cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Articles: Exploring Adolescent Experiences With Exposure to Community Violence

TOPIC: Exposure to violence negatively impacts the lives and health of adolescents. Twenty-two adolescents participated in focus groups to discuss the issue of community violence. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents' experiences with exposure to community violence, their perceived needs, and recommendations for community interventions. SOURCES: Data from content analysis of transcriptions of focus group discussions described the adolescents' recommendations for solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated that these adolescent participants sustain personal strengths despite feelings of helplessness related to high prevalence of exposures to community violence. Further research to investigate community interventions for adolescents exposed to community violence is needed. Implications and recommendations for nurses are discussed. Language: en
Association of COPD stages and comorbidities in Italian general practices: The COMODHES study

Background : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents an important and increasing burden worldwide. COPD often coexists with other diseases that may have an impact on prognosis. Aims : to evaluate the association between different COPD severity levels and comorbidity in Italian patients of general practitioners (GP). Methods : prospective observational study in different Italian areas. 176 GP enrolled 2288 patients with COPD diagnosis. Questionnaires were used to collect data on COPD management, health status and risk factors. Univariate analyses were used to assess the relationship between COPD severity levels (mild, moderate, severe, very severe) and demographic characteristics (age, sex), smoking habits, comorbidities. Multinomial regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between COPD severity levels and comorbidity adjusting for demographic characteristics and smoking habits. Results : Univariate analyses showed a significantly higher frequency of high severity levels in males, older age, ex-smokers, subjects with cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis/skeletal muscle dysfunction, anaemia, depression and weight loss. The Multinomial regression analysis confirmed the associations between moderate severity COPD and cardiovascular disease (OR 1.30); severe COPD and cardiovascular disease (OR 1.35), osteoporosis/skeletal muscle dysfunction (OR 1.43), anaemia (OR 2.06) and weight lost (OR 2.77); very severe COPD and weight loss (OR 6.34) and depression (OR 2.50). Conclusions : this study indicates that COPD stages are significantly associated with different kinds of comorbidities which need to be taken into account in disease management.
Evaluation of NMR spectral data of urine in conjunction with measured clinical chemistry and histopathology parameters to assess the effects of liver and kidney toxicants

Single low and high doses of several compounds with known renal toxic effects (para-aminophenol, puromycin aminonucleoside, sodium chromate, and hexachlorobutadiene,) or known liver toxic effects (galactosamine, allyl alcohol, and thioacetamide) were administered to male Wistar rats in groups of 4 or 8 for each compound. Predose urine samples (Day 0) and samples from post-dosing (Days 1–4) were collected for each rat and monitored by 1D 1H NMR. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the NMR spectra was used to investigate differences between dose levels for each compound individually. The findings from PCA at both dose levels for each compound were examined in the context of the corresponding clinical chemistry and pathology data collected during the study. The PCA clustering of NMR spectra from rats dosed with each individual compound were shown to be associated with the measured levels of creatinine, BUN, AST, ALT and histopathology findings. Finally, scaled-to-maximum, aligned, and reduced trajectories (SMART) analysis was applied to compare the temporal metabolic trajectories obtained for each animal at each dose level of the administered compounds. By day 4, the SMART trajectories for allyl alcohol and hexachlorobutadiene had returned to predose levels indicating a recovery response, however, the high dose SMART trajectories for para-aminophenol, puromycin aminonucleoside, sodium chromate, and galactosamine did not appear to return to predose levels indicating a prolonged toxic effect.
Integrated structural health monitoring for composites using proper orthogonal decomposition based model filter

This study presents a damage detection algorithm based on the proper orthogonal decomposition technique for health monitoring of composite structures. A finite element model of a carbon/epoxy composite plate is used to generate vibration data for healthy and damaged structures. Varying levels of stiffness reduction for the elements in the damaged zone of the structure simulate impact damage. Different random excitation inputs are used for each of the three damage locations investigated in order to introduce variation in the loading conditions of the model. An experimental investigation is also performed using a carbon/epoxy plate similar to the numerical model. The composite plate is mounted as a cantilever and the fixed end of the plate is excited with an electro-magnetic shaker. Impact damage is introduced into the plate dropping a steel ball in one area of the plate from different heights. The results of the damage detection method indicate that damages can be detected and localized using this algorithm.
The implications of fiber compaction and saturation on fully coupled VARTM simulation

Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is a process by which resin is drawn through fiber preforms in a one-sided mold using an induced pressure gradient. Although the approach to model flow in VARTM is similar to the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process, modeling in VARTM can be significantly more complex if one accounts for fiber compaction and the dual scale nature of the fiber preform which is present in RTM but often neglected. This article investigates the influence of fiber compaction and fiber tow saturation during mold filling in the VARTM process. A non-rigid control volume is used to formulate a set of governing equations to describe the resin flow. Tow impregnation at the micro-scale is coupled with global resin flow at the macroscale by applying conservation of mass principles. Preform compaction is modeled as a non-linear spring bed where compaction pressure is dynamically distributed between the resin and the preform. The variation in preform permeability is modified due to the changes in the fiber volume fraction as a result of changing compaction. A simple one-dimensional mold filling case is solved to investigate the role of compaction and dual scale porous media in VARTM processes. A parametric study allows us to identify situations in which one can neglect compaction and saturation and conditions under which a fully coupled model should be applied for satisfactory results.
Utilization of pre-existing messenger RNAs for nonhistone chromosomal protein synthesis in WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts.

Abstract Contact-inhibited monolayers of WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts show an increase in chromatin template activity within 1 h following stimulation to proliferate. Direct evidence that nonhistone chromosomal proteins are responsible for this increased transcriptional activity of the genome comes from previous studies which demonstrate that the template activity of chromatin reconstituted with nonhistone chromosomal proteins from WI-38 cells 1 h following stimulation is higher than the template activity of chromatin reconstituted with nonhistone chromosomal proteins from contact-inhibited cells. The present studies indicate that there is an increase in the amount of two specific newly synthesized molecular weight classes of nonhistone chromosomal proteins in chromatin 1 h following the stimulation of contact-inhibited WI-38 cells to proliferate and that the synthesis of these nonhistone chromosomal proteins occurs in the absence of new RNA synthesis. The possibility that such nonhistone chromosomal protein synthesis early during the prereplicative phase of the cell cycle may be regulated at the translational level is discussed.
FREEWAY ON-RAMP DESIGN CRITERIA FOR RAMP METERS WITH EXCESSIVE QUEUE DETECTORS

Guidelines were developed for designing freeway on-ramps in which ramp metering is envisioned. More specifically, design issues were probed for ramps in which the ramp meter utilizes a queue detector to identify and prevent a queue of vehicles from blocking the upstream intersection. First, the benefits of ramp metering operation were delineated, and general design considerations were then drawn up. Finally, design criteria were developed for three distance requirements for freeway on-ramps: safe stopping distance, storage distance, and acceleration distance.
Mechanisms of Behavioral Toxicology: An Integrated Approach

Behavior provides the link between an animal's internal physiology and external environment; specific variations in physiological function can yield specific, definable and predictable behaviors. Disruptions in the physico-chemical nature of environmental cues or the internal biological responses have the potential to induce changes in behavior, changes which may subtly alter a population's ability to survive. Numerous scientists, using a wide range of invertebrates and vertebrates, including humans, have developed a significant body of knowledge on behavioral alterations due to sublethal environmental contaminant exposure. These behaviors include reflexive motions and neurobehavioral assessments, social interactions, activity and feeding patterns, and learning. However, this work has often been accomplished without investigating the physiological mechanisms that produce the observed changes. This situation has occurred not for lack of interest among behavioral toxicologists to investigate the physiological underpinnings of the observed alterations, but rather due to lack of resources and outlets for collaboration. At the other end of the biological spectrum, physiologists, biochemists and molecular biologists have presented a wealth of important data on the effects of toxicants on terrestrial and aquatic organisms, but from an entirely different perspective. These data provide insight into the relationships between toxicants and metabolic processes, detoxification mechanisms, and neurophysiological and endocrine system disrupters. Each process may, through a series of intermediate pathways, affect animal behavior. Unfortunately, this information has
Suppressor and novel mutants of bacteriophage T4 tRNAGly

We have isolated a weak UGA suppressor of phage T4 tRNA(Gly) in which the anticodon is changed from UCC to UCA. Two secondary mutants lacking suppressor activity are atypical in accumulating tRNA(Gly). Both mutations change the T stem of the cloverleaf model. One involved a G to A change at the 5' base position of the middle base-pair; the second involves a C to U change at a constant base position next to the T loop. The precursor RNAs of the mutants were cleaved in vitro with the catalytic RNA subunit of RNase P. Relative to normal precursor RNA, the precursor mutated at the middle base-pair position of the T stem was cleaved more rapidly, whereas the precursor mutated at the base-pair position next to the T loop was cleaved more slowly.
Perceived causality for success in occupations

Abstract A representative group of occupations was examined within an attributional framework, utilizing the concept of perceived causality for success. Specifically, it was hypothesized that (1) success in different types of occupations would be attributed to different causes, (2) the causal attributions of incumbents would differ from those of nonincumbents, (3) standard occupational categories could be derived on the basis of perceived causality for success, and (4) perceived causality for success could be used as a basis for generating a circular ordering of occupations. Holland's (1973) occupational classification was used as a basis for categorization. College students, as well as six types of occupational incumbents, were administered a questionnaire in which they attributed causality for success in 35 occupations. The results supported the first three hypotheses and also revealed some systematic relationships between causes and between perceived causality for success and occupational prestige.
THE USE OF TRITIATED THYMIDINE IN THE STUDY OF TISSUE ACTIVATION DURING GERMINATION IN ZEA MAYS

Analysis of incorporation of labeled precursors into DNA coupled with mitotic counts furnishes a picture of the sequence in which tissues become activated during seed germination. By appropriate sampling techniques ontogenetic changes within an organ during germination can be traced and correlated with anatomical information already available. This information will aid in making physiological studies during this phase of plant development more meaningful. In this preliminary study it was found those tissues which mature during embryogeny (root cap, coleorhiza, scutellar node) are first to resume DNA synthesis (30 hr after soaking). No mitoses were observed in these tissues. In shoot and root, mitoses usually precede DNA synthesis, indicating that the nuclei of the dormant embryo have a DNA value of 4C or more. The shoot begins its activity much later than the root (50 hr). The shoot apex was the last region to become active, some 70 hr after initiation of the soaking treatment. (auth)
From clinical markers to community support: the future of lupus treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue. SLE can affect any part of the body, but most often harms the joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys cardiovascular and nervous systems. Dr Michael Madaio is a lead researcher in this area, seeking to improve the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease in lupus patients. Dr Madaio was recently appointed the Section Chief of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation in the Department of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine, PA, USA. Previous to this he was a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr Madaio’s main research area is the immunology of nephritis, in particular lupus nephritis and glomerular diseases. Here he discusses future directions in lupus diagnosis and treatment and the importance of providing support for lupus patients in the community.
Coordination Chemistry of Microbial Iron Transport.

ConspectusThis Account focuses on the coordination chemistry of the microbial iron chelators called siderophores. The initial research (early 1970s) focused on simple analogs of siderophores, which included hydroxamate, catecholate, or hydroxycarboxylate ligands. The subsequent work increasingly focused on the transport of siderophores and their microbial iron transport. Since these are pseudo-octahedral complexes often composed of bidentate ligands, there is chirality at the metal center that in principle is independent of the ligand chirality. It has been shown in many cases that chiral recognition of the complex occurs. Many techniques have been used to elucidate the iron uptake processes in both Gram-positive (single membrane) and Gram-negative (double membrane) bacteria. These have included the use of radioactive labels (of ligand, metal, or both), kinetically inert metal complexes, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. In general, siderophore recognition and transport involves receptors that recognize the met...
Role of dump cage fecal contamination in the transfer of Campylobacter to carcasses of previously negative broilers

SUMMARY This study was undertaken to measure the potential for broiler carcass contamination with Campylobacter due to exposure of live birds to a contaminated dump cage. Broilers were obtained from commercial growout houses that had been previously identified as Campylobacter positive or negative by culturing feces. Broilers from a Campylobacter-positive house were placed into a new (never used) five-level commercial dump cage and held for 8 h. When broilers from the positive house were removed and processed, broilers from the Campylobacter-negative house were placed into the same openings of the dump cage. Broilers from the negative house remained in the cage, exposed to the feces of the Campylobacter-positive broilers, for 2, 4, or 6 h before being removed and processed. Carcasses from each group were examined for the presence and number of Campylobacter. After 2, 4, and 6 h of exposure to the contaminated dump cage, more than 50% of defeathered carcasses from previously negative broilers had detectable levels of Campylobacter. These data demonstrate that transportation of Campylobacter-negative broilers in a contaminated container can result in carcass contamination with Campylobacter.
Long-Term Restoration of Rod and Cone Vision by Single Dose rAAV-Mediated Gene Transfer to the Retina in a Canine Model of Childhood Blindness

The short- and long-term effects of gene therapy using AAV-mediated RPE65 transfer to canine retinal pigment epithelium were investigated in dogs affected with disease caused by RPE65 deficiency. Results with AAV 2/2, 2/1, and 2/5 vector pseudotypes, human or canine RPE65 cDNA, and constitutive or tissue-specific promoters were similar. Subretinally administered vectors restored retinal function in 23 of 26 eyes, but intravitreal injections consistently did not. Photoreceptoral and postreceptoral function in both rod and cone systems improved with therapy. In dogs followed electroretinographically for 3 years, responses remained stable. Biochemical analysis of retinal retinoids indicates that mutant dogs have no detectable 11-cis-retinal, but markedly elevated retinyl esters. Subretinal AAV-RPE65 treatment resulted in detectable 11-cis-retinal expression, limited to treated areas. RPE65 protein expression was limited to retinal pigment epithelium of treated areas. Subretinal AAV-RPE65 vector is well tolerated and does not elicit high antibody levels to the vector or the protein in ocular fluids or serum. In long-term studies, wild-type cDNA is expressed only in target cells. Successful, stable restoration of rod and cone photoreceptor function in these dogs has important implications for treatment of human patients affected with Leber congenital amaurosis caused by RPE65 mutations.
MARS: a status report

Abstract We are building a momentum achromat recoil spectrometer (MARS) for use with the new K500 superconducting cyclotron at Texas A&M University. MARS uses a unique optical design utilizing two dispersive planes to combine a momentum achromat with a recoil mass spectrometer. This configuration makes MARS applicable to a broad range of nuclear reaction studies utilizing inverse kinematics. It also leads to a system that is well matched to the range of secondary particle energies that will be produced in reactions with K500 beam. MARS will have a typical mass resolution of δM M ≈ 1 300 , with an energy acceptance of ± 9% ΔE E and a geometric solid angle of up to 9 msr. A beam swinger system will allow reaction products in the angular range 0° to 30° to be studied. MARS will be used to study both the excited states and decay properties of very proton- and neutron-rich nuclei. MARS will also be used to provide a reaction mechanism filter to assist investigations of the dynamics of heavy ion collisions and to produce secondary radioactive beams for reaction and spectroscopic studies of particular interest for nuclear astrophysics. We briefly describe the design of MARS, give a status report on its construction and an overview of the scientific program planned for it.
Hierarchical Segmentation of Malignant Gliomas via Integrated Contextual Filter Response

We present a novel methodology for the automated segmentation of Glioblastoma Multiforme tumors given only a highresolution T1 post-contrast enhanced channel, which is routinely done in clinical MR acquisitions. The main contribution of the paper is the integration of contextual filter responses, to obtain a better class separation of abnormal and normal brain tissues, into the multilevel segmentation by weighted aggregation (SWA) algorithm. The SWA algorithm uses neighboring voxel intensities to form an affinity between the respective voxels. The affinities are then recursively computed for all the voxel pairs in the given image and a series of cuts are made to produce segments that contain voxels with similar intensity properties. SWA provides a fast method of partitioning the image, but does not produce segments with meaning. Thus, a contextual filter response component was integrated to label the aggregates as tumor or non-tumor. The contextual filter responses were computed via texture filter responses based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method. The GLCM results in texture features that are used to quantify the visual appearance of the tumor versus normal tissue. Our results indicate the benefit of incorporating contextual features and applying non-linear classification methods to segment and classify the complex case of grade 4 tumors.
Biofeedback History: An Alternative View

Abstract The tapestry of biofeedback history has been woven from many independent threads. Some contributors started with much vigor and nurtured others, and then they faded away. Yet they seeded ideas that the next generation rediscovered as their own. Others blossomed and disappeared, whereas still others have continued to actively nurture the field. Interest in biofeedback has waxed and waned in response to the historical forces of technology, social culture, beliefs, and economics.
Physical and Functional Properties of Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meat as Used in the Manufacture of Frankfurters

Abstract Frankfurters were made from laboratory prepared mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM) using backs and necks. They were compared with frankfurters made from commercially made puree (mechanically deboned meat) and hand deboned carcass meat. Variables studied were (1) the effect of grind and screen sizes used in the production of the MDPM; (2) the effect of the percent of added skin in the formula; and (3) the effect of selected additives. Parameters used for evaluation included organoleptic scores, emulsion stability and shear press values. The smaller the screen size, the more tender, better flavored and more acceptable were the end products. Hand deboned carcass produced the firmest frankfurter. Flavor and acceptability of frankfurters from both hand deboned carcasses and commercial puree were not significantly different as compared to the product made with MDPM from the smallest screen (0.05 cm.). Increasing the skin added to the formula increased the fat content, increased organoleptic tenderness and viscosity and decreased emulsion stability. The addition of 3% sodium caseinate, 3% acid whey or 0.5% Kena had very little effect on the organoleptic qualities of the frankfurters. Kena markedly decreased emulsion viscosity, whereas, sodium caseinate increased it.
Thermodynamics of the Heisenberg-Ising Ring for Δ >~ 1

The thermodynamics of the Heisenberg-Ising ring is reduced to the solution of a system of recurrent nonlinear integral equations.
Associations between hydrological connectivity and resource partitioning among sympatric gar species (Lepisosteidae) in a Texas river and associated oxbows

The middle Brazos River, located in east-central Texas, is a meandering lowland river with many oxbow lakes on its flood plain. Flood dynamics of the Brazos River are aseasonal, and faunal exchange during lateral connections of the main river channel and oxbows is pulse-like and occurs only during floods that may be months or years apart. Patterns of resource use among sympatric gar species (Lepisosteus oculatus, Lepisosteus osseus and Atractosteus spatula) associated with river-flood plain connectivity were studied for a period of 2 years (May 2003 to May 2005). The first year was relatively dry yielding few lateral connections, whereas the second year was relatively wet resulting in more frequent lateral connections. This study focused on habitat and diet partitioning among the three gar species in oxbow habitats with different connection frequencies and an active river channel site. Overall, 684 gars were collected with experimental gillnets: 19 A. spatula (alligator gar), 374 L. oculatus (spotted gar) and 291 L. osseus (longnose gar). There was strong partitioning of habitat between spotted and longnose gars, in which 98% of spotted gars were captured in oxbow habitats and 84% of longnose gars were captured in the river channel. Hydrology did not appear to affect habitat partitioning, although longnose gar abundance significantly increased in oxbows during the wet year. Diet overlap was high between spotted and longnose gars. Temporal variation in diet was significantly influenced by flood pulses that connected oxbows with the river channel, and which allowed predators and their prey to move between habitats.
A Detached Eddy Simulation of a Cylinder Immersed in a Supersonic Boundary Layer

A Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) of a cylinder immersed in a supersonic boundary layer suspended above a ∞at plate has been conducted. The numerical study is intended to give physical insight into the efiects of the placement and size of the passive suppression mechanism being used to reduce ∞uctuating pressures in supersonic cavity ∞ow investigations. Coherent shedding of the ∞ow behind the rod is not evident when the gap height of the cylinder is H ⁄ = 0:2 indicating sensitivity to the Reynolds number based on the rod diameter as expected. The larger diameter rod tends to generate a larger separated boundary layer downstream of the rod minimizing supersonic ∞ow below the centerline allowing the wake to oscillate but not exhibit a classic shedding phenomena. The analysis presented in this paper indicates that the turbulent energy behind the rod for near wall placement is short lived when compared to larger gap heights implying the need for near wall placement of the rods in supersonic freestream cases.
Molecular dynamics simulation of surfactant effects on ion transport through a liquid–liquid interface between partially miscible liquids

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of water + 1-hexanol + NaCl mixtures with and without a surfactant (methanol) were performed to analyze the surfactant's effect on the transport of a sodium ion through the liquid–liquid interface. Without surfactant, the 1-hexanol forms a bilayer at the interface with OH groups directed outward toward the aqueous phase. Addition of the surfactant produces higher concentrations of the surfactant on the aqueous side of the interface without altering the organic bilayer structure. An electrical double-layer is created in both cases as chloride ion concentration is enhanced near the interface and sodium ion concentration is enhanced toward the center of the water phase. A potential of mean force (PMF) was calculated for the transfer of a sodium ion through the interface. Although the surfactant reduced the interfacial tension, the total work required for the ion transfer increased with the addition of the surfactant.
Molecular Competition for NKG2D: H60 and RAE1 Compete Unequally for NKG2D with Dominance of H60

NKG2D is a potent activating receptor on natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages. Mouse NKG2D interacts with two cell surface ligands related to class I MHC molecules: RAE1 and H60. We used soluble versions of NKG2D, RAE1, and H60 to characterize their interactions. RAE1 and H60 each bind NKG2D with nanomolar affinities, indicating tighter binding than most cell surface immune interactions, but NKG2D binds to H60 with ∼25-fold higher affinity than to RAE1. RAE1 and H60 compete directly for occupancy of NKG2D, and, thus, NKG2D can be occupied by only one ligand at a time. The NKG2D-H60 interaction is more temperature dependent and makes greater use of electrostatic interactions than the NKG2D-RAE1 interaction. The distinct thermodynamic profiles provide insights into the different molecular mechanisms of the binding interactions.
HIV care visits and time to viral suppression, 19 U.S. jurisdictions, and implications for treatment, prevention and the national HIV/AIDS strategy.

Objective Early and regular care and treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are associated with viral suppression, reductions in transmission risk and improved health outcomes for persons with HIV. We determined, on a population level, the association of care visits with time from HIV diagnosis to viral suppression. Methods Using data from 19 areas reporting HIV-related tests to national HIV surveillance, we determined time from diagnosis to viral suppression among 17,028 persons diagnosed with HIV during 2009, followed through December 2011, using data reported through December 2012. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed factors associated with viral suppression, including linkage to care within 3 months of diagnosis, a goal set forth by the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and number of HIV care visits as determined by CD4 and viral load test results, while controlling for demographic, clinical, and risk characteristics. Results Of 17,028 persons diagnosed with HIV during 2009 in the 19 areas, 76.6% were linked to care within 3 months of diagnosis and 57.0% had a suppressed viral load during the observation period. Median time from diagnosis to viral suppression was 19 months overall, and 8 months among persons with an initial CD4 count ≤350 cells/µL. During the first 12 months after diagnosis, persons linked to care within 3 months experienced shorter times to viral suppression (higher rate of viral suppression per unit time, hazard ratio [HR] = 4.84 versus not linked within 3 months; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.27, 5.48). Persons with a higher number of time-updated care visits also experienced a shorter time to viral suppression (HR = 1.51 per additional visit, 95% CI 1.49, 1.52). Conclusions Timely linkage to care and greater frequency of care visits were associated with faster time to viral suppression with implications for individual health outcomes and for secondary prevention.
Layered growth of the quasicrystalline decagonal Al3Pd phase in Al/Pd lateral diffusion couples.

The solid-state reaction in an Al/Pd lateral diffusion couple starts with the growth of the crystalline Al 3 Pd 2 (δ) phase. When the growth of Al 3 Pd 2 reaches its critical length, the quasicrystalline decagonal Al 3 Pd(γ') phase starts to grow and both the Al 3 Pd 2 and Al 3 Pd phases continue to grow afterwards. The kinetic analysis directly links the appearance of the decagonal phase as the second phase to its interfacial reaction barrier
Developmental social neuroscience comes of age

Over the past decade there has been an exponential increase in research on the neural structures and functional organization that underlie the processing of social information. An influential paper...
Peptide YY (PYY), a poteny orexigenic agent

Peptide YY (PYY) enhances feeding and drinking more potently than does neuropeptide Y after central administration. Chronic administration of PYY every 6 h for 48 h causes massive food ingestion. Tolerance to this effect of PYY does not appear to develop. This data suggests that PYY is one of the most potent orexigenic substances yet to be identified. PYY may play a role in the pathogenesis of bulimic syndromes.
Microscale Thermoplastic Forming of Bulk Metallic Glasses: Numerical Simulations and Experiments

An extremely promising microscale processing method for bulk metallic glasses called thermoplastic forming has emerged in recent years. However, most of the recent experimental thermoplastic forming studies have been conducted by trial-and-error. In this paper, the large-deformation constitutive theory of Henann and Anand [1] is used as a numerical simulation tool for the design of micro-hot-embossing processes. This numerical simulation capability is used to determine appropriate processing parameters in order to carry out several successful micron-scale hot-embossing operation on the metallic glass Zr41.2 Ti13.8 Cu12.5 Ni10 Be22.5 (Vitreloy-1). By carrying out the corresponding physical experiments, it is demonstrated that microscale features in Vitreloy-1 may be accurately replicated under the processing conditions determined by use of the numerical simulation capability.© 2008 ASME
Messinian badlands on the southeastern margin of the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract Substantial subaerial denudation of the North African continental margin took place during the Late Miocene salinity crisis. The Nile drainage was deeply entrenched as far as 1200 km inland, upto the Aswan cataract. Beneath the modern birdfoot delta the thalwegs of ancient Messinian river valleys lie as much as 2.5 km below present sea level. The relief between the top of the incised Late Miocene coastal plain and the axis of excavated channels exceeds 1.2 km. In the subsurface of the lower reaches of the modern Nile Cone a network of bifurcating entrenched channels descends to 4.6 km below sea level to become covered by the southern limit of the Messinian Evaporite Formation. A paleodrainage system is also present beneath the Levantine margin. Seismic reflection profiles document an extremely rough and steeply gullied morphology which is analogous to the badlands of South Dakota. In addition, reflection profiles reveal uniform and gentle seaward gradients of the preerosion (Jurassic to Late Miocene) and posterosion (Pliocene and Quaternary) sedimentary successions beneath the coastal plain and continental shelf. The closely comformable nature of all these depositional surfaces strongly indicates that the badland topography does not owe its origin to an epiorogenic uplift and tilting of the continental edge, but, instead, to a lowering of base level brought about by an unprecedented eustatic drop in water level within isolated Mediterranean basins. Calculations which consider the progressive isostatic loading of both the onshore and offshore sedimentary prism indicate a fall of the base level of at least 3.5 km. This accounts for the observed depth in the Levantine Basin at which Messinian-age shallow-water evaporites lap against the contemporaneous North African subaerial erosional surface.
A client-developed methadone maintenance program.

A realistic methadone maintenance program is a continuum of four related areas: intake, rehabilitation with on-going evaluation, detoxification, and postdetoxification followup, each jointly administered by client volunteers and professional staff. In the early stages of client treatment, pharmacists have more frequent contact with program participants than do other staff professionals. At the Minneapolis Pilot City Health Center, 31 of 69 participants in the methadone maintenance program were interviewed by their pharmacist to determine client understanding of program objectives, interpretation of program effectiveness, and suggestions for program improvement. Client understanding of the objectives or program elements ranged from 30 to 97%. Client evaluation of the effectiveness of program elements ranged from 0 to 65%. The client-developed program included intake procedures to establish for each client the program objectives, rules, evaluation, guidelines, client goals, dismissal guidelines, and a revie...
Optimal Separation of Center-of-Mass Motion

It is shown that a given approximate eigenfunction $F$ of a many-body Hamiltonian can be improved by exploiting the separation of the exact eigenfunction in internal and c.m. coordinates. The method given leads reliably to a lower energy for the ground state, without requiring the solution of an additional dynamical problem. The best internal wave function (BIWF) is taken to be the internal factor of the separable wave function that has the largest possible overlap with $F$. The existence, uniqueness, and construction of the BIWF are derived. A canonical expansion $F=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{a}_{i}{\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{i}{\ensuremath{\psi}}_{i}$ is described, in which ${\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{i}$ are orthogonal functions of the c.m. coordinates, and ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{i}$ are orthogonal functions of the internal coordinates. The canonical expansion is shown to converge faster than any other. It is applied to the discussion of the "projection" or "generator-coordinate" treatment of c.m. motion using arbitrary c.m. wave functions. It is shown that the Gartenhaus-Schwartz prescription is not equivalent to the use of any internal wave function, and gives systematically worse results for off-diagonal matrix elements than for expectation values.
Influence of perceived coaching behaviors on burnout and competitive anxiety in female college athletes

Abstract The focus of this study is on burnout experienced by athletes and coaches, and particularly on how athletes' perceptions of their coach's behavior and communication style may relate to levels of burnout and anxiety experienced by athletes. A modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout in coaches and the Eades Athletic Burnout Inventory was used to measure six components of burnout in athletes. Three multivariate analyses supported links in the study model. Coach burnout was significantly related to perceived coaching styles/behavior, perceived coaching styles/behavior was predictive of athlete burnout, and athlete anxiety and athlete burnout were significantly related. Interestingly, perceived coaching style/behavior was not a significant predictor of athlete anxiety. The results are discussed in relation to psychometric issues in the measure of bumout and coaching behavior as well as the need for sport psychology researchers to examine burnout from within a soci...
Trapping antigen-antibody complexes within the human placenta

Abstract The study was designed to evaluate possible mechanisms for the specific depletion of antifetal antibodies within the human placenta. The principal observations were that endogenous IgG is bound to the same cells to which exogenous antigen antibody complexes attach, i.e., placental macrophages. Moreover, the IgG was demonstrated to be attached to Fcγ receptors on the placental macrophages. Endogenous IgG was completely and specifically displaced by high concentrations of heterologous nonimmune IgG. That the IgG was present as antigen-antibody complexes was evidenced by macrophage receptor affinity, IgG size profile, and C1q binding. The results strongly support the theory that antifetal antibodies are removed by macrophages in the placenta as antigen-antibody complexes in much the same manner as macrophages filter immune complexes from the blood in the liver and spleen.
Experimental Analysis of Diesel-Ignited Methane Dual-Fuel Low-Temperature Combustion in a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine

AbstractThis paper focuses on the effect of diesel injection timing, intake boost pressure, and diesel injection pressure on diesel-methane dual-fuel combustion performed in a single-cylinder research engine. The engine was operated at a constant speed of 1,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) while percentage of methane energy substitution (PES) and load were maintained at 80% and 5.1 bar net indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), respectively. The start of injection (SOI) of diesel was varied from 250 crank angle degrees (CAD) to 350 CAD while keeping the injection pressure at 500 bar and intake boost pressure at 1.5 bar. Advancing SOI from 330° to 300° reduced indicated specific NOx (ISNOx) emissions from 11.9 g/kW·h to less than 0.02 g/kW·h; further advancement of SOI did not yield any significant ISNOx reduction. Net indicated fuel conversion efficiency (IFCE) increases from 29.4% at 350 CAD SOI to 40.5% at 300 CAD SOI. Combustion efficiency trends are consistent with unburned hydrocarbon (HC) and c...
Creating self-care units in the acute care setting: A case study

Abstract Creating an environment in which patient's responsibility for self is fostered and nurses can practice professional and autonomous nursing practice is a challenge in today's hospitals. Innovative systems and structures need to be developed to assure quality of patient care and a high quality work environment. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center responded to the many demands of the mid1980s, including increasing acuity of patients hospitalized, personnel shortages in nursing, physical therapy and other disciplines, and diminishing dollars available to the health care institution, through the creation of Self-Care Units. This article reviews how they came about, the way in which Self-Care Units function within the acute care setting and the management philosophy and structure which make them work. The experience at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center demonstrates that the potential exists to put control back at the bedside with the patient and the health care team working with the patient to achieve mutual goals. The focus of care has shifted from a “doing for” to a “working with” patients to identify interventions which promote active participation in hospitalization and a sense of self responsibility.
Comparative responses of hamster vas deferens and seminal vesicle to the effect of prostaglandins E1 and E2 on stimulation by epinephrine

Abstract Comparisons were made on the effect of prostaglandins E 1 and E 2 on the epinephrine responses of hamster vas deferens and seminal vesicle. PGE 1 inhibited the normal epinephrine response of the seminal vesicle at levels below 1 ng/ml PGE 1 . Response was variable between 1 and 10 ng/ml PGE 1 , and levels above 100 ng/ml consistently resulted in augmentation of the epinephrine response. PGE 1 had no effect on the vas deferens at any level below 100 ng/ml. Augmentation was less dramatic than with the seminal vesicle above 100 ng/ml PGE 1 , rising to near 100% at 4000 ng/ml PGE 1 . PGE 2 had little effect on the epinephrine response on the seminal vesicle between 10 and 100 ng/ml PGE 2 . Less than 10 ng/ml PGE 2 or more than 100 ng/ml PGE 2 augmented consistently. PGE 2 augmented the vas deferens response to epinephrine at all levels from 0.001 ng/ml PGE 2 to 2000 ng/ml PGE 2 . The effect of PGE 2 on both the seminal vesicle and vas deferens was longer lasting than the effect of PGE 1 on either tissue. It is suggested that mixed prostaglandins play a role in the timing of the ejaculatory response by the smooth muscles of the male reproductive tract.
Ecology: Neutral theory tested by birds

A continental-scale analysis of habitat and bird distribution in South America provides the latest challenge for neutral theory — a controversial idea in ecology about what determines the make-up of communities.
Decay of hot, high-spin nuclei produced in Li 6 -induced fusion reactions

The decay of compound nuclei formed at high excitation and angular momentum in $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ bombardment of $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$, $^{194,198}\mathrm{Pt}$, $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ has been investigated in a coherent program of experiments and statistical model analysis. The measured decay properties include absolute cross sections for fusion and for all major competing decay modes, fission-fragment angular distributions, charged-particle energy spectra, and ($^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $\mathrm{xn}$) residue mass distributions. The measurements are compared with highly constrained calculations in which all nuclear structure parameters are fixed to values consistent with the rotating-liquid-drop and noninteracting Fermi-gas models. Possible ambiguities in interpreting the experimental results, and the likely influence of neglected effects on the statistical model calculations, are explored. In order to obtain good quantitative agreement with all measurements it is necessary to simulate in the calculations the effects of preequilibrium nucleon emission in the early stages of the decay, and it is furthermore helpful to allow the collective enhancements of deformed-nucleus level densities to fade out with increasing temperature. Within existing uncertainties in the statistical model treatment, reproduction of the experimental results does not require any appreciable macroscopic or microscopic corrections to the nuclear structure input parameters. Several experimental methods for studying more selectively the fission and particle decay of low-excitation, high-spin nuclei, and thereby enhancing sensitivity to microscopic structure contributions, are suggested.NUCLEAR REACTIONS Fusion, fission, particle emission for $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$+$^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$, $^{194,198}\mathrm{Pt}$, $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$, $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$, $E(^{6}\mathrm{Li})=74.8, 84.2, 94.4$ MeV; measured energy spectra, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{tot}}$, $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ for fission and inclusive charged-particle emission, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{tot}}$ and mass distribution of residual nuclides for ($^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $\mathrm{xn}$) reactions; compared measurements with statistical model calculations incorporating simple macroscopic structure predictions, deformed-nucleus level densities, "hot-spot" simulation of preequilibrium nucleon emission; discussed theoretical uncertainties in statistical model analysis, possibilities for experiments with enhanced sensitivity to microscopic structure.
Basalt source characterization in the highlands of western panama using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis

This paper assesses the utility of using portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) to define basalt geochemistry in order to identify the sources of basalt tools in the western highlands of Panama during the Aguas Buenas period (A.D. 300–900). These data are expected to amplify our knowledge about the regional production and exchange of these items. The elemental composition of geological basalt samples and archaeological artifacts from two high elevation river valleys (Chiriqui Viejo and Chiriqui) are compared to analyze village–quarry relationships and to provide insight on a poorly understood topic. Our results indicate that sampled source areas are elementally distinct and allow us to differentiate between local and non-local basalts in archaeological samples. Combining this new information with earlier research on domestic organization confirms that the role of non-local basalt exchange varied within residential sites. However, our results do not indicate that this activity contributed clearly to the political development of the Barriles center.