cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grassypeptolides A−C, Cytotoxic Bis-thiazoline Containing Marine Cyclodepsipeptides

Grassypeptolides A−C (1−3), a group of closely related bis-thiazoline containing cyclic depsipeptides, have been isolated from extracts of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya confervoides. Although structural differences between the analogues are minimal, comparison of the in vitro cytotoxicity of the series revealed a structure−activity relationship. When the ethyl substituent of 1 is changed to a methyl substituent in 2, activity is only slightly reduced (3−4-fold), whereas inversion of the Phe unit flanking the bis-thiazoline moiety results in 16−23-fold greater potency. We show that both 1 and 3 cause G1 phase cell cycle arrest at lower concentrations, followed at higher concentrations by G2/M phase arrest, and that these compounds bind Cu2+ and Zn2+. The three-dimensional structure of 2 was determined by MS, NMR, and X-ray crystallography, and the structure of 3 was established by MS, NMR, and chemical degradation. The structure of 3 was explored by in silico molecular modeling, revealing subtle differ...
HIV-1 Tat Inhibits NGF-Induced Egr-1 Transcriptional Activity and Consequent p35 Expression in Neural Cells

Infection with HIV-1 causes degeneration of neurons leading to motor and cognitive dysfunction in AIDS patients. One of the key viral regulatory proteins, Tat, which is released by infected cells, can be taken up by various uninfected cells including neurons and by dysregulating several biological events induces cell injury and death. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that treatment of neuronal cells with Tat affects the nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling pathway involving MAPK/ERK. Here we demonstrate that a decrease in the level of Egr-1, one of the targets for MAPK, by Tat has a negative impact on the level of p35 expression in NGF-treated neural cells. Further, we demonstrate a reduced level of Egr-1 association with the p35 promoter sequence in NGF-treated cells expressing Tat. As p35, by associating with Cdk5, phosphorylates several neuronal proteins including neurofilaments and plays a role in neuronal differentiation and survival, we examined kinase activity of p35 complexes obtained from cells expressing Tat. Results from H1 kinase assays showed reduced activity of the p35 complex from Tat-expressing cells in comparison to that from control cells. Accordingly, the level of phosphorylated neurofilaments was diminished in Tat-expressing cells. Similarly, treatment of PC12 cells with Tat protein or supernatant from HIV-1 infected cells decreased kinase activity of p35 in these cells. These observations ascribe a role for Tat in altering p35 expression and its activity that affects phosphorylation of proteins involved in neuronal cell survival.
A Parametric Study of ASME B16.5 Flanges Which Has Experienced Flange Face Corrosion

Weld neck flanges on piping systems are susceptible to flange face corrosion when they are exposed to corrosive environments. This paper examines the maximum amount of corrosion a weld neck flange face could tolerate without loosing structural integrity and hence the flange is fit for service. A parametric study using finite element method was used to examine the entire range of weld neck flanges listed in ASME B16.5 Code, Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings. From the study, a number of tables were developed limiting the amount of corrosion for the various classes and sizes of flanges.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Orientation-Specific Effects of Patterns of Adapting Light on Visual Acuity*

Inspection of a pattern of horizontal, vertical, or oblique lines differentially affects the visual acuity for test gratings as a function of their orientation. After a horizontal grating is viewed for 1 sec or longer, the resolution threshold for horizontal contours is greater than the threshold for the identification of vertical and obliquely oriented contours. Conversely, prolonged viewing of vertical contours raises the threshold for the identification of vertical lines above those for other orientations. Similar results are found following adapting exposures to left-and right-oblique contours. The differential masking effects are systematic functions of the duration of exposure to the light-and-dark adapting pattern.
A Portrait of the General as a Young Man: Marina Tsvetaeva's “Generalam dvenadtsatogo goda”

In late 1913, Marina Tsvetaeva was approaching the end of her extended poetic adolescence, moving beyond the domestic sphere that had contained her for so long. 1 Her biographer has described the poetry of this period as "a game" in which Tsvetaeva plays "a young woman ... trying herself out in new and strange poses and circumstances to see which suit her best."2 Among these "poses" was that of a time traveler who could transport herself to
On the design of error-correcting ciphers

Securing transmission over a wireless network is especially challenging, not only because of the inherently insecure nature of the medium, but also because of the highly error-prone nature of the wireless environment. In this paper, we take a joint encryption-error correction approach to ensure secure and robust communication over the wireless link. In particular, we design an error-correcting cipher (called the high diffusion cipher) and prove bounds on its error-correcting capacity as well as its security. Towards this end, we propose a new class of error-correcting codes (HD-codes) with built-in security features that we use in the diffusion layer of the proposed cipher. We construct an example, 128-bit cipher using the HD-codes, and compare it experimentally with two traditional concatenated systems: (a) AES (Rijndael) followed by Reed-Solomon codes, (b) Rijndael followed by convolutional codes. We show that the HD-cipher is as resistant to linear and differential cryptanalysis as the Rijndael. We also show that any chosen plaintext attack that can be performed on the HD cipher can be transformed into a chosen plaintext attack on the Rijndael cipher. In terms of error correction capacity, the traditional systems using Reed-Solomon codes are comparable to the proposed joint error-correcting cipher and those that use convolutional codes require 10% more data expansion in order to achieve similar error correction as the HD-cipher. The original contributions of this work are (1) design of a new joint error-correction-encryption system, (2) design of a new class of algebraic codes with built-in security criteria, called the high diffusion codes (HD-codes) for use in the HD-cipher, (3) mathematical properties of these codes, (4) methods for construction of the codes, (5) bounds on the error-correcting capacity of the HD-cipher, (6) mathematical derivation of the bound on resistance of HD cipher to linear and differential cryptanalysis, (7) experimental comparison of the HD-cipher with the traditional systems.
Early Failure of a Nonmodular Titanium Femoral Stem After Primary Hip Arthroplasty

Fully porous-coated cementless implants have a low failure rate and excellent survivorship in primary and revision surgery. Failure secondary to implant fracture is extremely rare with modern implant designs. We report an early fracture of a fully porous-coated femoral stem after primary total hip arthroplasty. The implant failed because of a filling mismatch between the proximal and distal femur.
Detecting resonant states in γd π0d

The angular distribution function for γd π0d scattering is calculated. A method for recognizing the presence of intermediate resonances and their angular momentum is given. As discussed, a measurement of this angular distribution allows for the determination of both the parity of these resonances and their transition amplitudes. PACS No.: 25.20.Lj
The safety of weekly plateletpheresis: effect on the donors' lymphocyte population

Ten normal donors were monitored before, during, and after ten weekly donations of platelet concentrates prepared using the Haemonetics Model 30 blood processor. Analysis of these data indicates about a 20 per cent decrease of lymphocytes, with B cells being significantly decreased in half of these patients. While coincident immunoglobulin deficiencies did not develop in this short-term study, it is presumed that these would occur with a prolongation of platelet donations, as has been noted in previous studies. Additional studies are indicated to further delineate the lymphocyte depletion in normal platelet donors.
ω-Grammotoxin blocks action-potential-induced Ca2+ influx and whole-cell Ca2+ current in rat dorsal-root ganglion neurons

Field-potential stimulation of rat dorsal-root ganglion (DRG) neurons evoked action-potential-mediated transient increases in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) as measured by indo-1-based microfluorimetry. Field-potential-evoked [Ca2+]i transients were abolished by tetrodotoxin, and their dependence on stimulus intensity exhibited an abrupt threshold. ω-Conotoxin GVIA (ω-CgTx, 100 nM) inhibited action-potential-mediated Ca2+ influx by 79%, while nitrendipine (1 μM) had little effect. ω-Grammotoxin SIA (ω-GsTx, 267 nM), a peptide toxin purified from the venom of the tarantula spider, Grammostola spatulata, blocked action-potential-mediated Ca2+ influx as effectively as did ω-CgTx, suggesting that ω-GsTx blocks N-type Ca2+ channels. In contrast to block by ω-CgTx, the block produced by ω-GsTx reversed upon washout of the peptide. ω-GsTx (270 nM) blocked 80%, and ω-CgTx (1 μM) blocked 64%, of whole-cell Ca2+ current (ICa) elicited by step depolarization to 0 mV from a holding potential of −80 mV. ω-GsTx completely occluded inhibition of ICa by ω-CgTx. However, when applied after ω-CgTx, ω-GsTx produced an additional inhibition of 27%, indicating that ω-GsTx also blocked a non-N-type Ca2+ channel. BayK8644 (1 μM) elicited an increase in ICa in the presence of maximally effective concentrations of ω-GsTx, suggesting that ω-GsTx does not block L-type channels. Thus, ω-GsTx displays a selectivity for Ca2+ channel subtypes which should prove useful for studying Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-channel-mediated processes.
Seasonal patterns in acidity of precipitation and their implications for forest stream ecosystems

Data collected since 1965 at a network of nine stations in the northeastern United States show that precipitation is most acid in the growing season (May-September) and least acid in winter (December-February). For the Hubbard Brook station in New Hampshire, where the mean hydrogen ion content of precipitation ranges between 46 peq 1−1 in winter and 102 peq 1−1 in summer, the seasonal pattern in acidity correlates closely with seasonal differences in S deposition from the atmosphere. As summer precipitation passes through the forest canopy, H ion concentrations are lowered by an average of 90%, primarily as a result of exchange with other cations. In winter the H ion content of incident precipitation is lowered from a mean of 50 peq 1−1 to a mean of 25 peq l−1 during storage in the snowpack.
Money Attitudes and Personality

In a sample of 67 students, neuroticism scores were associated with money attitude scores. The higher the neuroticism score the higher the impulsivity and the lower the motivational drive, organization, and planning scores.
California Geriatric Education Center Logic Model: An Evaluation and Communication Tool.

A logic model is a communications tool that graphically represents a program's resources, activities, priority target audiences for change, and the anticipated outcomes. This article describes the logic model development process undertaken by the California Geriatric Education Center in spring 2008. The CGEC is one of 48 Geriatric Education Centers across the nation, funded by the U.S. Health Resources Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions. Engaging this diverse group of stakeholders to develop a logic model has added substantial value to program planning, implementation, and evaluation of key performance outcomes.
Relationships among DNA adducts, micronuclei, and fitness parameters in Xenopus laevis exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract We investigated whether hepatic DNA adducts, erythrocytic micronuclei, wet weight, developmental stage, wet weight at metamorphosis, and time to metamorphosis changed in larval Xenopus laevis exposed to varied doses of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Using 32P-postlabeling, we observed relative DNA adduct levels of 0 to 13.7 × 10−7 following continuous exposure to 0 to 496 nM B[a]P for 12 days and relative levels of 0 to 10 × 10−7 after exposure to 248 nM B[a]P over a range of 0 to 16 days. Mean numbers of micronuclei were 1.7, 6.3, and 16.4 1000 red blood cells after exposure to 0, 31, and 248 nM B[a]P, respectively, for 14 days. Micronuclei also ranged from 1.3 to 120.5 1000 red blood cells following exposure to 248 nM B[a]P over a range of 0 to 16 days. Comparatively, levels of both DNA adducts and micronuclei were greatly reduced in animals exposed previously to 31 and 248 nM B[a]P, but assayed at metamorphosis. Larvae exposed to 248 nM B[a]P for 14 days took approximately 4 days longer to metamorphose than unexposed larvae. This increased time to metamorphosis was associated with increased DNA adducts and micronuclei in larvae exposed to 248 nM B[a]P. However, DNA adducts and micronuclei also increased in larvae exposed to 31 nM B[a]P, while time to metamorphosis did not. Larval wet weight was reduced by as much as 44% immediately following exposure to B[a]P. However, there was no effect of exposure on wet weight at metamorphosis. Exposed animals were up to 2 developmental stages younger than unexposed animals in one experiment, but differences among exposed and unexposed animals were less distinct in a second experiment. These studies suggest that DNA adducts and micronuclei can be sensitive measures of sublethal DNA damage, as well as possible short-term indicators of indirect effects on fitness in amphibians.
Venous compression syndromes: clinical features, imaging findings and management

Extrinsic venous compression is caused by compression of the veins in tight anatomic spaces by adjacent structures, and is seen in a number of locations. Venous compression syndromes, including Paget–Schroetter syndrome, Nutcracker syndrome, May–Thurner syndrome and popliteal venous compression will be discussed. These syndromes are usually seen in young, otherwise healthy individuals, and can lead to significant overall morbidity. Aside from clinical findings and physical examination, diagnosis can be made with ultrasound, CT, or MR conventional venography. Symptoms and haemodynamic significance of the compression determine the ideal treatment method.
Agricultural best management practices and surface water improvement and management

Restoration and enhancement of Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Everglades requires a comprehensive approach to manage agricultural runoff. The Florida Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Act of 1987 was promulgated to develop and implement plans for protecting Florida waters. The South Florida Water Management District was directed by Florida legislature to develop management plans for Lake Okeechobee (SWIM) and the Everglades ecosystem (Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Protection Act of 1991). These plans require agriculture to implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce runoff phosphorus (P) loads. The Lake Okeechobee SWIM plan established a P load reduction target for Lake Okeechobee and set P concentration limitations for runoff from non-point source agricultural sources. Agricultural water users in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) are required to develop farm management plans to reduce P loads from the basin by 25%. The Everglades Forever Act of 1994 additionally emphasized linkage of these landscapes and consequent protection and restoration of the Everglades. Agricultural BMPs are being developed and implemented to comply with water management, environmental, and regulatory standards. Although BMPs are improving runoff water quality, additional research is necessary to obtain the best combination of BMPs for individual farms. This paper summarizes the development of comprehensive water management in south Florida and the agricultural BMPs carried out to meet regulatory requirements for Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
49.1: Invited Paper: Solution‐Processed OLEDs: Unique Challenges and Advantages

Currently, solution-processed OLED displays are believed to have a significant cost advantage over conventional evaporated OLED displays. However, the nature of the fabrication process for the solution-processed device results in important differences in device physics. Examples are different molecular orientations, intermixing between layers, and broader recombination profiles. These among other topics will be discussed.
What Student Affairs Professionals Need to Know About Student Engagement

In a 1992 Calvin and Hobbs cartoon (Watterson), 6-year-old Calvin asks his teacher whether he is being adequately prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. He wants to know if he will have the skills and competencies that will allow him to succeed in a tough, global economy. In response, the teacher suggests he start working harder because what he will get out of school depends on how much effort he puts into it. Calvin ponders this advice for a moment and says, “Then forget it.” The exchange between Calvin and his teacher gets right to the point about what matters to student learning and personal development. Indeed, one of the few unequivocal conclusions from How College Affects Students (Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005) is that the amount of time and energy students put forth—student engagement—is positively linked with the desired outcomes of undergraduate education. Unfortunately, Calvin’s response is all too common, if not according to what students say, then by what they do or do not do. In this paper, I summarize the role and contributions of the scholarship and institutional research about student engagement and its relevance for student development professionals and others committed to enhancing the quality of the undergraduate experience. The presentation is organized into four major sections. First, I briefly describe the evolution of the student engagement concept and explain its importance to student development. Then, I summarize findings from research studies about the relationships between student engagement and selected activities including participation in high-impact practices, employment, and some other experiences of relevant a relevance to the current generation of undergraduates. Next, I discuss some topics that warrant additional investigation to better understand how to further potential and utility of student engagement research and institutional policies and practices that the findings suggest. I close with some observations about the implications of student engagement research for student affairs professionals and others on campus committed to improving the quality of undergraduate education.
Genetic information on the Ri plasmid of Agrobacterium rhizogenes determines host specificity

Summary Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain TR105 causes the ‘hairy root’ syndrome in a large variety of dicotyledonous plants. Mutants with reduced host range were isolated following Tn 5 transposon mutagenesis. The inserted transposons were found to be transferrable into a Ti plasmidless A. tumefaciens strain at a low frequency. In each case, transconjugants selected for the inheritance of the transposon were found to have also inherited the hairy root plasmid (pRi) and displayed the reduced host range of the mutant donor. These results suggest that the pRiTR105 plasmid is self-transmissible and carries determinant(s) for host specificity.
Mapping the chicken genome

Most economically important traits are genetically complex and controlled by numerous genes. A quality genetic map is a prerequisite for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) that contain the genes involved in these traits. Currently, there are two internationally recognized reference families that are used to build genetic maps. In this paper, the East Lansing (EL) genetic map is described in detail. Presently, the EL genetic map contains 617 genetic markers, of which 589 are resolved into 41 linkage groups. The map coverage within linkage groups is over 2,700 cM, which is about the estimated size of the chicken genome. There are 322 microsatellite markers, which greatly enhances the utility of this genetic map for genome-wide QTL searches. Also, 101 genes have been mapped, which will aid in the development of a comparative map. Further efforts to improve the genetic map and the potential for the map to identify QTL are discussed.
Composition of Explosives by Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Commercial explosives are complex mixtures that contain not only the active explosive agent(s) but also a host of other organic and inorganic compounds. The ultrahigh mass resolving power (m/Δm50% >200 000) and mass accuracy (<1 ppm) of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FTICR) mass spectrometry allow for definitive identification of various species in TNT, RDX, and HMX. We are thereby able to correct prior misassignments of the elemental compositions of the most abundant negative ions from electrospray of RDX and HMX. Although the (known) active agents of many explosives may be identified by low-resolution MS or MS/MS, it is the other characteristic components (indigenous or artificial additives) whose presence and elemental composition can potentially identify the source of the product. ESI FTICR mass spectrometry of smokeless powder, TNT, and Powermite resolves and identifies numerous nonactive ingredients, many of which are recovered in a postblast residue. In contr...
Public health matters: the role of the pharmacist and the academy

Abstract Heart disease and cancer are responsible for up to half of the more than 2 million deaths each year in the United States. 1 Pharmacists ought to contribute to reducing mortality when they take an active role in prevention. Academic and community pharmacists can join the cadre of existing public health pharmacists who provide access to preventive care and disease management services. The intention of this paper is to incite discussion among faculty in schools and colleges of pharmacy, with the hope that an increased interest in public health occurs in the academic environment and that pharmacists assume additional leadership roles in public health matters. Descriptions of pharmacist-designed programs that address public health concerns, as well as the results of these programs, are presented. A suggestion for how medical missions can serve as a model of interprofessional and public health education is included.
Viral Hepatitis in School-Aged Children

Hepatitis A is a common disease in children, usually passed by the fecal-oral route. Because of its route of transmission, day care centers, especially those caring for infants and toddlers in diapers, are a likely site of passage of the disease, unlike schools, where transfer of HAV occurs uncommonly. The pediatrician encountering a case of HA must ascertain (1) that other possible aiagnoses have been eliminated, (2) whether the patient or a sibling attends a day care center, and (3) the likelihood of a common source outbreak associated with contaminated food or drink. Public health help should be sought to determine that all wider implications of the patient9s disease have been taken into account. In some instances, immunoglobulin use may be indicated beyond the usual group of family and sexual contacts. In many cases, the pediatrician will be asked to stretch the indications for immunoglobulin prophylaxis; the forces may be so strong as to force mass immunoglobulin administration even if inschool transmission is unlikely. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis; previously prescribed diets and restrictions of activity are unnecessary. Recovery without complications occurs in the vast majority of patients, especially children, with HA. Hepatitis B and non-A, non-B hepatitis are less common than HA in children, except those in certain groups. Those infected have a 10% likelihood of contracting chronic active hepatitis; with HB, a chronic carrier state contributes substantially to the epidemiology of the disease. The same is likely to hold true for non-A, non-B hepatitis. In patients with needle-stick, blood product, or sexual xposure to HB, standard immunoglobulin or HBIG is recommended as prophylaxis; for those exposed to NANB, immunoglobulin may be given. A vaccine to give active protection against HB exists; one is being developed for HA as well.
Does trastuzumab increase the risk of isolated CNS metastases in patients with breast cancer

Does trastuzumab increase the risk of isolated CNS metastases in patients with breast cancer?
Journal Club: House of Pain

In this issue’s column, we contemplate pain management from some alternative sources. ### Summary This high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of vapocoolant spray in reducing pain related to venipuncture and venous cannulation identified 12 studies including 1266 patients (509 children). Using a pooled random-effects model, the authors showed no difference in mean pain scores for vapocoolant sprays compared with placebo or with no treatment among children. In adults, spray was superior to no treatment in reducing pain, but there was no difference between spray and placebo. ### Relevance Procedural pain, especially with venipuncture and venous cannulation, is a common experience for hospitalized children. Pain, trauma, and anxiety related to such events predict future anxiety for other procedures, overall pain intolerance, and even medical traumatic stress. One easy remedy is the use of vapocoolant spray. It takes little training to use and is widely available and inexpensive, but as this study suggests, it is ineffective. ### Takeaway There is no silver bullet for reducing procedural pain. Instead, multimodal techniques including planning …
Photovoltaic power for a lunar base

A lunar base is an attractive option for space exploration plans early in the next century. The primary options for a lunar base power system are solar and nuclear. This paper details the requirements for a photovoltaic powered lunar base. Topics covered are (1) requirements for power during the lunar day and during the night, (2) solar cells, present and future availability, efficiency, specific power, and temperature sensitivity, (3) storage options for the lunar night, (4) arrays and system integration, and (5) the potential for production of photovoltaic arrays and storage capability from locally available materials.
Trace metal adsorption modelling and particle-water interactions in estuarine environments

Abstract A brief, critical review of empirical and conceptual metal adsorption models is presented. This covers models conditional to seawater chemistry, as well as models applicable to estuaries or other systems of variable solution chemistry. The conceptual surface complexation approach is used to show why desorption of trace metals does not necessarily occur readily in estuaries, and why in some cases adsorption can even take place. The relevance and weaknesses of this model for the understanding of the mobility and fate of heavy metals in turbid environments, as related to particle dynamics, is discussed using the macrotidal Gironde Estuary, France, as the example.
Squash vein yellowing virus Infection of Vining Cucurbits and the Vine Decline Response

Abstract The responses of a diverse group of vining cucurbits to inoculation with Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) were determined. For the first time, Cucurbita maxima, Cucumis dipsaceus, and Cucumis metuliferus were observed to develop necrosis and plant death similar to the SqVYV-induced vine decline in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus). The majority of cucurbits inoculated, however, either exhibited no symptoms of infection, or developed relatively mild symptoms such as vein yellowing of upper, noninoculated leaves. All inoculated plants were sectioned and tested for the presence of SqVYV. The virus was widely distributed in mature, fruit-bearing cucurbits with over 72% of plant sections testing positive for SqVYV by tissue-blot and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Plants of several cucurbits, including a wild citron (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides), were symptomless and had a decreased frequency of virus infection of vine segments compared to susceptible vining cucur...
On the effect of the martian crustal magnetic field on atmospheric erosion

Abstract Without the shielding of a strong intrinsic magnetic field, the martian atmosphere directly interacts with the impacting solar wind. The neutral constituents of the atmospheric corona can be ionized, and then picked up and accelerated by the magnetic field and convection electric field in the solar wind. A significant fraction of pickup ions escape Mars’ gravitational pull and are lost to space. This non-thermal escape process of heavy species is an important mechanism responsible for atmospheric erosion. While there is a perception that the martian magnetic anomalies are significant for the ionospheric density distribution and the bow shock standoff location, little is known about the quantitative influence of the martian crustal magnetic field on the global distribution of escaping pickup ions. In this paper, we apply a newly developed Monte Carlo ion transport model to resolve the crustal field effect on the pickup oxygen ion distribution around Mars. The background magnetic and electric fields, in which test particles are followed, are calculated using an independent three-dimensional multispecies MHD model. The effects of the crustal magnetic field on particle escape are quantified by varying the crustal field orientation in the model setup and comparing the corresponding test particle simulation results. The comparison is made by turning on or off the crustal field or changing the local time of the strongest field from the dayside to the dawnside. It is found that without the protection of the crustal magnetic field, the total amount of atmospheric escape through the tail region would be enhanced by more than a factor of two. It is shown that the crustal magnetic field not only regionally deflects the solar wind around the martian atmosphere, but also has an important global effect on atmospheric erosion and thus on long-term atmospheric evolution.
AXON SWELLINGS PRODUCED IN VIVO IN ISOLATED SEGMENTS OF NERVES

Within 3–5 hrs after cutting rat and cat sciatic nerves into segments which had no connection with the cell body, club-shaped axon swellings were observed at both ends of the segments. The swollen portion of these axons showed increased histochemical reactions for DPN-diaphorase, lactic dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, succinic dehydrogenase, and protein; the increase lasted for 24–48 hrs after the nerve was cut. The swollen axons were morphologically and histochemically similar to, but never as markedly changed, as those observed in the proximal stumps of severed nerves.
A survey of the role of virtual surgery simulators in ophthalmic graduate medical education

Dear Editor, Virtual eye surgery (VES) simulators offer a safe and controlled environment to actively learn intraocular surgery. This includes gaining experience in the eye-hand-foot coordination required for intraocular surgery, the use of common microsurgical instruments, and the critical steps of key procedures such as capsulorhexis for cataract surgery and membrane peeling for vitreoretinal surgery [1–3]. However, the role of VES simulators in the education of ophthalmologists-in-training is unclear: they appear to improve surgical skills as measured by the simulator and wet-lab performance but there is a paucity of data showing improved operating room performance [1, 4]. To learn more about the current status of VES in ophthalmic graduate medical education, we surveyed United States (US) ophthalmology residency program directors on the role of VES simulators in their programs. After being granted an exemption from the Providence Veterans AffairsMedical Center Institutional Review Board, an anonymous survey consisting of multiple choice and Likertstyle questions (Tables 1, 2) was created on www.surveymon key.com. The survey link was sent to the 117 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Ophthalmology Residency Program Directors listed on the FREIDA online database (www.ama-assn.org/go/freida). Each survey question was analyzed independently with the denominator being the total number of responses to the question. The results of the survey are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. The response rate was 47.9% (56/117). AVES simulator was used by 23% (13/56) of residency training programs. Among the programs without a VES simulator, cost was the main limiting factor (98%, 41/42) followed by inadequate simulator realism (26%, 11/42), and the unproven validity of VES (21%, 9/42). Among programs using VES simulators, (100%; 10/10) used the EyeSi simulator (VRmagic, Mannheim, Germany); (69%, 9/13) mandated its use in the educational curriculum and (50%, 6/12) used it to evaluate resident surgical skills quantitatively. A VES simulator had been personally used by 75% (38/51) of program directors; 21% (9/42) of program directors reported that department faculty used a VES simulator to help residents improve surgical skills. Most program directors agreed that VES is a useful tool for improving and measuring resident surgical skills and that it could be incorporated into the resident training model; however, they did not support VES evolving into a mandatory component of resident training. This study has several limitations. The survey response rate of 47.9% may limit the generalizability of the results, though it exceeds the 32% response rate of a recent US program director survey [5] and the 34% mean response rate for e-mail surveys reported in a recent meta-analysis [6]. In addition, the survey may have been biased by the Y. Ahmed : P. B. Greenberg (*) Section of Ophthalmology, VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908, USA e-mail: paul_greenberg@brown.edu
Imaging Survival and Function of Transplanted Cardiac Resident Stem Cells

Objectives: The goal of this study is to characterize resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs) and investigate their therapeutic efficacy in myocardial infarction by molecular imaging methods.Background:...
Sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, and acute lethality of a polymeric isocyanate and sensory irritation of 2,6-toluene diisocyanate

Abstract The use of monomeric and polymeric isocyanates in a wide variety of industries has been increasing. Little is known about the toxicity of polymeric isocyanates and the widely used 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) isomer. The pulmonary and sensory irritation of an aliphatic polyisocyanate (DES-N) based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) was studied in Swiss-Webster male mice during aerosol exposures in the range of 25 to 131 mg/m 3 . The sensory irritation of 2,6-TDI vapor was studied in the range of 0.37 to 7.6 mg/m 3 (0.05 to 1.1 ppm). The aerodynamic equivalent diameter and geometric standard deviation for the DES-N aerosol were 0.6 μm and 2.4, respectively. High-speed liquid chromatography was used to determine both free HDI in DES-N and HDI in the exposure chamber. Each exposure was for 3 hr during which the tidal volume pattern and respiratory rate of groups of four mice were recorded. Unlike the monomeric isocyanates, DES-N acted predominantly as a pulmonary irritant, evoking little sensory irritation. The concentration needed to reduce the respiratory rate 50% due to pulmonary irritation was 57.1 mg/m 3 . The LC50, determined by counting the number of deaths within the 24 hr period following a 4-hr exposure, was 91.2 mg/m 3 . In groups of animals killed 2 hr after the 4-hr exposure, the concentration of DES-N needed to increase lung weight by 50% was 45 mg/m 3 . Based on comparisons with another pulmonary irritant, nitrogen dioxide, the maximum concentration for DES-N permitted in industry should be 1 mg/m 3 with a time-weighted average for an 8-hr period of 0.5 mg/m 3 . From the concentration-response relationship due to sensory irritation for 2,6-TDI, the RD50 was determined to be 1.8 mg/m 3 (0.26 ppm) which is close to the value of 1.4 mg/m 3 (0.20 ppm) determined previously for 2,4-TDI. No pulmonary irritation was observed. For industrial applications the exposure limit for 2,4-TDI of 0.04 mg/m 3 (0.006 ppm) is also suggested as appropriate for the 2,6-TDI isomer.
Remanufacturing scheduling systems: an exploratory analysis comparing academic research and industry practice

We report academic advancements made in remanufacturing scheduling system methodologies, criteria/objective functions, and complexities in the academic literature and compare this to the actual remanufacturing scheduling practices used in industry. Survey data collected from the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) is analysed to learn the techniques and approaches used to schedule remanufacturing operations and the difficulties encountered. Survey results are compared with academic progress in remanufacturing scheduling and the results of previous related industry surveys. Our analysis reveals that industry employs several scheduling aids (i.e., MRP, JIT, buffer inventories, control of core returns, etc.) for rapid manufacturing and to create a more reliable and predictable process. Areas in need of further study for more rapid manufacturing include: establishing integrated remanufacturing supply chain networks that can handle mixed and shifting competitive strategies, greater involvement of remanufacturers in OEM product designs, and added attention to employee selection and training considerations in remanufacturing.
Vaccine refusal and the endgame: walking the last mile first

As multiple papers within this special issue illustrate, the dynamics of disease eradication are different from disease control. When it comes to disease eradication, ‘the last mile is longest’. For social and ecological reasons such as vaccine refusal, further ending incidence of a disease when it has reached low levels is frequently complex. Issues of non-compliance within a target population often influence the outcome of disease eradication efforts. Past eradication efforts confronted such obstacles towards the tail end of the campaign, when disease incidence was lowest. This article provides a comparison of non-compliance within polio, measles and smallpox campaigns, demonstrating the tendency of vaccine refusal to rise as disease incidence falls. In order to overcome one of the most intractable challenges to eradication, future disease eradication efforts must prioritize vaccine refusal from the start, i.e. ‘walk the last mile first’.
Workshop - guiding current and future faculty to develop an effective teaching philosophy

A teaching philosophy is vital to conveying one's beliefs about teaching and learning. Moreover, the act of writing a philosophy is a reflective act imperative for educators because it engages them in the process of critically analyzing and articulating their teaching beliefs. Yet current and future faculty are not often taught how to effectively write their own philosophies, despite the literature and resources available on the development, use, and evaluation of teaching philosophies. We have found that a workshop format in which we guide current and future faculty to develop effective teaching philosophies challenges them to think critically about their core teaching beliefs and provides a forum for them to write their philosophy. Our workshop is dedicated to not only promoting teaching and learning as a scholarly endeavor to current and future faculty, but serves as a guide for others to use in creating such workshops at their institutions. In our highly interactive three hour workshop we model innovative techniques in which to promote reflective teaching practices as well as disseminate our experiences in creating and running this workshop for six semesters.
Liquid Crystalline Properties of Polyguanidines

Modified polyguanidines were prepared, and their liquid crystalline properties were studied using optical polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Parameters examined include chirality, the uniformity of the lengths of side chains, and attached side-chain mesogens. If the side chains on the repeat units are identical, then polymer has a more ordered structure in both solution and the solid state. Uniform lengths of the side chains are also important. Poly(N,N'-di-n-hexylguanidine), poly-I, exhibited a lyotropic smectic texture in contrast to a nematic texture of poly(N-(rac)-2-phenylethyl)-N'- methylguanidine) (poly-(rac-II)). Optically pure poly(N-((R)-2-phenylethyl)-N'-methylguanidine) (poly- (R-II)) formed a cholesteric texture, whereas the corresponding racemic polyguanidine, poly-(rac-II), formed a nematic texture. Additionally, poly-(R-II) displayed a mesophase at a lower critical concentration than either poly-I or poly-(rac-II), implying that poly-(R-II) is stiffer than these two other derivatives. Poly(N-6-((4'-methoxyphenylazo)phenyl-4-oxy)hexyl-N'-n-hexylguanidine) (poly-IV), one of combined liquid crystalline structures (liquid crystalline backbone plus liquid crystalline side chains), displayed a lyotropic nematic texture presumably due to the strong dipolar-dipolar interaction between the main chain and side chains that folds the appendages parallel to the molecular axis. Poly(N-12-((4'-methoxybiphenyl-4- oxy)dodecyl-N'-n-dodecylguanidine) (poly-V) and poly(N,N'-di-n-dodecylguanidine) (poly-VI) exhibited thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior.
The effect of nursing interventions utilizing music therapy or sensory information on Chinese patients' anxiety prior to cardiac catheterization: a pilot study.

Background: Unrelieved anxiety can produce an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity leading to an increase in cardiac workload. Nursing interventions using music therapy or sensory inform...
Non-invasive sampling and DNA amplification for paternity exclusion, community structure, and phylogeography in wild chimpanzees

Genetic studies of free-ranging primates have been seriously impeded by difficulties of sampling tissues, including the undesirability of bleeding habituated animals, of transporting frozen samples to the laboratory, and of the inherent inadequacies of accessible variation including allozymes, mtDNA RFLP patterns and DNA fingerprints. We have developed methods of non-invasive DNA sampling and DNA-level genotyping which, when combined with a hierarchical analysis of mtDNA sequences and hypervariable nDNA simple sequence repeat (microsatellite) loci size length polymorphisms, facilitate the resolution of most questions at the individual, social group (community), population, and species (phylogenetic) levels. This approach, based on DNA amplified from shed hair, represents an important new tool for the acquisition of genetic information and will facilitate the study and management of both captive and free-ranging chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Our hierarchical analysis of population genetics of chimpanzees has revealed high historical levels of gene flow and large effective population sizes, as well as substantial divergence between the West African subspecies and chimpanzees from central and East Africa. At the community level, closer relatedness among philopatric males than among females supports the view that kin selection has been an evolutionary force shaping male-male cooperation in this species. Results from our study of the now relatively isolated Gombe community suggest that habitat fragmentation affects population genetic structure and possibly population viability.
The Optimization and Implementation of Power System Parallel Computing Management Platform

With the rapid development of computer hardware, parallel computing cluster is becoming more and more powerful. It becomes focus of attention that how to make full use of the parallel abilities in computing cluster for grid service faster and more agility in the analysis of power system simulation. This paper introduces the optimization and implementation of power system parallel computing management platform based on online and offline power system research. It improves the computing resource utilization, enhances the general platform, standardizes management of computing interface at the same time and realizes the application process can be configured for the customs. At present, the optimization and implementation of power system parallel computing management platform has been successfully applied to online warning research and auxiliary decision in the power system, and it is also applied to offline study prediction, collaborative system for power grid operation mode calculation and so on.
A Practitioner's Guide to Lag Order Selection For VAR Impulse Response Analysis

It is common in empirical macroeconomics to fit vector autoregressive (VAR) models to construct estimates of impulse responses. An important preliminary step in impulse response analysis is the selection of the VAR lag order. In this paper, we compare the six lag-order selection criteria most commonly used in applied work. Our metric is the mean-squared error (MSE) of the implied pointwise impulse response estimates normalized relative to their MSE based on knowing the true lag order. Based on our simulation design we conclude that for monthly VAR models, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) tends to produce the most accurate structural and semi-structural impulse response estimates for realistic sample sizes. For quarterly VAR models, the Hannan-Quinn Criterion (HQC) appears to be the most accurate criterion with the exception of sample sizes smaller than 120, for which the Schwarz Information Criterion (SIC) is more accurate. For persistence profiles based on quarterly vector error correction models with known cointegrating vector, our results suggest that the SIC is the most accurate criterion for all realistic sample sizes.
Effects of changing native American cultures on child development

Dislocation of native American tribes and pueblos and the alteration of traditional ways of earning a living, with ensuing poverty, on dislocated reservations has had a major impact on many native American communities. Poverty, hopelessness, and the attractiveness of Anglo possessions have led to reducing the importance of tradition and ancient culture in the everyday life of many American Indians. Under these circumstances, adult alcoholism reduces the capacity to parent infants and children and results in developmental deviations. Child abuse and neglect result in developmental problems noted in poor school performance, depression, adolescent alcoholism and suicide, etc. Efforts of a few American Indian communities to emphasize the teaching of traditional ways and to deal with community problems in new ways are described. They are encouraging. These pilot efforts, which emanate from the tribe or are encouraged and helped along by mental health consultants, begin to alter the status and sense of well-being of the adults and adolescents. Some pilot projects described here deal with altering the young, “high-risk,” adolescent woman's image and understanding of herself and with her subsequent parenting of children, with its profound effect on newborn infants and their development. The effort of these projects is to reverse the maldevelopment of the young in the hope that more integrated, competent, and creative native American adolescents and adults will enhance the teaching and learning of tradition—that these efforts will help more native Americans to find ways of using the tools of modern Anglo society so they do not do away with the ancient customs and traditions and their healthy impact on daily living.
nNOS at a glance: implications for brain and brawn

Nitric oxide (NO), formed enzymatically from L-arginine, functions as an endogenous signaling molecule in numerous organs and tissues throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. The first NO synthase (NOS) was isolated from mammalian brain and named neuronal NOS (nNOS, aka: NOS1) owing to its