cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comments on Sandra G. Kouritzin's "A Mother's Tongue"

* I read "A Mother's Tongue" (Vol. 34, No. 2, Summer 2000) with great interest but with mixed feelings. As I read it, I kept questioning Sandra Kouritzin's rationale for not allowing her children to experience their mother's tongue, English, but instead restricting them to her husband's heritage language, Japanese. Although I respect Kouritzin's and her husband's commitment and efforts to maintain one of their heritage languages in the family, I question the validity of their family language planning if indeed Kouritzin's experience of using Japanese with her children is filled with negative sentiments such as inadequacy, incompetence, and guilt, as her article describes. In fact, I found her article rather depressing and disturbing. Instead of celebrating bilingualism at home, namely, using both English and Japanese, Kouritzin seems to create a rather artificial linguistic and social environment for her family by depriving herself and her children of sharing the linguistic and cultural heritage that she truly represents. In addition, Kouritzin's limited Japanese proficiency, as she describes it, may have a detrimental effect on her children in terms of the limited range of language experiences that she could offer (Genesee, 1987) in the long term. Furthermore, I question Kouritzin's optimism about her children's continued interest in Japanese even after they start school, where they will be exposed to a language other than Japanese. Studies by social psychologists such as Homans (1961, cited in Beebe, 1988) seem to indicate that children tend to converge toward their peers' norms in order to belong by diverging from their teachers' or parents' language. While her children are small, they have no choice but go along with the family language planning that Kouritzin and her husband have chosen, but eventually they will choose the language that they want to identify with. Hence, the efforts and energy that Kouritzin and her husband are putting into maintaining a heritage language may end up a Pyrrhic victory, or, in the worst-case scenario, their children may resent the language imposed on them by their parents. My reaction to Kouritzin's article is based on my own experience as a mother of an 8-year-old daughter and as a language professional. As in
Survival after surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with multiple intracranial metastases: results of a single-center retrospective study.

Object Patients with systemic cancer and a single brain metastasis who undergo treatment with resection plus radiotherapy live longer and have a better quality of life than those treated with radiotherapy alone. Historically, whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has been the mainstay of radiation therapy; however, it is associated with significant delayed neurocognitive sequelae. In this study, the authors looked at survival in patients with single and multiple intracranial metastases who had undergone surgery and adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the tumor bed and synchronous lesions. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the records from an 8-year period at a single institution for consecutive patients with brain metastases treated via complete resection of dominant lesions and adjuvant radiosurgery. The cohort was analyzed for time to local progression, synchronous lesion progression, new intracranial lesion development, systemic progression, and overall survival. The Kaplan-Meier method (s...
APEX: A Prime EXperiment at Jefferson Lab. Test Run Results and Full Run Plans; Update

APEX is an experiment at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in Virginia, USA, that searches for a new gauge boson (A') with sub-GeV mass and coupling to ordinary matter of g' ~ (10-6 - 10⁻²)e. Electrons impinge upon a fixed target of high-Z material. An A' is produced via a process analogous to photon bremsstrahlung, decaying to an e⁺+e⁻ pair. A test run was held in July of 2010, covering mA' = 175 to 250 MeV and couplings g'/e > 10⁻³. A full run is approved and will cover mA' ~ 65 to 525 MeV and g'/e > 2.3 x 10⁻⁴, and is expected to occur sometime in 2016 or 2017.
Monitoring Population Membrane Potential Signals from Neocortex

Voltage-sensitive dyes (VSDs) and optical imaging are useful tools for studying spatiotemporal patterns of population neuronal activity in cortex. Because fast VSDs respond to membrane potential changes with microsecond temporal resolution, these are better suited than calcium indicators for recording rapid neural signals. Here we describe methods for using a 464 element photodiode array and fast VSDs to record signals ranging from large scale network activity in brain slices and in vivo mammalian preparations with sensitivity comparable to local field potential (LFP) recordings. With careful control of dye bleaching and phototoxicity, long recording times can be achieved. Absorption dyes have less photo-toxicity than fluorescent dyes. In brain slices, the total recording time in each slice can be 1,000–2,000 s, which can be divided into hundreds of short recording trials over several hours. In intact brains when fluorescent dyes are used, reduced light intensity can also increase recording time. In this chapter, we will discuss technical details for the methods to achieve reliable VSD imaging with high sensitivity and long recording time.
An empirically motivated reinterpretation of dependency grammar

Dependency grammar is usually interpreted as equivalent to a strict form of X--bar theory that forbids the stacking of nodes of the same bar level (e.g., N' immediately dominating N' with the same head). But adequate accounts of _one_--anaphora and of the semantics of multiple modifiers require such stacking and accordingly argue against dependency grammar. Dependency grammar can be salvaged by reinterpreting its claims about phrase structure, so that modifiers map onto binary--branching X--bar trees rather than ``flat'' ones.
Weight Loss, the Obesity Paradox, and the Risk of Death in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective In contrast to what is observed in the general population, a low body mass index (BMI) has been associated with accelerated mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess whether weight loss might explain these seemingly paradoxical observations.
Wheelchair assist devices

Three separate devices are presented: a Backpack Retriever, an automatic Door Opener, and an extendable Manipulator. These three devices are either connected or controlled to/from the same wheelchair and are powered from the wheelchair's existing power system. These devices are also easily mounted to any wheelchair and assist its user in simple day-to-day activities.
LICENSING THE USE OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS MATERIALS

This article has been written to assist special collections administrators who want to establish a fee policy and schedule for the publication (in any media or format) of original materials in their charge. The article examines the history of special collections’ approaches to this practice, offers a rationale for charging fees, discusses relevant copyright issues, and offers model policies and fee schedules. The article grew out of the work of an ad hoc committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries. The Licensing and Reproduction of Special Collections Committee had been asked . . .
Beyond Politization of Technology and Sustainability: A Plea for Visioning

Most protagonists of sustainable development ignore modern insights in the nature of technology, which has led to an emphasis on technological solutions. The notable exception is transition management. However, both social construction of technology and transition management have been criticized as ignoring distributions of power in society, and for not offering guidance in the choice of the most sustainable technologies. The reviewer criticizes this approach: the issue is not to choose the right technologies, but to address the root causes of unsustainability in society. In addition to politization of transition management the reviewer argues that strong visions are necessary to lead the way. Technologies could help to develop those visions.
Clinical construct validity

When concepts and the 'paper and pencil' tests used to measure these concepts are developed in fields other than nursing and subsequently are used for nursing purposes, the perspective mismatch heralds a validity issue. This paper presents a case for clinical construct validity as one method of evaluating whether the substantive meaning of a test captures the nursing meaning.
Cuticular hydrocarbons fromVarroa jacobsoni

The cuticular hydrocarbons fromVarroa mites collected in Florida and Italy and their honeybee hosts were characterized by gas chromatography (GC) and by coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS). AVarroa mite has a hydrocarbon pattern that is qualitatively identical to that of its honeybee host. Mites and all stages of honeybees share a characteristic pattern of prominant alkane components including heneicosane, tricosane, pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane and hentriacontane. Adult honey bees and mites from adult bees also have as major components the alkenes 8-nC31:1, 10-nC31:1 and 10-nC33:1, while pupae and mites from pupae have only traces of these alkenes. Coupled GC-MS analysis after addition of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was used to determine the location of the double bound in the three prominent alkenes above. The question as to whether the mites simply acquire the hydrocarbons from their hosts or possibly synthesize them was not resolved. No characteristic differences between the hydrocarbons of mites from Italy and from Florida were found. We speculate that the hydrocarbons help the mites avoid desiccation and may help integrate the mites into honeybee colony life.
Incidence of congenital pyloric stenosis in birth series

Abstract Conflicting reports of the incidence of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis have incriminated genetic factors and the first birth position. A survey of 55 cases in families with completed birth series was made. Random distributions of cases within birth series were found for the primary University of Michigan data and for data from three secondary sources. Reconsideration is suggested regarding factors influencing incidence, types of data and methods of analysis used in previous work.
Interventional Treatment of a Symptomatic Neonatal Hepatic Cavernous Hemangioma Using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug

Percutaneous intervention is one treatment option for symptomatic hepatic hemangioma in infants. We report the case of a newborn (birth weight 4060 g) with a large hepatic cavernous hemangioma, which presented early with high cardiac output failure due to arteriovenous shunting and signs of incipient Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. We performed a successful superselective transcatheter coil embolization of three feeding arteries on the seventh day of life. Because of remaining diffuse very small arteries causing a relevant residual shunt, additional occlusion of the three main draining veins was necessary with three Amplatzer vascular plugs. Cardiac failure resolved immediately. Without any additional therapy the large venous cavities disappeared within the following months. The tumor continues to regress in size 8 months after the intervention.
Might stochasticity and sampling variation be a possible explanation for variation in clonal population survival curves

Biogerontological survival analysis attempts to understand, through the use of mathematical and computer models, how biological and environmental processes affect the dynamics of survival. The survival model parameters are assumed to reflect an average or mean response to some intervention. Further, these parameters are usually assumed to be constant over the time course of the experiment and across the elements of the experimental cohort. In this paper, we introduce stochastic (random) features to the survival curve parameters and we observe how this might affect our interpretation of the biology; as reflected in the estimates of the model parameters. In particular, we provide a possible explanation for variation in parameter estimates within sample populations drawn from a population of genetic clones.
Bi-National Identities, but Also Bi-National Citizenships?

This article explores various aspects of the construction of Nicaraguans' national identity. On the one hand, it involves the construction of the national community through historical processes, selection of narratives, and elaboration of stereotypes. The analysis shows that turning to certain mechanisms and literary figures results in some highly arbitrary stereotypes. On the other hand, this article analyzes the narratives—which counter nationalism—of the inhabitants of a border region. The proposals of these social actors coincide on one essential point: recognition of a bi-national identity that demands a bi-national citizenship.
Initial results of a new very rapid rest/regadenoson stress myocardial perfusion protocol in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion is a well established method for detection of significant obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). In patients with arrhythmias, standard methods using ECGgating can result in poor image quality. Additionally, with typical stress/rest protocols, a true rest state may not be achieved after administration of regadenoson. However, rest-first may present issues with peri-infarct ischemia and so here we give little time for late enhancement by keeping rest and stress perfusion scans close in time. Given these issues, the two-fold aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of a rapid rest-first protocol using an ungated myocardial image pulse sequence.
α‐Methylstilbene and the Duality of Mechanism in the Quenching of Stilbene Triplets by Molecular Oxygen†

Spin-exchange quenching of α-methylstilbene triplets by molecular oxygen and by the free radical di-tert-butyl nitroxide is shown to favor the cis isomer more than does natural decay. The effect of the two quenching events is an identical 7% decrease in the fraction of perpendicular triplets that decay to the trans isomer. The conclusion that relaxed stilbene triplets reside in a shallow minimum corresponding to a geometry in which the two benzyl moieties are orthogonal was based on the observation that their quenching by O2 does not alter the trans/cis photostationary ratio. Our results with α-methylstilbene confirm the hypothesis that in the case of stilbene spin exchange quenching by O2 at the twisted geometry favors the cis isomer but occurs in competition with excitation transfer from transoid triplets that leads to the trans isomer and to singlet oxygen. The opposite effects of the two oxygen quenching paths on stilbene isomer composition cancel accidentally leading to an overall insensitivity of benzophenone-sensitized photostationary states to the presence of oxygen. Quenching rate constants derived on the basis of this cancellation are close to diffusion-controlled and predict singlet O2 quantum yields of 0.08 and 0.13 in the presence of air and under an O2 atmosphere, in good agreement with experimental measurements.
Effect of sulfhydryl reagents on peroxidation in microsomes

Incubation of mouse liver microsomes with HgCl2, NEM, or PCMB results in the formation of lipid peroxides as measured by the thiobarbituric acid reaction. Carbon monoxide inhibits peroxidation induced by NEM and the inhibition is reversed by light. Peroxidation induced by HgCl2 is not greatly affected by EDTA but is increased by ascorbic acid. Microsomes isolated from mice pretreated by intraperitoneal injection of HgCl2 peroxidized endogenous unsaturated lipid on incubation, and addition of HgCl2in vitro further increases the peroxidation. The in vitro stimulation of peroxidation by these SH reagents in liver microsomes increases with age in the rat, and microsomes from male rats are more active than those from female. Pretreatment of mice with phenobarbital for 3 days increases the in vitro effect of HgCl2 on peroxidation. This stimulation occurs in the smooth-surfaced microsomes. Actinomycin partially inhibits the effect of phenobarbital. Mercuric chloride causes no peroxidation on incubation with shark liver microsomes. Urea causes no peroxidation on incubation with mouse liver microsomes. These results are consistent with the possibility that sulfhydryl-reacting agents produce a change in tertiary structure of microsomal Fex, thereby rendering the protein-bound iron available for catalysis of peroxidation of endogenous lipid.
Research Organizations Interview the Poor

Researchers who conducted 194 personal interview surveys of low-income populations returned mail questionnaires about their experience with middle- and lower-class interviewers. Interviewing poor people is not as difficult as expected; receptivity and completion rates are generally good. The second part of the questionnaire focussed on indigenous interviewers, i.e., those matched to respondents by class and race/ethnicity. Compared to black or white middle-class interviewers, indigenous interviewers are rated least adequate on performance of most interviewing tasks, such as asking questions and recording answers. Their main strengths are contacting, locating, and establishing rapport with respondents. Additional education and interviewing experience improve performance ratings but additional training does not. Despite performance problems, researchers who chose to employ indigenous interviewers usually plan to do so in future surveys.
Loss of passion, intimacy, and commitment: A conceptual framework for relationship researchers

Abstract The authors suggest that the concept of loss may serve as an organizing principle to clarify many of the dynamics of close relationships. Prior to the ultimate loss of the relationship, there may be intermediate losses that undermine relationship stability. Research on social allergies, or extreme responses to minor annoyances, suggests that relatively mild antigens, if frequently repeated, can gradually cause a loss of feelings of idealization of the partner, comfort with the partner, or feelings of being cared about or respected by the partner. Larger problems may cause loss of major elements of love. The loss of physical attractiveness may, depending on the partner's attributions, be associated with the loss of passion. The loss of desired levels of social support may lead to the loss of intimacy, whereas the loss of customary levels of interdependent behavior may lead to a loss of commitment. The loss of honesty in the relationship may lead to a cascade of other losses. Finally, the partner's...
International bank lending: Political risk and portfolio diversification

Abstract The extent to which a large U.S. bank, all U.S. banks, and banks in the Group of Ten took account of political risk in their international country exposures in 1976 is tested using a simple portfolio diversification model. Assuming that political risks are important relative to economic risks, and that political risks are uncorrelated across countries, these banks' exposures should be negatively related to political risk indices. However, the portfolios of these banks appear to be related to political risk only insofar as political risk is roughly approximated by GNP per capita. International banks were not yet able to systematically vary their international portfolios with respect to political risk.
n-3 fatty acids ameliorate hepatic steatosis and dysfunction after LXR agonist ingestion in mice.

Abstract Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists slow atherogenesis, but cause hepatic steatosis and dysfunction in part by increasing expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1-c (SREBP1-c), a transcription factor that upregulates fatty acid (FA) synthesis. n−3 FAs decrease hepatic FA synthesis by down-regulating SREBP1-c. To test the hypothesis that n−3 FAs decrease hepatic steatosis in mice given LXR agonist, C57BL/6 mice received daily gavage of an LXR agonist T0901317 (LXRT) or vehicle for 4 weeks with concomitant intakes chow or high-fat diets enriched in saturated fat (SAT) or n−3 fat (n−3). Mice on LXRT and SAT developed hepatomegaly with a large increase in size and number of hepatic lipid droplets; an n−3 diet reduced liver weight/body weight with decreased hepatic steatosis and triglyceride levels. Effects of n−3 diet on hepatic lipogenesis were linked to a blunting of LXRT upregulation of hepatic SREBP1-c and FA synthase mRNA. n−3 diets also normalized LXRT-mediated increases of plasma ALT and AST levels, whereas SAT diet increased these markers. Conclusion: These studies suggest that n−3 FAs when given together with LXR agonists have the potential to improve both hepatic steatosis and hepatotoxicity in humans that might receive LXR agonists to decrease risk of atherosclerosis.
Shape optimization with computational fluid dynamics

In many product design and development applications, computational fluid dynamics CFD has become a useful analytical simulation tool. CFD simulations are quite useful in predicting several response parameters for a given design condition. However, like any analysis tool CFD simulations provide limited insight into the design space and the changes needed to find the optimum design parameters. This paper deals with the shape optimization of fluid flows using CFD and numerical optimization techniques. By integrating a commercial optimization code with a CFD code, a CFD shape optimization tool was developed. To study the effectiveness of the developed tool and its ability to produce results with reasonable CPU time, the shape optimization of an airfoil and S-shaped duct are studied with different numbers of design variables. The developed shape optimization tool along with the optimization and CPU time results are discussed.
Intracellular free calcium rise triggers nuclear envelope breakdown in the sea urchin embryo.

Cytosolic free calcium has recently been implicated in the regulation of mitosis in plant and animal cells1–8. We have previously found correlations between increases in the levels of intracellular free calcium [Ca2+]i and visible transitions of structure at nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) and the onset of anaphase during mitosis in sea urchin embryos and tissue culture cells7,8. To go beyond correlations it is necessary to manipulate [Ca2+]i, and in sea urchin embryos this requires the injection of calcium-chelator buffer solutions as the changes in free calcium in the cell cycle are dependent on intracellular stores7,9. We report here that blocking the increase in [Ca2+li which just precedes NEBD prevents this from taking place and halts mitosis. Subsequent injections which momentarily increase [Ca2+]i, or a natural recovery of the higher calcium levels, result in NEBD and the successful continuation of mitosis. Similarly, artificially increasing calcium by early injections results in early NEBD. We conclude that the increase in [Ca2+]i> preceding NEBD is an essential regulatory step required for entry into mitosis.
Effect of progesterone on serotonin turnover in rats primed with estrogen implants into the ventromedial hypothalamus.

Abstract The effect of progesterone (P) on serotonin (5-HT) turnover was studied in nine brain regions in ovariectomized rats primed with bilateral intracerebral implants of estradiol benzoate (1:250 cholesterol) directed towards the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMN). Two days after surgery, animals received P (0.5 mg SC), and were pretested for lordosis behavior. After a 44-h recovery period, rats with LQ ⩾60 were randomly divided into groups that received either a second behavior test or IP injections of saline or pargyline (4 h after P or V). P treatment decreased pargyline-induced accumulation of 5-HT in the VMN (pars lateralis), the lateral midbrain central grey (IMCG), and the periventricular region (PVE, anterior hypothalamic region). The 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios were significantly decreased in the VMN and PVE in P-treated animals. These results support the hypothesis that P-influenced decreases in serotonergic activity in the VMN contribute to the facilitation of female receptivity, and also suggest that steroid-mediated actions in the VMN may lead to changes in serotonergic activity in the IMCG and PVE.
Detection of HBr and upper limit for HOBr: bromine partitioning in the stratosphere

We determine mixing ratio profiles for HBr and upper limits for HOBr in the stratosphere with precisions up to 1.7 and 4.8 parts per trillion, respectively, using the combined data from 7 flights of our far-infrared spectrometer. The measurements suggest that in the range 22–34 km the average mixing ratio of HBr is 2.0±0.8, and that the average mixing ratio of HOBr is less than 2.8 ppt. Our measurements of HBr are in reasonable agreement with a photochemical model which includes 0 or 2% production of HBr through the reaction of BrO with HO2, but in strong disagreement with a model including 5 or 10% HBr production.
Results of coronary angioplasty using the transluminal extraction catheter.

Abstract To assess the procedural results after coronary angioplasty using the transluminal extraction catheter (TEC) in patients with complex lesion anatomy, experience with 51 patients undergoing this procedure was reviewed. One or more adverse lesion morphologic features were present in 45 patients (88%) and ≥2 adverse features were present in 38 (74%). Procedural success (
Structural basis for MutH activation in E.coli mismatch repair and relationship of MutH to restriction endonucleases.

MutS, MutL and MutH are the three essential proteins for initiation of methyl‐directed DNA mismatch repair to correct mistakes made during DNA replication in Escherichia coli . MutH cleaves a newly synthesized and unmethylated daughter strand 5′ to the sequence d(GATC) in a hemi‐methylated duplex. Activation of MutH requires the recognition of a DNA mismatch by MutS and MutL. We have crystallized MutH in two space groups and solved the structures at 1.7 and 2.3 A resolution, respectively. The active site of MutH is located at an interface between two subdomains that pivot relative to one another, as revealed by comparison of the crystal structures, and this presumably regulates the nuclease activity. The relative motion of the two subdomains in MutH correlates with the position of a protruding C‐terminal helix. This helix appears to act as a molecular lever through which MutS and MutL may communicate the detection of a DNA mismatch and activate MutH. With sequence homology to Sau 3AI and structural similarity to Pvu II endonuclease, MutH is clearly related to these enzymes by divergent evolution, and this suggests that type II restriction endonucleases evolved from a common ancestor.
The composition of honey. III. Detection of acetylandromedol in toxic honeys

Abstract 1. 1. Paper electrophoresis of chloroform extracts of two honey samples suspected to be toxic has shown them to contain acetylandromedol, confirmed by the infrared spectrum of the isolated compound. 2. 2. Both samples were shown by pollen analysis to originate largely from mountain laurel.
On the dynamic behaviour of the Timoshenko beam finite elements

First, various finite element models of the Timoshenko beam theory for static analysis are reviewed, and a novel derivation of the 4 × 4 stiffness matrix (for the pure bending case) of the superconvergent finite element model for static problems is presented using two alternative approaches: (1) assumed-strain finite element model of the conventional Timoshenko beam theory, and (2) assumed-displacement finite element model of a modified Timoshenko beam theory. Next, dynamic versions of various finite element models are discussed. Numerical results for natural frequencies of simply supported beams are presented to evaluate various Timoshenko beam finite elements. It is found that the reduced integration element predicts the natural frequencies accurately, provided a sufficient number of elements is used.
Internal standardization and calibration of surface acoustic wave chemical sensor systems

Prototype surface acoustic wave chemical sensor systems are described, which can detect and identify toxic vapors in real-time at trace concentrations. To operate autonomously for long periods, without failure, requires a thorough understanding of the hardware and software requirements of the sensor system. The SAWCAD and SAWRHINO prototypes, which implement several improvements to the hardware, over previously developed systems, are described. Software for vapor detection and neural network identification are also discussed. Preliminary results from two new software enhancements are described. Improved chemical discrimination occurs when the response slopes are incorporated into the analysis of the SAW ambient data. The generalized rank annihilation method is shown to be a powerful tool for extracting pure component analyte signatures from trap and purge gas solid chromatographic SAW data.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Application of 40Ar39Ar laser-probe and step-heating techniques to the dating of diagenetic K-feldspar overgrowths

Abstract The feasibility of determining the age of diagenetic K-feldspar overgrowths utilizing 40 Ar 39 Ar step-heating and laser-probe dating techniques was tested on samples from the Lower Cretaceous arkoses of the Angola offshore basin. A previous study of these samples combining cathodoluminescence and K Ar dating indicated that the K-feldspar diagenetic overgrowths were 98 ±16 Ma and the detrital cores were 516 ± 26 Ma. Conventional 40 Ar 39 Ar step-heating of overgrown grains from the bulk K-feldspar fraction failed to unambiguously distinguish detrital from diagenetic ages. Similarly, step-heating analysis of overgrowth concentrates (>84% diagenetic) did not yield any distinct plateau age attributable to the diagenetic K-feldspar. Detrital and diagenetic K-feldspars from the arkoses studied appear to release their Ar over similar ranges of temperature. Partial laser fusion of individual overgrown grains, using lowenergy, short-duration laser pulses carefully focussed on the overgrowth, yielded mixed ages, with Ar contributed from both the overgrowth and the core. Heat conduction calculations indicate that conductive heating through the core-overgrowth boundary is not responsible for partial degassing of the core. Rather, beam scattering along intragrain structural defects and incipient melting of the core must occur. A more successful approach involved total laser fusion of individual grains from the overgrowth concentrates, which were physically separated from their detrital core. One limitation of this approach was that because of the young age and the small size of the diagenetic feldspar, simultaneous fusion of several grains was required for accurate age determination. Our results suggest that future investigations will greatly benefit from the use of on-line cathodoluminescence capability to reduce the possibility of contamination by detrital material and the use of a laser beam whose wavelength is strongly absorbed by diagenetic K-feldspar.
DOES A PATIENT CONTRACT IMPROVE FOLLOW-UP WITH BARIATRIC PATIENTS?

Purpose: Postoperative follow-up for bariatric patients is essential to avoid complications and maximize the benefits of obesity surgery. Recent experience at our bariatric center revealed extremely low compliance with follow-up appointments. The purpose of our study was to institute a preoperative patient contract and evaluate its effect on compliance with follow-up appointments. Methods: During the past 4 months a patient contract has been incorporated into our preoperative clinical pathway. The contract emphasizes keeping all follow-up appointments and rescheduling missed appointments. Contracts were signed by both patients and a member of the bariatric team, given to patients and placed in the chart. We retrospectively reviewed the compliance with follow-up for patients who signed the contract and for patients that were not offered the contract during the study interval. Analysis was performed using a chi-square test (p 0.05) 250.
Changes in rat cartilage mucopolysaccharide with age and radiation.

BS>A sulfatad raucopolysaccharide containing equimolar quantities of uronic acid and hexosamine was obtained from rat costal cantilage by digestion with trypsin. Its concentration decreased with age. A second MP8 not released by trypsin also contained equimolar quantities of uronic acid and hexosamine but incorporated little or no sulfate in a 24-hour period. The concentration of the latter MPS in cartilage reraained relatively constant between ages 115 and 624 days. Whole-bedy x irradiation of young rats did not affect the concentration of either MPS in later life. (auth)
Experiments to Produce a Hydrodynamically Unstable, Spherically Diverging System of Relevance to Instabilities in Supernovae

Results of the first spherically diverging, hydrodynamically unstable laboratory experiments of relevance to supernovae (SNe) are reported. The experiments are accomplished by using laser radiation to explode a hemispherical capsule, having a perturbed outer surface, which is embedded within a volume of low-density foam. The evolution of the experiment, like that of a supernova, is well described by the Euler equations. We have compared the experimental results to those of two-dimensional simulations using both a radiation-hydrodynamics code and a pure hydrodynamics code with front tracking.
Efficient Choice Designs for a Consider-Then-Choose Model

Existing research on choice designs focuses exclusively on compensatory models that assume that all available alternatives are considered in the choice process. In this paper, we develop a method to construct efficient designs for a two-stage, consider-then-choose model that involves a noncompensatory screening process at the first stage and a compensatory choice process at the second stage. The method applies to both conjunctive and disjunctive screening rules. Under certain conditions, the method also applies to the subset conjunctive and disjunctions of conjunctions screening rules. Based on the local design criterion, we conduct a comparative study of compensatory and conjunctive designs---the former are optimized for a compensatory model and the latter for a two-stage model that uses conjunctive screening in its first stage. We find that conjunctive designs have higher level overlap than compensatory designs. This occurs because level overlap helps pinpoint screening behavior. Higher overlap of conjunctive designs is also accompanied by lower orthogonality, less level balance, and more utility balance. We find that compensatory designs have a significant loss of design efficiency when the true model involves conjunctive screening at the consideration stage. These designs also have much less power than conjunctive designs in identifying a true consider-then-choose process with conjunctive screening. In contrast, when the true model is compensatory, the efficiency loss from using a conjunctive design is lower. Also, conjunctive designs have about the same power as compensatory designs in identifying a true compensatory choice process. Our findings make a strong case for the use of conjunctive designs when there is prior evidence to support respondent screening.
Chagas' Disease — Can We Stop the Deaths?

The lethality of Chagas' heart disease is undisputed. Dr. James Maguire writes that difficult challenges lie ahead for the elimination of transmission and millions of people remain chronically infected.
Evidence for the removal of CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113 at the groundwater–surface water interface in the Everglades

Abstract Poor agreement between 3 H/ 3 He ages and CFC-11 and CFC-12 ages suggests that CFCs may not be conservative tracers in the Everglades National Park. 3 H/ 3 He ages were used to calculate the expected concentration of CFC-11 and CFC-12 in groundwater from wells 2 to 73 m deep. The expected concentrations of CFCs were compared to the measured concentrations and plots of the % CFC-12 and CFC-11 remaining offered no evidence that significant CFC removal was occurring in the groundwater at depths ≥2 m, suggesting that CFC removal occurs at shallower depths. Except where CFC contamination was suspected, CFC-11, CFC-12 and CFC-113 concentrations in fresh surface water were nearly always below solubility equilibrium with the atmosphere. Measurements of CFC-11, CFC-12 and CFC-113 in pore water indicate a 50–90% decrease in concentration 5 cm below the groundwater–surface water (GW–SW) interface. In the same 5 cm interval CH 4 concentrations increased by 300–1000%. This suggested that CFCs were removed at the GW–SW interface, possibly by methane-producing bacteria. CFC derived recharge ages should therefore be viewed with caution when recharging water percolates through anoxic methanogenic sediments.
Rice Response to Phosphorus Fertilizer Application Rate and Timing on Alkaline Soils in Arkansas

Phosphorus deficiency of rice (Oryza saliva L.) in Arkansas occurs almost exclusively on alkaline silt loam soils. Phosphorus-deficient rice has been observed where P fertilizer was applied near the time of seeding, which suggests that fertilizer P is rapidly converted to a form not available to flooded rice on alkaline soils. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate rice response to P fertilizer applied at different times. Field studies were established in six commercial rice fields. Three rates of P (9.8, 19.6, and 39.1 kg P ha -1 ) were applied at four different times during the growing season including preemergence (PRE), preflood (PF), 5 to 10 d postflood (POF), or at midseason (MS) and compared with an untreated control. Significant grain yield increases were measured at two of the six locations. Grain yields were maximized by application of 19.6 kg P ha -1 at the two highly responsive sites with yield increases of 24 to 41%. Application of P fertilizer PRE, PF, and POF were superior to MS applications, which were not different from the control. Phosphorus concentration in harvested grain was not affected by time or rate of P fertilizer application. The average grain P content represented 56 to 75% of the total P in the aboveground portion of rice at physiological maturity. Broadcast applications of P fertilizer to the soil surface between seeding and active tillering were equally effective at increasing rice yields and optimizing P uptake on the P deficient soils.
EFFECT OF EPINEPHRINE ON CARDIAC RHYTHM DURING ANESTHESIA WITH METHOXYFLURANE (PENTHRANE®) AND TRIFLUOROETHYL VINYL ETHER (FLUOROMAR®)

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Es wurden drei Versuchsserien an nicht praemedizierten Bastardhunden durchgefuhrt, bei denen man nach 25 Minuten Narkose mit 1% Methoxyfluran (Penthrane) sowie mit 4% bzw. 4,8% Trifluoroaethylvinylaether (Fluoromar) Epinephrin zur Provokation injizierte. Zur Uberwachung des Herzrhythmus wurde ein Elektrokardiogramm (Ableitung 2) angelegt. Faktoren, die die kardiovaskulaere Reaktion gegenuber diesen Narkosemitteln verstarken konnten, wurden im wesentlichen durch adequate Lungenventilation, kontrollierte Verdampfung des Narkosemittels und eine gleichmassige, erfahrungsgemass ohne starkeres Ansteigen oder Absinken des Blutdruckes einhergehende Narkosetiefe ausgeschaltet. Herzkammerflimmern und Tod als Folge der Epinephrininjektion trat bei einem der 12 Hunde, die 1% Methoxyfluran und bei einem der 12 Hunde, die 4% Trifluoroaethylvinylaether erhalten hatten, ein. Die meisten Tiere entwickelten wahrend dieser Versuche potentiell todliche Arrhythmien. Die Reaktion von Hunden auf eine Epinephrininjektion ist weniger gefahrlich wahrend der Narkose mit Methoxyfluran und mit Trifloroaethylvinylaether als unter Zyklopropan, Trichloraethylen und Halothan. Diese Experimente zeigen jedoch, dass bei der klinischen Anwendung dieser Mittel selbst unter idealen Bedingungen das Risiko einer Epinephrinanwendung nicht gerechtfertigt ist, es sei denn, man gibt Epinephrin in grosser Verdunnung (1:200.000) und in sehr kleinen Mengen.
Homologues of archaeal rhodopsins in plants, animals and fungi: structural and functional predications for a putative fungal chaperone protein.

Abstract The microbial rhodopsins (MR) are homologous to putative chaperone and retinal-binding proteins of fungi. These proteins comprise a coherent family that we have termed the MR family. We have used modeling techniques to predict the structure of one of the putative yeast chaperone proteins, YRO2, based on homology with bacteriorhodopsins (BR). Availability of the structure allowed depiction of conserved residues that are likely to be of functional significance. The results lead us to predict an extracellular protein folding function and a transmembrane proton transport pathway. We suggest that protein folding is energized by a novel mechanism involving the proton motive force. We further show that MR family proteins are distantly related to a family of fungal, animal and plant proteins that include the human lysosomal cystine transporter (LCT) of man (cystinosin), mutations in which cause cystinosis. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of both the MR family and the LCT family are reported. Proteins in both families are of the same approximate size, exhibit seven putative transmembrane α-helical spanners (TMSs) and show limited sequence similarity. We show that the LCT family arose by an internal gene duplication event and that TMSs 1–3 are homologous to TMSs 5–7. Although the same could not be demonstrated statistically for MR family members, homology with the LCT family suggests (but does not prove) a common evolutionary pathway. Thus, TMSs 1–3 and 5–7 in both LCT and MR family members may share a common origin, accounting for their shared structural features.
Sensing nanomechanical motion with a shot-noise limited microwave cavity interferometer

We measure the motion of a nanomechanical oscillator with precision beyond the standard quantum limit, by using a microwave interferometer that operates near the shot-noise limit.
Registration of 'Eldorado' pinto bean

‘Eldorado’ (Reg. No. CV-302, PI 665012) pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), which was developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2012 as an upright, full-season, disease-resistant cultivar. Eldorado, tested as MSU breeding line P07863, was developed using the single-seed-descent breeding method to the F 4 generation followed by pedigree selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 5 yr of fi eld trials, Eldorado yielded 3364 kg ha −1 , fl owered in 42 d, and matured in 98 d. Plants averaged 53 cm in height, with a lodging-resistance score of 1.9 and a seed size of 43 g 100 seed −1 . Eldorado combines exceptional yield potential and erect architecture with full-season maturity in the pinto seed type. Eldorado has resistance to lodging and high pod placement within the plant structure, making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow-row production systems. The upright architecture also contributes to avoidance of white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary], a disease intensifi ed by narrow-row production systems. In irrigated trials designed to promote the development of white mold disease, Eldorado had 30% incidence over 5 yr compared with other pinto cultivars that had from 42 to 72% white mold incidence. Eldorado possesses resistance to specifi c races of rust, virus, and anthracnose. Eldorado has a large, mottled, dry-bean seed that meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the pinto bean seed class.
Creating disseminator champions for evidence-based practice in health professions education: An educational case report

Summary Introduction In today's healthcare environment, it is a necessity to prepare nurses and other health professionals to provide and disseminate evidence-based practices (EBP) throughout their careers. Purpose This educational case report describes a health professional education program's successful endeavor to educate and create evidence-based champions. Case Description The presented model for developing evidence-based practitioners is based on two distinct phases. Phase one is for EBP skill development and includes preparing students how to read, analyze and discuss levels of evidence within the didactic and clinical curriculum. Phase two is focused on developing dissemination skills by requiring students to complete a clinical case report project with the assistance of academic and clinical faculty mentors. Phase three reviews outcomes of the project and phase four provides the mechanism for future plans. Based on quality, student and faculty interest, a select number of case reports are chosen for presentation at a university Research Day as well as submitted for state and national conferences to further disseminate findings. Outcomes This educational activity had positive outcomes including: increased student participation, Clinical Instructors and faculty scholarship, and dissemination of EBP. Data demonstrates student interest in presenting at Research Day to have steadily increased during the 3-year period of this endeavor. Dissemination occurred at university (n = 22), state (n = 13) and national (n = 9) levels. Additional educational benefits derived from this project included, 1) broader participation of clinical settings, 2) requests by additional clinics to participate for purposes of developing EBP and scholarly presentation skills of clinicians, and 3) increased opportunity for academic faculty to continue engagement in contemporary clinical practice. Conclusion The evolution of this case report project has allowed an academic requirement to become a marker of distinguished commitment to professional advancement.
Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted renal and abdominal MR imaging: quantitative discrepancy between clinical and in vitro findings.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives This study was conducted to compare the magnetic resonance (MR) contrast medium enhancement of abdominal organs in vivo with the signal intensity (SI) values of known in vitro gadolinium solutions. Materials and Methods A phantom was imaged with the MR contrast medium gadodiamide (Omniscan; Nycomed, Princeton, NJ) of solutions at full-strength (0.5 mmol/mL), one-third, 1/10, and 1/100 concentrations. A fat-suppressed fast spoiled gradient-echo pulse sequence with flip angles ranging from 10° to 170° (at 20° increments) was performed with a 1.5-T magnet. In 12 subjects, the SIs of abdominal organs were determined with identical imaging parameters, before and after administration of gadodiamide injection at 0.1 mmol/kg. Results As anticipated, the plot of SI in relation to gadodiamide concentration is nonlinear, with a decrease in SI due to T2 effects at concentrations above 0.05 mmol/mL. The kidney showed the highest SI after gadodiamide enhancement (125.2 ± 11.6 [standard error] at 2.5 minutes), followed by the liver (76.5 ± 11.5 at 1 minute) and spleen (57.26 ± 9.35 at 30 seconds). The SI of the renal medulla (114.2 ± 9.8 at 4.5 minutes) was approximately one-third that in phantom observations. Conclusion The authors observed a marked discrepancy between empirical contrast medium performance in abdominal organs and SI values for comparable gadodiamide concentrations in vitro. One possible reason is the intracellular compartmentalization of water molecules in vivo. These results suggest a need for a better understanding of MR contrast medium performance in vivo.