cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New approach to imaging of two-proton source functions

The influence of protons emitted from both fast and slow emission mechanisms in 2-proton correlations measured in heavy ion collisions at intermediate energies is discussed. The size of the fast emitting source is found to be determined mainly by the width of the correlation peak at 20 MeV/c, rather than by its magnitude. To illustrate the new analysis technique, the total momentum dependence of p-p correlations measured in 14N+197Au reactions at E/A=75 MeV is studied with an imaging analysis. The extracted results and the basic ideas behind the proposed analysis technique provide new tools for using particle-partcile correlation measurements as a probe of nuclear reactions.
Opioid enhancement of evoked [Met5]enkephalin release requires activation of cholinergic receptors: possible involvement of intracellular calcium.

Abstract Previous work from this laboratory has shown that the electrically evoked release of enkephalin from the guinea pig myenteric plexus is regulated by an opiate receptor-mediated, concentration-dependent mechanism. Low concentrations (nanomolar) of opioids enhance release, whereas higher concentrations (10-100 nM) inhibit release. Each opioid effect is mediated by a different guanine nucleotide-binding protein. We now demonstrate that activation of cholinergic receptors in the myenteric plexus is a prerequisite for opioid excitatory effects, but not inhibitory effects, on enkephalin release. Pretreatment with the muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist atropine abolishes the opioid facilitation of stimulated enkephalin release but does not alter the inhibition of release that is observed with higher concentrations of opioid agonist. Exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187 overcomes the abolishment of opioid enhancement of enkephalin release produced by cholinergic receptor blockade. In tissue treated with both atropine and A23187, the magnitude of the opioid enhancement of release is indistinguishable from that observed in untreated preparations. This suggests that the lack of stimulation-induced generation of elevated cytosolic calcium is responsible for the abolishment of facilitory opioid effects when cholinergic receptors are blocked. The known coupling of muscarinic receptors to phospholipase C activation and the generation of inositol trisphosphate (which elevates cytosolic calcium) could suggest that this second messenger is critical for the manifestation of opioid facilitation of enkephalin release.
Properties of hybrid ribosomes formed from the subunits of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria

Abstract The contributions of the individual ribosomal subunits to the thermostability of ribosomes in in vitro protein synthesis were examined by forming hybrid ribosomes from ribosomal subunits of the mesophilic bacterium Escherichia coli and the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus. The relative stabilities of these hybrid ribosomes were determined by measuring their temperatures of maximum synthesis in the polyuridylic acid-phenylalanine-, polyadenylic acidlysine-, and polyuridylic-guanylic acid-valine-stimulated incorporating systems. In each of these amino-acid incorporating systems, the E. coli 30 s + B. stearothermophilus 50 s hybrid ribosome exhibited greater thermostability than the reciprocal hybrid ribosome. The thermostabilities of both hybrid ribosomes were greater in the poly (U,G)-valine system than in the other two systems. These latter results provide further evidence that messenger RNA copolymers containing purine residues increase the thermostability of the mRNA-ribosome-aminoacyl-transfer RNA complex. Physical and functional stabilities of individual ribosomal subunits were determined by ultraviolet thermal denaturation and thermal inactivation, respectively. By both criteria, the B. stearothermophilus 50 s ribosomal subunit was more thermostable than the E. coli 30 s ribosomal subunit by approximately 15 deg. C. The greater thermostability of the E. coli 30 s + B. stearothermophilus 50 s hybrid ribosome in these amino acid-incorporating systems is attributed to the presence of the more physically and functionally thermostable B. stearothermophilus 50 s ribosomal subunit. It is proposed that, at elevated temperatures, the B. stearothermophilus 50 s ribosomal subunit protects the E. coli 30 s ribosomal subunit from functional inactivation by helping to maintain its proper structural configuration.
Characterization of elastomeric network structures using the effects of swelling on stress-strain isotherms and the extents of swelling at thermodynamic equilibrium

Swelling has long been used in the study of elastomeric networks. In the case of stress-strain measurements on swollen networks, the most important observation was the decrease of the Mooney constant 2C2, which is widely used to represent the magnitude of the departure of an observed stress-strain isotherm from that predicted by the simplest molecular theories. Swelling equilibrium data were generally analysed by the Flory-Rehner equation for affine networks simply to obtain a measure of the degree of cross-linking. The advent of model networks whose structures are well known and of a new theory due to Flory constitute great improvements for the study of rubberlike elasticity. In this, new context, swelling can be used to obtain additional important molecular information through both uniaxial extension of swollen samples and swelling equilibrium. In particular, the relation between the main parameter κ characterizing the local constraints on junction fluctuations in the Flory theory, the extent of swelling, and the molecular weight between cross-links can be probed.
Substructure of keratohyalin granules of the epidermis as revealed by high resolution electron microscopy

Keratohyalin granules from both human and rat epidermis were studied by high resolution electron microscopy. At high magnification (× 250 000), the dense mass in keratohyalin granules revealed a fine granular substructure consisting of particles with dimensions in the range of 13–35 A, with an average value of 20 A. It was concluded that this particulate material represented a specific differentiation product of epidermal cells, primarily responsible for keratohyalin granule formation.
One-boson-exchange approach to dilepton production in nucleon-nucleon collisions

The author calculates energy-dependent nucleon-nucleon elastic cross sections and electron-positron pair production differential cross sections for the processes pp {yields} pp, np {yields} np, and pp {yields} ppe{sup +}e{sup {minus}}, np {yields} npe{sup +}e{sup {minus}} at laboratory kinetic energies in the 1-5 GeV range. These calculations will be based on a one-boson-exchange ({pi}, {rho}, {omega}, {sigma}, {delta}, {eta}) approximation to the nucleon-nucleon scattering problem. Strong form factors are included in a manner which preserves gauge invariance. He finds excellent results as compared with data for the total elastic cross sections. The calculate differential elastic cross sections show only qualitative agreement with data. For dilepton production in n-p scattering the model overestimates the number of pairs as compared with proton on beryllium data. For the p-p case he finds the tensor coupling of the {rho} to the nucleons to be clearly dominant. Data do not yet exist for the p-p case at these energies: the author predicts them.
What’s in a Number?

Citation: Hohn, K. L. (2015). What's in a Number? Catalysts, 5(3), 1304-1305. doi:10.3390/catal5031304
Role of Charged Residues in the Catalytic Sites of Escherichia coli ATP Synthase

Here we describe the role of charged amino acids at the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli ATP synthase. There are four positively charged and four negatively charged residues in the vicinity of of E. coli ATP synthase catalytic sites. Positive charges are contributed by three arginine and one lysine, while negative charges are contributed by two aspartic acid and two glutamic acid residues. Replacement of arginine with a neutral amino acid has been shown to abrogate phosphate binding, while restoration of phosphate binding has been accomplished by insertion of arginine at the same or a nearby location. The number and position of positive charges plays a critical role in the proper and efficient binding of phosphate. However, a cluster of many positive charges inhibits phosphate binding. Moreover, the presence of negatively charged residues seems a requisite for the proper orientation and functioning of positively charged residues in the catalytic sites. This implies that electrostatic interactions between amino acids are an important constituent of initial phosphate binding in the catalytic sites. Significant loss of function in growth and ATPase activity assays in mutants generated through charge modulations has demonstrated that precise location and stereochemical interactions are of paramount importance.
Enhancements to MatlabMPI: Easier Compilation, Collective Communication, and Profiling

This paper provides a brief overview of several enhancements made to the MatlabMPI suite. MatlabMPI is a pure MATLAB code implementation of the core parts of the MPI specifications. The enhancements provide a more attractive option for HPCMP users to design parallel MATLAB code. Intelligent compiler configuration tools have also been delivered to further isolate MatlabMPI users from the complexities of the UNIX environments on the various HPCMP systems. Users are now able to install and use MatlabMPI with less difficulty, greater flexibility, and increased portability. Collective communication functions were added to MatlabMPI to expand functionality beyond the core implementation. Profiling capabilities, producing TAU (Tuning and Analysis Utility) trace files, are now offered to support parallel code optimization. All of these enhancements have been tested and documented on a variety of HPCMP systems. All material, including commented example code to demonstrate the usefulness of MatlabMPI, is available by contacting the authors.
Prehospital triage essential for cost-effective paramedic-administered thrombolysis

Prehospital administration of thrombolysis on scene eliminates hospital delays and transport de­ lays . There have been several reports of prehospital initiated thrombolysis. This approach has been shown to be feasible for both physician and par­ amedic staffed emergency ambulances. When par­ amedics have initiated treatment, they have acted under the instructions of a hospital-based physi­ cian.1.2 A 12-lead ECG is transmitted via modem to the emergency department (ED) for physician review before treatment is begun. This strategy has been shown to decrease the time to treatment substan­ tially. It has been shown to be safe . Paramedics already carry multiple pieces of equip­ ment including a stretcher, defibrillator/monitor, medication kit, ambu bag, and oxygen tank to each call. Adding to this equipment burden poses a sub­ stantial logistic problem. The combination of a 12­ lead ECG and the defibrillator/monitor represents a substantial advance as it decreases the paramedic equipment burden. To facilitate rapid acquisition of ECGs in the field there is room for im p ro vem ent in
WaterNet: A GIS Application for the Analysis of Hydrologic Networks Using Vector Spatial Data

Traditionally, stream and sub-watershed characterization in GIS has been accomplished using a DEM-based terrain analysis approach; however, there is a large amount of existing vector hydrographic data difficult to accurately reproduce using DEMs. WaterNet is a GIS/hydrologic application for the integration and analysis of stream and sub-watershed networks in vector format. Even with vector data, hydrologic inconsistencies between streams and sub-watersheds do exist, and are revealed in the form of streams crossing drainage divides and sub-watersheds with more than one outlet. WaterNet rectifies these inconsistencies and couples the two datasets. Most algorithms involving traces of dendritic networks employ a form of tree traversal which requires topologic information to be organized into specialized data structures. On the contrary, WaterNet develops topologic relationships from GIS attribute tables, which, in combination with sorting and querying algorithms, make the calculation process efficient and easy to implement. With the topologic relationships of the streams and sub-watersheds, WaterNet can perform traces to calculate cumulative network parameters, such as flow lengths and drainage areas. WaterNet was applied to the catchment of the Texas Gulf coast for a total of 100 cataloging units (411,603 km 2 ) and 60,145 stream lines (183,228 km).
Fabrication of Microstripline Wiring for Large Format Transition Edge Sensor Arrays

We have developed a process to integrate microstripline wiring with transition edge sensors (TES). The process includes additional layers for metal-etch stop and dielectric adhesion to enable recovery of parameters achieved in non-microstrip pixel designs. We report on device parameters in close-packed TES arrays achieved with the microstrip process including R(sub n), G, and T(sub c) uniformity. Further, we investigate limits of this method of producing high-density, microstrip wiring including critical current to determine the ultimate scalability of TES arrays with two layers of wiring.
Inversion of fuzzy models-practical issues

This paper deals with some practical issues of the inversion of nonlinear static systems described by fuzzy models. We derive an analytical expression of the derivatives of a fuzzy mapping and we use it in an optimization based inversion algorithm. We discuss some practical aspects of this algorithm, including the inversion of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) fuzzy systems. We also demonstrate how this approach can be used for calculation of the simultaneous solution that follows from two alternative fuzzy models.
Design and implementation of an anthropomorphic quality assurance phantom for intensity-modulated radiation therapy for the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group.

Purpose: To design, construct, and evaluate an anthropomorphic phantom for evaluation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dose planning and delivery, for protocols developed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and other cooperative groups. Methods and Materials: The phantom was constructed from a plastic head-shaped shell and water-equivalent plastics. Internal structures mimic planning target volumes and an organ at risk. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and radiochromic film were used to measure the absolute dose and the dose distribution, respectively. The reproducibility of the phantom’s dosimeters was verified for IMRT treatments, and the phantom was then imaged, planned, and irradiated by 10 RTOG institutions. Results: The TLD results from three identical irradiations showed a percent standard deviation of less than 1.6%, and the film-scanning system was reproducible to within 0.35 mm. Data collected from irradiations at 10 institutions showed that the TLD agreed with institutions’ doses to within 5% standard deviation in the planning target volumes and 13% standard deviation in the organ at risk. Shifts as large as 8 mm between the treatment plan and delivery were detected with the film. Conclusions: An anthropomorphic phantom using TLD and radiochromic film can verify dose delivery and field placement for IMRT treatments. © 2005 Elsevier Inc.
Wisconsin's experience with Medicaid auto-enrollment: lessons for other states.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) relies heavily on the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to cover uninsured populations. In February 2008, Wisconsin expanded and reformed its Medicaid/CHIP program and, as part of program implementation, automatically enrolled a set of newly eligible parents and children. This process of “auto-enrollment” targeted newly eligible parents and older children whose children/siblings were already enrolled in the state's Medicaid/CHIP program. Auto-enrollment brought over 44,000 individuals into the program, representing more than 60% of all enrollees in the first month of the reformed program. Individuals who were auto-enrolled were modestly more likely to leave the program relative to other individuals who enrolled in February 2008, unless their incomes were high enough to be required to pay premiums; these auto-enrollees were much more likely to exit relative to other enrollees subject to premium payments. The higher exit rates exhibited by non-premium paying auto-enrollees were likely due to the fact that over 40% of auto-enrollees were covered by a private insurance policy in the month of their enrollment, compared to approximately 30% for regular enrollees. A national simulation of an auto-enrollment process similar to Wisconsin's, including the expansion of adult Medicaid eligibility to 133% of the federal poverty level under the ACA, suggests that 2.5 million of the 5.6 million newly eligible parents could be auto-enrolled, and approximately 25% of this population would be privately insured. These results suggest that auto-enrollment may be appropriate for other states, especially in their efforts to enroll eligible populations who are not subject to premium requirements.
Diagnostic imaging in head and neck disease: Current applications of ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound has become firmly established as a key imaging modality in obstetrics and gynecology. Its role in abdominal and retroperitoneal disease is also well known and continues to expand. Although usage of ultrasound in the head and neck had its beginnings many years ago, the advent of newer high-resolution transducers has allowed for further investigation of diseases in this area. Of particular interest are the thyroid gland and the extracranial carotid arteries. This review summarizes the current utility of gray-scale and real-time ultrasound in evaluating head and neck disease, and discusses potential future applications of the modality.
Phenethyl pyridines with non-polar internal substitutents as selective ligands for estrogen receptor beta

To create estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta)-selective ligands with improved biological characteristics, we have extended our investigations of structurally simple bibenzyl-core ligands by preparing a series of compounds in which one phenol is replaced by a 3-hydroxypyridine ring. These phenethyl pyridines were obtained by picoline anion alkylation, and compounds with different patterns of alkyl substitution on the central two carbon units were prepared. Binding affinities for ERalpha and ERbeta were determined, and ligands with promising affinities and selectivities for ERbeta were further tested for their gene transcriptional activity. Several compounds had high affinity selectivity and good potency selectivity in transcription assays. This study advances our understanding of compounds having ER-subtype selectivity and will help to direct efforts in developing novel ER ligands.
Metabolic responses to subacute toxicity of trace metals in a marine microalga (Thalassiosira weissflogii) measured by calorespirometry

Metabolic responses to the subacute toxicities of Cd, Cu, and Zn were measured in the coastal marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii using calorespirometry. Respiratory heat production and oxygen consumption rates were measured in diatom cells grown with concentrations of Cd{sup 2+} (10{sup {minus}12} to 10{sup {minus}8} M), Cu{sup 2+} (10{sup {minus}13.8} to 10{sup {minus}9.8} M), and Zn{sup 2+} (10{sup {minus}10.9} to 10{sup {minus}6.9} M). Respiratory heat rates in cells grown with elevated, but non-growth-rate-inhibiting free Cu{sup 2+} ion concentrations (10{sup {minus}11.8} to 10{sup {minus}9.8} M) were up to 40% higher and oxygen consumption rates were 50 to 75% lower than control ([Cu{sup 2+}] = 10{sup {minus}13.8} M) cells indicating a subacute depression of respiratory efficiency in Cu-exposed cells. Exposure to elevated free Cd{sup 2+} concentrations (10{sup {minus}10} to 10{sup {minus}8} M) caused dramatic short-term (hours) increases (five- to eight-fold) in respiratory oxygen consumption rates, which returned to normal in acclimated cells, suggesting a transient disruption of metabolism upon Cd exposure. Zinc did not significantly affect either respiratory parameter up to a free Zn concentration of 10{sup {minus}7.9} M, above which diatom growth rate was significantly reduced. The subacute toxic effects of Cd and Cu were more pronounced in low Mn thanmore » in Mn-replete cells, consistent with proposed Mn-Cd, -Cu antagonisms in marine phytoplankton. The range of free Cu{sup 2+} ion concentrations in coastal waters is similar to that found to cause a decrease in respiratory efficiency in T. weissflogii, thus coastal marine diatoms may be subject to the subacute metabolic toxicity of Cu. Free Cd{sup 2+} concentration in coastal waters are below those found to cause transient subacute stress in T. weissflogii. calorespirometry proved to be a sensitive tool for the assessment of the subacute toxicity of contaminant trace metals.« less
Plasmonic giant quantum dots: hybrid nanostructures for truly simultaneous optical imaging, photothermal effect and thermometry.

Hybrid semiconductor–metal nanoscale constructs are of both fundamental and practical interest. Semiconductor nanocrystals are active emitters of photons when stimulated optically, while the interaction of light with nanosized metal objects results in scattering and ohmic damping due to absorption. In a combined structure, the properties of both components can be realized together. At the same time, metal–semiconductor coupling may intervene to modify absorption and/or emission processes taking place in the semiconductor, resulting in a range of effects from photoluminescence quenching to enhancement. We show here that photostable ‘giant’ quantum dots when placed at the center of an ultrathin gold shell retain their key optical property of bright and blinking-free photoluminescence, while the metal shell imparts efficient photothermal transduction. The latter is despite the highly compact total particle size (40–60 nm “inorganic” diameter and <100 nm hydrodynamic diameter) and the very thin nature of the optically transparent Au shell. Importantly, the sensitivity of the quantum dot emission to local temperature provides a novel internal thermometer for recording temperature during infrared irradiation-induced photothermal heating.
Understanding Hadley Cell Expansion versus Contraction: Insights from Simplified Models and Implications for Recent Observations

AbstractThis study seeks a deeper understanding of the causes of Hadley Cell (HC) expansion, as projected under global warming, and HC contraction, as observed under El Nino. Using an idealized general circulation model, the authors show that a thermal forcing applied to a narrow region around the equator produces “El Nino–like” HC contraction, while a forcing with wider meridional extent produces “global warming–like” HC expansion. These circulation responses are sensitive primarily to the thermal forcing’s meridional structure and are less sensitive to its vertical structure. If the thermal forcing is confined to the midlatitudes, the amount of HC expansion is more than three times that of a forcing of comparable amplitude that is spread over the tropics. This finding may be relevant to recently observed trends of rapid tropical widening.The shift of the HC edge is explained using a very simple model in which the transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) circulation acts to diffuse heat meridionally. In this cont...
Recent Research in Western Mexican Archaeology

Western Mexico is vast and geographically diverse and has received far less attention compared to other areas of Mesoamerica. Research over the past decade allows the definition of four major subregions characterized by cultural factors and distinct historical trajectories. A large proportion of the research in western Mexico is still culture-historical in nature, oriented toward establishing chronologies and relationships between regions. But along with a number of recent efforts toward synthesis and consolidation, current theoretical research contributes to the study of mortuary patterns and social organization, alternative forms of social complexity, agricultural intensification, empire formation, state involvement in the economy, human-land relationships, and the interlocking relationship between migration and sociopolitical reorganization.
Morphological classification of the myelodysplastic syndromes: how much more education of diagnosticians is necessary?

Within the past decade the World Health Organization (WHO) has published two extensive and well-regarded syllabi on the classification and definitions of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).[1][1],[2][2] Although predominantly based on the French-American-British (FAB) morphological approach to the
Lipoprotein(a) in plasma, arterial wall, and thrombus from patients with aortic aneurysm

The plasma concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is highly correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. A positive physiological role for Lp(a) has not yet been clearly identified, although elevated plasma levels in pregnant women, long-distance runners, subjects given growth hormone, patients after cardiovascular surgery, and patients with cancer, diabetes, or renal disease suggest its involvement in tissue synthesis and repair. The hypothesis that Lp(a) is involved in repair/reinforcement of the aorta was tested in 38 patients undergoing surgery for aortic aneurysm. In 29 patients I day before surgery, the mean plasma Lp(a) protein level was 10.7 mg/dl. At about 1, 2, and 8 weeks after surgery, the level was 14.1, 15.1, and 15.2 mg/dl, respectively. These levels are significantly higher than those of a comparable group of normal subjects (6.4 mg/dl; n = 274). Specimens of resected aortic aneurysm showed extensive medial degeneration, discontinuous elastic fibers, and deposition of mucopolysaccharides; these specimens were treated with a detergent-containing buffer to extract entrapped lipoproteins. The mean Lp(a) protein level in aortic wall extracts was 14.6 ng/mg tissue; these individual values were significantly associated with plasma Lp(a) levels before surgery (r 2 =0.31, p=0.0003). The mean Lp(a) protein level in aortic thrombus extracts was substantially higher at 69.6 ng/mg tissue; these individual levels also were significantly associated with plasma Lp(a) concentrations before surgery (r 2 =0.68, p<0.0001). The observations that: (i) plasma Lp(a) protein is about 1.7-fold higher in patients with aortic aneurysms than in normal subjects; and (ii) that Lp(a) protein in the aneurysmic thrombus is about 4.8-fold higher than in the aortic wall suggest that this lipoprotein plays a significant and direct role in thrombus formation and in reinforcement of the aneurysmic aortic wall.
Ethnic differences in risk factors associated with genital human papillomavirus infections

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of different risk and cofactors for genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among 302 women in four ethnic groups at 10 clinic sites. Ethnicity, rather than HPV status, accounted for most of the differences among the groups on five risk factors: age at first sex, number of lifetime sexual partners, number of partners' sex partners, number of 'once only' sex partners, and number of 'long-term' sexual relationships. There were also ethnic differences in three of four cofactors, which may contribute to progression of HPV infections, namely, age when women began taking oral contraceptives and duration of use, number of years smoked cigarettes, and number of other sexually transmitted diseases. Women with more than four lifetime sex partners, more than two 'once only' sex partners, and/or women who took oral contraceptives for more than 4 years had a higher prevalence of HPV infection. Major risk and cofactors for HPV infection of each ethnic group are described and compared with other HPV studies.
Spatial expression and autoregulation of hetR, a gene involved in the control of heterocyst development in Anabaena

The spatially patterned differentiation of heterocysts in the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena requires a functional hetR gene. Transcriptional fusions to luxAB show that hetR is transcribed at a low level throughout the filament when Anabaena is grown with combined nitrogen, and that induction of the gene begins within 2 h following nitrogen deprivation. By 3.5 h, induction is localized to spaced foci. By 6 h, there is an overall induction of at least threefold in whole cultures, reflecting at least a 20-fold increase within spatially separated cells. The induction requires the presence of a functional hetR gene, indicating that hetR is autoregulatory. Full induction of a heterocyst structural gene, hepA, also requires a functional hetR locus.
THE EFFECT OF TREATMENT STRATEGY ON STONE COMMINUTION EFFICIENCY IN SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY

Purpose: The comminution of kidney stones in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a dose dependent process caused primarily by the combination of 2 fundamental mechanisms, namely stress waves and cavitation. The effect of treatment strategy with emphasis on enhancing the effect of stress waves or cavitation on stone comminution in SWL was investigated. Because vascular injury in SWL is also dose dependent, optimization of the treatment strategy may produce improved stone comminution with decreased tissue injury in SWL. Materials and Methods: Using an in vitro experiment system that mimics stone fragmentation in the renal pelvis spherical BegoStone (Bego USA, Smithfield, Rhode Island) phantoms (diameter 10 mm) were exposed to 1,500 shocks at a pulse repetition rate of 1 Hz in an unmodified HM-3 lithotripter (Dornier Medical Systems, Kennesaw, Georgia). The 3 treatment strategies used were increasing output voltage from 18 to 20 and then to 22 kV every 500 shocks with emphasis on enhancing the effect of cavitation on medium fragments (2 to 4 mm) at the final treatment stage, decreasing output voltage from 22 to 20 and then to 18 kV every 500 shocks with emphasis on enhancing the effect of stress waves on large fragments (greater than 4 mm) at the initial treatment stage and maintaining a constant output voltage at 20 kV, as typically used in SWL procedures. Following shock wave exposure the size distribution of fragments was determined by the sequential sieving method. In addition, pressure waveforms at lithotripter focus (F2) produced at different output settings were measured using a fiber optic probe hydrophone. Results: The rate of stone comminution in SWL varied significantly in a dose dependent manner depending on the treatment strategies used. Specifically the comminution efficiencies produced by the 3 strategies after the initial 500 shocks were 30.7%, 59% and 41.9%, respectively. After 1,000 shocks the corresponding comminution efficiencies became similar (60.2%, 68.1% and 66.4%, respectively) with no statistically significant differences (p 0.08). After 1,500 shocks the final comminution efficiency produced by the first strategy was 88.7%, which was better than the corresponding values of 81.2% and 83.5%, respectively, for the other 2 strategies. The difference between the final comminution efficiency of the first and second strategies was statistically significant (p 0.005). Conclusions: Progressive increase in lithotripter output voltage can produce the best overall stone comminution in vitro.
English in the Solomon Islands

: The national language of most Pacific island nations today, English has a long history of development and use in the Pacific, from whaling and trading days to missionization, colonization, plantation labor, and then national independence. This paper traces the history of English and the development of English-based Pijin in the Solomon Islands, whose language use history is similar to other Melanesian nations. The current role of English and Pijin in the Solomons and their mutual influences are then discussed.
Autophagy: Eating for Good Health

A renaissance in the autophagy field has illuminated many areas of biology, and infectious disease is no exception. By identifying key components of this broadly conserved membrane traffic pathway, yeast geneticists generated tools for microbiologists and immunologists to explore whether autophagy contributes to host defenses. As a result, autophagy is now recognized to be another barrier confronted by microbes that invade eukaryotic cells. Mounting evidence also indicates that autophagy equips cells to deliver cytosolic Ags to the MHC class II pathway. By applying knowledge of the autophagy machinery and exploiting microbes as genetic probes, experimentalists can now examine in detail how this ancient membrane traffic pathway contributes to these and other mechanisms critical for infection and immunity.
Prevalence and abundance of Ixodes pacificus immatures (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) in northern California: temporal trends and environmental correlates.

The prevalence and abundance of immature Ixodes pacificus ticks on western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) were examined in relation to time of year, host attributes (i.e., age, gender, and presence or absence of blood parasites), and 5 environmental characteristics, including topographic exposure and ground cover substrate, over a 2-year period in northern California. Lizards were infested with subadult ticks from early March until late July or early August, with peak median numbers of larvae and nymphs recorded in late April and early May of both years. Peak larval and nymphal abundances differed between years. The overall ratio of larvae to nymphs on adult male lizards was low, ranging from 0.80 in 1999 to 2.41 in 2000. Such intensive feeding of nymphs versus larvae on these lizards, which are reservoir-incompetent for Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes, may explain previous observations of decreasing spirochetal infection prevalence from the nymphal to adult stage in northwestern California. Adult male lizards were more likely to be infested with nymphs and harbored greater abundances of larvae and nymphs than adult females. Lizards uninfected with blood parasites had more nymphs than infected lizards. The measured environmental characteristics could explain only a small percentage of the total variation observed in larval prevalence (22%) and in larval and nymphal abundance (12 and 3%, respectively).
Colloidal processing of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate ceramics

Well-dispersed aqueous slurries of fine ceramic powders with high solids loading are often required for various shape forming techniques such as slip and tape casting in order to fabricate advanced ceramics with a dense and uniform microstructure. Colloidal processing of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) powders was conducted at various pH using ammonium polymethacrylate as a dispersant. Suspensions were characterized by viscosity and zeta-potential measurements. The effect of pH on polymer adsorption and the rheological behavior of the slurries were investigated and stabilization mechanisms discussed. Through optimization of the dispersant concentration and pH, solids loadings of the suspensions up to 50 vol.% with a relatively low viscosity were obtained.
Evaluation of sodium poly-alpha, L-glutamate as a plasma expander.

Summary(1) A synthetic polypeptide, sodium poly-α, L-glutamate (SPG), has been evaluated as a plasma expander by comparing it with dextran in both normovolemic and hypovolemic dogs. (2) SPG at a concentration of 3% was equivalent to 6% dextran as a plasma expander. (3) Further studies with SPG proved it to be too toxic for clinical trial. It was observed to impair cardiac output in the dog, and to cause agglutination and an increase in sedimentation rate of both human and dog erythrocytes. (4) A considerable part of the injected dose remained in the blood at 5 hours after injection and no evidence of further elimination over the next 3 days was observed.
Characteristics of Sites with High Black Cherry Mortality Due to Bark Beetles Following Defoliation by Hydria prunivorata

An outbreak of Hydria prunivorata (Ferguson) in north-central New York resulted in severe defoliation of black cherry, Prunus serotina Ehrh. from 1969–1971. Black cherry mortality caused by a scolytid, Phloeotribus liminaris (Harris), following defoliation was concentrated in areas with similar stand and soil characteristics. Polar ordination of 10 forest stands based on pre-mortality tree species composition grouped areas with high mortality. Mortality was significantly correlated with the relative importance value of black cherry in the stand and with the hydrogen ion concentration of the soil. Soil p H was lowest on poorly drained sites.
Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of electromagnetic transitions in Be 8 with meson-exchange currents derived from chiral effective field theory

We report quantum Monte Carlo calculations of electromagnetic transitions in $^8$Be. The realistic Argonne $$v_{18}$$ two-nucleon and Illinois-7 three-nucleon potentials are used to generate the ground state and nine excited states, with energies that are in excellent agreement with experiment. A dozen $M1$ and eight $E2$ transition matrix elements between these states are then evaluated. The $E2$ matrix elements are computed only in impulse approximation, with those transitions from broad resonant states requiring special treatment. The $M1$ matrix elements include two-body meson-exchange currents derived from chiral effective field theory, which typically contribute 20--30\% of the total expectation value. Many of the transitions are between isospin-mixed states; the calculations are performed for isospin-pure states and then combined with the empirical mixing coefficients to compare to experiment. In general, we find that transitions between states that have the same dominant spatial symmetry are in decent agreement with experiment, but those transitions between different spatial symmetries are often significantly underpredicted.
Structure and Dynamics of Neat and CO2-Reacted Ionic Liquid Tetrabutylphosphonium 2-Cyanopyrrolide

Results of molecular dynamics simulations are reported in which the structure and dynamics of the reacted and unreacted forms of the task-specific ionic liquid (TSIL) tetrabutylphosphonium 2-cyanopyrrolide were computed. This particular ionic liquid is one of several newly discovered TSILs containing aprotic heterocyclic anions designed specifically for CO2 capture. The physical properties, liquid structure, and dynamics of the ionic liquid were computed as a function of extent of reaction with CO2. Translational and rotational dynamics showed little change upon reaction with CO2, in sharp contrast to traditional TSILs and consistent with experimental viscosity measurements. It is shown that this is due to the failure of a hydrogen-bond network to form upon reaction with CO2. The Henry’s law constants for the physical solubility of CO2, N2, O2, and H2O were computed for the unreacted TSIL and found to be comparable to values observed with other ionic liquids. In the reacted state, the solubility of CO2, N...
ZOOGEOGRAPHY AND EVOLUTION.

Many biologists have recognized that most of the evolutionary experiments made by nature are failures in the sense that they do not survive long and do not give rise to continuing phyletic lines. It has been estimated that, of all species that have lived on the earth, less than one per cent are now living, and it has been stated: "There is no way to predict, as far as the incipient species is concerned, whether the new niche it enters is a dead end or the entrance into a large new adaptive zone" (Mayr, 1963: 621). From a zoogeographic standpoint, however, it can be said that the chances of success for a newly formed species are liable to be greatly influenced by its place of origin.
Direct electrochemical studies of hydrogenase and CO dehydrogenase

The reduction potentials of two relatively high-molecular-mass enzymes were determined directly at an edge pyrolytic graphite electrode by using square-wave voltammetry. The equilibrium reduction potential versus standard hydrogen electrode was determined for Clostridium pasteurianum hydrogenase I (E'0 = -377 +/- 10 mV; molecular mass 60 kDa) and Rhodospirillum rubrum carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (E'0 = -418 +/- 7 mV; molecular mass 62 kDa). The reduction potential of each enzyme was pH-independent, and one electron was transferred per redox centre. The reduction potential was determined to be identical for the CO dehydrogenase, semi-apo-(CO dehydrogenase), and CO dehydrogenase with carbonyl sulphide (COS) or cyanide bound. The electron-transferring efficiency of CO dehydrogenase was affected by two inhibitors, COS and cyanide, as indicated by a diminished analytic current.
Boss abuse and subordinate payback

After re-confirming an earlier finding that as many as 60% of subordinates retaliate in major and minor ways after suffering a boss's abuse, using data from 100 participants, this investigation identified the characteristics of successful (the abuse is discontinued) and unsuccessful retaliation. Without arguing that retribution is the response of choice to boss abuse, evidence is presented showing that well-crafted retaliation often produces benefits for the abused subordinate, the organization, and even the abusive boss. Action steps that might guide crafting an abused employee's response to a boss's abuse are provided as well as directions for future research. Language: en
Thoughts on the present and future of pediatric neurosurgery. Skull base surgery, spinal instrumentation, and neuroendoscopy.

As part of a series of essays about the first 25 years of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery – what we have accomplished and where we have been – I have decided to turn my attention to where we are now and where we are going. A corollary to consider, perhaps, is where we should be going. In other words, what is the appropriate relationship between pediatric neurosurgery and general neurosurgery?
The Role of the Randomized Clinical Trial in the Evaluation of New Operations

Randomized trials that compare new operations with old ones or new regimens of invasive therapy with standard operations can make a substantial contribution to medical knowledge if the stipulations outlined in this article are followed. However, randomized trials that compare medical with surgical therapy have a number of additional problems and as a result rarely have a major impact on the practice of medicine.
Figures and Trends in the Academic Research on Counterfeiting and Piracy

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the main figures and trends in the academic research on counterfeiting and piracy over the past 35 years. Through a descriptive analysis, the Author delves into the main typologies of studies (empirical vs. theoretical), methodologies (quantitative, qualitative and mixed), authors (productivity and countries-of-origin), citations (absolute vs. relative), products (counterfeit vs. pirated) and study contexts (online, offline, both). For the empirical papers, separate, dedicated attention is given to both quantitative and qualitative studies, in terms of data collection methods, conceptual frameworks, samples (typologies and countries-of-origin), and methodologies for analysis.
Eventwise mean- p t fluctuations versus minimum-bias jets (minijets) at energies available at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

Fluctuation measurements of eventwise mean transverse momentum $\ensuremath{\langle}{p}_{t}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ for $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}p$ and Pb-Pb collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have been reported recently. In that study it was concluded that the strength of ``nonstatistical'' $\ensuremath{\langle}{p}_{t}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ fluctuations decreases with increasing particle multiplicity ${n}_{\text{ch}}$ (or $A\text{\ensuremath{-}}A$ centrality) and is nearly independent of collision energy over a large interval. Among several potential mechanisms for those trends the onset of thermalization and collectivity are mentioned. The LHC analysis employed one fluctuation measure selected from several possibilities. An alternative fluctuation measure reveals a strong increase of ${p}_{t}$ fluctuations with ${n}_{ch}$ (or $A\text{\ensuremath{-}}A$ centrality) and collision energy, consistent with previous measurements at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The ${p}_{t}$ fluctuation data for LHC $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}p$ collisions can be described accurately by a two-component $(\mathrm{soft}+\mathrm{hard})$ model (TCM) in which the hard component represents dijet production. The data for Pb-Pb collisions are described accurately by a TCM reference for more-peripheral collisions (suggesting transparent collisions), but the data deviate quantitatively from the reference for more-central collisions, suggesting a modification of jet formation. Overall fluctuation data trends suggest that minimum-bias jets (minijets) dominate ${p}_{t}$ fluctuations at both the LHC and the RHIC.
Chapter 9 Individual Odors and Social Communication: Individual Recognition, Kin Recognition, and Scent Over‐Marking

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews how hamsters and meadow voles discriminate between and remember individuals, recognize kin, engage in competitive advertising by scent marking and over-marking, and analyze scent over-marks to learn about the relative quality of other individuals. Meadow voles primarily mark with urine or anogenital scent. Urine used for scent marking is generally deposited as relatively small spots, although larger areas covered by urine probably also have communicative functions. Both hamsters and meadow voles engage in scent over-marking. After one individual has marked, a second animal tends to deposit scent on top of and partially overlapping the scent that was deposited first. Research on scent over-marking in hamsters, voles, and other species suggests the existence of amazing sensory processing to determine, which individual's scent is on top versus on the bottom in an over-mark. Odors also provide information relating to hormonal state, dominant status, quality of the diet, health, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) type, and other aspects of physical condition. These types of information may influence preferences for mating partners by females or influence competitions between individuals for resources.
C-reactive protein is associated with disability independently of vascular events: the Northern Manhattan Study

Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with cardiovascular events and mortality, but the association of CRP with functional status is not well defined. We hypothesised that serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP are associated with long-term trajectories of functional status independently of vascular risk factors and stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) occurring during follow-up. Design Prospective, population-based. Setting Northern Manhattan Study. Participants Stroke-free participants aged ≥40 years. Measurements Annual assessments of disability with the Barthel index (BI) for a median of 13 years. BI was analysed as a continuous variable (range 0–100). Baseline demographics, risk factors and laboratory studies were collected, including CRP (n = 2,240). Separate generalised estimating equation models estimated standardised associations between CRP and (i) baseline functional status and (ii) change in function over time, adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, social variables, cognition, and depression measured at baseline, and stroke and MI occurring during follow-up. Results Mean age was 69 (SD 10) years, 36% were male, 55% Hispanic, 75% hypertensive and 21% diabetic; 337 MIs and 369 first strokes occurred during follow-up. Mean CRP level was 5.24 mg/l (SD 8.86). logCRP was associated with baseline BI (−0.34 BI points per unit logCRP, 95% confidence interval −0.62, −0.06) but not with change over time. Conclusions In this large population-based study, higher serum CRP levels were associated with higher baseline disability, even when adjusting for baseline covariates and stroke and MI occurring during follow-up. Systemic inflammation may contribute to disability independently of clinical vascular events.