cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mercury levels in surface waters of the Carson River-Lahontan Reservoir system, Nevada: Influence of historic mining activities.

Abstract Total mercury (HgT), methylmercury (MeHg), and other operationally defined Hg species were determined on water samples collected from a river-reservoir system impacted by historic mine wastes. Simultaneously, a comprehensive study was undertaken to determine the influence of some major physico-chemical parameters on the fate of Hg within the system. Total Hg levels showed an increase from background concentrations of 4 ng liter−1 upstream of mining activity, to peak values of 1500–2100 ng liter−1 downstream of Hg contaminated mine tailings piles. MeHg concentrations varied from 0.1 to 7 ng liter−1 in surface waters. In both cases, peak values were associated with the highest concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS). Particulate Hg (HgP) was typically >50% of HgT and increased downstream. The dissolved fraction of MeHg (MeHgD) always constituted a large portion of total methylmercury (MeHgT). The [MeHg T ] [Hg T ] ratio decreased downstream suggesting either a high percentage of inorganic Hg input from point sources, or low specific rates of MeHg production within the aquatic system. The latter could be due to the combined effects on microbial populations of both high levels of Hg concentrations found in water and sediments, and other factors related to the aqueous geochemistry of the system. Concentrations of HgT in the water column appeared to be enhanced by inputs of contaminated particles from the watershed during spring snow melt. In the reservoir, significant losses of Hg from the water column were observed. In addition to losses of Hg bound to particles by sedimentation, the removal through volatilization of dissolved gaseous Hg could be an important pathway.
The Effects of Self-Regulatory Training on Dietary Behavior in an Undergraduate Nutrition Class

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating self-regulatory strategies into a nutrition education curriculum. A challenging task for nutrition educators is to foster dietary behavior change in our students. Studies have shown that knowledge is a necessary but not sufficient condition for dietary change. Researchers have been successful in improving dietary behavior using a mixture of behavioral techniques, however, no attempt has been made to compare individual treatments with one another. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating two self-regulatory strategies (goal setting and self-monitoring) into a nutrition education class to enhance dietary fiber self-efficacy and foster a positive change in dietary fiber consumption. Students from an introductory nutrition class (N = 113) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions: goal setting (GS), self-monitoring (SM), goal setting + self-monitoring (GS + SM), and no goal setting + no self-monitoring (no GS + no SM). Goal setting had a significant main effect on dietary fiber self-efficacy (F (1,108) = 4.4, p (1,108) = 54.8, p
The temptation-coping questionnaire: Development and validation

Abstract This study describes the development and validation of the Temptation-Coping Questionnaire (TCQ). The TCQ is designed to assess high-school students' coping with situations presenting temptations for substance use. A principal components analysis of the questionnaire was conducted on data from 545 adolescents in Grades 9 to 12. Analyses yielded two coping components, of which one was retained following examination of construct and criterion validity. The resulting TCQ component was strongly correlated with measures of situation appraisal and predicted current substance use. The findings of this investigation are interpreted to provide support for the validity of the TCQ and initial evidence for the utility of the temptation-coping construct when applied to a general high-school population. These results reinforce the importance of behavioral and cognitive strategies for managing temptations to use alcohol, drugs, or both.
How Adults Learn from Self‐Paced, Technology‐Based Corporate Training: New focus for learners, new focus for designers

How do adults learn from self‐paced, technology‐based corporate training, which they select based on its relevance to their current employment responsibilities? Specifically, how do adults use the following learning strategies: prior experience, reflection, metacognition, conversations, generative learning strategies, and authentic experiences? Based on a recent dissertation research investigation, the author found that learning starts with, and is sustained by, metacognition which was defined as self‐assessment and self‐correction. While learners using metacognition is by no means a new phenomenon, learners using metacognition significantly more often than other learning strategies has important implications for the design of new generations of online distance instruction. Similarly, that learners frequently use conversations to learn from self‐paced, technology‐based training strongly suggests that dialogs and discussions are important in the design of these new ways of learning.
The uptake of soluble and particulate antigens by epithelial cells in the mouse small intestine.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) overlying the villi play a prominent role in absorption of digested nutrients and establish a barrier that separates the internal milieu from potentially harmful microbial antigens. Several mechanisms by which antigens of dietary and microbial origin enter the body have been identified; however whether IECs play a role in antigen uptake is not known. Using in vivo imaging of the mouse small intestine, we investigated whether epithelial cells (enterocytes) play an active role in the uptake (sampling) of lumen antigens. We found that small molecular weight antigens such as chicken ovalbumin, dextran, and bacterial LPS enter the lamina propria, the loose connective tissue which lies beneath the epithelium via goblet cell associated passageways. However, epithelial cells overlying the villi can internalize particulate antigens such as bacterial cell debris and inert nanoparticles (NPs), which are then found co-localizing with the CD11c+ dendritic cells in the lamina propria. The extent of NP uptake by IECs depends on their size: 20–40 nm NPs are taken up readily, while NPs larger than 100 nm are taken up mainly by the epithelial cells overlying Peyer's patches. Blocking NPs with small proteins or conjugating them with ovalbumin does not inhibit their uptake. However, the uptake of 40 nm NPs can be inhibited when they are administered with an endocytosis inhibitor (chlorpromazine). Delineating the mechanisms of antigen uptake in the gut is essential for understanding how tolerance and immunity to lumen antigens are generated, and for the development of mucosal vaccines and therapies.
Resistance of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), larvae in Michigan to insecticides with different modes of action and the impact on field residual activity.

BACKGROUND: The codling moth is one of the principal pests of apple in the world. Resistance monitoring is crucial to the effective management of resistance in codling moth. Three populations of codling moth in neonate larvae were evaluated for resistance to seven insecticides via diet bioassays, and compared with a susceptible population. In addition, apple plots were treated with labeled field rate doses of four insecticides. Treated fruit were exposed to neonate larvae of two populations from commercial orchards. RESULTS: Two populations of codling moth expressed two- and fivefold resistance to azinphos-methyl, seven- and eightfold resistance to phosmet, six- and tenfold resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin, 14- and 16-fold resistance to methoxyfenozide and sixfold resistance to indoxacarb, but no resistance to acetamiprid and spinosad. The impact of the resistance to azinphos-methyl, measured as fruit damage, increased as the insecticide residues aged in the field. In contrast, fruit damage in methoxyfenozide- and lambda-cyhalothrin-treated fruit was observed earlier for resistant codling moth. No differences in efficacy were found for acetamiprid. CONCLUSIONS: Broad-spectrum insecticide resistance was detected for codling moth. Resistance to azinphos-methyl, lambda-cyhalothrin and methoxyfenozide was associated with reduced residual activity in the field. Broad-spectrum resistance presents serious problems for management of the codling moth in Michigan. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Manganese(III) Schiff Base Complexes: Chemistry Relevant to the Copolymerization of Epoxides and Carbon Dioxide

Schiff base complexes of the form (acacen)MnIIIX (acacen = N,N‘-bis(acetylacetone)-1,2-ethylenediimine), where X = OAc, Cl, or N3, have been evaluated for their ability to couple CO2 and cyclohexene oxide in the presence of a variety of cocatalysts to provide cyclic or polycarbonates. These complexes proved to be ineffective at catalyzing this process; however, valuable information related to the coordination chemistry of these manganese Schiff bases was elucidated. Of importance, mechanistic findings as revealed by comprehensive studies involving structurally related (salen)CrX and (salen)CoX complexes strongly support the requirement of six-coordinate metal species for the effective copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides. In the case of these Mn(III) complexes, it was determined that in chloroform or toluene solution a five-coordinate species was greatly favored over a six-coordinate species even in the presence of 20 equiv or more of various Lewis bases. Significantly epoxide monomers such as propylene o...
Scientific management and social responsibility: evidence from the role of women in the New York Bureau of Municipal Research

Analyzes the role of women in the New York Bureau of Municipal Research (BMR) in the early years of the twentieth century. It shows that early practitioners of urban‐oriented scientific management had close ties to the reform/social‐work community.
Algebraic method applied to the pairing interaction

Abstract The algebraic approach to the theory of collective motion is applied to the pairing interaction with two or three non-degenerate levels of arbitrary degeneracy each. A closed set of non-linear algebraic equations for observables referring to the lowest-lying levels of even nuclei is derived from the relevant quasispin algebra and from the equations of motion. Number conservation and blocking can both be taken into account. The solutions agree remarkably well with exact solutions even for small systems.
Unsteady thermocline degradation in a fluid-saturated, porous medium

Abstract A numerical model is developed to describe unsteady, three-dimensional, natural convective flows in a fluid-saturated, porous medium having a rectangular volume with impervious walls and finite heat transfer at the boundaries. The model is used to predict the transient decay of a thermocline in a packed bed during a period of stagnation in which there is zero net flow and no energy input into the bed. The computed results compare favorably with experimental data from a packed bed consisting of air and natural stone of mixed sizes and irregular shapes. The results show an upward shift in the position of maximum temperature along the vertical centerline of the bed and confirm the important influence of internal convection on the process. The results also demonstrate that a purely diffusive model would be incapable of a reliable predication. Further, the recognition of finite heat transfer rates at the boundaries is shown to be a significant factor in improving the predictive capability of the model.
Sediment toxicity and stormwater runoff in a contaminated receiving system: consideration of different bioassays in the laboratory and field

Several field and laboratory assays were employed below an urban storm sewer outfall to define the relationship between stormwater runoff and contaminant effects. Specifically, two bioassays that measure feeding rate as a toxicological endpoint were employed in the field and in the laboratory, along with bioassays measuring survival and growth of test organisms. In 7 to 10 d in situ exposures, amphipod leaf disc processing, growth and survival were monitored. Different exposure scenarios were investigated by varying the mesh size (74 pm or 250 pm mesh) and method of deployment (water column, sediment surface, or containing sediment) of in situ exposure chambers. Hyalella azteca, Daphnia magna, and Pimephales promelas survival were monitored in 48 h in situ exposures. Feeding inhibition was investigated via enzyme inhibition of H. azteca and D. magna and via leaf disc processing measurements of the detritivore H. azteca. Additionally, we investigated the extent of phototoxicity at this site via field exposures in sun and shade and laboratory exposures with and without UV light. The measurement of detritivore leaf disc processing, and thus its usefulness as an endpoint, was hindered by individual variability in the amount of leaf consumed and by leaf weight gain during the summer field exposures. For D. magna, enzyme inhibition measured in a laboratory exposure did not reveal the toxicity observed in field exposures. For H. azteca, enzyme inhibition measured in the laboratory indicated toxicity similar to that observed in short term chronic in situ exposures. Enzyme inhibition also did not detect differences in toxicity due to variations in flow conditions. There were no statistically significant effects of any exposure on P. promelas survival or H. azteca growth, there were no statistically significant effects due to mesh size or sun exposure. Survival of H. azteca was the most sensitive and the least variable endpoint. Effects on survival were noted in the same treatments over short-term chronic exposures in the laboratory and in situ. Significant differences in survival were noted due to the method of deployment under low flow conditions. In situ chambers containing sediment resulted in greater mortality in the 10 d low flow in situ experiments. Under high flow conditions, significant reductions in survival and leaf disc processing were noted under all methods of deployment at the two impacted sites over a 7 d exposure. Also under high flow conditions, significantly greater mortality of H. azteca was reported at the downstream field site when sediment was included in the chamber at deployment. These results suggest that significant toxicity at this site is due to accumulation of contaminants in the sediment and the mobilization of these contaminants during a storm event. In situ exposures detected toxicity not observed in laboratory exposures. These results suggest that a combination of laboratory and field bioassays is most useful in defining field effects.
Child abuse and dentistry: orofacial trauma and its recognition by dentists

Orofacial trauma was found in 49% of 260 documented cases of child abuse seen during of five-year period at the Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston. An additional 16% of the cases involved head trauma; the total percentage of head and facial trauma was 65%. Head or facial trauma was the principal reason for admission to the hospital in 45% of the cases. A survey of 537 dentists in Massachusetts showed that the majority were unaware of their legal and social responsibilities to report suspected cases of child abuse. Eleven percent of all dentists surveyed saw orofacial trauma cases that were of a suspicious nature, by only 22 confirmed cases of child abuse were noted by the dentists. Of these, only four were reported to social agencies. In general, oral surgeons and pedodontists saw a higher percentage of these cases and were more aware of their responsibilities than were general practitioners.
Evidence for the metabolism of bumetanide in man.

Abstract Following the oral administration of 14 C-bumetanide to four male volunteers, approximately 81% of the dose was excreted in the urine within 48 hrs. The remaining 14 C was found in the feces and had entered the intestine via the bile. Benzene extraction of urine at pH 3.2 quantitatively extracted bumetanide from its metabolites and indicated that 63.5% of urinary 14 C was unchanged bumetanide. Metabolites identified to data indicate metabolism occurring on the butyl side chain, with the primary alcohol being the major metabolite. Conjugates of these metabolites and of bometanide were also found in the urine. Only conjugates of bumetanide and its metabolites were found in the bile.
Reversibility of Water Vapor Sorption by Cottage Cheese Whey Solids

Abstract Desorption isotherms for water vapor from cottage cheese whey solids vary with the way water is first sorbed by the whey solids. When water is sorbed progressively in small increments between zero pressure and saturation pressure, the powder becomes more porous during lactose crystallization. Subsequent desorption data follow a sigmoid pattern as a function of relative pressure. More water is desorbed from the powder than could be removed by evacuation before exposure to water vapor. Lactic acid also is desorbed from the whey solids under these conditions. A sigmoid desorption isotherm representing higher moisture contents at all relative pressures is obtained when moisture sorption is accomplished in a single step at or near the saturation pressure. The latter type of desorption is considered more representative of the dehydration process in powder manufacture as moisture versus vapor pressure data for whey concentrates adhere closely to this isotherm. Cottage cheese whey concentrates contained more moisture than Cheddar cheese whey concentrates at the same relative pressure.
Dynamic Tessellation to Ensure K-anonymity

Smart phone-powered data collection systems are rapidly becoming an effective method of gathering field data. One major challenge of using smart phones to collect data is the ability to link smart phone metadata, such as location at a specific time, back to the user -- thereby violating the privacy of that individual. A promising approach to helping ensure user privacy is through geographical k-anonymity, which attempts to ensure that every gathered data reading is geographically indistinguishable from k-1 other readings. The approach helps prevent precise localization of the user or reverse engineering of reported data by leveraging the user's known location. This paper presents a dynamic tessellation algorithm for k-anonymity that provides better privacy preservation and data reporting precision than previous static algorithms for k-anonymity. The paper presents empirical results from a real world data set that demonstrate the improvements in privacy provided by the algorithm.
Fixed-point arithmetic on a budget: Comparing probabilistic and reduced-precision addition

Probabilistic CMOS technology or PCMOS, is an ultra-low-power solution particularly well suited to multimedia applications. Novel results are presented here showing that PCMOS computes with less error and less power than reduced-bit-width, or truncated, deterministic arithmetic due to quantization noise injected by limited-precision, fxed-point processing. Simulation results, derived from physical layout of a PCMOS, fixed-point, ripple-carry, adder, are given showing energy savings of up to 2X can be achieved while surpassing the quantization performance of reduced-precision solutions.
The mystery of direct perceptual justification

In at least some cases of justified perceptual belief, our perceptual experience itself, as opposed to beliefs about it, evidences and thereby justifies our belief. While the phenomenon is common, it is also mysterious. There are good reasons to think that perceptions cannot justify beliefs directly, and there is a significant challenge in explaining how they do. After explaining just how direct perceptual justification is mysterious, I considerMichael Huemer’s (Skepticism and the Veil of Perception, 2001) and Bill Brewer’s (Perception and Reason, 1999) recent, but radically different, attempts to eliminate it. I argue that both are unsuccessful, though a consideration of their mistakes deepens our appreciation of the mystery.
Relationships between reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for prostate specific antigen, survival, and various prognostic laboratory factors in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer

Abstract The detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the bloodstream of prostate cancer patients has been hypothesized as a prognostic marker, however little data are available concerning the association between this molecular marker and other laboratory values of potential importance. In this study, in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC), relationships were determined between PSA RT-PCR positivity, survival, and various relevant markers including serum PSA, LDH, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and hemoglobin. A total of 19/30 HRPC patients were positive for PSA by RT-PCR. Positivity was significantly linked to serum PSA ( P = 0.004) and serum alkaline phosphatase ( P = 0.026) but not to the other laboratory variables. Median survival time for RT-PCR-positive patients was 9 months, compared to 19 months for RT-PCR-negative patients ( P = 0.035). Median survival time for patients with a hemoglobin ≥11 g/dL was 12 months, compared to 9 months for patients with P = 0.005). Dichotomized (≥ or P = 0.019), indicating that RT-PCR had no independent association with survival after controlling for hemoglobin status in this study.
Noninvasive muscle tension measurement using the novel technique of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)

Abstract A novel method for direct measurement of the state of skeletal muscle contraction is introduced called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). Such a technique is useful for avoiding the indeterminacy inherent in most inverse dynamic models of the musculoskeletal system. Within a standard MRI scanner, mechanical vibration is applied to muscle via the skin, creating shear waves that penetrate the tissue and propagate along muscle fibers. A gradient echo sequence is used with cyclic motion-encoding to image the propagating shear waves using phase contrast. Individual muscles of interest are identified and the shear wavelength in each is measured. Shear wavelength increases with increasing tissue stiffness and increasing tissue tension. Several ankle muscles were tested simultaneously in normal subjects. Applied ankle moment was isometrically resisted at several different foot positions. Shear wavelengths in relaxed muscle in neutral foot position was 2.34±0.47 cm for tibialis anterior (TA) and 3.13±0.24 cm for lateral gastrocnemius (LG). Wavelength increased in relaxed muscle when stretched (to 3.80±0.28 cm for TA in 45° plantar-flexion and to 3.95±0.43 cm for LG in 20° dorsi-flexion). Wavelength increased more significantly with contraction (to 7.71±0.97 cm in TA for 16 N m dorsi-flexion effort and to 7.90±0.34 cm in LG for 48 Nm plantar-flexion effort). MRE has been shown to be sensitive to both passive and active tension within skeletal muscle making it a promising, noninvasive tool for biomechanical analysis. Since it is based on MRI technology, any muscle, however deep, can be interrogated using equipment commonly available in most health care facilities.
Chaperone Interactions of the Small Heat Shock Protein Human αb-Crystallin With Its Physiological Substrate γd-Crystallin and Its Isolated Domains

α-crystallin, a small heat shock protein chaperone, is one of the ubiquitous crystallins in the vertebrate lens, along with the βγ-crystallins. It is a polydisperse complex of ∼800 kD consisting of two subunits (∼20 kD) αA- and αB-crystallin (αA- and αB-Crys). Its chaperone activity involves suppressing aggregation by binding aggregation-prone species. Aggregates isolated from mature-onset cataracts, the major cause of blindness worldwide, contain damaged and misfolded forms of βγ-crystallins. The γ-crystallins are structural, monomeric proteins that consist of four Greek-key motifs organized into two domains. Human γD-crystallin (HγD-Crys) is a stable and long-lived mammalian γ-crystallin localized in the lens nucleus. It can refold in vitro to its native state after unfolding in high concentrations of GdnHCl. However, at very low denaturant concentrations (< 1 M GdnHCl) aggregation of refolding HγD-Crys intermediates competes with productive refolding. We have previously determined that the conformation of the bound HγD-Crys substrate in γD-αB complexes resembles the partially folded intermediate populated during refolding/unfolding equilibrium experiments, which has its N-terminal domain unfolded and its C-terminal domain folded. We have utilized single domain constructs to further characterize the binding interactions of HαB-Crys to different regions of HγD-Crys. The HγD-Crys C-terminal domain construct (γD-Ctd) aggregates upon refolding, while the N-terminal domain construct (γD-Ntd) does not aggregate under similar conditions. However, when γD-Ctd and γD-Ntd are unfolded and refolded together, γD-Ctd recruits γD-Ntd into the aggregate. HαB-Crys can suppress the aggregation of the γD-Ctd and forms γD-Ctd-αB complexes. Using a no-Trp mutant of HαB-Crys (W9F/W60F), we have determined, through the fluorescence emission of γD-Ctd tryptophans, that the γD-Ctd in the γD-Ctd-αB complexes is partially folded. These results provide further insight into how α-crystallin interacts with aggregation-prone substrates in vivo.
Phosphorus Availability to Wheat from Manures, Biosolids, and an Inorganic Fertilizer

A greenhouse study was conducted to assess phosphorus (P) availability (as measured by plant uptake) from various P sources using Kaskaskia winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The phosphorus sources included feces with low, medium, and high P concentrations from a dairy feeding study, whole (unfractionated) manure, fiber manure from a liquid–solid separator, biosolids from a municipal waste treatment facility, and calcium phosphate (CaHPO4). All P sources were applied at 0, 101, and 202 kg total P ha−1 to a sand medium. A randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. Top growth was harvested three times and roots were collected at the final harvest. An identical set of treatments was applied to a growing medium of sand plus 5% Ringwood silt loam soil. Additionally, a sub-experiment was conducted using Ringwood silt loam soil as the growing medium with whole manure, biosolids, and CaHPO4 as the P sources. Wheat total P uptake and total dry matter yield were determined for each treatment....
Response to Foster

progressing. As to the dissertation itself, I spent remarkably little time on it; its logical organization, insightful theoretical orientation, and literate expression left little for me to do. It should be noted, too, that the book Aceves reviews is a major revision of the dissertation, incorporating new field data and theoretical points obtained (or developed) several years after Brandes completed his doctorate. I had no input whatsoever in this final version, and knew neither its form nor content until publication. Migration, Kinship, and Community is Brandes' book, not mine. I think it is a good
Usefulness of Assessment Techniques in Assessing Classification for Emotional Disturbance and Generating Classroom Recommendations

A national survey of specialist school psychologists examined the perceived usefulness of assessment techniques in making decisions regarding eligibility for the educational classification of emotional disturbance and in generating classroom recommendations. Analysis showed measures rated as most useful were interviews with the parent, teacher, and student, observations of the student, and norm-referenced rating scales. Projective techniques were least useful. These findings are important in the context of "best practices" for the multidimensional assessment of emotional disturbance which promotes a more direct link between assessment and intervention.
The role of hope in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To synthesize the literature, develop generalizations, and identify issues that should be evaluated in the future in regard to hope and patients with cancer. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty-six research articles published from 1982-2005 met the criteria for review. Four major themes emerged: (a) exploring the level of hope in patients with cancer, (b) discovering how patients cope with a cancer diagnosis, (c) identifying strategies that patients with cancer commonly use to maintain hope, and (d) identifying nursing interventions used to assist patients with cancer in maintaining and fostering hope. CONCLUSIONS The concept of hope should be developed systematically to extend knowledge and build a logical program of research based on previous studies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses need to develop new interventions to foster patients' hope and new instruments that can be used to measure outcomes.
Muscarinic receptors in lung and trachea: Autoradiographic localization using [3H]quinuclidinyy benzilate

Abstract [3H]Quinuclidinyl benzilate binding to slide-mounted frozen sections of ferret lung was of high affinity ( K d 63 ± 14 pM , mean ± S.E. , n = 4 ), and characteristic of interaction with muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Light microscopic autoradiography showed muscarinic receptors to be localized predominantly to smooth muscle of trachea and intrapulmonary cartilaginous airways, and to submucosal glands. There was much less labelling of bronchiolar smooth muscle, airway epithelium and vascular smooth muscle and no labelling of alveoli. This distribution of receptors parallels that of cholinergic innervation.
Management of allergic rhinitis

We agree with The Lancet that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been increasing and that there is a need for more allergy specialists to manage those patients (June 21, p 2057). Given the current shortage, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommend better training of primarycare providers to manage milder forms of allergic disorders and to work closely with allergy specialists. However, your Editorial also states that pharmacists should “fi ll the cavernous hole of allergy knowledge, treatment, and management.” We strongly disagree with this statement. As you mention, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing. This presents serious cost and quality-oflife issues. Unless a proper diagnosis is made and appropriate environmental control measures are incorporated into a comprehensive management programme, patients are unlikely to achieve optimum control. A task force of the AAAAI and the ACAAI has just released an updated practice parameter on allergic rhinitis, keeping specialists current with the latest research to provide the most eff ective care for those with the disease. Pharmacists remain an important component of the health-care system, but they should not be encouraged to take on a provider role. Allergy specialists working with primary-care providers remains the best option for provision of optimum care.
Toward practical pattern-theoretic ATR algorithms for infrared imagery

Techniques for automatic target recognition (ATR) in forward-looking infrared (FLIR) data based on Grenander's pattern theory are revisited. The goal of this work is to unify two techniques: one for multi-target detection and recognition of pose and target type, and another for structured inference of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal states of complex objects. The multi-target detection/recognition task is accomplished through a Metropolis-Hastings jump-diffusion process that iteratively samples a Bayesian posterior distribution representing the desired parameters of interest in the FLIR imagery. The inference of the targets' thermal states is accomplished through an expansion in terms of "eigentanks" derived from a principle component analysis over target surfaces. These two techniques help capture much of the variability inherent in FLIR data. Coupled with future work on rapid detection and penalization strategies to reduce false alarms, we strive for a unified technique for FLIR ATR following the pattern-theoretic philosophy that may be implemented for practical applications.
The exopolymer secretions (EPS) layer surrounding Aureoumbra lagunensis cells affects growth, grazing, and behavior of protozoa

“Texas brown tide”, a nuisance algal bloom formed by the marine pelagophyte Aureoumbra lagunensis, persisted without interruption from 1990–1997 in Laguna Madre, Texas. We hypothesize that, in addition to other factors, the presence of a mucus layer of exopolymer secretions (EPS) outside its cell wall may have played a role in reducing microzooplankton grazing on A. lagunensis, and therefore contributing to the persistence of the brown tide bloom. Three protozoan species common to the bloom waters fed A. lagunensis with low or high EPS showed significantly reduced growth rates with a high EPS diet. An additional experiment with the ciliate Aspidisca sp. revealed that the lower growth rate was caused by a reduced grazing rate on A. lagunensis with high EPS. A. lagunensis cells with high EPS might be unpalatable to Aspidisca, hence forced it to feed on bacteria as an alternate food source. Also, the EPS mucus might have affected the feeding mechanics of ciliates by adhering to their cilia and clogging their feeding apparatus. Motion analysis of swimming behavior of Aspidisca fed high and low EPS A. lagunensis revealed altered behavior in the presence of high EPS that could affect their grazing efficiency.
Model Studies of the Depletion of Two-Phase Geothermal Reservoirs

This study investigates, for a variety of idealized model reservoirs, the phenomena occuring during production from and injection into two-phase geothermal systems. Using numerical simulation and an analytically solvable lumped-parameter reservoir model, we study systems with uniform initial conditions as well as systems with steam/water interfaces. The main objective is to identify the signature of reservoir characteristics in pressure decline curves for different production and injection strategies. 18 refs.
Digital Readout of Target Binding with Attomole Detection Limits via Enzyme Amplification in Femtoliter Arrays

In this communication, single molecules of β-galactosidase were captured on a 1 mm femtoliter array using biotin−streptavidin binding. The femtoliter arrays, containing 24 000 individual reaction chambers, permit digital concentration readout as the percentage of reaction vessels that successfully capture a target molecule is correlated to the bulk target concentration. This capture and readout approach should prove useful for DNA and antibody assays that utilize an enzyme label to catalyze the generation of a fluorescent signal.
The intersection of Brownian paths as a case study of a renormalization group method for quantum field theory

A new approach is presented for the study of the probability that the random paths generated by two independent Brownian motions in ℝd intersect or, more generally, are within a short distance a of each other. The well known behavior of that function of a-above, below, and at the critical dimension d = 4, as well as further corrections, are derived here by means of a single renormalization group equation. The equation’s derivation is expected to shed some light on the β-function of the λo d 4 quantum field theory.
722 AMYOPLASIA: A DISTINGUISHABLE FORM OF ARTHROGRYPOSIS

A specific type of arthrogryposis has been recognized among 135 (39%) patients in a study of over 350 patients with congenital contractures of the joints in 2 or more body areas. It was designated “amyoplasia” because the condition is characterized by absence of muscle tissue with fibrosis and fatty replacement. A characteristic positioning of the limbs is present at birth. Intelligence is normal and the condition appears to be sporadic with no known familial recurrence. Chances of survival are excellent but disability can be marked. Early mobilization with physical therapy is important. An excess (11/135) of discordant identical twins has been observed. Typically, the shoulders are internally rotated with decreased muscle mass, the elbows are usually extended (70%) with flexion contractures of the wrists and hands. Severe equino varus deformities of the feet are seen in about 90% of the patients. Most affected patients have 4-limb involvement (85/135; 63%), but some have mainly upper limb involvement (17/135; 13%) and others have mainly lower limb involvement (33/135; 24%). The face is usually round with a midline hemangioma. In general, there are no associated visceral malformations; however, deformation anomalies are seen at a higher frequency than expected (amniotic bands, smashed digits, cord wrapping, skin tags, cryptorchidism, craniosynostosis, dislocated radial head, scoliosis, etc.). Pathological studies of muscle and spinal cord have been non-specific.
Genetics and regulatory impact of alternative polyadenylation in human B-lymphoblastoid cells.

Gene expression varies widely between individuals of a population, and regulatory change can underlie phenotypes of evolutionary and biomedical relevance. A key question in the field is how DNA sequence variants impact gene expression, with most mechanistic studies to date focused on the effects of genetic change on regulatory regions upstream of protein-coding sequence. By contrast, the role of RNA 3′-end processing in regulatory variation remains largely unknown, owing in part to the challenge of identifying functional elements in 3′ untranslated regions. In this work, we conducted a genomic survey of transcript ends in lymphoblastoid cells from genetically distinct human individuals. Our analysis mapped the cis-regulatory architecture of 3′ gene ends, finding that transcript end positions did not fall randomly in untranslated regions, but rather preferentially flanked the locations of 3′ regulatory elements, including miRNA sites. The usage of these transcript length forms and motifs varied across human individuals, and polymorphisms in polyadenylation signals and other 3′ motifs were significant predictors of expression levels of the genes in which they lay. Independent single-gene experiments confirmed the effects of polyadenylation variants on steady-state expression of their respective genes, and validated the regulatory function of 3′ cis-regulatory sequence elements that mediated expression of these distinct RNA length forms. Focusing on the immune regulator IRF5, we established the effect of natural variation in RNA 3′-end processing on regulatory response to antigen stimulation. Our results underscore the importance of two mechanisms at play in the genetics of 3′-end variation: the usage of distinct 3′-end processing signals and the effects of 3′ sequence elements that determine transcript fate. Our findings suggest that the strategy of integrating observed 3′-end positions with inferred 3′ regulatory motifs will prove to be a critical tool in continued efforts to interpret human genome variation.
Probe mapping to facilitate transposon-based DNA sequencing.

Abstract A promising strategy for DNA sequencing exploits transposons to provide mobile sites for the binding of sequencing primers. For such a strategy to be maximally efficient, the location and orientation of the transposon must be readily determined and the insertion sites should be randomly distributed. We demonstrate an efficient probe-based method for the localization and orientation of transposon-borne primer sites, which is adaptable to large-scale sequencing strategies. This approach requires no prior restriction enzyme mapping or knowledge of the cloned sequence and eliminates the inefficiency inherent in totally random sequencing methods. To test the efficiency of probe mapping, 49 insertions of the transposon gamma delta (Tn1000) in a cloned fragment of Drosophila melanogaster DNA were mapped and oriented. In addition, oligonucleotide primers specific for unique subterminal gamma delta segments were used to prime dideoxynucleotide double-stranded sequencing. These data provided an opportunity to rigorously examine gamma delta insertion sites. The insertions were quite randomly distributed, even though the target DNA fragment had both A + T-rich and G + C-rich regions; in G + C-rich DNA, the insertions were found in A + T-rich "valleys." These data demonstrate that gamma delta is an excellent choice for supplying mobile primer binding sites to cloned DNA and that transposon-based probe mapping permits the sequences of large cloned segments to be determined without any subcloning.
Cell death after co-administration of cisplatin and ethacrynic acid

Ethacrynic acid (EA) significantly enhances the ototoxic effects of cisplatin. To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying Cis/EA ototoxicity, cochleas were labeled with several apoptotic markers. Cis/EA treatment caused extensive outer hair cell (OHC) and inner hair cell (IHC) damage; OHC lesions decreased from the base towards apex of the cochlea whereas the IHC lesion was relatively constant (25-60%) along the length of the cochlea. Propidium iodide labeled OHC nuclei appeared relatively normal at 6h post-treatment, were condensed and fragmented at 12h post-treatment and were frequently missing 48 h post-treatment. Initiator caspase 8, associated with membrane death receptors, and TRADD, a protein that recruits caspase 8, were present in OHC at 6h post-treatment. Caspase 8 labeling increased from 6 to 24h, but was largely absent at 48 h post-treatment. Executioner caspase 3 and caspase 6, which lie downstream of caspase 8, were expressed in OHC 12-24h post-treatment. Initiator caspase 9, associated with mitochondrial damage, was only expressed at low levels at 48 h post-treatment. These results suggest that the rapid onset of Cis/EA induced programmed cell death is initiated by membrane death receptors associated with TRADD and caspase 8.
Characteristics and Psychosocial Predictors of Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Residential Care.

This study examined characteristics and biopsychosocial predictors of nonsuicidal self-injury in a sample (N = 753) of youth in residential care admitted between 2005 and 2010. To model the data, the authors used t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regressions stratified by gender. Results suggested that 12% of youth engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury during treatment. The authors identified no significant difference between the prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury and demographic information. Results from multiple logistic regression analyses identified that aggression, prior self-harm, and age at placement significantly contributed to nonsuicidal self-injury during residential care. Boys with elevated levels of aggression and a history of prior self-harm and younger girls with elevated aggression were at increased risk of nonsuicidal self-injury during treatment. These findings suggest a 2–3 variable model for classifying youth as being at risk for engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury in re...
Visualization of enzyme phenotypes in plants

Abstract Enzymatic phenotypes can be visualized in situ in leaves of higher plants. Enzymatic visualization is accomplished by a procedure that renders plant cells permeable to a wide range of small molecules while preserving the morphological structure of the tissue and the activity of a wide range of enzymes. This method can be utilized to characterize the morphological distribution of an enzymatic activity and to detect genetic or developmental deviations from that pattern.
Recent Progress in Rarefied Gasdynamics

S of research developments in the mechanics of rarefied gases through 1956 are contained in (1 and 2). The present paper thus will concentrate mostly on work in the field since that date, except for a few brief introductory remarks. The general field of rarefied gasdynamics is concerned with phenomena related to the molecular or noncontinuum nature of a gas flow which may occur at sufficiently low densities. The relative importance of such effects is determined by the ratio of the molecular mean free path X to a characteristic dimension I of the flow field. It has been found convenient to distinguish between flows which are slightly rarefied (X/l ^ 0.01 — 0.1), moderately rarefied (X/l ^ 0.1 — 10) and highly rarefied (X/l > 10). These are usually referred to as "slip flow," "transition flow" and "free molecule flow," respectively. There is by now a rather extensive literature—mostly, but not entirely, experimental—dealing with aerodynamic force and heat characteristics of a variety of geometrical shapes immersed in a low density flow. Geometries so far investigated include: Flat plates, spheres, cylinders, cones, wedges, conecylinders, sphere-nosed cones, and some special developmental configurations. The data of this type available in 1956 are summarized in (3); more recent data are included in the third section of the present report. A number of additional experimental investigations have been carried out for flow situations of basic scientific interest, such as Couette flow, shock structure, and the dispersion and absorption of ultrasonic sound waves. This type of investigation is summarized in (2,4,5 and 6). The general conclusions to be drawn from these investigations are: 1 The "slip flow" regime is dominated by continuum viscous effects describable in terms of the normal NavierStokes formulation. The only important noncontinuum effect appears to be a slight modification in the boundary conditions for the gas flow past a solid surface, where slip velocity and temperature jump phenomena occur. These generally result in relatively small correction terms to be applied to standard continuum viscous results. 2 The "free molecule flow" regime seems to be quite satis-
The decomposition of equilin in oil solution

Equilin decomposes in oil solutions containing peroxides, and is partially converted to equilenin. The decomposition is accelerated by light.
"I Am the Man!" Performing gender and other incongruities.

The following essay details the genesis of the performance "I Am the Man" for the First International Drag King Extravaganza. In it the authors explain both their autobiographical performances and the relationship between their drag performances and transgender theory by linking Shakespeare to queer theory and by overlapping their personal narratives.
Feasibility and compliance studies of a home measurement monitoring program for cystic fibrosis.

Abstract A home measurement monitoring system has been developed for assessing progress and planning changes in care for patients with cystic flbrosis. Daily diary recording of specified measurements, quantitative symptom data, and free text are to be used for early detection of deteriorating trends before serious complications develop. Daily measurements made at home are lung capacity, body weight, breathing rate, and pulse. The program has been in place for the past two years, and has maintained a 75–80% consistent diary response rate among the 111 patients initially committed to the program. Measurements are easy to perform, equipment design is simple and rugged, and data handling routines designed for the program using the INSIGHT clinical data base system perform satisfactorily. Checking for data entry errors and validity checks of home measurements are a regular part of the data handling activity. Patient acceptance and long-term compliance in this program agrees very favorably with reports of other diary programs in chronic disease. Diary compliance was significantly greater among younger patients and those who lived long distances from the hospital. This study has demonstrated that home monitoring is a feasible program for patients with cystic fibrosis. It presents the possibility of detecting adverse health trends earlier than is now practical, so that patients can be treated before serious complications develop, thereby preventing the large fluctuations in health status that often accompany CF.