cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of the neuromuscular fatigue threshold treadmill test to muscles of the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Abstract Purposes The purposes of the present study were (1) to determine if the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC FT ) model that has been used for estimating the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in the vastus lateralis (VL) during incremental treadmill running could also be applied to the vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles and (2) if applicable, to compare the running velocities associated with the PWC FT among these muscles. Methods Eleven subjects (21.7 ± 1.8 years) performed an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion with electromyographic signals recorded from the VL, VM, BF, and ST. Results The results indicated there were no significant ( p > 0.05) mean differences in the running velocities associated with the PWC FT for the VL (14.4 ± 2.0 km/h), VM (14.3 ± 1.9 km/h), BF (13.8 ± 1.8 km/h), and ST (14.7 ± 2.3 km/h). In addition, there were significant inter-correlations ( r = 0.68 – 0.88) among running velocities associated with the PWC FT of each muscle. Individual results also indicated that 9 of the 11 subjects exhibited identical PWC FT values for at least 3 of the 4 muscles, but there were no uniform patterns for any intra-individual differences. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggested that the PWC FT test is a viable method to identify neuromuscular fatigue in the quadriceps and hamstrings during incremental treadmill exercise and results in consistent PWC FT values among these muscles.
Direct inhibition evoked by whisker stimulation in somatic sensory (SI) barrel field cortex of the awake rat.

Whisker deflection typically evokes a transient volley of action potentials in rat somatic sensory (SI) barrel cortex. Postexcitatory inhibition is thought to quickly terminate the cortical cell re...
In the margins of contamination: lead poisoning and the production of neoliberal nature in Uruguay

The article situates a lead poisoning epidemic in Uruguay within recent processes of neoliberal and environmental reform. It argues industrial contamination and its socio-political responses have become prevalent through neoliberal-inspired transformations in production and consumption, the dismantling of state services, and increased social vulnerability to affliction. Contrary to orthodox theories of neoliberal restructuring, however, environmental concerns have provoked state bureaucratic expansion, rather than contraction, bringing about new forms of environmental governance and enabling environmental politics across social scales. Neoliberal reforms in Uruguay have resulted in geographically uneven spatial arrangements, with ecology taking on central importance in both macro-level development strategies as well as in grassroots responses to intensified or newly recognized socio-environmental hazards. This article analytically draws together neoliberalism and environmentalism, or "neoliberal nature" in Uruguay. It shows how neoliberal engagements with nature and the environment structure risk for masses of people, providing the political tools for both environmental governance and the contestation of environmentally destructive practices. Keywords: lead poisoning, neoliberalism, environmentalism, sustainable development, Uruguay
Analysis of a High-Performance TSP Solver on the GPU

Graphical Processing Units have been applied to solve NP-hard problems with no known polynomial time solutions. An example of such a problem is the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). The TSP is one of the most commonly studied combinatorial optimization problems and has multiple applications in the areas of engineering, transportation, and logistics. This article presents an improved algorithm for approximating the TSP on fully connected, symmetric graphs by utilizing the GPU. Our approach improves an existing 2-opt hill-climbing algorithm with random restarts by considering multiple updates to the current path found in parallel, and it allows k number of updates per iteration, called k-swap. With our k-swap modification, we show a speed-up over the existing algorithm of 4.5× to 22.9× on data sets ranging from 1,400 to 33,810 nodes, respectively.
Colossal photon bunching in quasiparticle-mediated nanodiamond cathodoluminescence

Nanoscale control over the second-order photon correlation function ${g}^{(2)}(\ensuremath{\tau})$ is critical to emerging research in nonlinear nanophotonics and integrated quantum information science. Here we report on quasiparticle control of photon bunching with ${g}^{(2)}(0)g45$ in the cathodoluminescence of nanodiamond nitrogen vacancy (${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$) centers excited by a converged electron beam in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Plasmon-mediated ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ cathodoluminescence exhibits a 16-fold increase in luminescence intensity correlated with a threefold reduction in photon bunching compared with that of uncoupled ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ centers. This effect is ascribed to the excitation of single temporally uncorrelated ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ centers by single surface plasmon polaritons. Spectrally resolved Hanbury Brown--Twiss interferometry is employed to demonstrate that the bunching is mediated by the ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ phonon sidebands, while no observable bunching is detected at the zero-phonon line. The data are consistent with fast phonon-mediated recombination dynamics, a conclusion substantiated by agreement between Bayesian regression and Monte Carlo models of superthermal ${\mathrm{NV}}^{0}$ luminescence.
Comparisons of fabric care performances between conventional and high-efficiency washers and dryers

High-efficiency (HE) washers use 35–50% less water and about 50% less energy per load than conventional washers. However, there has been a consistent debate as to whether HE washers perform better or worse in garment care than conventional washers. Consumers need research-based information that would help them make informed decisions concerning the purchase of a clothes washer. The purpose of this study was to compare fabric hand, appearance retention (strain removal, color change, and fabric smoothness), and dimension stability (dimensional change and skewness change) after the specimens were repeatedly washed and dried for up to 20 cycles in three combinations of washer and dryer used: (a) conventional washer and dryer, (b) HE washer and conventional dryer, and (c) HE washer and dryer. The results showed that the specimens washed in the HE washer had better fabric hand and were smoother (fewer wrinkles) than those washed in the conventional washer. Conventional and HE washers performed similarly in color change, dimensional change, and skewness change. In regard to dryer, all results except those for stain removal showed no significant differences between the specimens dried in the conventional dryer and those dried in the HE dryer. In stain removal, when a softener was not used, the conventional dryer removed more stains from the specimens than the HE dryer. However, when a softener was used, the stains on the specimens dried in the conventional dryer were more difficult to remove than those on the specimens dried in the HE dryer.
Choice of infusion-sampling mode for tracer studies of free fatty acid metabolism

To determine the preferred infusion-sampling mode for isotopic studies of free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism, tracer [( 14C]palmitate) was infused into the left ventricle of five anesthetized dogs, and tracee ([3H]palmitate) was infused into three separate peripheral veins of each dog. The [14C]palmitate specific activity (SA) was lower in mixed venous than arterial blood, and [3H]palmitate SA was equal in both sites. The actual infusion rate of [3H]palmitate [2.15 +/- 0.31 X 10(5) disintegrations/min (dpm).kg-1.min-1] could be accurately predicted (2.14 +/- 0.32 X 10(5) dpm.kg-1.min-1) using the known [14C]palmitate infusion rate and the arterial plasma [14C]-to-[3H]palmitate ratio. In contrast, the mixed venous [14C]-to-[3H]palmitate ratio resulted in overestimates (P less than 0.05) of the actual [3H]palmitate infusion rate. In summary, venous tracer infusion with arterial blood sampling for FFA tracer studies provides the most accurate estimates of tracee rate of appearance.
The lack of a solvent accessible hydroxide or water ligand to iron at the 3Fe center of Azotobactervinelandii ferredoxin I

Abstract The X-ray crystal structure of Azotobacter vinelandii ferredoxin I (FdI) describes a planar 3Fe-3S center in which one of the iron atoms is ligated to a solvent accessible oxo ligand, presumably from water or hydroxide (Ghosh et al., (1982) J. Mol. Biol. 158 , 73–109) . Efforts to displace the proposed oxo ligand with cyanide were unsuccesful, even in 80% dimethylsulfoxide. In addition, comparison of the electron spin echo envelopes for H2O- and D2O-equilibrated samples of FdI showed only a slight deuterium modulation, far less than would be expected were water to be bound as an iron ligand. These results do not support the presence of a solvent accessible oxo ligand to the 3Fe center as described in the X-ray crystal structure.
Lecture capture and learner engagement strategies for industrial engineering distance education: results of a pilot program

Abstract Paper aims This study examines issues affecting the efficacy of online course delivery using lecture capture technology. This form of instruction presents particular challenges when classes are comprised of a mix of students who participate synchronously and asynchronously. Originality The study examines a pilot program focused on improving the delivery of lecture capture courses, providing a framework for the implementation of similar programs at other institutions. Research method Program feedback as to the quality of the learning experience is obtained from the instructor, as well as from both synchronous and asynchronous online learners. Main findings The results provide insights into how students engage with the instructor and with one another in a lecture capture setting. Effective instructional practices are also identified. Implications for theory and practice The results provide important insights that can enhance the delivery of courses utilizing lecture capture technology across a range of educational contexts.
Removal of disinfection byproducts in forward osmosis for wastewater recycling

Abstract Forward osmosis (FO) is an emerging membrane technology for wastewater recycling. However, its performance in removing disinfection byproducts (DBPs), a critical aspect of wastewater recycling, has not been investigated. This study systematically investigated the rejection of sixteen neutral DBP that are relevant to wastewater recycling in two commercial FO membranes (Aquaporin and CTA). Clean Aquaporin membrane displayed higher rejection for all DBPs than clean CTA membrane. For N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and haloacetonitriles (HANs), the most prevalent and toxic DBPs in wastewater recycling, the rejection by Aquaporin was 31% and 48–76%, respectively. The rejection of DBPs in FO positively correlated with their size across different DBP groups but did not correlate with their hydrophobicity. Organic fouling by alginate and bovine serum albumin (BSA) decreased the rejection and transmembrane fluxes of most DBPs. The DBP transport and the influence of fouling were discussed using a solution-diffusion model incorporating size exclusion, the surface interaction between the membrane and DBPs, and DBP diffusion within the membrane. Lastly, the rejection of NDMA and HANs in FO membranes determined in this study was compared with that in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes reported in the literature.
Longitudinal evaluation of vegetation richness and cover at wetland compensation sites: implications for regulatory monitoring under the Clean Water Act

There has been regulatory concern over the appropriate length of time to monitor wetland sites restored or created as compensation for impacts permitted by a U.S. Clean Water Act permit. However there is very little longitudinal research on wetland compensation sites, and conclusions on compensation site development are usually drawn from the analysis of a chronosequence of sites of different ages. This approach has limitations, given the extent of changes in wetland compensation practices and performance standards over the past few decades. In this study we conducted vegetation surveys of 22 wetland compensation sites in a rapidly developing part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area in 1997 and 2010. We present data on changes over time in floristic richness and cover at the site level and at the level of wetland community type within each site. Our findings do not support the assumption that wetland compensation sites progress on a trajectory toward increasing diversity, floristic quality, or native cover over time. We find that, when data from all sites are considered together, emergent communities have suffered significant declines in both floristic quality and native plant cover, while wet meadow communities have gained species richness but not species diversity. There is some evidence that site richness and cover characteristics are converging toward a regional mean over time, as the species composition of wet meadows became significantly more similar over the survey period, and all community types have significant increases in woody cover. Our study suggests the importance of selecting appropriate compensation sites that avoid foreseeable hydrologic stresses, and does not support the position that 5 years of monitoring can assure the ongoing biotic integrity of wetland compensation sites.
Nutritional Approaches and Self-Monitoring

A 55-year-old male with obesity presents to his obesity medicine specialist for weight management. His BMI is 41.92 kg/m2, and he suffers from prediabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and gout. His medicines are atorvastatin 40 mg, allopurinol 300 mg, and vitamin D supplements.
Roles of Rho/ROCK in Cancer Signaling

The members of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway are well-established regulators of actin cytoskeleton and dynamics. Accumulating evidence demonstrates their key roles in other biological processes including polarity, motility, invasion, cell cycle progression, and survival. Aberrant Rho/ROCK signaling have been implicated in both preclinical and clinical samples of several cancers. Mutations of Rho GTPases and ROCK isoforms (ROCK1 and ROCK2) have been reported in tumor samples. In addition, their elevated expression levels have been associated with poor outcome in those tumors. Therefore, Rho/ROCK family genes serve as promising candidates for therapeutic targeting in several cancers. This review focuses on the recent progress in therapeutic targeting of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in cancer. In particular, we focus on the potential utility of inhibitors of ROCK, downstream effectors of Rho GTPases, as they have been considered more specific to inhibit Rho/ROCK activity. Although no effective drugs targeting Rho/ROCK activity are available for the clinical management of cancer, studies using drugs that pharmacologically inhibit ROCK isoforms suggest a promising future. AT13148, an inhibitor of members of AGC kinase family including ROCK1 and ROCK2, is in phase 1 clinical trial initiated in 2012 for the treatment of advanced solid tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01585701). A deeper understanding of this pathway using isoform-specific inhibitors of Rho kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) may add new treatment options for future precision cancer therapy improving the clinical utility of this pathway.
Primary isolated hepatosplenic sarcoidosis mimicking malignancy and causing symptomatic hypercalcaemia.

This is a case of a 67-year-old woman, known to have multiple medical problems, mainly papillary thyroid cancer status post-total thyroidectomy and cervical neck dissection in addition to radioactive iodine currently in remission for 1 year, who presented to the hospital with severe weakness and fatigue. The initial workup showed significant hypercalcaemia and suppressed Parathyroid hormone (PTH). The patient was treated with hydration and pamidronate and her hypercalcaemia and symptoms improved. The differential was wide, however, a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis did show multiple liver and splenic nodular lesions; therefore, malignancy was the highest possible diagnosis. Biopsy of the splenic lesion confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with primary isolated nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis mimicking malignancy and causing significant symptomatic hypercalcaemia.
Dynamically Linking Influenza Virus Infection with Lung Injury to Predict Disease Severity

Influenza viruses cause a significant amount of morbidity and mortality. Understanding host immune control efficacy and how different factors influence acute lung injury and disease severity are critical. Here, we established the dynamical connections between viral loads, infected cells, CD8+ T cells, lung injury, and disease severity using an integrative model-experiment exchange. The model predicts that infection resolution is sensitive to CD8 expansion, that there is a critical T cell magnitude needed for efficient resolution, and that the rate of T cell-mediated clearance is dependent on infected cell density. We used whole lung histomorphometry to validate the model, which showed that the infected area matched the model-predicted infected cell dynamics, and that the resolved area paralleled the relative CD8 dynamics. Additional analysis revealed a nonlinear relation between disease severity (i.e., weight loss) and lung injury. These novel links between important pathogen kinetics and host pathology enhance our ability to forecast disease progression, potential complications, and therapeutic efficacy.
Have public hospitals outlived their usefulness? Is it possible to assess with health care parameters the impact of public hospitals on major American cities?

Abstract Background Short-term acute care public county hospitals in the US were a mainstay of much “safety net” medical care in the early twentieth century. The private sector currently provides much of what was in the past public medical care. Does this transition affect health care indices? Methods The presence of public hospitals was determined for the 50 largest metropolitan areas using the American Hospital Directory databases. Health care indices assessed included birth rate, death rate, infant mortality, the American Fitness Index, and a derived Composite Health Index. Co-variables included size of population and geographic location. Data were compiled in 2017, using databases between 2006 and 2017. Results Over half (56%) the largest fifty metropolitan areas in the US still have acute care public hospitals, less often in the East. Birth rates were higher (Kruskal-Wallis, P = 0.02) and death rates lower (KW, P = 0.03) in metropolitan areas with such public hospitals, infant mortality (P = 0.09), the AFI (P = 0.73) and the Composite Health Index (P = 0.64) did not differ by their presence. With a multivariable analysis, geographic area most affected the Composite Health Index. Conclusion By this model, health care indices do not differ by the presence of an acute care, publically funded and administered governmental hospital and the future of acute-care public hospitals in their traditional format is in doubt.
The Senkaku paradox: risking great power war over small stakes

Michael O’Hanlon delivers a robust, refined, and relevant book concerning the geopolitical nexus of the United States, China, and Russia over the next 30 years. The book’s careful projections regar...
Bribes in the Business Cycles

Firms in countries with poor enforcement of property rights are often subject to extortions, which impact the business cycle. Unlike taxes, extortions respond endogenously to exogenous shocks, potentially affecting the volatility of investment, consumption, and GDP. In this study I introduce extortions into a real business cycles framework. The model features an intermediary that demands bribes from firms. In steady state, weak property rights induce higher bribes, lower GDP per capita, and lower investment to GDP ratios. Along the business cycle, they reduce the correlation between investment and output, and amplify the volatility of consumption and investment relative to output. I find this to be in line with the data. My framework accounts for the empirical finding that growth policies are usually more successful in countries with strong enforcement of property rights.
One-dimensional turbulence (ODT): Computationally efficient modeling and simulation of turbulent flows

Abstract One-dimensional turbulence (ODT) is an accurate and computationally efficient model for simulating turbulent flows. ODT has been applied to a wide range of flow problems including reaction, multiphase, differential diffusion, heat release, buoyancy, and wall flows. Applications include use as a standalone model and as a closure for large-eddy simulation (LES). Its strength lies in the ability to capture a full range of turbulent length and time scales. The ODT model is strongly coupled with its implementation, complicating its formulations. We present a modern, open-source, object-oriented C++ implementation of ODT. The code described here and made available online can be used as a starting point to understand, apply, and extend the ODT model, enabling its further application to turbulent flow research.
Autonomous Shuttles: What Do Users Expect and How Will They Use Them?

The success of autonomous shuttle services and their ability to deliver on the myriad potential benefits of such services, depends on two issues: (1) willingness to use these services, and (2) the ...
Phenotypes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Study objectives Recent work on US Whites from clinical samples used obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms to generate phenotypes for individuals with moderate-severe OSA which suggested 3 to 5 symptom classes. However, it is unknown whether similar classes generalize to diverse Hispanics/Latino adults. Therefore, we sought to fill this gap by empirically deriving sleep phenotypes among a large sample of diverse Hispanics/Latinos. Methods We used data from The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL; 2008-2011), a prospective cohort study designed using a multisite multistage probability sample of adults 18-74 years old. The subpopulation of interest included participants with moderate-severe OSA symptoms (≥15 respiratory event index (REI) events per hour; n=1,605). We performed latent class analysis for complex survey data using 15 common OSA symptoms (e.g. Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and four comorbidities to identify phenotype classes. Results Average age was 52.4 ± 13.9 years and 34.0% were female. Mean respiratory event index was 33.8 ± 22.5 events per hour. Fit statistics and clinical significance suggested that a three-class solution provided best fit to the data. The three phenotypes were: 1) Minimally Symptomatic (47.7%), 2) Excessive sleepiness (37.1%), and (3) Disturbed Sleep (15.2%). Sensitivity models were consistent with main proposed solution. Conclusions Derived sleep phenotypes among diverse Hispanic/Latinos were consistent with recent findings from the Sleep Apnea Global Interdisciplinary Consortium, but we found notable differences in class prevalence relative to Whites. Further research is needed to link derived sleep phenotypes to health comorbidities in diverse populations.
Root Finding and Integration

Engineers use computers to solve complex mathematical problems. In some cases, a numerical approximation to the true solution is adequate enough for the considered problem. In Chap. 7, multiple linear equations were considered. The methodology for solving a set of linear equations was demonstrated using row reduction methods. These methods can be automated such that computer systems can solve equations in the form Ax = b even when there may be thousands of equations and unknowns. However, linear algebra is limited to linear equations. This chapter starts by considering root finding for nonlinear equations. Given a simple scalar function y = f(x), how may one determine a value for x where f(x) = 0? Two methods are commonly used, the bisection method and Newton’s method. Newton’s method can also be extended for use with multivariate systems where multiple nonlinear equations must be satisfied. The second part of this chapter considers numerical integration. Given a simple scalar function y = f(x), how can one approximate the area under this function between two values of x.
Characterization of the Maize Chitinase Genes and Their Effect on Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Accumulation Resistance

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crop of global importance, but prone to contamination by aflatoxins produced by fungi in the genus Aspergillus. The development of resistant germplasm and the identification of genes contributing to resistance would aid in the reduction of the problem with a minimal need for intervention by farmers. Chitinolytic enzymes respond to attack by potential pathogens and have been demonstrated to increase insect and fungal resistance in plants. Here, all chitinase genes in the maize genome were characterized via sequence diversity and expression patterns. Recent evolution within this gene family was noted. Markers from within each gene were developed and used to map the phenotypic effect on resistance of each gene in up to four QTL mapping populations and one association panel. Seven chitinase genes were identified that had alleles associated with increased resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and A. flavus infection in field grown maize. The chitinase in bin 1.05 identified a new and highly significant QTL, while chitinase genes in bins 2.04 and 5.03 fell directly beneath the peaks of previously published QTL. The expression patterns of these genes corroborate possible grain resistance mechanisms. Markers from within the gene sequences or very closely linked to them are presented to aid in the use of marker assisted selection to improve this trait.
Polyadenylate Sequences and Biologic Activity of Human Globin Messenger Ribonucleic Acid

Abstract The relationship of biologic activity and polyadenylic acid (poly(A)) content of human reticulocyte messenger RNA has been investigated. Purified 6 to 16 S RNA was fractionated on an oligodeoxythymidylate-cellulose column and assayed for (a) messenger RNA content by hybridization to [3H]CTP-labeled complementary DNA, (b) biologic activity in a Krebs ascites cell-free system, and (c) poly(A) content by hybridization to [3H]polyuridylate. The results indicate that biologic activity of human reticulocyte messenger RNA is independent of its poly(A) length and proportional to its messenger RNA content.
[8] Assays for G protein βγ subunit activity

Publisher Summary This chapter presents protocols for measuring both the pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the Gα subunit of Go (Goα) and the intrinsic GTPase activity of Goα. These two protocols are used to determine the quantity of active Gβγ in samples containing this complex. The sensitivity of the GTPase assayed for Gβγ is in the low picomole range, whereas the ADP-ribosylation assay is more sensitive and used to quantitate femtomole amounts of Gβγ. Adaptations of the standard protocols that are useful in competition studies designed to detect and/or quantitate molecules that interact with either Goα or Gβγ are included. The advantage of these assays is that they measure Gβγ accurately, reproducibly, and rapidly, and the purification of both Goα and Gβγ (the G protein subunits required for the assays) from bovine brain is readily achievable. One study demonstrated that the ability of Gβγ to support ADP-ribosylation is increased twofold when the Gβγ is methylated. This method is employed because analysis of the rate of ADP-ribosylation is the most sensitive method for detecting the interaction of Gα.Gβγ interaction in solution.
Culture as a determinant of "humanistic traits" in medical residents.

In this cross-cultural study of Puerto Rican and Texas physicians, we have tested the hypothesis that physicians' "humanistic attributes" are culturally related. Differences (P = .05 to .01) were found between mean responses of the two groups of residents to seven of the questions on the Totalitarian-Authoritarian-Dogmatism scale. Factor analysis determined that the two principal components of disagreement were medical political and ethical issues (P = .001) but not patients and their problems. Faculty responses provided additional evidence that customs and traditions influence how professional subgroups manifest attitudes: Puerto Rican faculty rated residents highest on "humanistic traits" if they self-reported high ethical scores, and lowest if they self-reported high radical scores; Baylor faculty reflected the "age-drag" on changing values by differing (P = .05 to .001) from both groups of residents on 38% of the questions. The difficulty of rating residents with a universal standard of "humanistic traits" is supported by the culture and age-specific differences reported herein.
Conditional deletion of Xist disrupts histone macroH2A localization but not maintenance of X inactivation.

Conditional deletion of Xist disrupts histone macroH2A localization but not maintenance of X inactivation
Lytic Enzyme from Lysates of Streptomyces venezuelae Infected with Actinophage MSP2

A lytic enzyme was purified 600-fold with 12% recovery from lysates of Streptomyces venezuelae S13 infected with actinophage MSP2. The purified enzyme preparation was homogeneous as shown by polyacrylamide electrophoresis. The enzyme was active over a pH range 6.0 to 9.0 with a maximum at pH 7.5. The pH profile for stability was sharp, with an optimum at pH 7.5. Maximal activity occurred between 30 and 35 C. The enzyme was stable at 20 C or less. A 30-min exposure to 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 C produced an inactivation of 3, 40, 77, 82, 93, and 100%, respectively. Lytic activity was stimulated fivefold by either 5 × 10−3m Mg2+ or Mn2+ and three- and twofold by Ca2+ and Ba2+, respectively. Addition of Na+, K+, NH4+, or Li+ to the tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-hydrochloride buffer did not alter the rate of lysis. Enzyme activity was inhibited 74 and 27% by 10−4 and 10−5m ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), respectively. The inhibition by EDTA was reversed partially by addition of Mg2+. Lytic activity was abolished by either 5 × 10−4m HgCl2 or p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, whereas 5 × 10−4m CuSO4 inhibited 72%. Cell wall solubilization paralleled the release of N-terminal amino groups and reached a level of 0.23 μmole per mg of cell walls. No release of reducing power was detected in treated or untreated cell wall suspensions. Tests for proteolytic activity were negative.
Dual bent functions on finite groups and C-algebras

The dual of a (bent) function on a finite abelian group is a natural concept. In this paper we study the dual bent functions on finite nonabelian groups. A more general algebraic structure of a C-algebra provides a better and natural context for this purpose. We will first study Fourier transforms, bent functions, and dual bent functions on C-algebras. Then as an application, we obtain the properties of dual bent functions on finite nonabelian groups. Examples of bent functions on C-algebras are also presented.
Hepatic Artery Embolization for Metastatic Endocrine-Secretin Tumors of the Pancreas: Report of Two Cases

Two patients with hormone-secreting metastatic tumors of the liver (carcinoid, islet cell) were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization. In both cases, occlusion of blood supply to the tumors Was accomplished, resulting in cessation of the systemic symptoms. Arterial embolization provides another useful palliative therapy for hormone-secreting tumors of the liver.
A 30–60 Day Oscillation in Length-of-Day and Atmospheric Angular Momentum: Extratropical Origin?

Fluctuations in Earth rotation over time scales of two years or less are dominated by atmospheric effects; spectral analyses of length-of-day (LOD) and atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) data show significantly increased variability in the 30–60 day band, LOD and AAM fluctuations on the 30–60 day time scale have previously been linked to equatorially-trapped waves of the type first described by Madden and Julian (1971: MJ hereafter). A significant spectral peak centered at 42 days has also been found, however, in the AAM of a three-year (1120-day) perpetual-January simulation of the global atmosphere, performed using a version of the UCLA General Circulation Model (GCM) which does not give rise to MJ oscillations in the tropics. In the present work, this oscillation is studied using the 12-year overlap between two records: (i) AAM data, compiled from the National Meteorological Center (NMC), and (ii) LOD variation from the JPL Kalman-filtered Earth-rotation series. We analyze the NMC records by latitude belts, in light of the UCLA GCM results, in order to identify possibly distinct sources of the AAM oscillation in the mid-latitudes and the tropics. Results suggest that two 30–60 day oscillations exist in the Earth-atmosphere system: a tropical oscillation associated with the equatorially-trapped, convectively-driven MJ wave and a mid-latitude oscillation, associated with the interaction of non-zonal flow with topography.
Focusing on Employability Through the Lens of Stigma

By examining the psychological determinants of employability, Hogan, Chamorro-Premuzic, and Kaiser's (2013) model of employability provides a framework for exploring the hurdles that applicants with stigmatizing conditions must overcome in selection contexts. Specifically, the most qualified applicants not only must be willing and able to do the job, but they also must be rewarding to deal with. Reframing selection research in terms of perceptions of employability calls attention to the subjective decisions that continue to disadvantage members of stigmatized groups. Our comments address several issues with respect to the desirability of compensatory selection procedures that emphasize perceptions of social desirability and P–O fit.
Ischemic Preconditioning Through Opening of Swelling-Activated Chloride Channels?

To the Editor: We want to make the readers of Circulation Research aware of challenges that have arisen regarding an article that was recently published by Diaz et al1 in Circulation Research . They proposed the attractive idea that improved cellular volume control through opening of swelling-activated chloride channels was responsible for the infarct size reduction by ischemic preconditioning. Unfortunately, we …
The role of the mitochondria in rat liver mixed function oxidation reactions.

Abstract Recombination experiments indicate a complex role by the mitochondria in controlling drug biotransformation reactions. The use of liver slices and homogenates demonstrates that the effect of Krebs cycle intermediates on aminopyrine N-demethylation is not via an increase in NADH, but probably by a well-defined route from the mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Controlled Nucleation of GaN Nanowires Grown with Molecular Beam Epitaxy

The location ofGaN nanowires is controlled with essentially perfect selectivity using patterned SiN x prior to molecular beam epitaxy growth. Nanowire growth is uniform within mask openings and absent on the mask surface for over 95% of the usable area of 76 mm diameter substrate. The diameters of the resulting nanowires are controlled by the size of the mask openings. Openings of approximately 500 nm or less produce single nanowires with symmetrically faceted tips.
Topography‐driven flow versus buoyancy‐driven flow in the U.S. midcontinent: implications for the residence time of brines

Topography-driven flow is normally considered to be the dominant groundwater flow system in uplifted sedimentary basins. In the U.S. midcontinent region east of the Rocky Mountains, the presence of brines derived from dissolution of halite suggests that significant topography-driven flushing has occurred to remove older brines that presumably formed concurrently with Permian evaporites in the basin. However, the presence of evaporites and brines in the modern basin suggests that buoyancy-driven flow could limit topography-driven flushing significantly. Here we used numerical models of variable-density fluid flow, halite dissolution, solute transport, and heat transport to quantify flow patterns and brine migration. Results indicate the coexistence of large-scale topography- and buoyancy-driven flow. Buoyancy-driven flow and low permeability evaporites act to isolate brines, and the residence time of the brines was found to be quite long, at least 50 Myr. The modern distribution of salinity appears to reflect near-steady-state conditions. Results suggest that flushing of original evaporatively-concentrated brines occurred tens of millions of years ago, possibly concurrent with maximum uplift ca. 60 Ma. Simulations also suggest that buoyancy-driven convection could drive chemical exchange with crystalline basement rocks, which could supply significant Ca2+, Sr2+, and metals to brines.
Pruritus in the elderly: management by senior dermatologists.

Background: Pruritus in older patients is common, yet remains a challenge for clinicians. By virtue of their years of experience and older age, senior dermatologists may have developed opinions and approaches that are insightful. Methods: A random sample of board-certified dermatologists older than 64 years of age was surveyed by a written anonymous questionnaire to assess their opinions, diagnostic approaches, and treatments of pruritus and xerosis in the older adult. Results: The 63 respondents whose surveys were analyzed believe the most common cause of generalized pruritus in the elderly is xerosis. Of those respondents who believe laboratory evaluation is necessary for generalized pruritus in this population, a complete blood cell count and a multichemistry panel were the most frequently ordered tests. Treatment regimens and products recommended were highly variable and included topical emollients, corticosteroids, and others. The most common systemic agent employed was hydroxyzine hydrochloride, followed by corticosteroids, doxepin, diphenhydramine, and terfenadine. Various topical, physical, and miscellaneous treatments were recommended. Conclusion: This study provides a glimpse into the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of senior dermatologists.
Design and the management of multi-institutional research collaborations: Theoretical implications from two case studies

Abstract Over the past three decades, U.S. science and technology funding agencies have increasingly supported large-scale, centralized, block grant-based research projects that often span multiple disciplines and institutions. This trend has developed at such a rate that research focused on understanding the management of these new collaborative models has largely not kept pace. We use two case studies of large-scale, multi-disciplinary collaborations to develop an institutional framework that illuminates the relationships among (a) the epistemic norms of the disciplines represented in the collaboration, (b) the organizational structure of these collaborations, and (c) the inter-institutional collaboration success. The results of our case study analysis demonstrate that large-scale, multi-discipline, inter-institutional collaborations need a relatively high level of development in either (1) the epistemic development of the disciplines involved in the collaboration or (2) the organizational structure of the collaboration. We argue that the domain (i.e. epistemic or organizational) that provides the highest level of institutionalization is the one that organizes the “rules” of the collaboration.
Angular dependence of spin-wave resonances and surface spin pinning in ferromagnetic (Ga,Mn) As films

We present a study of exchange-dominated surface and bulk spin-wave modes in (Ga,Mn)As films grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Multimode spin-wave spectra were observed using the ferromagnetic resonance technique, as the direction of the magnetic field $\mathbf{H}$ was varied within the plane of the layer, as well as relative to the plane. The field corresponding to the main (strongest) resonance peak at each angle is used to calculate bulk magnetic anisotropy parameters and the $g$ factor of the magnetic films. The dependence of spin-wave (SW) modes on the orientation of $\mathbf{H}$ is analyzed in terms of two fundamental models: the surface inhomogeneity model and the volume inhomogeneity model. Typically, when $\mathbf{H}$ is normal or near normal to the sample plane (i.e., $\mathbf{H}\ensuremath{\Vert}[001]$), a spectrum consisting of a series of well-resolved SW modes is observed. However, as $\mathbf{H}$ is rotated significantly away from the normal, at some orientation, a ``critical angle'' is found, at which only the single uniform mode is observed. As $\mathbf{H}$ is rotated further and approaches the in-plane direction (such as the [110] direction), a multiple-mode spectrum reemerges, ascribed in part to the appearance of a surface spin excitation due to unpinned surface spins. The analysis of spin-wave resonance spectra in terms of the dynamic surface spin pinning (derived from the surface anisotropy) allows us to determine the value of the exchange stiffness constant $D$.
The antibiotic sensitivity test in dental practice.

Abstract The use of paper discs for routine determination of the in vitro susceptibility of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents is a universally accepted procedure. The microbial sensitivity test may be utilized whenever an acute dental infection is being treated or a resistant strain of organism is suspected during antibiotic therapy. The dentist need only obtain a sample of exudate or purulent material from the infected area and send it in a culture tube to a diagnostic laboratory for determination of the organism type and its antibiotic sensitivity. From the results of the test, the antibiotic of choice can be administered to combat the infection and prevent the development of resistant organism strains.
Socioscientific issues in science education: labels, reasoning, and transfer

This paper provides a critical analysis of some of the issues raised in Simonneaux and Simonneaux’s analysis of socioscientific reasoning among a group of university level students negotiating three socioscientific issues. I first discuss the labels used to reference approaches in science education that prioritize socially relevant issues and the science related to these issues. I draw distinctions between approaches labeled science-technology-society (STS), the socioscientific issues framework, and les questions socialement vives (socially acute questions), which Simonneaux and Simonneaux introduce. Next, I discuss ways in which Simonneaux and Simonneaux’s use socioscientific reasoning as an analytic construct varies with respect to its initial conceptualization. The primary distinctions include linguistic inconsistencies and the conceptual differences these language choices confer, expansion of the construct to subsume a broader range of practices, and issues related to unit of analysis (i.e., applying socioscientific reasoning as an analytic resource for assessing individual practice vs. group patterns). Finally, the issue of transfer of socioscientific reasoning is addressed. When considering the extent to which and how students leverage experiences and practice relative to the exploration of one socioscientific issue to inform their negotiation of another, I suggest that researchers and practitioners consider the distinction between the content of arguments advanced and underlying reasoning patterns. The tension between embedding science in meaningful, specific contexts and promoting forms of scientific literacy applicable to diverse, socially-relevant issues emerges as an important point of emphasis for educators interested in the socioscientific issues (or socially acute questions) movement.
Search for the best timing strategy in high precision drift chambers

Abstract Computer simulated drift chamber pulses are used to investigate various possible timing strategies in drift chambers. In particular, leading edge, multiple threshold and flash ADC timing methods are compared. Although the presented method is general for any drift geometry, we concentrate our discussion on jet chambers where the drift velocity is about 3–5 cm/μs and the individual ionization clusters are not resolved, due to a finite speed of our electronics. We will not discuss the geometries where the drift time is expanded further and the individual clusters can be recorded (this is covered by a talk by Walenta).
Representing management practices in GLEAMS

Agricultural and forestry management practices may adversely affect surface and groundwater quality. The GLEAMS model was developed to assess management effects on edge-of-field and bottom-of-root-zone loadings of water, sediment, and chemicals. Management systems may affect one or more of the four model components : hydrology, erosion, pesticides, and plant nutrients. Each component is briefly described, and parameter sensitivity is discussed. The effects of changing management practices are soil and climate dependent, but generalized effects are presented. Effects of crop rotation, terracing, irrigation, and tillage practices on hydrologic response, and their impact on erosion, pesticide fate, and plant nutrient losses are summarized in a table. Effects of timing and application methods for pesticides, inorganic fertilizer, and animal waste are also discussed.
Apoptosis, TGFβ and transfusion-related immunosuppression: Biologic versus clinical effects

Whether or not blood transfusion exerts an immunosuppressive effect on the recipient remains an area of controversy. The mechanism to clearly explain the effect has been elusive. We have previously suggested that there may be two categories of immunosuppressive transfusion effect: one which is HLA-dependent and directed against adaptive immunity and a second category which is mild, non-specific, and directed against innate immunity. This non-specific effect might result from the infusion of apoptotic blood cells. There is solid evidence that blood cells undergo apoptotic changes during refrigerated storage. The infusion of apoptotic cells has recently been shown in animal models to be immunosuppressive. Immunosuppression resulting from the infusion of apoptotic cells may be linked to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).