechanical contact model in describing and predicting the effectiveness of the lubrication process, i.e. the time to seizure. The chemical kinetics model assumes that oxygen consumption by the lubricant to make friction polymers controls the process. The mechanical model suggests that if temperatures in the contact exceed a certain limit, scuffing will occur. The key to both models is the temperatures in the contact. This paper describes the two models and focuses on the temperatures in the contact. The temperatures calculated from the two models differ significantly. The temperatures predicted by chemical kinetics are about 100 °C higher than the mechanical model. The identification of the discrepancy and the magnitude of the difference highlight the difference between the two approaches. It is hoped that this paper will bring forth further research effort to this critical issue. Various possible explanations were offered for the temperature difference. A plausible explanation was proposed and initial calculations suggest that by taking into account of the wear process, the temperatures calculated by the mechanical model can reach the temperatures estimated by the chemical model.
Political crime and pedagogy: A content analysis of criminology and criminal justice texts

Political crime, as a category, is widely recognized as one of the oldest types of crime in human history and one that has affected numerous societies. However, from content analysis research, we find that political crime typically is absent from introductory criminology and criminal justice texts. This paper describes the content analysis research and the quantitative and qualitative coverage given to political crime in contemporary introductory texts. Furthermore, this paper shows that the concept rarely appears in introductory texts; when it does so, the coverage is, superficial, at best.
Ascaris suum: Development of intestinal immunity to infective second-stage larvae in swine

The development of protective immunity to Ascaris suum was examined in pigs naturally exposed to eggs on a contaminated dirt lot. Pigs became almost totally immune to second-stage larvae migrating from the intestines because few larvae from a challenge inoculum could be found in the lungs, and liver white-spot lesions (an immuno-pathologic response to migrating larvae) were absent. Blood from these pigs contained lymphocytes that responded blastogenically to larval antigens in vitro, while the serum contained antibody to larval antigens. Immunity was related to parasite exposure and not to the age of the host, and was not affected by the removal of adult A. suum from the intestines. Naturally exposed pigs responded to a variety of A. suum antigens with an immediate-type skin reactivity, and their intestinal mucosa contained relatively large numbers of mast cells and eosinophils. Other pigs were maintained on a dirt lot not contaminated with A. suum eggs and the effects of common environmental conditions on development of resistance to A. suum were studied. Resistance also developed in these pigs because 72% fewer larvae were detected in their lungs following a challenge exposure than in control pigs confined indoors on concrete floors and challenged similarly. This response was not expressed at the intestinal level, however, because their livers had numerous, intense white-spot lesions. To verify that the intestinal immunity that developed in pigs after natural exposure to A. suum was a direct result of homologous infection and not related to other stimuli encountered on a dirt lot, pigs maintained indoors on concrete floors, free from inadvertent helminthic infection, were inoculated orally with A. suum eggs daily for 16 weeks. Intestinal immunity was induced because larvae from a challenge inoculum were not detected in the lungs, and few white-spot lesions appeared on the livers of these pigs. Apparently, continual exposure of the intestinal mucosa to larvae eventually elicits the appropriate effector components necessary to prevent larval migration from the intestines.
Challenges and Opportunities of Computer and Communication Systems Research

Computing and networking systems have been widely used in almost every sector of society. However, they are limited by their capabilities in terms of security, reliability, performance, and scale-ability. We will discuss the various challenges posed by the design and implementation of the computing and networking systems. We will introduce some major initiatives taken by the National Science Foundation which aim to address these challenges. Examples of such initiatives include the GENI and ICER programs.
Technique for the Preservation of Tetracycline Fluorescence in Ascites Tumor Cells

Fluorescence microscopy has a potential application in cellular pharmacology for the study of intra- and intercellular distribution of pharmacological agents. A method is reported for preparing permanent preparations of tetracycline-retaining ascite tumor cells. A combination of glutaraldehyde fixation followed by glycerol dehydration was found satisfactory.
Readers are not free-riders: reading as a form of participation on wikipedia

The success of Wikipedia as a large-scale collaborative effort has spurred researchers to examine the motivations and behaviors of Wikipedia's participants. However, this research has tended to focus on active involvement rather than more common forms of participation such as reading. In this paper we argue that Wikipedia's readers should not all be characterized as free-riders -- individuals who knowingly choose to take advantage of others' effort. Furthermore, we illustrate how readers provide a valuable service to Wikipedia. Finally, we use the notion of legitimate peripheral participation to argue that reading is a gateway activity through which newcomers learn about Wikipedia. We find support for our arguments in the results of a survey of Wikipedia usage and knowledge. Implications for future research and design are discussed.
Isomorphisms of symplectic planes

Every nondesarguesian symplectic spread is also symplectic over its kernel. Any equivalence of nondesarguesian symplectic spreads preserves the resulting symplectic structures over the kernels.
Human genetics: the hidden text of genome-wide associations.

Summary Genome-wide association studies are finally leading geneticists straight to the genetic susceptibility factors for complex diseases. Several challenges lie ahead, including translation of the findings into practical public health outcomes, and integrating genetic analysis with broader biological understanding.
Self-assembled nanoscale coordination polymers carrying oxaliplatin and gemcitabine for synergistic combination therapy of pancreatic cancer

Gemcitabine has long been the standard of care for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), despite its poor pharmacokinetics/dynamics and rapid development of drug resistance. In this study, we have developed a novel nanoparticle platform based on nanoscale coordination polymer-1 (NCP-1) for simultaneous delivery of two chemotherapeutics, oxaliplatin and gemcitabine monophosphate (GMP), at 30 wt.% and 12 wt.% drug loadings, respectively. A strong synergistic therapeutic effect of oxaliplatin and GMP was observed in vitro against AsPc-1 and BxPc-3 pancreatic cancer cells. NCP-1 particles effectively avoid uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) in vivo with a long blood circulation half-life of 10.1 ± 3.3h, and potently inhibit tumor growth when compared to NCP particles carrying oxaliplatin or GMP alone. Our findings demonstrate NCP-1 as a novel nanocarrier for the co-delivery of two chemotherapeutics that have distinctive mechanisms of action to simultaneously disrupt multiple anticancer pathways with maximal therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects.
Microbiological follow-up of nosocomial infections in a single urological center.

BACKGROUND To analyze data from the cultural examinations of different biological fluids, obtained from urologic patients from January 2007 to April 2010, in order to describe the incidence of infections in our setting. METHODS In the period of reference a urine culture was carried out for every patient admitted, in case of suspected urinary tract infection, a blood culture in case of suspected sepsis, and a wound culture in case of wound infection. RESULTS In the period of investigation 321 patients developed some kind of infection: 589 positive isolations obtained from cultural examinations have been diagnosed in urine (63%), blood (6%), surgical wound (6%), venous central catheter (7%) and other sites (18%) (tip of ureteral and bladder catheters). The most commonly isolated pathogenic agent for all the sites of infection has been Escherichia coli (22.5%). In urine, the most frequently isolated species have been Escherichia coli (27.8%), Enterococcus (12.5%), and Candida spp (9.3%). Escherichia coli (22.9%), Pseudomonas (5.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.5%) were the most frequently found pathogenic agents responsible for sepsis, compared to others. In the period of investigation we have recorded 35 episodes of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequent in cases of clinical evidence of infection, before the identification of the causative microorganism is available; therefore, it is important to know which are the bacterial species mainly responsible for these specific infections. We need continuous surveillance of infections and the improvement in the use of antibiotic therapy in order to limit the antimicrobial resistance.
Computer-aided detection of clustered microcalcifications: An improved method for grouping detected signals

A computerized scheme for the automated detection of clustered microcalcifications from digital mammograms is being developed. This scheme is one part of an overall package for computer‐aided diagnosis(CAD), the purpose of which is to assist radiologists in detecting and diagnosing breast cancer. One important step in the computer detection scheme is to group or cluster microcalcifications, since clustered microcalcifications are more clinically significant than are isolated microcalcifications. Previously a ‘‘growing’’ technique in which signals (possible microcalcifications) were clustered by grouping those that were within some predefined distance from the center of the growing cluster was used. In this paper, a new technique for grouping signals, which consists of two steps, is introduced. First, signals that may be several pixels in area are reduced to single pixels by means of a recursive transformation. Second, the number of signals (nonzero pixels) within a small region, typically 3.2×3.2 mm, are counted. Only if three or more signals are present within such a region are they preserved in the output image. In this way, isolated signals are eliminated. Furthermore, this method can eliminate falsely detected clusters, which were identified by a previous detection scheme, based on the spatial distribution of signals within the cluster. The differences in performance of the CAD scheme for detecting clustered microcalcifications using the old and new clustering techniques was measured using 78 mammograms, containing 41 clusters. The new clustering technique improved the detection scheme by reducing the false‐positive detection rate from 4.2 to 2.5 per image, while maintaining a sensitivity of approximately 85%.
Self-hypnosis for patients with cystic fibrosis.

This report documents the utility of self-hypnosis in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Sixty-three patients 7 years of age or older were offered the opportunity to be taught self-hypnosis by their pulmonologist. Forty-nine agreed to learn it. Patients generally were taught hypnosis in one or two sessions. The outcome of hypnotherapy was determined by patients' answers to open-ended questions regarding their subjective evaluation of the efficacy of hypnosis. The average age of the 49 patients who were taught and used self-hypnosis was 18.1 years (range, 7-49 years). Many of the patients used hypnosis for more than one purpose, including relaxation (61% of patients), relief of pain associated with medical procedures (31%), headache relief (16%), changing the taste of medications to make the flavor more palatable (10%), and control of other symptoms associated with CF (18%). The patients successfully utilized self-hypnosis 86% of the time. No symptoms worsened following hypnotherapy. Sixteen patients chose to practice hypnosis on their own for a half year or longer. In conclusion, with the use of self-hypnosis, patients with CF can quickly learn to enhance their control over discomforts associated with therapy and their disease. Consideration should be given to making instruction in self-hypnosis available to patients with CF.
Response of Symptomatic Myocardial Ischemia in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy to Intensive Vasodilator Therapy

To determine the cardiovascular protective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, we examined the response to intensive vasodilator therapy in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ongoing angina pectoris. We found that for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ongoing active angina, intensive vasodilator therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and nitrates improved not only heart failure-related symptoms, but also resulted in a significant improvement in symptomatic ischemia and ischemia-related morbid events.
A threshold theory for simple detection experiments.

The two-state "high" threshold model is generalized by assuming that (with low probability) the threshold may be exceeded when there is no stimulus. Existing Yes-No data (that rejected the high threshold theory) are compatible with the resulting isosensitivity (ROC) curves, namely, 2 line segments that intersect at the true threshold probabilities. The corresponding 2-alternative forced-choice curve is a 45° line through this intersection. A simple learning process is suggested to predict S's location along these curves, asymptotic means are derived, and comparisons are made with data. These asymptotic biases are coupled with the von Bdk&y-Stevens neural quantum model to show how the theoretical linear psychometric functions are distorted into nonsymmetric, nonlinear response curves.