cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Exhibit Greater Interfacial Activity than PFOA, PFOS, or FOSA

Perfluoroalkyl acids spontaneously concentrate at air-water and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL)-water interfaces, which can influence their retention during subsurface transport. This work presents measurements of air- and NAPL-water interfacial tension for synthetic groundwater containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA), or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to greater than 1000 mg/L. The NAPLs tested included dodecane, tetrachloroethylene, and jet fuel. AFFF formulations were less efficient at lowering interfacial tension than PFOA, FPOS, or FOSA substances below 100 mg/L, while above 100 mg/L, these formulations were more effective, achieving tensions of less than 3 mN/m. Infiltration of solutions with such low tension could lead to mobilization of residual NAPL. Equations based on interfacial tension measurements show that concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, and FOSA at the air-water interface were from 2 to 16 times greater than at the NAPL-water interface below 100 mg/L and were 10-50 times greater for AFFF below 20 mg/L. Calculations for unsaturated soil estimate that up to 87% of PFOS mass was at the air-water interface and less than 4% at the dodecane-water interface for bulk-water concentrations below 1 mg/L.
Transposable element regulation and expression in cancer.

Approximately 45% of the human genome is composed of transposable elements (TEs). Expression of these elements is tightly regulated during normal development. TEs may be expressed at high levels in embryonic stem cells but are epigenetically silenced in terminally differentiated cells. As part of the global "epigenetic dysregulation" that cells undergo during transformation from normal to cancer, TEs can lose epigenetic silencing and become transcribed, and, in some cases, active. Here, we summarize recent advances detailing the consequences of TE activation in cancer and describe how these understudied residents of our genome can both aid tumorigenesis and potentially be harnessed for anti-cancer therapies.
Theories of Economic Development in Perspective

Before moving on to analyze the different theories of economic development, it is important to look at the historical background to economic development. In that, why is that some countries are subject to abject poverty and at the same time fall into economic bootstraps like inflation? Do historical reasons explain the difference between wealthy and rich countries? Did colonialism leave any mark to create a division between rich and wealthy?
The NLRB's Babcock Arbitral Deferral Standard: A Woman's Plight Leads to a Changed Policy But No Remedy

This article concerns the deferral standard for arbitration of violations of National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) rights. There had been a standard for many years, based on the Spielberg, and Olin line of cases. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) modified this deferral standard in its Babcock ruling, and declared that henceforth arbitral decisions are upheld to the extent the process appears to be fair, parties agreed to be bound, and so forth. The Babcock standard has many effects for the arbitration process, though in the instant case the employee, Coletta Beneli did not receive the benefits afforded under the new standard.
TU-G-204-03: Dynamic CT Myocardial Perfusion Measurement Using First Pass Analysis and Maximum Slope Models

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of dynamic CT myocardial perfusion measurement using first pass analysis (FPA) and maximum slope models. Methods: A swine animal model was prepared by percutaneous advancement of an angioplasty balloon into the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery to induce varying degrees of stenosis. Maximal hyperaemia was achieved in the LAD with an intracoronary adenosine drip (240 µg/min). Serial microsphere and contrast (370 mg/mL iodine, 30 mL, 5mL/s) injections were made over a range of induced stenoses, and dynamic imaging was performed using a 320-row CT scanner at 100 kVp and 200 mA. The FPA CT perfusion technique was used to make vessel-specific myocardial perfusion measurements. CT perfusion measurements using the FPA and maximum slope models were validated using colored microspheres as the reference gold standard. Results: Perfusion measurements using the FPA technique (P_FPA) showed good correlation with minimal offset when compared to perfusion measurements using microspheres (P_ Micro) as the reference standard (P _FPA = 0.96 P_Micro + 0.05, R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 0.19 mL/min/g). In contrast, the maximum slope model technique (P_MS) was shown to underestimate perfusion when compared to microsphere perfusion measurements (P_MS = 0.42 P _Micro −0.48, R2 = 0.94, RMSE = 3.3 mL/min/g). Conclusion: The results indicate the potential for significant improvements in accuracy of dynamic CT myocardial perfusion measurement using the first pass analysis technique as compared with the standard maximum slope model.
Somatosensory and Affective Contributions to Emotional, Social, and Daily Functioning in Chronic Pain Patients

Objective The present study tested the independent and interactive contributions of the somatosensory component of pain (pain intensity) and the affective component of pain (pain unpleasantness) on emotional, social, and daily functioning in chronic pain patients. Subjects Participants were 472 patients seeking treatment for chronic orofacial pain. Mean age of the sample was 46.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 14.67, range 18–78), with 82.2% female. Average pain duration at the time of initial appointment was 75.7 months (SD = 106.66). Methods Participants completed self-report measures of pain intensity, unpleasantness, and functional outcomes at the time of their first appointment. These data were later extracted from participant's de-identified medical records. Multivariate linear regression was used to test the interaction of pain intensity and unpleasantness on outcome measures of emotional, social, and daily functioning. Results Results revealed that pain intensity contributed to poorer functional outcomes but higher levels of social support even after controlling for pain unpleasantness. After controlling for pain intensity, unpleasantness was associated with higher pain interference and affective distress. There was also pain intensity by unpleasantness interaction on pain interference. Specifically, at lower levels of pain unpleasantness, changes in pain intensity produced greater changes in pain interference than they did at higher levels of pain unpleasantness. Conclusions Results suggest that both intensity and unpleasantness contribute unique variance to functional outcomes. The results highlight the importance of interventions that not only try to reduce pain levels but also reduce levels of pain unpleasantness.
Pseudomembranous Colitis Caused by a Toxin A− B+ Strain of Clostridium difficile

We report a case of severe pseudomembranous colitis due to a toxin A− B+ strain of Clostridium difficile in an immunosuppressed patient and discuss the implications for diagnostic testing in suspected C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Joachim of Fiore, Apocalyptic Conversion, and the ‘Persecuting Society’

In recent years, scholarship on the 12th-century Christian apocalyptic thinker Joachim of Fiore has highlighted the place of the Jews in his scenarios for the end of the world. Responding in part to R. I. Moore’s 1987 work The Formation of a Persecuting Society, historians argue that Joachim’s vision of a harmonious Jewish apocalyptic conversion stood in contrast with rise of a persecuting mentality among the Christian ruling elite of medieval Europe, who increasingly sought to identify, marginalize, and sometimes violently oppress non-Christian and non-orthodox communities. These scholarly discussions of apocalyptic conversion have extended to include the Western Christian belief that not just the Jews, but also pagans, Muslims, and even non-Western Christians would convert during the earthly Sabbath age that would precede the apocalypse. The resulting field of inquiry into medieval apocalyptic thought promises further insights into the ways that Christian scenarios for the ‘end of days’ might complicate narratives of religious persecution, violence, and conversion.
Improved methods for color-marking hummingbirds

Individual color-marking is an essential tool for studying the behavior of free-living birds. Hummingbirds represent a particular challenge for traditional avian color-marking techniques because of their small size and short tarsi. Although several techniques have been successfully used, the retention time of color-markers and their safety and ease of construction could be improved. I developed two new color-marking techniques for marking Little Hermits (Phaethornis longuemareus): (1) a plastic back tag constructed by fusing colored beads, and (2) a leg tag attached to a metal band fitted around the tarsus. Both tag designs were visible in field conditions, and neither appeared to adversely affect behavior. Both back and leg tags had high retention rates within seasons, but back tags had a poor retention rate between years. Although these marking techniques were designed for use on one species of hummingbird, they would likely also be useful with other species of hummingbirds. RESUMEN Marcaje de color en individuos es una herramienta esencial para estudiar el comportamiento de aves silvestres. Los colibries representan un reto especial para las tecnicas de marcado de color tradicional en aves debido a su pequeno tamano y tarsos cortos. A pesar de que varias tecnicas han sido utilizadas con exito, el tiempo de retencion del color, marcadores y su seguridad y facilidad de construccion se podria mejorar. He desarrollado dos nuevas tecnicas de marcaje de color para marcar los Phaethornis longuemareus: (1) una etiqueta dorsal de plastico construidas por la fusion de cuentas de colores, y (2) una etiqueta de la pata unida a una banda de metal colocada en el tarso. Ambos disenos eran visibles en condiciones de campo, y no parece afectar negativamente el comportamiento. Tanto la etiqueta dorsal como en la pierna tuvieron altos indices de retencion dentro de las estaciones, pero las etiquetas dorsales tuvieron una baja retencion entre anos. Aunque estas tecnicas de marcaje han sido disenados para su uso en una especie de colibri, es probable que tambien sean utiles en otras especies de colibries.
HII Bubbles and Shocks in Molecular Clouds

Supersonic gas velocities and large density gradients are observed in compact HII regions. Possible causes of such flows are examined analytically. It is shown that density gradients in either the HII region or the exterior molecular cloud can naturally give supersonic gas speeds. Cases discussed include the swelling of uniform HII bubbles into clouds with decreasing densities, isothermal shock propagation within the ionized region, and homologous expansion of non-uniform HII bubbles. Supersonic flows are readily generated under reasonable conditions. Thus the observed supersonic motions and density gradients in compact HII regions may be intimately related.
The Interactive Effects of pH, L-Malate, and Glucose-6-Phosphate on Guard-Cell Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase.

The interactive effects of pH, L-malate, and glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6-P) on the Vmax and Km of guard-cell (GC) phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase (PEPC) of Vicia faba L. were determined. Leaves of three different physiological states (closed stomata, opening stomata, open stomata) were rapidly frozen and freeze dried. GC pairs dissected from the leaves were individually extracted and individually assayed for the kinetic properties of PEPC. Vmax was 6 to 9 pmol GC pair-1 h-1 and was apparently unaffected to a biologically significant extent by the investigated physiological states of the leaf, pH (7.0 or 8.5), L-malate (0, 5, or 15 mM), and Glc-6-P (0, 0.1, 0.5, 0.7, or 5 mM). As reported earlier, the Km(PEP.Mg) was about 0.2 mM (pH 8.5) or 0.7 mM (pH 7.0), which can be compared with a GC [PEP] of 0.27 mM. In the study reported here, we determined that the in situ GC [Glc-6-P] equals approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mM. When 0.5 mM Glc-6-P was included in the GC PEPC assay mixture, the Km(PEP.Mg) decreased to about 0.1 mM (pH 8.5) or 0.2 mM (pH 7.0). Thus, Glc-6-P at endogenous concentrations would seem both to activate the enzyme and to diminish the dramatic effect of pH on Km(PEP.Mg). Under assay conditions, L-malate is an inhibitor of GC PEPC. In planta, cytoplasmic [L-malate] is approximately 8 mM. Inclusion of 5 mM L-malate increased the Km(PEP.Mg) to about 3.6 mM (pH 7.0) or 0.4 mM (pH 8.5). Glc-6-P (0.5 mM) was sufficient to relieve L-malate inhibition completely at pH 8.5. In contrast, approximately 5 mM Glc-6-P was required to relieve L-malate inhibition at pH 7.0. No biologically significant effect of physiological state of the tissue on GC PEPC Km(PEP.Mg) (regardless of the presence of effectors) was observed. Together, these results are consistent with a model that GC PEPC is regulated by its cytosolic chemical environment and not by posttranslational modification that is detectable at physiological levels of effectors. It is important to note, however, that we did not determine the phosphorylation status of GC PEPC directly or indirectly (by comparison of the concentration of L-malate that causes a 50% inhibition of GC PEPC).
Production of Mouse Chimeras by Aggregating Pluripotent Stem Cells with Embryos

Experimental mouse chimeras have served as immensely important research tools for studying many aspects of mammalian development ever since they first were produced over 50 years ago. Chimera studies have served as crucial assays in the era of modern mouse genetics that was triggered by the advent of mouse embryonic stem cells. Lately, chimeras are also used as proof of pluripotency and normality of induced pluripotent stem cells. With this long history in mind, it may seem surprising that chimeras now have an ever-increasing role to play. The high-throughput mouse gene targeting projects are in the process of producing ES cell lines with a mutation in each of the close to 20,000 known protein coding genes. These will all be waiting for germline transmission through chimeras. Such a large-scale approach calls for simplified methods for generating germline transmitting chimeras. In this chapter, we will describe the currently most cost efficient and simple method; the aggregation of pluripotent stem cells with diploid or tetraploid mouse embryos. Since most of the large knockout projects are using the C57BL/6 background, we will pay special attention to cell lines derived from this inbred strain.
Social Scholarship: Reconsidering Scholarly Practices in the Age of Social Media.

This conceptual exploration inquires, what is scholarship reconsidered in the age of social media? How ought we to conceptualize social scholarship-a new set of practices being discussed in various disciplines? The paper offers a critical examination of the practical and policy implications of reconsidering scholarship in light of social media's affordances toward a conceptualization of social scholarship. For each dimension of Boyer's original framework, we explain its epistemologies and practices. Next, we take a critical approach to inquiring how each dimension, reconsidered through the lens of social scholarship values and social media affordances, might be envisioned today. This exploration provides concrete examples of how scholars might enact social scholarship with what benefits and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
In Search of an Elegant Solution: Reanalysis of Plucker, Callahan, and Tomchin, With Respects to Pyryt and Plucker:

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the use of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to explicate constructs underlying performance assessment tasks based on Garder's (1983) theory of multipl...
MySQL/PHP web database applications for IPAC proposal submission

The Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) is NASA's multi-mission center of expertise for long-wavelength astrophysics. Proposals for various IPAC missions and programs are ingested via MySQL/PHP web database applications. Proposers use web forms to enter coversheet information and upload PDF files related to the proposal. Upon proposal submission, a unique directory is created on the webserver into which all of the uploaded files are placed. The coversheet information is converted into a PDF file using a PHP extension called FPDF. The files are concatenated into one PDF file using the command-line tool pdftk and then forwarded to the review committee. This work was performed at the California Institute of Technology under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Two dimensional echocardiographic detection and measurement of the right pulmonary artery in pulmonary atresia-ventricular septal defect: Angiographic and surgical correlation

Abstract This study assessed the value of two dimensional echocardiography in patients with pulmonary atresia-ventricular septal defect in order to detect the presence of true pulmonary arteries, measure the dimension of the visible proximal right pulmonary artery and correlate these echocardiographic observations with angiographic and surgical findings. The data from 65 patients (age range 16 months to 54 years) with pulmonary atresia-ventricular septal defect who had both two dimensional echocardiographic and angiographic evaluation to determine the presence of pulmonary arteries were reviewed. Echocardiography allowed visualization of a right pulmonary artery in 55 (85 percent) of the 65 patients. Echocardiography detected a measurable proximal right pulmonary artery in 52 (98 percent) of 53 patients who had confluent pulmonary arteries confirmed with angiography. In three patients without confluence, a large systemic to pulmonary collateral artery was misinterpreted as the right pulmonary artery on two dimensional echocardiography. Right pulmonary arterial measurements on echocardiography (range 3 to 21 mm) showed excellent correlation with angiographic (r = 0.95) and surgical (r = 0.84) measurements. These data indicate that two dimensional echocardiography can be used to visualize proximal true pulmonary arteries (specifically, a right pulmonary artery) in a large proportion of patients with pulmonary atresia-ventricular septal defect; this finding usually denotes the presence of confluent pulmonary arteries. The data also suggest that this method can be reliably used for serial follow-up studies with noninvasive measurement of proximal right pulmonary arterial growth.
Optimized relay node placement for connecting disjoint wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) often operate in a harsh environment such as battlefield and may suffer simultaneous failure of multiple sensors that cause the network to become partitioned into disjoint segments. In order to prevent the application from being inoperative, restoring the overall network connectivity is crucial. In this paper, we propose an effective strategy for establishing connectivity among the partitioned segments by deploying the least count of relay nodes (RNs). Finding the optimal number and position of RNs is NP-hard and we thus pursue heuristics. We propose an Optimized Relay node placement algorithm using a minimum Steiner tree on the Convex hull (ORC). ORC strives to identify Steiner points (SPs) in which relays are populated such that the segments will be connected with the least number of relays. ORC deploys RNs inwards from the periphery of the area identified by the convex hull. We analyze ORC mathematically and explain the beneficial aspects of the resulting topology with respect to connectivity, and traffic balance. The performance of ORC is validated through extensive simulation experiments.
Current Concepts of the Mechanism of Action of Local Anesthetics

Recent experiments are reviewed to present a current view of the mechanisms of conduction block by local anesthetics. Local anesthetics block the sodium channels whose opening causes the rising phase of the action potential. Both charged and neutral forms of local anesthetics are able to block channels. Charged anesthetics interfere with a "gating" mechanism after gaining access to a "receptor" site in the aqueous pore of the channel from the axoplasmic surface of the membrane. This site is only available to charged compounds when the gate of the channel is open. In contrast, uncharged compounds (including the free base form of local anesthetics) appear to reach the site through the membrane's lipid interior, bypassing the channel "gates. " Anesthetics blocking the gate of the channel can either enhance or inhibit the normal inactivation mechanism of the sodium channel, depending on the particular anesthetic.
Extremum principles for relativistic atomic structure and scattering: Two-electron ions.

The time-independent Hamiltonian version of QED provides a foundation for a relativistic description of atomic structure and scattering, with virtual-pair effects treated in a consistent manner. Since the spectrum of the Hamiltonian is bounded from below, the problem of ``variational collapse,'' associated with the existence of negative-energy solutions of the Dirac equation, does not arise. For the same reason, extremum principles of the Rayleigh-Ritz type may be applied. These features are illustrated here in the context of a system consisting of two electrons in an external Coulomb field. An effective Hamiltonian describing this system is constructed in a ladder approximation that accounts for the virtual creation and annihilation of electron-positron pairs. It is shown that this pair contribution to the effective Hamiltonian satisfies a maximum principle and that, consequently, a minimax principle is available for the approximate evaluation of the binding energy of the heliumlike ion. The relation between the present treatment of virtual-pair effects and that based on the Bethe-Salpeter equation in the ladder approximation is clarified.
Clinical and psychosocial variables associated with behavioral intentions to undergo surveillance endoscopy

Many patients with Barrett’s esophagus do not adhere to guideline-recommended endoscopic surveillance. Among patient factors related to cancer prevention behaviors, patients’ stated behavioral intention is a strong predictor of behavior performance. Little is known about the patient factors associated with having a strong behavioral intention to pursue surveillance endoscopy. This study explores the association of clinical and psychosocial variables and behavioral intention to pursue surveillance endoscopy among patients with Barrett’s Esophagus and no or low-grade dysplasia. Potential subjects were screened using electronic medical records of a regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a pathologically confirmed Barrett’s esophagus registry. Eligible participants were recruited by a mailer or phone call and completed a questionnaire to measure six distinct psychosocial factors, their behavioral intention to undergo surveillance endoscopy, and various demographic and clinical variables. Univariate and multivariate linear regression identified the relation of behavioral intention with each of six psychosocial variables. One-hundred and one subjects consented and returned surveys. The analytical sample for this study consists of the 94% of surveys with complete responses to the behavior intention items. Three of the six psychosocial domains were statistically significant predictors of intention in both univariate and adjusted univariate analysis (salience/coherence β = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.45-0.76, P <0.01; self-efficacy β = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10-0.51, P <0.01; and social influence β = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.08-0.33, P <0.01). In a multivariate analysis only salience/coherence (β = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.42-0.88, P <0.01) remained statistically significant predictor of intention. This study established the validity of a scale to measure psychosocial variables associated with behavioral intentions to undergo surveillance endoscopy. Results demonstrate the importance of assessing self-efficacy, social influences, and bottom-line belief in the value of surveillance endoscopy when evaluating a patient’s likelihood of completing surveillance endoscopy.
Skin Music (2012): an Audio-Haptic Composition for Ears and Body

Skin Music (2012) is a musical composition that is experienced as a private, multisensory installation by one person at a time. By lying on a piece of bespoke furniture, the listener perceives the music both through the usual auditory channels, as well as by different types of haptic sensation, through their body. The piece addresses the shared perceptual experiences of sonic and haptic sensation through an exploration of vibrational feedback.
Social Pressures Stability and Full Employment

TODAY IT IS POINTLESS to prolong the discussion whether full employment is the 'dangerous experiment of the socialist planners' or the 'hypothetical position to which impersonal market forces tend to push our economy' for today, full employment is a continuing reality. This is not to imply, however, that full employment as the sole object of government policy has been as yet squarely put to the test of public opinion. We have enjoyed this condition not because it was politically expedient or socially desirable, but rather because it has been militarily necessary. And as long as international tension exists, as long as our foreign policy is oriented to our determination to negotiate from a 'position of strength', as long as we are determined to fill the vacuum of power created by post-war disarmament, full employment will very likely (however inadvertently) be the by product of these policies.' But even in the absence of world tension, the continuing experience of full employment has undoubtedly created a climate in which governments could anticipate a favorable mass conditioned-reflex to measures designed to maintain jobs-for-all. The full employment of the last decade has not been, however, an unmixed blessing. The greatest single problem coexistent with full employment has been the instability of the general price level-an instability largely generated by the income drives of consolidated pressure groups in our society, income drives made more effective by the existence of full employment itself. But price level instability, many reason, results simply from the imbalance between money demand and physical supply, and the former may be readily controlled through budgetary, tax and credit policies. This argument, offering solutions to the problem of instability seemingly beautiful in their simplicity, largely ignores the social setting into which the above 'solutions' must be projected. The purpose of this paper is to examine the socio-psychological pressures which greatly com-
Cell-free translation of avian sarcoma virus RNA: suppression of the gag termination codon does not augment synthesis of the joint gag/pol product.

Abstract The RNA genome of avian sarcoma virus (ASV) and 38S polyadenylated RNA from cells producing ASV directed the cell-free synthesis of two viral gene products: Pr76 gag , the precursor to structural proteins of the virion core, and P180 gag/pol , a joint product of two viral genes that is the putative precursor of viral reverse transcriptase. To test the hypothesis that P180 gag/pol is synthesized by read-through of the termination codon for gag, we determined the effect of purified yeast suppressor tRNAs on cell-free translation from gag and pol . Although the synthesis of P180 gag/pol was not enhanced by the suppressor tRNAs, the use of amber suppressor tRNA reduced the synthesis of Pr76 gag and resulted in the synthesis of a new 80, 000 dalton polypeptide (P80) that contained the antigenic determinants of gag. Studies using chemical inhibitors of initiation of translation demonstrated that P80 was generated by the addition of amino acids to the carboxy terminus of Pr76 gag . We conclude that the gag gene of ASV is terminated by an amber codon (UAG), and that a second termination signal occurs ∼120 nucleotides downstream. Our data indicate that suppression of a single termination codon does not suffice for the production of P180 gag/pol . Thus it is doubtful that suppression by tRNA is responsible for the synthesis of this protein. The mechanism by which P180 gag/pol is synthesized in infected cells remains uncertain.
The Electron Transfer in Ferredoxins

The 2[4Fe-4S]-ferredoxins are ubiquitous water-soluble electron shuttles found in all bacteria. The intramolecular “self-transfer” electron transfer between the two [4Fe-4S] clusters is an ideal model system for studying electron transfer independent of association of the donor and acceptor and may be considered as the limit of a very tightly bound complex. Thus, the effects of environmental factors on electron transfer rates can be focused on. Clostridium acidurici ferredoxin (CaFd) is a small (5.9 kDa, 55 residues), pseudo-symmetric protein containing two [Fe4S4(SR)4]2- redox sites which are separated by ∼12 A, the typical distance of biological electron transfer. Molecular dynamics simulations of CaFd are performed using different force fields to test their performance. The environmental reorganization energy λ is calculated from the simulations and compared to experiment.
Amino acid deamination by ruminal Megasphaera elsdenii strains

When ruminal fluid from a cow fed timothy hay was serially diluted (10-fold increments into anaerobic broth containing 15 mg ml(-1) Trypticase), the low dilutions (< or =10(-6)) had optical densities greater than 2.0 and ammonia concentrations greater than 100 m M. The optical densities and ammonia concentrations of the 10(-8) and 10(-9) dilutions were very low, but large cocci were observed in the 10(-8) dilution. The large cocci were isolated and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Megasphaera elsdenii. The freshly isolated strain (JL1) grew well on Trypticase, but less than 4% of the amino acid nitrogen in Trypticase was converted to ammonia. Optical density and ammonia production were twice as great if Casamino acids were provided, and similar results were obtained with seven other strains (B159, AW106, YT91, LC1, T81, J1, and YZ70). Specific activities of deamination (based on Casamino acids) of the eight strains ranged from 100 (strain JL1) to 325 (strain B159) nmol mg protein(-1) min(-1). None of the strains could utilize branched-chain amino acids as an energy source for growth, but specific activities of branched-chain amino acid deamination ranged from 15 to 65 nmol mg protein(-1) min(-1). All eight of the M. elsdenii strains grew well in the presence of 5 micro M monensin, and only two of the strains were strongly inhibited by 20 micro M monensin. On the basis of these results, it appears that M. elsdenii is deficient in peptidase activity and can utilize only a few amino acids. Some M. elsdenii strains produced ammonia and branched-chain volatile fatty acids nearly as fast as obligate amino acid-fermenting ruminal bacteria, but the extent of this production was at least fourfold lower. Because all of the strains could tolerate 5 micro M monensin, it is unlikely that this feed additive would significantly inhibit M. elsdenii in vivo.
Compressive Behavior of Square-Cell Titanium Honeycomb

The purpose of this study was to experimentally characterize the compressive behavior of square-cell titanium honeycomb cores according to the American Society of Testing and Materials Standard C365-05. By varying the honeycomb cell size and height, as well as the foil thickness, many configurations of titanium honeycomb were manufactured utilizing a laser welding and expansion method. The test matrix consisted of 1080 compression specimens. The compression specimens were split evenly into stabilized and bare tests. At the conclusion of the characterization, a comprehensive statistical analysis was performed on the data. It was determined that the compressive behavior has a strong dependence on the relative density of the honeycomb. The compressive strength was found to be slightly affected by the presence of a stabilizing face sheet, and largely unaffected by specimen core height. The compressive modulus was affected by both the core height and the presence of a face sheet. The compression behavior of the honeycomb was compared with experimental results of honeycomb from existing publications and found to be consistent.
Morphology development in polymer blends produced by chaotic mixing at various compositions

Whereas blending devices commonly entail complex flow fields and internal geometries, chaotic mixing can be instilled by simple periodic motion of bounding surfaces in simple devices. Breakup and coalescence of spatially expansive structures in components can give blends with a wide variety of morphologies. In this study, polystyrene and low density polyethylene were used as model components to study the effect of composition and processing time on gradual morphology development in immiscible binary blends. Inspections of samples disclosed attainable morphologies and also how transitions between morphologies occurred. Novel findings included blends with encapsulated fibers, abundant platelets, and two distinct morphologies having single phase continuity. Additionally, interpenetrating blends formed over a broad compositional range. Results suggest that chaotic mixing is a useful tool for studying relationships among processing conditions, morphology development, and blend properties and may serve as a means to more deliberately obtain target morphologies.
Advances in plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of silicon films at low temperatures

The properties of silicon films prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at low temperatures (<400 °C) are controlled by the physical and chemical processes that occur in the gas phase, at the top-most film surface, within the first several monolayers of the surface, and even well into the film bulk. Recent advances in understanding these processes have led to several new developments in silicon PECVD. The advances include: (i) novel concepts for depositing high-rate, device-quality silicon films, and (ii) deposition phase diagrams for optimizing silicon films for high-stability, high-performance devices. In situ and real time probes of the gas phase, the film surface, and its sub-surface have played key roles in these advances.
Regional differences in postweaning growth by choroid plexuses as affected by dietary salt deficiencies.

A diet low in K and Na given to postweaning rats of the Berkeley S1 strain led in two experiments to a greater than normal relative weight of the choroid plexus of ventricle IV (= C.P. IV) to weight of the whole brain in both sexes. This effect did not occur in the choroid plexuses of ventricles I + II (= C.P. I + II) and III (= C.P. III), which were lower than normal in absolute weights and unchanged in ratios with whole brain weights after the low K and Na diet. Quantitative microscopic tissue analyses of the choroid plexuses following one of the experiments failed to demonstrate significant differences in relative tissue composition or cellular structure after this diet. Other evidence, and data on normal postnatal growth of choroid plexuses, suggests that the unequal apparent responses of the different choroid plexus regions to the diet are related to differences in their durations and rates of growth after weaning rather than to a necessarily specific cellular response in the choroid plexus of ventricle IV to internal consequences of dietary restriction in K and Na.
Argumentation, Dialogue Theory, and Probability Modeling: Alternative Frameworks for Argumentation Research in Education

Toulmin's model of argumentation, developed in 1958, has guided much argumentation research in education. However, argumentation theory in philosophy and cognitive science has advanced considerably since 1958. There are currently several alternative frameworks of argumentation that can be useful for both research and practice in education. These frameworks include Walton's dialogue theory and Bayesian models of everyday arguments. This article reviews and evaluates these frameworks and shows how each can be applied instructionally (e.g., through the teaching of critical questions or probability modeling) and, from a research standpoint, in evaluating the content and quality of informal arguments. It is concluded that attention to these and other contemporary argumentation frameworks can help move the study of argumentation in education forward.
Middle School Students' Understanding of Meaningful Learning and Engaging Classroom Activities.

Abstract This study centers on middle school (grades 4–8) children's perceptions of the conditions that foster their meaningful engagement in classroom learning. The students described classroom environments in which students are active, both mentally and physically, in instructional activities that are meaningful, varied, interesting, and that involve group learning. Interesting and varied tasks were contrasted favorably with routines that discourage their motivation to learn and participate. These students' perceptions provide concrete, substantive, and sophisticated corroboration for research on effective teaching practices.
Cocaine-induced alterations in the density of monoaminergic receptors in the embryonic guinea pig cerebral wall.

Quantitative receptor autoradiography was used to examine the effect of chronic cocaine exposure on the density of α1-, α2- and β-adrenergic, 5-HT1A- and 5-HT2-serotonergic, and D1- and D2-dopaminergic receptors in the fetal guinea pig cerebral wall which contained forming motor area of the cerebral cortex. The pregnant guinea pig received two daily subcutaneous injections of 20 mg/kg cocaine beginning on the 20th day of pregnancy (E20). The control animals received injections of equivalent volume of saline. The receptor densities were examined between days 5–30 of the treatment, which corresponds to E25–E50. By the fifth day of treatment (E25), cocaine produced downregulation of all receptors studied throughout the entire depth of the fetal cerebral wall. More extended treatment, however, resulted in recovery of receptor levels. Finally, from days 20–30 of treatment (E40–E50) there was a significant upregulation of noradrenergic and dopaminergic receptor sites. These findings demonstrate that exposure to cocaine in utero can influence adrenergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic receptors in the embryonic cerebral wall, which may lead to alteration in corticogenesis. Furthermore, the present study reveals that, in the course of chronic treatment, cocaine may completely reverse its receptor regulatory activity in the fetal brain. Synapse 32:225–237, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Women with PTSD have lower basal salivary cortisol levels later in the day than do men with PTSD: a preliminary study

Acute stress responses of women are typically more reactive than that of men. Women, compared to men, may be more vulnerable to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whether there are differences between women and men with PTSD in levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, was investigated in a pilot study. Methods: women (n=6) and men (n=3) motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors, with PTSD, had saliva collected at 1400 h, 1800 h, and 2200 h. Cortisol levels in saliva were measured by radioimmunoassay. An interaction between gender and time of sample collection was observed due to women's cortisol levels being lower and decreasing over time, whereas men's levels were higher and increased across time of day of collection. Results of this pilot study suggest a difference in the pattern of disruption of glucocorticoid secretion among women and men with PTSD. Women had greater suppression of their basal cortisol levels than did men; however, the diurnal pattern for cortisol levels to decline throughout the day was observed among the women but not the men. Language: en
Effects of chronic melengestrol acetate contraceptive treatment on perineal tumescence, body weight, and sociosexual behavior of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas)

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) subcutaneous implants were used in seven adult female Hamadryas baboons to study the effects of chronic progestin administration on perineal swelling, behavior, and weight gain. At the dose level used (≥8 mg/kg body weight), cycles of perineal tumescence ceased and swellings subsided. Social dynamics were not significantly altered during treatment, and only minor changes in agonistic interactions were noted following implant removal. Body weight increased by 17.3–47.6% during treatment despite decreased time spent foraging. This paradox may be explained by 1) foraging time not necessarily corresponding to total intake and 2) the nonsignificant trend toward lower levels of activity during treatment. Treatment with MGA can be recommended based on its ability to suppress ovarian cyclicity without causing social disruption. However, because this and other progestins stimulate weight gain, their use is contraindicated in overweight or obese animals. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electromechanical Energy Conversion in nm-Winding Double Cylindrical Structures in Presence of Space Harmonics

The effects of space harmonics in multiwinding double cylindrical structures are analyzed. Terminal characteristics of the machine are obtained by solving the dynamical equations of motion using certain linear transformations. The equivalent circuits are derived from the transformed equations of motion and the effects of current-sheet space harmonics are included. An example is considered and numerical calculations are made and compared with experimental results. For completeness, pertinent definitions and theorems relating to linear algebra are included.
Evaluation of Low-Temperature Binder Properties of Warm-Mix Asphalt, Extracted and Recovered RAP and RAS, and Bioasphalt

This research project evaluates the low-temperature performance of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly hot-mix asphalt (HMA) paving materials. Innovative materials gaining interest in the asphalt pavement industry includes warm mix asphalt (WMA), recycled asphalt shingle (RAS), reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and bioasphalt. The materials are used as modifiers in typical HMA to enhance low-temperature field performances. Sasobit compounds at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%, by weight of performance grade (PG) 52-34 asphalt binder, are used to design the WMA. Five and 10% of RAS were also added to a PG 52-34 asphalt binder. 50% of RAP combined with 50% of the base PG 58-28 binder, and 100% RAP extracted from the PG 58-28 HMA, were prepared and tested. Bioasphalt was produced from swine waste and used to modify PG 64-22 asphalt binder. By using the Superpave bending beam rheometer (BBR) and the new asphalt binder cracking device (ABCD) method, the thermal cracking performance of the samples were tested. The ...
Does Silicosis Still Occur

A state-based surveillance system has identified 401 individuals with the diagnosis of silicosis for the years 1979 through 1987. The individuals identified were generally older men who began work before 1960 and had worked for 15 years or more in potteries, construction, foundries, or sand mines. Follow-up inspections at the identified companies indicated ongoing poorly controlled exposure to silica. Difficulties in distinguishing coal worker's pneumoconiosis from silicosis and inadequate attention to tuberculosis by the treating physicians were noted. Few workers applied for workers' compensation. Extrapolation of our results to the whole country suggests that the current national surveillance system for occupational illnesses markedly underestimates the true occurrence of silicosis. ( JAMA . 1989;262:3003-3007)
Jugular foramen schwannoma in a child treated with complete surgical excision

Introduction A rare case of a large jugular foramen tumour presenting as a posterior fossa mass is described.
Updates to Fall Meeting Abstract Submission and Social Events

AGU has made important changes to the Fall Meeting abstract submissions policy and to two AGU events to be held during the 2013 Fall Meeting.
Low temperature magnetic behavior of some polymeric divalent copper complexes of common endo-bidentate ligands

Abstract The temperature dependences of the molar magnetic susceptibility of powder samples of Cu(ethylenediamlne)Cl 2 , Cu(ethylenediamine)(NCS) 2 and the corresponding mono-2,2′-bipyridyl analogues have been determined over the range 1.2 to 300K. All four systems exhibit weak antiferromagnetic exchange such that their Neel temperatures are
Quantitative characterization of the PC bonds in ylides of phosphorus

The nature of the carbon–phosphorus bond in trivalent and pentavalent carbon phosphorus compounds is currently a matter of some dispute. These compounds contain unusual bonds, unusual in the sense that the behavior of electrons in the compounds does not conform to that expected solely on the basis of carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen bonds. Quantitative measures of how a single electron, as a wave, is shared between any two spatial points are given by means of the sharing amplitude and the sharing index.1 These quantities are orbital independent, rooted in the single particle density matrix, and do not depend on arbitrary localization procedures. The quantitative characterization of the PC bonds in molecules such as PHCH2, PH3CH2, PF3CH2, and PH3CHF was carried out by means of the sharing indices. On the basis of interbasin sharing indices, the PC bonds are: (mostly) double in PHCH2, and single in PH3CH2, PF3CH2, and PH3CHF. On the basis of the group basin charges and intergroup sharing indices between the CH2 (or CHF) groups and the PH1,3 (or PF3) groups, the molecules are ionic with double bonds between the groups (in line with an ylene form). The sharing indices between atoms, which are not directly linked (secondary sharing indices), indicate that the electrons are quite delocalized over the basins of the following groups: CPH in PHCH2, CPH3 in PH3CH2, CPF3 in PF3CH2, and CPH3 in PH3CHF. The sharing indices and the sharing amplitude offer the needed tools to put our understanding of the chemistry of a large number of compounds on a rigorous basis by elucidating the behavior of a single electron in a many electron system. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1387–1395, 2001
Hard quasispherical particle models for the viscosity of solutions of protein mixtures.

Recently reported measurements of the viscosity of three monoclonal antibodies, their binary mixtures, and a binary mixture of an antibody and albumin over a broad range of compositions (Galush et ...
Currents in anisotropic type-II superconductors near upper critical field

Abstract The problem of a uniaxial type-II superconductor near the upper critical field is considered in the framework of the Ginsburg-Landau equations. Currents are shown to flow in a plane which is not orthogonal to vortex axes; the inclination angle is obtained in terms of anisotropic masses.