cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Description of the Scope (Simplified Codes For Performance Evaluation) System for Use In Exploratory Analysis of Radionuclide Transporr in a Geologic Medium

A tool has been developed to assist investigators in exploring common problems found in radionuclide transport work. This tool consists of an integrated series of programs known as the Simplified Codes for Performance Evaluation (SCOPE) system. The heart of the system is a set of programs which make use of analytical solutions to the onedimensional solute transport for up to three-member decay chains. Longer chains are approximated by combining the results of the one-, two-, and three-member chain solutions with the effects of short lived members. SCOPE also provides programs that allow the user to evaluate the results by integrated radionuclide releases or by dose-to-man. In the first case, the integrated release passing through the boundary of an aquifer over time is compared to a given set of criteria. The criteria normally used are those developed by EPA (Radiation Protection Program 1982) [1] for estimating hazard. To provide the user with the option of calculating dose-to-man, two existing programs (ALLDOS and PABLM) were integrated into the system. The system is not intended to solve all classes of radionuclide transport problems. However, it can provide the user with a good “first cut” understanding of many geohydrologic systems by allowing the problem to be looked at first as one-dimensional flow in a homogeneous geology.
Cross section for the Be9(n, α)He6 reaction

Abstract The cross section for the reaction Be 9 (n, α)He 6 has been measured for neutron energies from 3.9 to 8.6 MeV by counting the induced He 6 activity. The cross section falls smoothly from 93 mb at 4.0 MeV to 39 mb at 6.5 MeV and 32.5 mb at 8.5 MeV.
Teaching medical students a clinical approach to altered mental status: simulation enhances traditional curriculum

Introduction: Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is increasingly being utilized for teaching clinical skills in undergraduate medical education. Studies have evaluated the impact of adding SBME to third- and fourth-year curriculum; however, very little research has assessed its efficacy for teaching clinical skills in pre-clerkship coursework. To measure the impact of a simulation exercise during a pre-clinical curriculum, a simulation session was added to a pre-clerkship course at our medical school where the clinical approach to altered mental status (AMS) is traditionally taught using a lecture and an interactive case-based session in a small group format. The objective was to measure simulation's impact on students’ knowledge acquisition, comfort, and perceived competence with regards to the AMS patient. Methods: AMS simulation exercises were added to the lecture and small group case sessions in June 2010 and 2011. Simulation sessions consisted of two clinical cases using a high-fidelity full-body simulator followed by a faculty debriefing after each case. Student participation in a simulation session was voluntary. Students who did and did not participate in a simulation session completed a post-test to assess knowledge and a survey to understand comfort and perceived competence in their approach to AMS. Results: A total of 154 students completed the post-test and survey and 65 (42%) attended a simulation session. Post-test scores were higher in students who attended a simulation session compared to those who did not ( p <0.001). Students who participated in a simulation session were more comfortable in their overall approach to treating AMS patients ( p =0.05). They were also more likely to state that they could articulate a differential diagnosis ( p =0.03), know what initial diagnostic tests are needed ( p =0.01), and understand what interventions are useful in the first few minutes ( p =0.003). Students who participated in a simulation session were more likely to find the overall AMS curriculum useful ( p <0.001). Conclusion: Students who participated in a simulation exercise performed better on a knowledge-based test and reported increased comfort and perceived competence in their clinical approach to AMS. SBME shows significant promise for teaching clinical skills to medical students during pre-clinical curriculum. Keywords: mental status change; simulation; pre-clinical medical students Published: 3 April 2013 Citation: Med Educ Online 2013, 18 : 19775 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v18i0.19775 To access the supplementary material to this article please see Supplementary files under Article Tools online
New approaches to vaccine adjuvants: inhibiting the inhibitor.

Graham discusses a study that explores new approaches to enhancing vaccine-induced immune responses.
A method for integrating the Breeding Bird Survey and Forest Inventory and Analysis databases to evaluate forest bird–habitat relationships at multiple spatial scales

Abstract The limited spatial scales of many bird–habitat studies restrict inference regarding large scale bird–habitat relationships. A potential solution to this challenge is integrating the USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) and USGS Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) databases. We describe a methodology for integrating these databases into a uniform dataset for modeling bird–habitat relationships at multiple spatial scales. We accumulated route-level BBS data for four species guilds (canopy nesting, ground-shrub nesting, cavity nesting, early successional), each containing a minimum of five bird species. We developed 43 forest variables at the county level using FIA data from the 2000 inventory cycle within 5 physiographic regions in 14 states. We examined spatial relationships between the BBS and FIA data at three hierarchical scales: (1) individual BBS routes, (2) FIA units, and (3) physiographic sections. At the BBS route scale, we buffered routes at 100 m, 1 km, and 10 km radii, intersected these buffers with county boundaries, and developed weighted averages for each forest variable within each buffer width. Weights were a function of the percent of area each county had within a buffer. We calculated 29 landscape structure variables from 1992 National Land Cover Data (NLCD) imagery using Fragstats within each buffer width. At the BBS route scale, we developed models relating variations in bird occupancy and abundance to forest and landscape structure within each buffer width using classification and regression trees (CART). We aggregated the FIA variables to the FIA unit and physiographic section scales and recalculated the landscape variables within each unit and section using NCLD imagery resampled to a 400 m pixel size. We used regression trees (FIA unit scale) and general linear models (GLM, physiographic section scale) to relate variations in bird abundance to the forest and landscape variables. At the BBS route scale, 80% of the best CART models accounted for >50% of the variation in bird occupancy and abundance. Among FIA units and physiographic sections, the regression trees accounted for an average of 54.1% and the GLMs accounted for an average of 66.3% of the variability in bird abundance, respectively. This methodology shows promise for integrating independent databases for evaluating bird–habitat relationships across broad spatial extents, and the hierarchical nature of these models provides a potentially consistent means of evaluating management options at varying spatial scales.
Longitudinal Study of Death and Institutionalization in Patients with Primary Degenerative Dementia

We studied the outcome of 101 patients with primary degenerative dementia. The patients were outpatients at the time of the initial evaluation, and all had family caregivers. There were substantial differences in mortality and institutionalization between the mild and advanced patients, as defined by scores on mental status examination. Similar differences in those two outcomes were also evident when the patients were stratified by scores on activities of daily living and disruptive behavior assessments. Thus, certain patient characteristics may be of value in predicting risk for institutionalization and death.
The impact of the regulation of the cable television industry: the effect on quality-adjusted cable television prices

Between the mid-1980s and early 1990s, cable television rates increased substantially. Simple price comparisons over the regulated and deregulated eras are difficult as the programming changed simultaneously. Using a modified hedonic framework to allow for the lack of competition on the supply side of the industry, this paper imputes the price for regulation era cable packages using consumers’ estimated willingness to pay for individual satellite networks during the unregulated period. Then a ‘quality adjusted’ price for the cable package offered in 1985 is estimated. On average, regulation benefited consumers by keeping prices below monopolist's profit maximizing price.
Development of Superconducting Strand and Cable with Improved Properties for Use in SSC Magnets

The critical current requirement for the NbTi superconductor strand was set at 2750 A/mm2 (5 T, 4.2 K) in the SSC Conceptual Design, compared with a value of 1800 A/mm2 which was specified for the strand used in the Tevatron dipoles. In addition, a filament diameter of 5 μm, instead of the 9 μm diameter used in the Tevatron, was chosen to reduce field distortion at injection. In order to meet the requirements for field homogeneity, the dimensional requirements for both strand and cable were also tightened. The technical solutions employed to achieve these improved properties and the resulting specifications will be discussed.
Actin in the Drosophila embryo: Is there a relationship to developmental cue localization?

Recent genetic manipulations have revealed that the cytoplasm of the early Drosophila embryo contains localized information that specifies the future embryonic axes. It is the restricted distribution or activity of particular gene products, either messenger RNA or protein, that is crucial for this specification. While some of the genes responsible for this information have been sequenced and the nature and distribution of their products examined, it is not known how this localization is established or maintained. The actin-based cytoskeleton is a likely candidate for the formation, of a cytomatrix that would allow such distributions and yet no direct evidence has yet been found that implicates actin in positional cue localization. In this review I summarize what is known about actin filament behavior in Drosophila embryos and compare it to the distribution of positional cues. My purpose is to juxtapose these two bodies of information such that the relationship between them may be revealed.
Safety of peak serum lidocaine concentration after Mohs micrographic surgery: a prospective cohort study.

Background Large volumes of dilute local anesthesia are increasingly used not only for liposuction but also for other large cutaneous surgeries, including skin cancer excision. Although the lidocaine serum levels and peaks after injection of tumescent anesthesia in the trunk were shown to be safe even when used in high doses, the levels after use of less dilute (1% lidocaine) solutions for facial cancer surgery have not been described. Objective We sought to ascertain whether perioperative peak lidocaine levels during Mohs micrographic surgery approach thresholds for lidocaine toxicity. Methods In this prospective cohort study, each Mohs micrographic procedure was commenced per routine protocol, with use of injectable 1% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine and 1:10 8.4% bicarbonate for local anesthesia. Six peripheral blood draws of 5 mL each were performed and sent for serum lidocaine concentration measurement. Blood draws were obtained before and after the first two stages of Mohs micrographic surgery, and before and after the third stage or wound repair, as appropriate. Subjects and investigators reported any symptoms or signs of lidocaine toxicity. The main outcome measures include: (1) number of subjects exhibiting at least one level higher than the threshold for toxicity; and (2) sustained elevated lidocaine levels in one or more subjects. Results Mean total lidocaine volume per subject was 15 mL (range: 5-48 mL). The highest peak serum lidocaine level detected at any time point (blood draw) for any subject was 0.3 μg/mL. Mean serum lidocaine level for all 6 time points was less than 0.1 μg/mL and was thus not detected. Detectable lidocaine levels were found to be associated with higher mean ( P = .028) and median ( P = .008) total lidocaine doses. Because no toxic levels were detected, it was not possible to measure sustained high lidocaine levels. Limitations Limitations of this study include the lack of use of very concentrated (eg, 2% vs 1%) lidocaine solution. Conclusions Lidocaine use during Mohs micrographic surgery does not appear to result in serum lidocaine levels approaching toxic levels even when relatively high total lidocaine doses are used. There is an association between higher total lidocaine dose and perioperative peak serum lidocaine level.
A Retained Sponge Is a Complication of Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy™

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system has become a widely used, efficacious, and overall safe method for managing many types of open wounds. The authors present a case of a rare but avoidable complication caused by a retained piece of sponge after VAC therapy (KCI Inc, San Antonio, TX). They emphasize the need for awareness and careful evaluation of the patient who receives VAC therapy to avoid diagnostic confusion and morbidity to the patient.
Reactions of hot H atoms with N2O under single-collision, gas-phase conditions and in photoexcited N2O-HBR complexes: OH(X2Π) + N2, OH(A 2Σ) + N2, and NH(X 3Σ) + NO(X 2Π) channels☆

Abstract Hot H atoms react with N2O under bulk conditions, yielding OH A 2Σ→X 2Π chemiluminescence. With N2O-HBr complexes, however, no such emission is observed, and OH (X 2Π) is detected via LIF. In both cases, NH (X 3Σ) is observed. With N2O-HBr complexes, the [NH (X 3Σ)]/[OH (X 2Π)] ratio is ≈0.5, despite the 95 kcal mol−1 difference favoring the OH + N2channel.
NF1 inactivation cooperates with N-Ras in in vivo lymphogenesis activating Erk by a mechanism independent of its Ras-GTPase accelerating activity

We crossed transgenic mice overexpressing the N-ras proto-oncogene (RasTg) with mice carrying one inactivated copy of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene (NF1+/-) to assess their possible cooperation in tumorigenesis. We have found a significant increase in the incidence of lymphomas in animals with both lesions (RasTg NF1+/-), as compared with animals with single lesions. The mechanism of this cooperation appears to be independent of the NF1 GTPase activating activity since the level of Ras-GTP in primary cultures of tumor tissue do not differ among animals with double and with single lesions. Nevertheless, the finding of significantly higher levels of Erk-1 and Erk-2 activation in lymphomas in the RasTg NF1+/- than in the RasTg group suggests that this cooperative effect may be in part explained by increased signaling through the Erk pathways. Consistent with a role for Erk activation in transformation is the additional observation that Erk-1 and Erk-2 activation is significantly increased in lymphomas as compared with normal spleen. This activation is likely to occur by phosphorylation of previously synthesized and inactive Erk proteins since, despite differences in activation, Erk-1 and Erk-2 expression is similar in normal and lymphoid tissue in all groups. The observed cooperation in in vivo lymphomagenesis between N-ras overexpression and NF1 inactivation emphasizes the importance of searching for additional functions for the NF1 protein and of intensifying the screening for NF1 mutations in human lymphomas.
The adsorption of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide on polycrystalline platinum

Abstract NO and NO 2 adsorption on a polycrystalline platinum surface was studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). NO adsorption is irreversible for NO exposures of less than 0.12 L at 120 K yielding only N 2 and O 2 upon heating. However, when the NO exposure is increased to 0.12 L and above, reversible NO adsorption is observed. Two NO desorption states occur with peaks at 470 and 300 K. No desorption of NO 2 resulting from oxidation of NO was observed at any coverage. NO 2 adsorption at 120 K is largely irreversible below monolayer saturation coverages. However, a small NO 2 desorption peak is observed at 300 K at a monolayer coverage of NO 2 . NO and O 2 TPD spectra following NO 2 exposures are quite different from those spectra obtained following NO or O 2 exposures. The differences in the NO TPD spectra are due to the influence of coadsorbed O atoms on the adsorption and decomposition of both NO and NO 2 . Changes in the O 2 TPD spectra are due to the very high coverages of adsorbed O atoms that can be obtained from NO 2 exposures.
Factors determining the distribution of the sea pansy, Renilla kollikeri, in a subtidal sand-bottom habitat.

The biological and physical factors that affect the distribution of the subtidal, epibenthic, sand-dwelling cnidarian Renilla kollikeri along a depth gradient from 2 to 13 m were determined by manipulative field and laboratory experiments. The sea pansy's nearshore distributional limit (2.5 m in depth) was set by the animal's inability to remain anchored on the bottom in the face of increasing wave surge associated with shallow water. Renilla was outcompeted for space by the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus in an area between 6 and 9 m in depth and was largely excluded from the substrate when sand dollar densities exceeded 350/m2. Predator-prey interactions also influence the Renilla distribution. The asteroid Astropecten brasiliensis feeds on and removes Renilla 40 mm and less in diameter from areas seaward of the sand dollar bed (9 m in depth). Astropecten did not forage in the shallow area where Renilla was most abundant because of its intolerance to wave surge and because of its difficulty in crossing the sand dollar bed. The nudibranch Armina californica fed on Renilla throughout the depth gradient but did not remove colonies greater than 20 mm in diameter because of the Armina- specific escape behavior of Renilla. The foraging behavior of Armina was also curtailed by strong surge conditions. The nearshore area (3–6 m in depth) of high Renilla density was a refuge in which animals that had settled from the plankton could escape predation. As the animals grow they lose their ability to anchor in the substrate in shallow water and thus move into deeper water. The results of multiway interactions among sets of three species, particularly the beneficial results of the competitive interaction with Dendraster in light of the activities of the predators are discussed with reference to the abundance and distribution of Renilla.
Introspective multistrategy learning: on the construction of learning strategies

Abstract A central problem in multistrategy learning systems is the selection and sequencing of machine learning algorithms for particular situations. This is typically done by the system designer who analyzes the learning task and implements the appropriate algorithm or sequence of algorithms for that task. We propose a solution to this problem which enables an AI system with a library of machine learning algorithms to select and sequence appropriate algorithms autonomously. Furthermore, instead of relying on the system designer or user to provide a learning goal or target concept to the learning system, our method enables the system to determine its learning goals based on analysis of its successes and failures at the performance task. The method involves three steps: Given a performance failure, the learner examines a trace of its reasoning prior to the failure to diagnose what went wrong (blame assignment); given the resultant explanation of the reasoning failure, the learner posts explicitly represented learning goals to change its background knowledge (deciding what to learn); and given a set of learning goals, the learner uses nonlinear planning techniques to assemble a sequence of machine learning algorithms, represented as planning operators, to achieve the learning goals (learning-strategy construction). In support of these operations, we define the types of reasoning failures, a taxonomy of failure causes, a second-order formalism to represent reasoning traces, a taxonomy of learning goals that specify desired change to the background knowledge of a system, and a declarative task-formalism representation of learning algorithms. We present the Meta-AQUA system, an implemented multistrategy learner that operates in the domain of story understanding. Extensive empirical evaluations of Meta-AQUA show that it performs significantly better in a deliberative, planful mode than in a reflexive mode in which learning goals are ablated and, furthermore, that the arbitrary ordering of learning algorithms can lead to worse performance than no learning at all. We conclude that explicit representation and sequencing of learning goals is necessary for avoiding negative interactions between learning algorithms that can lead to less effective learning.
The Syndromes of Treacher Collins and Nager

Treacher Collins (TCS) and Nager acrofacial dysostosis (NAFD) are complex disorders affecting the craniofacial region. Both are forms of mandibulofacial dysostosis, yet they are clearly distinct fr...
Declines in Mortality From Acute Myocardial Infarction in Successive Incidence and Birth Cohorts of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background— Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at high risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has become more intensive over the past 2 decades, resulting in tighter control of inflammation and lower levels of disability. The impact of this on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is not known. Methods and Results— Death rates from AMI in a cohort of 3862 patients with rheumatoid arthritis followed up from 1980 to 1997 were studied. Time trends in AMI mortality among successive incidence and birth cohorts were examined by use of multivariable Poisson regression models and by comparing standardized mortality ratios. The mean age was 56 years in this predominantly female cohort (76%), and median disease duration was 6.5 years. During the period of observation, the use of methotrexate increased substantially, whereas that of prednisone was relatively stable. Over the 22 209 person-years of observation, there were 157 deaths as a result of AMI, with a death rat...
Female News Professionals in Local and National Broadcast News during the Buildup to the Iraq War

This study examines gender representation of news professionals within broadcast news. Using a gender model, the development of female news professionals is examined by looking at their relative representation across local and national news according to story length and type. Results show that the proportion of females is higher in local news segments of both "hard" (including war) and "soft" news than within national news segments. Further, an interaction between perceived age of the newscaster and story length suggests that younger women are seen more often in shorter news segments than more seasoned female newscasters.
Sleep apnea and panic attacks

A survey of 301 sleep apnea patients demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnea may cause nocturnal panic attack symptoms. Sleep apnea should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nocturnal panic disorder.
Composition of the products in the synthesis of amines from carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and ammonia

1. In reaction between CO, H2, and NH3 in presence of a fused iron catalyst, aliphatic amines (mainly primary) having carbon chains of 1–20 atoms and more are formed. 2. Among the liquid products of the synthesis, butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, and octylamine were identified.
Diminished feedback regulation of proteasome expression and resistance to proteasome inhibitors in breast cancer cells

Clinical trials with proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib (also named Velcade or PS-341) has shown promising results for some cancers. However, other types of cancers including breast cancer do not respond well to Bortezomib. To understand the cause of the drug resistance, we compared the regulation of proteasome expression and the sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors between human breast cancer cells and nontumorigenic mammary epithelial cells. We found that, while the endogenous expression level is much higher, the potential of feedback expression in response to proteasome inhibitors is much lower in the breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the breast cancer cells are much more resistant to proteasome inhibitors compared to the nontumorigenic mammary epithelial cells. Biochemical analysis showed that the pathway of Bortezomib-induced apoptosis is apparently defective in the breast cancer cells. Together, these results provide an explanation for the inefficacy of Bortezomib in the clinical trials for breast cancer patients. The likelihood of combination therapy with Bortezomib and other anti-cancer agents for breast cancer is also discussed.
Identification of Novel Human WW Domain-containing Proteins by Cloning of Ligand Targets

A recently described protein module consisting of 35-40 semiconserved residues, termed the WW domain, has been identified in a number of diverse proteins including dystrophin and Yes-associated protein (YAP). Two putative ligands of YAP, termed WBP-1 and WBP-2, have been found previously to contain several short peptide regions consisting of PPPPY residues (PY motif) that mediate binding to the WW domain of YAP. Although the function(s) of the WW domain remain to be elucidated, these observations strongly support a role for the WW domain in protein-protein interactions. Here we report the isolation of three novel human cDNAs encoding a total of nine WW domains, using a newly developed approach termed COLT (cloning of ligand targets), in which the rapid cloning of modular protein domains is accomplished by screening cDNA expression libraries with specific peptide ligands. Two of the new genes identified appear to be members of a family of proteins, including Rsp5 and Nedd-4, which have ubiquitin-protein ligase activity. In addition, we demonstrate that peptides corresponding to PY and PY-like motifs present in several known signaling or regulatory proteins, including RasGAP, AP-2, p53BP-2 (p53-binding protein-2), interleukin-6 receptor-alpha, chloride channel CLCN5, and epithelial sodium channel ENaC, can selectively bind to certain of these novel WW domains.
Confessions of a mind-wandering MBSR student: remembering social amnesia

Based upon a first-person experience of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, this article provides a critical reflection on this clinical intervention within the context of late capitalist society. It draws inspiration from Russell Jacoby's critique of contemporary psychology, what he referred to as ‘social amnesia’, a form of collective forgetting, manifesting as a tendency to repress, forget, and exclude the larger social, historical, and political context of therapeutic interventions. With its fetishization of the present moment, MBSR is predicated on a politics of subjectivity that assumes stress is localized to the failure of the individual to regulate their emotions.
Photoluminescence and interface abruptness in InGaAsP/InGaAsP quantum wells

Quantum well (QW) structures consisting of InGaAsP wells and InGaAsP barriers grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy have been examined by low temperature photoluminescence (PL) in order to evaluate the contributions of compositional fluctuations in the quaternary alloy and of interface roughness to the PL linewidth. The well material was InGaAsP with a bandgap corresponding to a wavelength of 1.3 μm and the barrier material was InGaAsP of 1.15 μm. The theory for QW excitonic linewidths as a function of well thickness Lz due to fluctuations in alloy composition has been extended to include the case of the quaternary InGaAsP barrier. If the interfaces are atomically abrupt, the linewidth is dominated by compositional fluctuations in the well at large Lz and compositional fluctuations in the barrier at small Lz. The theory predicts a weak dependence of the linewidth on Lz since the composition of the well and barrier are similar. For rough heterointerfaces, the theory indicates the usual increase in linewidth with decreasing Lz. Photoluminescence measurements at 13K in arrays of single InGaAsP/InGaAsP QWs with Lz from 1.0 to 6.0 nm show only a weak variation of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) with Lz, in agreement with the theory for smooth interfaces. Furthermore, the lowest measured FWHM of 8.9 meV was found for a narrow well of Lz=1.8 nm, indicating the InGaAsP/InGaAsP interfaces are smooth and that the PL linewidth is dominated by compositional fluctuations.
Microwave spectra of the (HF)2, (DF)2, HFDF, and DFHF hydrogen-bonded complexes

Abstract The microwave spectra of the tunneling-rotation bands of the hydrogen-bonded complexes (HF)2 and (DF)2 have been measured in the 50- to 126-GHz region. In addition, the pure rotation spectra of both the HFDF and DFHF molecules have been obtained. Transitions with K = 0 through K = 2 have been observed for all isotopic species. The hydrogen fluoride dimer is a very nonrigid molecular species. In order to fit the observed transitions adequately, empirical expressions for the energy levels were used, and each K subband was separately fitted. Constants obtained from a Pade approximant fitting of the microwave data of (HF)2 together with infrared ground state combination differences are given.
Intervention strategies are the key to relevant curriculum and effective instruction in early childhood education

This article describes and discusses intervention strategies to be used for achieving eight major goals in early childhood programs. Goals encompass the areas of individual, social, cognitive, and physical development of the child. The effect of intervention strategies on program development, instructional techniques, and classroom management guidelines is delineated and discussed. The importance of a variety of materials and activities and of positive classroom models is substantiated throughout.
Weber's Analysis of Legal Rationalization: A Critique and Constructive Modification

Max Weber's identification of increased rationalization as a master process of change included extensive discussion of legal systems. A cross-classification of rational/irrational and formal/substantive rationality makes some valid analytical distinctions, but neglects a source of legitimate authority for a formally-rational legal system and thus a determination of the goals and values toward which rules are oriented. It also neglects “instrumental” rationality, which Weber recognized in other contexts. A modification of Weber's analytical scheme is proposed, not merely to improve the accuracy of classification of legal orders but more importantly to permit empirical analysis of their dynamics.
High-power gain-enhanced internally frequency-converted Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers

Optimization of nonlinear coupling and use of aggressive Q-switch clipping on the pulse falling edge has enabled high beam quality, internally frequency-converted, Nd:YAG lasers with output powers greater than 35 W at both green and ultraviolet wavelengths. By retaining more energy in the rod after the pulse, such lasers operate with enhanced gain levels and achieve greater nonlinear conversion. Operation in this gain-enhancement regime has enabled lasers with highly variable pulse-widths. We demonstrate here that gain-enhanced laser operation with variable pulse energy and/or delay between pulses is also possible. This combination of features and flexibility available in gain-enhanced, frequency-converted lasers allows optimization of laser processing for a wide range of candidate materials.
A comparison of heterometallic alkoxide molecules containing copper(I) or copper(II) and zirconium

Abstract The synthesis, characterization and structure and thermal decomposition of ClCuIIZr2(OiPr)9 (1) and Cu2IZr2(OiPr)10 (2) are reported. Compound 1 has a CuZr2(μ3-OR)2(μ2-OR)3 central core, with chloride as a terminal ligand on copper. This paramagnetic CuII species is particularly interesting in that the 1H NMR signals of those alkoxides which are μ2- and μ3-bridged to copper undergo paramagnetic shifts (to 8.66 and 10.41 ppm at 25°C), but those of the remaining alkoxide groups are unperturbed from the region characteristic of the Zr2(OiPr)9− unit. Compound 2 consists of a Zr2(OiPr)9− face-sharing bioctahedron with two μ2-alkoxides bridging to a Cu2IOR+ fragment giving the copper a linear two-coordinate environment. Both 1 and 2 are highly soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. TGA studies of both compounds reveal information on possible mechanisms and products of thermolysis.
Association of genome-wide variation with highly sensitive cardiac troponin-T levels in European Americans and Blacks: a meta-analysis from atherosclerosis risk in communities and cardiovascular health studies.

Background— High levels of cardiac troponin T, measured by a highly sensitive assay (hs-cTnT), are strongly associated with incident coronary heart disease and heart failure. To date, no large-scale genome-wide association study of hs-cTnT has been reported. We sought to identify novel genetic variants that are associated with hs-cTnT levels. Methods and Results— We performed a genome-wide association in 9491 European Americans and 2053 blacks free of coronary heart disease and heart failure from 2 prospective cohorts: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study and the Cardiovascular Health Study. Genome-wide association studies were conducted in each study and race stratum. Fixed-effect meta-analyses combined the results of linear regression from 2 cohorts within each race stratum and then across race strata to produce overall estimates and probability values. The meta-analysis identified a significant association at chromosome 8q13 (rs10091374; P =9.06×10−9) near the nuclear receptor coactivator 2 ( NCOA2 ) gene. Overexpression of NCOA2 can be detected in myoblasts. An additional analysis using logistic regression and the clinically motivated 99th percentile cut point detected a significant association at 1q32 (rs12564445; P =4.73×10−8) in the gene TNNT2 , which encodes the cardiac troponin T protein itself. The hs-cTnT-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms were not associated with coronary heart disease in a large case-control study, but rs12564445 was significantly associated with incident heart failure in Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study European Americans (hazard ratio=1.16; P =0.004). Conclusions— We identified 2 loci, near NCOA2 and in the TNNT2 gene, at which variation was significantly associated with hs-cTnT levels. Further use of the new assay should enable replication of these results.
The ‘Bookshelf Illusion’—A Real-World Zöllner-Type Illusion?:

We discovered an interesting perceptual distortion in our office where an upright lamp in front of a bookshelf was noticeably curved to form several subtle S-shaped bends. We realized that the books in the bookshelf fell in a particular manner, leaning in alternative directions, which caused the straight lamp to appear bent, creating what may be a real-world example of the Zollner illusion. Evidence for the production of the illusion diagrammatically and an explanation for the effect are provided.
Fractional Power Series Solutions for Systems of Equations

In this paper we extend the explorations in [8] to include the fractional power series expansions of k equations in d variables, where d>k . An analog of Newton's polygon construction which uses the Minkowski sum P of the Newton polytopes P 1 ,...,P k of the k equations is given for computing such series expansions. If the Newton polytopes of these equations are the same, then the common domains of convergence for the solutions correspond to the vertices of a certain fiber polytope Σ(P) . In general, our results suggest the existence of a ``mixed fiber polytope'' of k polytopes. It is also indicated that there may be a relationship between these mixed fiber polytopes and a generalization of the discriminant, which we call the mixed discriminant.
Exposure to lines of only one orientation modifies dendritic morphology of cells in the visual cortex of the cat

To determine whether selective exposure to lines of one orientation modifies the shape of the dendritic fields of cells in visual cortex, we examined the dendritic morphology of neurons in area 17 of five normally reared cats, five cats reared viewing only vertical lines, and three cats reared viewing only horizontal lines. Kittens were placed with their mothers into a totally dark room before their eyes had opened. Beginning at 4 weeks of age, the kittens were brought out for daily periods of exposure wearing masks that limited the vision of each eye to a field of three vertical lines or three horizontal lines. After a minimum of 170 hours of exposure, the animals were killed and blocks of visual cortex were impregnated by the Golgi-Kopsch procedure and cut tangential to the pial surface. Complete neurons from layers III and IV were drawn with the aid of a camera lucida, and the orientations of the dendritic fields wer analyzed using Sholl diagrams. In normal cats, the distributions of the orientations of dendritic fields were uniform, whereas in strip-reared cats, the distributions for the layer III pyramidal cells were shifted. The direction of this shift varied with the experience of the cat: In cats reared viewing only vertical lines, the dendritic fields were oriented orthogonal to the representation of the vertical meridian, and in cats reared viewing only horizontal lines, the fields were oriented parallel to the representation of the vertical meridian. In contrast, the distribution of dentritic orientations for the stellate cells was not affected by stripe-rearing. These results demonstrate a morphological effect of early visual experience that is specific to the particular stimulus presented during rearing and suggest that (1) cortical cells differ in the degree to which they can be modified by such experience, and (2) the dendritic morphology of cortical neurons is related to their preferred orientations.
Health Maintenance and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, specifically those with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are at an increased risk of developing adverse events either related to disease course or therapeutic interventions. These risks can be mitigated by ensuring the patient is current on all aspects of their general health maintenance. This article is intended to serve as a guide regarding the health maintenance issues of the patient with IBD with recommendations for screening and surveillance intervals.
Dissociating the nicotine and airway sensory effects of smoking

Abstract This study examined the subjective and cardiovascular effects of two of the components of cigarette smoking when given separately: nicotine and airway sensations. Using a within-subjects design, six healthy volunteer smokers, age 18–45 years, who smoked at least 20 cigarettes per day were given six conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced order. The effects of IV nicotine, IV saline, and denicotinized cigarettes were compared to a standard 1-mg cigarette. The standard cigarette produced more of a calming effect and more irritability reduction than either the nicotine or airway sensations alone. The denicotinized cigarette was similar to the standard cigarette condition, except the cigarette condition was associated with higher feelings of “exhilaration.” Many of the positive subjective effects from a denicotinized cigarette were comparable to that of a standard cigarette. These data support the hypothesis that replacement of the sensory cues of smoking with “airway sensory replacement” may be useful for smoking cessation.
Homeostatic Regulation of Neuronal Excitability by K+ Channels in Normal and Diseased Brains

K+-selective ion channels are critical determinants of membrane excitability in neuronal cells. Like many other cells in our body, neuronal cells have a propensity to maintain their homeostasis. Action potential firing is the most important function to maintain in brain neurons, as they are the elements of neural networks. If one element fires action potentials at an abnormally high rate, the entire network could become epileptic. Therefore, brain neurons adjust their intrinsic membrane excitability to maintain the firing rate within their own optimal operational range. When a neuron receives an enormous input, it will reduce the membrane excitability to prevent overshooting. When it is deprived of stimulus, the membrane becomes more excitable to avoid total quiescence. The homeostatic regulation of intrinsic excitability provides stability to the neural network in the face of dynamic and plastic synaptic inputs. In the past decade, we have learned that neurons achieve this type of homeostatic regulation ...
Minimizing contamination hazards to waterbirds using agricultural drainage evaporation ponds

In much of the San Joaquin Valley, California, USA, inadequate drainage of applied irrigation water and accumulating salts in the soil have necessitated the installation of subsurface tile drainage systems to preserve crop productivity. At present, these subsurface drainage waters are disposed of by means of evaporation ponds or discharges into the San Joaquin River. Unfortunately, most of these agricultural drainage waters contain high concentrations of salts and naturally occurring trace elements, such as selenium, and recent evidence indicates that substantial numbers of waterbirds are exposed to contamination by selenium in the evaporation ponds. In order to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse impacts on wildlife using the ponds, alternative pond management methods must be identified and evaluated for implementation. A number of methods have the potential to be cost-effective in significantly reducing the contamination hazard to birds using agricultural evaporation ponds. Twenty general methods were evaluated in this study, and four methods are recommended for implementation: remove levee vegetation, remove windbreaks, deepen the ponds, and haze birds. A number of other methods are recommended for further consideration because they appear to have good prospects for reducing the contamination hazard: steepen interior levee slopes, apply herbicides and insecticides, place netting on pond shorelines, and provide freshwater habitat adjacent to evaporation ponds. It may be necessary to use a combination of methods to effectively control selenium contamination of aquatic birds because it is unlikely that a single affordable pond management method will be able to entirely eliminate the contamination hazard.
Platelet‐activating factor‐induced NF‐κB activation and IL‐8 production in intestinal epithelial cells are Bcl10‐dependent

Background Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent pro-inflammatory phospholipid mediator, has been implicated in inducing intestinal inflammation in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, its mechanisms of inducing inflammatory responses are not fully understood. Therefore, studies were designed to explore the mechanisms of PAF-induced inflammatory cascade in intestinal epithelial cells.
Bi-quotient maps, countably bi-sequential spaces and related topics

Abstract In a recent paper, E. Michael posed several problems regarding images of M-spaces and metrizable spaces under certain quotient maps. In this paper, some solutions are provided.
Constraints on the possible long-range orbital ordering in LaCoO3

Abstract A neutron powder diffraction measurement was performed to distinguish between the proposed monoclinic ( I 2 / a ) structure of LaCoO 3 , which is consistent with orbital ordering, and the rhombohedral ( R 3 ¯ c ) structure, which is inconsistent with orbital ordering. These two structures were differentiated through a measurement of a superlattice reflection with a d-spacing of approximately 4.43 A which is only generated by I 2 / a . This reflection was not observed, and instead a restrictive upper bound was placed on its structure factor. The data is inconsistent with the monoclinic structure and suggests that there may be no long-range Jahn–Teller distortion in LaCoO 3 .
Effect of selected social conditions on the health of Slovakians living in the Czech Republic

Abstract Current state This article focuses on the analysis of selected social conditions of Slovakian immigrants living in the Czech Republic. Objective The aim of the research was to describe the social situations of Slovakians living in the Czech Republic and to find links between their social situation and personal health. In accordance with the main objective of the research, we formulated research questions related to the concepts of social status, socioeconomic status, language skills and social support. Methods Structured interviews were used for data collecting. Interviews were transcribed and then coded. The research sample consisted of 16 Slovakian immigrants, 11 women and 5 men. Results Slovakians living in the Czech Republic subjectively rated their health as good. Correlations between the subjective perception of health and the selected social conditions have been demonstrated by education and employment status. There was no correlation demonstrated between the subjective perception of health status and knowledge of the Czech language. In addition to this, no correlation has been demonstrated between the social status and the subjective perception of health status. Similarly, no correlation has been demonstrated between social support and one's subjective perception of personal health status. Conclusion Research has shown that Slovakians living in the Czech Republic feel well and are accepted among the Czechs. They enjoy social support at all levels and are integrated into the Czech society. With respect to the results of this research, it would be useful when conducting further research, to pay attention to how Slovakians living in the Czech Republic perceive themselves, whether they feel themselves as being foreigners or not, and how they are perceived by the Czech citizens. It would be useful to focus further research on the confirmation of the possible correlations between the objective assessment of health status and selected social conditions.