cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
L‐type calcium channel as a cardiac oxygen sensor

Acute oxygen sensing in the heart is thought to occur through redox regulation and phosphorylation of membrane channels. Here we report a novel O2-sensing mechanism involving the C-terminus of the L-type Ca2+ channel and regulated by PKA phosphorylation. In patch-clamped myocytes, oxygen deprivation decreased ICa within 40 s. The suppressive effect of anoxia was relieved by PKA-mediated phosphorylation only when Ca2+ was the charge carrier, whereas phosphorylated IBa remained sensitive to O2 withdrawal. Suppression of Ca2+ release by thapsigargin did not alter the response of ICa to anoxia, suggesting a mandatory role for Ca2+ influx and not Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in O2 regulation of the channel. Consistent with this idea, mutation of 80 amino acids in the Ca2+/CaM-binding domain of the recombinant alpha1C subunit that removes Ca2+ dependent inactivation (CDI) abolished O2 sensitivity of the channel. Our findings suggest that the Ca2+/CaM binding domain of the L-type Ca2+ may represent a molecular site for O2 sensing of the heart.
The Complexity of Regulatory Capture: Diagnosis, Causality and Remediation

This article, part of a symposium addressing the explosion of BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig, considers when capture occurs, what causes it, and what can be done about it, all challenging issues. Defining capture is difficult because agency adoption of industry-favored policies does not necessarily mean an agency is ignoring the public interest. Nevertheless, capture should be presumed when an agency consistently adopts health, safety and environmental policies proposed by regulated entities because this signals a failure to adopt a precautionary approach towards protecting the public. Public choice economics offers the standard explanation of why capture occurs, but the dynamics of capture are more complex than this account. In particular, this account overlooks how industry interests are able to defeat the other-regarding motives of regulators by dominating the presentation of information to them. Standard accounts of capture also miss how conservative interests have spent billions of dollars to influence public opinion about government, far outspending progressive interests. These efforts have made it more difficult for progressive interests to rally the public to oppose regulatory capture. Assuming there is the political will to act, institutional redesign can be used to make agencies more resistant to capture. The literature offers a number of useful proposals how to this, but does not discuss the importance of having a strong and vibrant civil service as a bulwark against capture.
The Rise of Criminal Background Screening in Rental Housing

This article investigates the recent rise of criminal background screening in rental housing as a case study of the diffusion of actuarial social control. That case study suggests that actuarial techniques have spread more widely through the crime prevention field than sociolegal scholars have recognized, replacing disciplinary efforts to diagnose and alter the behavior of individuals with actuarial efforts to identify and isolate high-risk groups. This actuarial strategy has proliferated not only because new discourses encouraged it but also because new institutional structures facilitated it. That conclusion illustrates the importance of structural (rather than cultural) factors in shaping society's response to crime—particularly the growing availability of the collective institutional capacity that actuarial social control requires.
Regulation of sphingolipid and glycosphingolipid metabolism in extrahepatic tissues by endotoxin.

The host response to infection and inflammation is associated with multiple alterations in lipid metabolism. We have shown that endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) stimulates hepatic sphingolipid synthesis and increases cer- amide and glucosylceramide (GlcCer) content in circulating lipoproteins in Syrian hamsters. LPS also increases the ac- tivity and mRNA levels of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) and GlcCer synthase, the committed enzymes in sphin- golipid and glycosphingolipid (GSL) synthesis, respectively, in the liver. To determine whether sphingolipid and GSL metabolism are regulated in other tissues during the host re- sponse to infection, we examined the effect of LPS on the regulation of SPT and GlcCer synthase in extrahepatic tis- sues in Syrian hamsters. LPS significantly increased SPT ac- tivity in spleen and kidney after 16 h of treatment, but had no effect on SPT activity in lung and brain, suggesting that the effect of LPS on sphingolipid metabolism is tissue spe- cific. LPS also increased SPT mRNA levels in spleen and kidney by , 3-fold, suggesting that the increase in SPT activ- ity is due to an increase in SPT mRNA expression. LPS sig- nificantly increased GlcCer synthase activity in spleen and kidney, and produced 4- and 15-fold increases in GlcCer synthase mRNA levels in spleen and kidney, respectively. LPS treatment increased GlcCer content by 1.3-fold in spleen and by 6.2-fold in kidney. LPS also increased the content of ceramide trihexoside by 1.7-fold in spleen. These results suggest that LPS regulates sphingolipid and GSL metabolism in spleen and kidney. An increase in GSL metabolites in spleen and kidney during the host response to infection and inflammation may be required for modula- tion of immune responses and regulation of cell growth. — Memon, R. A., W. M. Holleran, Y. Uchida, A. H. Moser, C. Grunfeld, and K. R. Feingold. Regulation of sphingolipid and glycosphingolipid metabolism in extrahepatic tissues by endotoxin. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 452-459.
Comparison of AOD between CALIPSO and MODIS: significant differences over major dust and biomass burning regions

Abstract. Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) provide global vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties for the first time. In this study, we employed about 6 yr (2006–2011) of CALIPSO level 3 monthly mean gridded aerosol optical depth (AOD) products (daytime and nighttime) for cloud-free conditions, to compare with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra/Aqua level 3 monthly mean AOD dataset for the same time period. While the spatial distribution and seasonal variability of CALIPSO AOD is generally consistent with that of MODIS, CALIPSO is overall lower than MODIS as MODIS has higher frequency than CALIPSO for most bins of AOD. The correlation between MODIS and CALIPSO is better over ocean than over land. We focused on four regions that have large systematic differences: two over dust regions (the Sahara and Northwest China) and two over biomass burning regions (South Africa and South America). It is found that CALIPSO AOD is significantly lower than MODIS AOD over dust regions during the whole time period, with a maximum difference of 0.3 over the Saharan region and 0.25 over Northwest China. For biomass burning regions, CALIPSO AOD is significantly higher than MODIS AOD over South Africa, with a maximum difference of 0.25. Additionally CALIPSO AOD is slightly higher than MODIS AOD over South America for most of the time period, with a few exceptions in 2006, 2007, and 2010, when biomass burning is significantly stronger than during other years. We analyzed the impact of the satellite spatial and temporal sampling issue by using level 2 CALIPSO and MODIS products, and these systematic differences can still be found. The results of this study indicate that systematic differences of CALIPSO relative to MODIS are closely associated with aerosol types, which vary by location and season. Large differences over dust and biomass burning regions may suggest that assumptions made in satellite retrievals, such as the assumed lidar ratios for CALIPSO retrievals over dust and biomass burning regions or the surface reflectance information and/or the aerosol model utilized by the MODIS algorithm, are not appropriate.
Metals and neurotoxic effects: Cytotoxicity of selected metallic compounds on chick ganglia cultures

Abstract Metallic compounds have been shown to contribute to environmental pollution. They are potential health hazards, and many cause neuropathies in man and animals. Their cytotoxic properties were investigated in an isolated cell system by exposing 11-day-old chick embryonic nervous tissues to various concentrations of the metallic compounds. Following a 72 h incubation period at 37°C, phase contrast and light microscopic observations were made on cellular growth (nerve fibres, neuroglia, cell bodies) and cellular migration, for abnormalities. Results indicated that all cell growth inhibition was dosedependent with its magnitude (to produce a half-maximal effect) ranging from severely toxic (10 −6 m or less) for Hg 2+ , Cd 2+ , As 3+ , and Vendex-Sn 2+ ; moderately toxic (10 −4 to 10 −6 m ) for Tl 1+ , As 5+ , Se 4+ , and Cu 2+ , and slightly toxic (10 −4 or greater) for Pb 2+ , As 3+ (oxide), and Sn 2+ (oxide). In all instances nerve fibres were more sensitive to metallic compounds than were neuroglia and cells. Subtoxic doses of some compounds caused increased neurite extension while others produced vacuolization. Other abnormalities included increased glial cell varicosities, granulation, decreased cellular migration and degenerative effects, especially at higher exposure levels. No correlation between cytotoxic effects of nerve fibres and glial cells could be established with acute or chronic animal toxicity, atomic weight or Periodic classification. The effects of metallic ions in vitro do not demonstra te nerve cell specificity as seen in vivo and a variety of mechanisms may be implicated in the cytotoxic action.
A watershed-scale goals approach to assessing and funding wastewater infrastructure.

Capital needs during the next twenty years for public wastewater treatment, piping, combined sewer overflow correction, and storm-water management are estimated to be approximately $300 billion for the USA. Financing these needs is a significant challenge, as Federal funding for the Clean Water Act has been reduced by 70% during the last twenty years. There is an urgent need for new approaches to assist states and other decision makers to prioritize wastewater maintenance and improvements. We present a methodology for performing an integrated quantitative watershed-scale goals assessment for sustaining wastewater infrastructure. We applied this methodology to ten watersheds of the Hudson-Mohawk basin in New York State, USA that together are home to more than 2.7 million people, cover 3.5 million hectares, and contain more than 36,000 km of streams. We assembled data on 183 POTWs treating approximately 1.5 million m 3 of wastewater per day. For each watershed, we analyzed eight metrics: Growth Capacity, Capacity Density, Soil Suitability, Violations, Tributary Length Impacted, Tributary Capital Cost, Volume Capital Cost, and Population Capital Cost. These metrics were integrated into three goals for watershed-scale management: Tributary Protection, Urban Development, and Urban-Rural Integration. Our results demonstrate that the methodology can be implemented using widely available data, although some verification of data is required. Furthermore, we demonstrate substantial differences in character, need, and the appropriateness of different management strategies among the ten watersheds. These results suggest that it is feasible to perform watershed-scale goals assessment to augment existing approaches to wastewater infrastructure analysis and planning.
Water soluble antioxidants in mammalian aqueous humor: interaction with UV B and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract HPLC/electrochemical detection was used to identify five major low MW water soluble electrochemically active molecules from the aqueous humor of three species of mammals: New Zealand White rabbits and humans (diurnal) and Sprague–Dawley rats (nocturnal). These molecules are l -cysteine (CYS), l -ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), uric acid (UA) and L-tyrosine (TYR); all of these molecules have known antioxidant properties. Nocturnal rat aqueous humor is concentrated in two thiols: GSH (125 μM; n =24 pooled eyes) and CYS (63 μM), in contradistinction to diurnal species which have high concentrations of AA. No deterioration of any of these antioxidants occurs in a synthetic aqueous humor mixture irradiated with a physiologically relevant spectral UV B dose of 30 mJ/cm 2 /h (5.5 UV equivalent sunlight hours). The same result occurred with addition of the endogenous aqueous humor UV B photosensitizer l -tryptophan. In a second set of experiments, human synthetic aqueous humor was subjected to hydrogen peroxide induced oxidant stress. The decay of antioxidants was CYS>GSH>AA>UA>TYR. The second highest concentrated antioxidant in human aqueous humor is TYR. Yet TYR failed to protect AA against H 2 O 2 -induced free radical damage in a synthetic aqueous humor model system ( P =0.10; ANOVA). The existence of multiple electrochemically active constituents and their thermodynamic interactions must be recognized when choosing animal models to evaluate human aqueous humor antioxidant defense.
Photoperiod-Independent Actions of the Pineal Organ: Aspects of a Pineal Organ-Pancreas Relationship

Abstract Previous evidence has demonstrated a relationship between the pineal organ and carbohydrate metabolism in goldfish Carassius auratus. Pinealectomy in this species causes a decrease in liver-glycogen stores, disappearance of the diurnal variation in liver-glycogen concentrations, and an increase in plasma glucose. These effects occur independently of photoperiod acclimation and are seasonal in nature. Results presented in this paper suggest that the pineal organ may regulate carbohydrate metabolism by altering insulin responsiveness in these animals. Goldfish that are pinealectomized during the spring resist insulin-induced hypoglycemia more than sham-operated animals. This insulin resistance is not induced by pineal-organ removal during late summer. Glucose-tolerance tests of pinealectomized animals during midwinter and late summer indicate that pineal-organ removal had little or no effect on insulin activity during these months. The seasonality of these responses coincides with the seasonality o...
Reconfigurable leaky-mode/multifunction patch antenna structure

A reconfigurable aperture where different types of antennas and arrays with multiband coverage and multiple functions share a common planar physical aperture is proposed. Using either conventional or MEMS switches, a microstrip-based leaky-mode antenna array can easily be reconfigured to patch antennas operating at multiple frequency bands as well as monopulse radars for both azimuth and elevation tracking. The feasibility of the concept has been demonstrated by prototype design and measurement of a single-channel X-band leaky-wave/S- and C-band patch antenna structure.
A multi-criteria economic evaluation framework for control system configuration-framework and case study

The underlying methodology includes three main components: A digital factory/simulation model, a knowledge base/expert system and a multi-criteria evaluation model to compute the scores of different control designs and configurations on economic terms. For the economic evaluation, an existing methodology, Non-Traditional Capital Investment Criteria (NCIC) is used which allows us to incorporate into the analysis both traditional criteria, readily measurable in financial benefits, and non-traditional criteria that are not easily measurable based on their financial benefits. These non-financial benefits could be quantitative (measurable, but not necessarily in dollars) or qualitative (not measurable at all). An example is used to demonstrate this method by comparing the economic value of two control design alternatives for a singulator– a centralized control where one motion controller controls all the axes, and a distributed configuration where the control of the axes are taken by two controllers, working autonomously, and interacting whenever necessary.
On the Likelihood Ratio Tests in Bivariate ACDE Models

The ACE and ADE models have been heavily exploited in twin studies to identify the genetic and environmental components in phenotypes. However, the validity of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) of the existence of a variance component, a key step in the use of such models, has been doubted because the true values of the parameters lie on the boundary of the parameter space of the alternative model for such tests, violating a regularity condition required for a LRT (e.g., Carey in Behav. Genet. 35:653–665, 2005; Visscher in Twin Res. Hum. Genet. 9:490–495, 2006). Dominicus, Skrondal, Gjessing, Pedersen, and Palmgren (Behav. Genet. 36:331–340, 2006) solve the problem of testing univariate components in ACDE models. Our current work as presented in this paper resolves the issue of LRTs in bivariate ACDE models by exploiting the theoretical frameworks of inequality constrained LRTs based on cone approximations. Our derivation shows that the asymptotic sampling distribution of the test statistic for testing a single bivariate component in an ACE or ADE model is a mixture of χ2 distributions of degrees of freedom (dfs) ranging from 0 to 3, and that for testing both the A and C (or D) components is one of dfs ranging from 0 to 6. These correct distributions are stochastically smaller than the χ2 distributions in traditional LRTs and therefore LRTs based on these distributions are more powerful than those used naively. Formulas for calculating the weights are derived and the sampling distributions are confirmed by simulation studies. Several invariance properties for normal data (at most) missing by person are also proved. Potential generalizations of this work are also discussed.
Evidence of the Fisher in Central Illinois

A large quantity of animal remains was uncovered from a section of the Cahokia Site (Ramey Farm, Madison Co., Illinois) between mid-September, 1956, and January 1, 1957, by Gregory Perino, under the sponsorship of the Thomas Gilcrease Foundation, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Cahokia Site was probably the largest Middle Mississippi site in North America (occupied approximately 1200 to 1550 a.d.) and included the area that is now East St. Louis as well as extensive regions to the north and south and along both banks of Cahokia Creek. Moorehead (Univ. of Illinois Bull., 26 (4), 1928) presented a rather complete description of the site, its history and cultural affiliations known at that time. …
Pioglitazone attenuates alcohol-induced alveolar macrophage oxidative stress and dysfunction by up-regulating Nox4-associated microRNAs

The lungs of individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD) are the target organs for the injurious effects of combined alcohol and cigarette smoke metabolites. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetaldehyde (AA) exist in significant concentrations following the metabolism of ethanol and the pyrolysis of tobacco. Previously, it has been demonstrated that MDA and AA form a stable protein adduct, known as the malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) adduct, which serves as the dominant epitope in the formation of anti-MAA antibodies under disease conditions of elevated MDA. In mouse lung, MAAadducted protein is detected only under conditions of alcohol and cigarette co-exposure where levels of MDA and AA are maximal. We hypothesized that lung MAA-adducted protein would lead to elevated anti-MAA antibodies in humans who have a significant exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol. We performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on subjects with AUD and control subjects, a percentage of whom smoked. We utilized the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to identify patients with alcohol misuse to define an AUD. BAL cytospins were prepared and immunohistochemistry performed using rabbit anti-MAA adduct antibodies to quantitate BAL cells staining positive for MAA-adducts. Serum and BAL fluid were collected and assayed for the presence of anti-MAA antibody isotypes using an ELISA. Four subject groups were established and assayed: AUD subjects who smoked cigarettes (+AUD/+smoke), cigarette smokers without AUDs (� AUD/+smoke), AUD subjects who did not smoke cigarettes (+AUD/� smoke), and non-AUD/ non-cigarette smokers (� AUD/� smoke). A significant (p < 0.05) increase in the presence of MAA adducts was observed in the BAL cells of +AUD/+smoke vs. � AUD/� smoke (31.8 � 7.2 vs. 1.2 � 0.8, n
Psychology of Computer Use: XXVIII: Effect of Computer Use on Depth Perception

30 computer users were tested first after work and then second both before and after periods of computer use. Subjects' depth perception ability was unaffected.
Autoantibodies in the diagnosis of systemicrheumatic diseases

Abstract Distinct profiles of autoantibodies directed to intracellular antigens can be detected in the systemic connective tissue diseases. They aid in establishing the correct diagnosis and are included in many sets of diagnostic criteria, such as the ones developed for systemic lupus erythematosus (anti-Smith antigen and anti-double-strand DNA antibodies), mixed connective tissue disease (anti-U1-nuclear ribonucleoprotein antibodies), and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) (anti-SS A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La antibodies). They are useful prognostic markers in some situations and facilitate clinical and treatment follow-up. Autoantibodies have also been used as probes to gain insights into cell biology, helping to isolate and purify intracellular proteins involved in key cellular functions. We give detailed information on two of the most useful techniques for the detection of autoantibodies in the clinical and research laboratory settings, indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. We also discuss several of the antigen -autoantibody systems found in systemic lupus erythematosus (Smith antigen, U1-nuclear ribonucleoprotein, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, proliferating cell nuclear antigen ribosomal ribonucleoprotein, double-strand DNA, histones, antiphospholipids, Ku, Ki/SL), systemic sclerosis (centromere, topo I, RNA polymerases, fibrillarin, polymyositis-Scl, Th/To), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (transferRNA synthetases, signal recognition particle, and others), and SS (SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, nucleolar organizing region-90, p80-coilin), addressing their clinical significance, common detection methods, immunogenetic associations, and the molecular and cellular biology of the cognate antigens.
Decay at infinity of solutions to higher order partial differential equations: Removal of the curvature assumption

In an earlier paper a generalization of Rellich’s theorem on the Helmholz equation was obtained for a large class of higher order equationsP(1/i∂/∂x)u=f, subject to the condition that the Gaussian curvature ofP(ξ)=0 never vanish. This restriction is removed in this note.
13C NMR RELAXATION STUDIES OF PYRIDINE AND PENTAFLUOROPYRIDINE LIQUIDS CONFINED TO NANOPORES OF POROUS SILICA GLASSES

A dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of the polar liquids pyridine and pentafluoropyridine (PFP) confined to porous silica sol−gel glasses is reported. The 13C NMR spin−lattice relaxation times, T1, of ortho (C2), meta (C3), and para (C4) carbons were measured in glasses with pore radii ranging from 30 to 94 A, over a temperature range of −22 to +20 °C. The experimental data were analyzed in terms of the two-state, fast exchange model, and the surface-layer relaxation times, T1s, were calculated. On the basis of surface enhancement factors, T1b/T1s, where T1b is the relaxation time of the bulk liquid, we conclude that fluorination considerably weakens the interaction of pyridine with the glass surface. This is consistent with pyridine serving as a hydrogen bond acceptor for the surface. By analyzing the relaxation differences in C2, C3, and C4, we find that the reorientation of confined pyridine is highly anisotropic, due to directional hydrogen bonding between the N atoms of pyridine and the ...
More than Winning: When Students become Teachers of Civic Engagement.

AbstractThis essay is an account of student civic engagement in action. It stresses the vital role of environments in which students learn to be civic actors. The student experiences recorded in this account point toward a form of campus politics that places students in a role of coworker and cocreator, where they must negotiate differences and complexities in the problem-solving process. This account suggests a re-imagining of civic learning, not just in a programmatic sense, but in terms of processes and environments that prepare students to be confident public problem solvers and co-owners of the democracy we all build together.
Agonist and antagonist characterization of a putative adrenoceptor with distinct pharmacological properties from the α- and β-subtypes

Abstract 1. Experiments were done to characterize a putative adrenoceptor which functions to inhibit longitudinal muscle tension development in the guinea-pig ileum. Several phenylethylamine based agonists were investigated: BRL 37344, (-)-isoprenaline, (+)-isoprenaline, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and fenoterol. Propranolol and nadolol were tested as antagonists. Agonist-induced inhibition of the contractile response to histamine was measured under equilibrium conditions with alpha-adrenoceptors and muscarinic cholinoceptors inhibited. 2. Inhibitory responses were obtained to (-)-isoprenaline and BRL 37344 that were resistant to beta-adrenoceptor blockage with propranolol (5 microM) and nadolol (10 microM). These resistant responses were antagonized by much higher concentrations of nadolol (30 to 1000 microM) yielding apparent pA2 values for nadolol of 4.31 with (-)-isoprenaline as the agonist, and 4.68 with BRL 37344 as the agonist. Similar apparent pA2 values for nadolol at the putative adrenoceptor were obtained with noradrenaline (4.79), adrenaline (4.68), and fenoterol (4.38). 3. The order and relative potency of agonists at the putative adrenoceptor was: BRL 37344 (20) greater than (-)-isoprenaline (8) greater than noradrenaline (1) greater than adrenaline (0.5) greater than fenoterol (0.35) greater than (+)-isoprenaline (0.27). 4. The resistance to blockade by propranolol (5 microM), the low affinity of nadolol, and the order and relative potency of agonists, suggest the presence of an adrenoceptor with distinct pharmacological characteristics from currently defined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors.
Fiber optic sensor for characterization of surface coatings

A fiber optic sensor for determining the type and condition of aircraft coatings was originally developed to provide adaptive control of automated coating removal. The sensor, based on analysis of optical reflectance spectra, has also been found useful for determining the condition of other materials. Investigations have shown that artificial neural networks can be trained to recognize specific materials or material conditions from the sensor signals.
Decreased protein binding of mycophenolic acid associated with leukopenia in a pancreas transplant recipient with renal failure

Background Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is rapidly hydrolyzed to its active metabolite mycophenolic acid (MPA), which is excreted by the kidney after undergoing glucuronidation to MPAG. MPAG has been shown to accumulate in patients with renal failure. MPA is extensively and avidly bound to human serum albumin. In vitro inhibition of the pharmacologic target, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, is dependent on free MPA. It has been demonstrated that high MPAG concentrations decrease MPA protein binding in vitro. In addition, the uremic state is associated with altered protein binding of many drugs. Methods We assessed free MPA, total MPA, and MPAG kinetics in a patient with renal failure receiving MMF for a pancreas transplant, who presented with signs of MMF toxicity. MPA, MPAG, and free MPA were measured by high performance liquid chromatography and a validated 14C-MPA ultrafiltration methodology. Results The MPAG area under the concentration curve (AUC) in this patient was extremely high (5899 microg x hr/ml). The total MPA AUC of 36.8 microg x hr/ml was within the range usually obtained in stable renal patients. The free fraction of MPA and the free MPA AUC were markedly elevated (13.8% and 5.07 microg x hr/ml, respectively). Conclusions Patients with severe renal insufficiency may have markedly increased free MPA levels that may not be reflected in total MPA concentrations. These patients may be at increased risk for MMF-related toxicity.
Nonlinear terahertz spectroscopy of single-layer graphene

We demonstrate large THz transmission enhancement (>15%) in single-layer CVD graphene at high THz intensities (E THz >10 kV/cm). The nonlinear effects exhibit non-Drude behavior in the THz conductivity, where THz fields induce extreme non-equilibrium electron distributions.
Overview of the range of mechanisms

For more than 35 years, a wide range of biomedical research has been conducted in order to understand the biophysical factors which influence laser induced retinal injury. Although the optical effects which influence retinal imaging and the initial physical events which lead to the absorption and dissipation of the laser energy are well understood, the stages of biological damage which take pace after the deposition of energy are not so well understood. The greatest body of research was initial centered on the interaction of laser energy with ocular tissues. Much of the research was to derive occupational health and safety standards that provide maximum permissible exposure limits. These limits are based both upon the theoretical understanding and the large body of experimental data. Current laser safety research has recently focused almost exclusively on deriving retinal injury thresholds for sub- nanosecond exposures. Setting limits in this temporal region has been difficult, since there have been conflicting data sets and there are limited data to extrapolate to other spectral regions. Because of the transparency of some ocular tissues, the ocular injury studies offer an opportunity to study all interaction mechanism with greater ease of viewing the effects directly with greater clarity than working with other biological tissues.
An Investigation of the Validity and Utility of Two Curriculum-Based Measurement Writing Tasks

We investigated 2 curriculum-based measurement tasks for writing with 170 students in 2nd and 3rd grade. The 2 tasks, Story Starter and Picture Story, varied on topical support. Both tasks used production and accuracy scores, and we developed a qualitative score for Picture Story. All production and accuracy scores and the qualitative score demonstrated low to moderate validity coefficients with the Woodcock–Johnson Test of Achievement Writing Samples subtest and a teacher rating of overall writing ability. All scores were sensitive to grade-level differences in performance, with 3rd-grade students performing higher than 2nd-grade students. Two scores for Picture Story were sensitive to growth only for 3rd-grade students, and 5 scores were sensitive to bimonthly growth for both grade levels. There was moderate classification accuracy for both tasks.
Critical role of the circadian clock in memory formation: lessons from Aplysia

Unraveling the complexities of learning and the formation of memory requires identification of the cellular and molecular processes through which neural plasticity arises as well as recognition of the conditions or factors through which those processes are modulated. With its relatively simple nervous system, the marine mollusk Aplysia californica has proven an outstanding model system for studies of memory formation and identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying learned behaviors, including classical and operant associative learning paradigms and non-associative behaviors. In vivo behavioral studies in Aplysia have significantly furthered our understanding of how the endogenous circadian clock modulates memory formation. Sensitization of the tail-siphon withdrawal reflex represents a defensive non-associative learned behavior for which the circadian clock strongly modulates intermediate and long-term memory formation. Likewise, Aplysia exhibit circadian rhythms in long-term memory, but not short-term memory, for an operant associative learning paradigm. This review focuses on circadian modulation of intermediate and long-term memory and the putative mechanisms through which this modulation occurs. Additionally, potential functions and the adaptive advantages of time of day pressure on memory formation are considered. The influence of the circadian clock on learning and memory crosses distant phylogeny highlighting the evolutionary importance of the circadian clock on metabolic, physiological and behavioral processes. Thus, studies in a simple invertebrate model system have and will continue to provide critical mechanistic insights to complementary processes in higher organisms.
DXA, health beliefs, and osteoporosis prevention behaviors.

Objective: This experimental longitudinal study was designed to examine the relationship between having a bone density through dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) and osteoporosis preventing behaviors (OPB) among healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: Subjects were 203 healthy community-based women 50-65 years of age. Mediating variables were general knowledge of osteoporosis and revised health belief model variables. Treatment group women (n = 101) had a DXA screen and control group women (n = 102) did not. Study questionnaires were completed at three time points; initially and at 6 months and 12 months. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed treatment group women scored significantly higher on perceived susceptibility and calcium intake. Wilks's Lambda F revealed a significant difference in use of osteoporosis preventing medications. Discussion: Personal knowledge gained from DXAs increased perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis, calcium intake, and use of osteoporosis preventing medications and...
Defining reinforcess — A problem in communication for consultation in behavior modification

This paper reviews the respondent (Hull-Spence) and operant (Skinnerian) conditioning definitions of reinforcers and reinforcement and demonstrates the need to keep the systems separate when consulting about behavior modification. The two systems are shown to lead to different modification procedures. One important distinction between the systems is whether a reinforcer is simply associated with a response (respondent) or whether it must follow the response (operant). A second important distinction is the definition of negative reinforcement. In respondent conditioning, negative reinforcement entails presenting an aversive stimulus in association with the response and results in a decrease in response rate. In operant conditioning, negative reinforcement entails the removal of an aversive stimulus following a correct response, which results in an increase in response rate.
Assessment of cerebrospinal fluid shunt patency.

Many invasive and noninvasive techniques for determining patency of CSF shunts have been developed and are reviewed. The need for noninvasive reliable simple tests that improve management is emphasised, and the Doppler ultrasound test is recommended.
Linear augmented-Slater-type-orbital method for electronic-structure calculations. III. Structural and cohesive energies of the 5d elements Lu-Au.

The linear augmented-Slater-type-orbital method is applied to the electronic band structures of the 5d transition metals Lu through Au. Scalar relativistic, muffin-tin potential, and local density calculations are performed for each metal in both the fcc and bcc structures. Special sets of k points are used and the variation in crystal total energy as a function of mesh density (\ensuremath{\approxeq}10 to \ensuremath{\approxeq}110 points in 1/48th of the Brillouin zone) are studied, and it is found that the total energy usually converges to \ensuremath{\approxeq}1 millihartree when \ensuremath{\approxeq}30 k points are used. Cohesive energies are calculated (the hcp metals are taken to be fcc for this purpose). A cohesive energy is the difference in energy between the crystal and the free atom in its ground state; local density theory, as applied to the free atom, is usually appropriate to the average of a number of multiplet levels. For those cases where the promotion energy to this average can be estimated, the resulting cohesive energies are in accord with experiment. The fcc-bcc structural energy differences, taken as the difference in two total energies, are also calculated. These agree with experiment as to which structure is the more stable. There are no observed values for these differences but they are markedly greater in the middle of the 5d row than the generally accepted values, obtained in the course of constructing phase diagrams for alloys using regular solution theory. The present results suggest that these constructs should be reexamined. The s, p, and d orbital character of the occupied electron levels is also examined using a Mulliken population analysis, and the more standard analysis where the charge density, within a Wigner-Seitz sphere, is decomposed into l components. The Mulliken analysis indicates somewhat greater d occupancy. More notably it indicates much less s and more p character than the Wigner-Seitz cell analysis does for all the metals except for Au.
Scene projection by nonlinear optics

The use of nonlinear infrared frequency conversion of laser output for infrared scene projection is explored. Nonlinear frequency conversion can be used to shift a laser wavelength for scanned laser images or used for two-dimensional image conversion in which an image in one spectral region such as the visible is projected as an image at a different wavelength in the IR.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Center frequency formulation of the blackbody radiation spectrum

The blackbody radiation spectrum is described in terms of a resonance curve that is composed of an excitation function, x5, and a damping function, e−x, where x=hν/kT. The energy radiated per unit area per second is expressed as E(ν, T)dν=Kνx5e−xdν. This mathematically simple and physically transparent formulation reproduces the features of the blackbody radiation curve and contains the valid temperature radiation laws. With the help of that formula, the blackbody radiation spectrum is also expressed in terms of the previously introduced Center Frequency concept. We derive a Center Frequency Law of Blackbody Radiation and use it to calculate the Stefan-Boltzmann radiation constant in close agreement with the best available data.
Precision in analytical measurements: Expected values and consequences in geochemical analyses

Over the years the authors have developed an empirical formula for the relative standard deviation among laboratories (RSDR, %) as a function of concentration C, expressed as a decimal fraction: RSDR=2(1−0.5log C)≈2C(−0.1505). This formula predicts that starting with a concentration of 100% (pure materials; C=1.00), RSDR will be 2%, increasing by a factor of 2 for each decrease in C of 2 orders of magnitude. It has been a useful guide to acceptable precision in the fields of agricultural, pharmaceutical, and nutritional chemical analysis. It has now been found that this formula is also useful for interpreting the quality of reported analyses of various reference materials available to geochemists. If a ratio is calculated of the found RSDR value to the RSDR value calculated from the formula, an easily interpreted limiting parameter is generated. A ratio >2 provides a rational reference point for interpreting the uncertainty of the analytical portion of the total variability of geochemical concentration estimates. Such a high ratio indicates excessive among-laboratories precision, reflecting large systematic errors on the part of one or more laboratories. The formula quantitates the concept of the transformation of the individual systematic errors of the laboratories into the random error of the group.
Student Rating Myths Versus Research Facts

Most of the recent literature on the evaluation of instructional effectiveness has emphasized the need to develop comprehensive systems. However, a careful scrutiny of actual working systems of instructional evaluation reveals that student ratings of instructor and instruction is still the only component that is regularly obtained and used. Therefore, instructor/instructional evaluation has become synonymous with student rating/evaluation for those being judged. In an attempt to impugn the value of such ratings for faculty self improvement and/or promotion and tenure purposes, faculty and administrators have generated and perpetuated several myths concerning student ratings of instructors and instruction. In order to address 15 of the most common myths regarding student ratings of instructors and instruction, research spanning a 62-year period will be cited and summarized below. Myth 1: Students cannot make consistent judgments about the instructor and instruction because of their immaturity, lack of experience, and capriciousness. Evidence dating back to 1924, according to Guthrie (1954), indicates just the opposite. The stability of student ratings from one year to the next resulted in substantial correlations in the range of 0.87 to 0.89. More recent literature on the subject, cited by Costin, Greenough, and Menges (1971), and studies by Gillmore (1973) and Hogan (1973) indicated that the correlation between student ratings of the same instructors and courses ranged from 0.70 to 0.87. Myth 2: Only colleagues with excellent publication records and expertise are qualified to teach and to evaluate their peers’ instruction.
Anarchy as a Model for Network Governance

This article centers on two interconnected ideas that have garnered increasing attention in public administration: (1) a shift away from centralized institutional authority structures and (2) the concomitant rise of networks in the public sector. While network theories have been viewed as ushering in a new paradigm for understanding governance, they remain rooted in the language and framework of hierarchical bureaucratic systems. The author suggests that embracing an approach not grounded in a centralized institutional perspective may clarify network theories in public administration. Specifically, the author argues that anarchism has much to add to our understanding of networks and illustrates how an anarchist perspective may advance our understanding of networks in three areas—network formation, network stability, and accountability in networks—in which the hierarchical perspective has generated persistent questions.
Disappearance of Racial Disparities in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Outcomes

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of race, socioeconomic status, and demographic and clinical variables on the outcomes of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Study Design The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for GIST and other intestinal mesenchymal tumors from 1992 to 2005. Results A total of 3,795 patients with mesenchymal tumors were identified. More than 88% of tumors were identified as GIST after the year 2000. Overall, patient demographics showed 53% men, 72.2% Caucasians, 15.6% African Americans, and 9.1% Hispanics. In patients diagnosed before the year 2000, 30-day surgical mortality was higher in African Americans (0.56% versus 0.76% Caucasians, p=0.012), although no difference was observed in tumor stage (p=0.446) or grade (p=0.495). African Americans underwent surgical extirpation less frequently (p=0.003). Multivariate analysis correcting for patient demographics, socioeconomic status, and clinical data demonstrated African-American race (hazards ratio 1.66, p Conclusions Before 2000, African Americans were less likely to have surgery, and they demonstrated an overall increased mortality rate for GIST. Since 2000, African Americans have benefited from increased surgical resection rates, decreased perioperative mortality, and improved longterm survival. These changes have appeared to erase racial disparities in the treatment of GIST.
Taurine levels in Trichinella spiralis infected versus noninfected rat diaphragms

Abstract 1. 1. Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae caused a significant ( P ) reduction in the concentration of muscle taurine on day 10 and a highly significant ( P ) reduction on day 15 postinfection in rat diaphragms. 2. 2. No significant ( P > 0.05 ) taurine alteration was observed on days 5, 8, 30 and 60 post-infection. 3. 3. Although taurine was found to be a constituent of the amino acid pool of T. spiralis excysted larvae, its concentration was sufficiently low so as not to be a factor in adding to the taurine level of the host. 4. 4. Carbon-14 labelled taurine was determined to be transported into T. spiralis excysted larvae. 5. 5. The taurine pool in these larvae is probably derived from the host.
Electrochemical mineral scale prevention and removal on electrically conducting carbon nanotube – polyamide reverse osmosis membranes

The electrochemical prevention and removal of CaSO4 and CaCO3 mineral scales on electrically conducting carbon nanotube – polyamide reverse osmosis membrane was investigated. Different electrical potentials were applied to the membrane surface while filtering model scaling solutions with high saturation indices. Scaling progression was monitored through flux measurements. CaCO3 scale was efficiently removed from the membrane surface through the intermittent application of a 2.5 V potential to the membrane surface, when the membrane acted as an anode. Water oxidation at the anode, which led to proton formation, resulted in the dissolution of deposited CaCO3 crystals. CaSO4 scale formation was significantly retarded through the continuous application of 1.5 V DC to the membrane surface, when the membrane was operated as an anode. The continuous application of a sufficient electrical potential to the membrane surface leads to the formation of a thick layer of counter-ions along the membrane surface that pushed CaSO4 crystal formation away from the membrane surface, allowing the formed crystals to be carried away by the cross-flow. We developed a simple model, based on a modified Poisson–Boltzmann equation, which qualitatively explained our observed experimental results.
Resolution of Wide-range Grating Spectrometers

WHILE it is common experience that the wavenumber resolution of grating spectrometers tends to be constant over a wide wave-length range1, the theoretical basis for this observation does not appear to have been clearly formulated. The reason for this omission is doubtless due to concentration of interest on a particular grating, or set of gratings, and to the diversity of sources of radiation and detectors used for different spectral regions. However, if an unlimited range of gratings be assumed, so that maximum diffracted energy can always be assured, and attention is confined to a black-body source, some simple relationships may readily be deduced.