cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron spin resonance in a dilute magnon gas as a probe of magnon scattering resonances

We study the electron spin resonance in a dilute magnon gas that is realized in a ferromagnetic spin system at low temperature. A quantum cluster expansion is developed to show that the frequency shift of the single-magnon peak changes its sign and the linewidth reaches its maximum across a scattering resonance between magnons. Such characteristic behaviors are universal and can be used to experimentally locate the two-magnon resonance when an external parameter such as pressure is varied. Future achievement of the two-magnon resonance may have an impact comparable to the Feshbach resonance in ultracold atoms and will open up a rich variety of strongly correlated physics such as the recently proposed Efimov effect in quantum magnets. We also suggest how the emergence of an Efimov state of three magnons and its binding energy may be observed with the electron spin resonance.
Synthesis of α-carboranyl-α-acyloxy-amides as potential BNCT agents

Novel α-carboranyl-α-acyloxy-amides were prepared as potential BNCT agents utilizing three component Passerini reaction. Preliminary cytotoxicity of the representative compounds on two brain tumor cell lines (U-87 and A-172) showed no effect on cell viability; an essential requirement for utility as potential BNCT agents.
One versus two years: Does length of exposure to an enhanced preschool program impact the academic functioning of disadvantaged children in kindergarten?

Abstract Research on the effects of preschool dosage on children's early academic functioning has been limited despite the substantial policy implications of such work. The present study adds to a growing literature on this topic by examining how the number of years enrolled in an enhanced preschool program impacts the school readiness of primarily low-income children at kindergarten. Multi-level modeling was used to account for nesting of children within classrooms. To control for potential selection bias since children were not randomly assigned to receive one or two years of preschool, propensity score one-to-one matching was used to create the two participant groups. Receiving a second year of preschool led to significant improvements in children's early literacy and numeracy skills. Implications of these results for preschool interventions are discussed.
Transient convective mass transfer in Krogh tissue cylinders

A compact economical description of transient mass transport in Krogh tissue cylinders is devised. It is based on extensions of the Gill-Subramanian dispersion technique and Sturm-Liouville theory to two-phase systems and takes into account the following aspects of convective mass transfer simultaneously: radial and axial diffusion in both blood and tissue, a localized mass-transfer resistance at the capillary membrane, and an axial diffusion barrier at each end of the cylinder. Numerical examples are provided for two situations of physiological interest: (i) Small lipid-soluble solutes encountering no localized barrier at the capillary membrane, and (ii) hydrophilic solutes, which encounter a very substantial barrier. It is shown that existing one-dimensional chromatographic models are satisfactory for the lipophilic solutes, for what is generally considered a satisfactory set of parameters for describing Krogh cylinders. However, the limitations on this treatment are emphasized, and it is shown how convective dispersion may complicate this picture. For the hydrophilic solutes Taylor dispersion is shown to be much more important than hitherto believed. It appears that existing methods of estimating capillary membrane permeabilities should be revised in the light of these findings.
A Unified Approach to Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

We present a unified expression for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The expression contains a product of three resonance denominators, representing the surface plasmon resonance, the metal-molecule charge-transfer resonance at the Fermi energy, and an allowed molecular resonance. This latter resonance is that from which intensity is borrowed for charge transfer, and when the molecular resonance is active it is responsible for surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy. We examine this expression in various limits, to explore the relative contribution or each resonance. First, we look at the situation in which only the surface plasmon resonance is active and examine the various contributions to the Raman signal, including the surface selection rules. Then we examine additional contributions from charge-transfer or molecular resonances. We show that the three resonances are not totally independent, since they are linked by a product of four matrix elements in the numerator. These linked matrix elements provide comprehensive selection rules for SERS. One involves a harmonic oscillator in the observed normal mode. This is the same mode which appears in the vibronic coupling operator linking one of the states of the allowed molecular resonance to the charge-transfer state. The charge-transfer transition moment is linked to the surface plasmon resonance by the requirement that the transition dipole moment be polarized along the direction of maximum amplitude of the field produced by the plasmon (i.e., perpendicular to the metal surface). We show that these selection rules govern the observed SERS spectral intensities and apply these to the observed spectra of several molecules. We also suggest a quantitative measure of the degree to which charge transfer contributes to the overall SERS enhancement.
Numerical stability analysis for the explicit high-order finite difference analysis of rotationally symmetric shells

A numerical stability analysis has been formulated to accompany the already developed explicit high-order finite difference analysis of rotationally symmetric shells subjected to time-dependent impulsive loadings. This already developed analysis utilizes a constant nodal point spacing for the spatial finite difference mesh, with the governing field differential equations formulated in terms of the transverse, meridional, and circumferential displacements as the fundamental variables. The remaining quantities which enter into the natural boundary conditions at each edge of the shell are incorporated into the complete system of equations by defining those quantities at each boundary in terms of the displacements. Surface loadings and inertia forces in each of the three displacement directions of the shell have been considered in the governing equations. Ordinary finite difference representations are used for the time derivatives. All loadings and dependent variables in the circumferential direction of the shell are expressed in Fourier series expansions. The complete system of equations is solved implicitly for the first time increment, while explicit relations are used to determine the three primary displacements within the boundary edges of the shell for the second and succeeding time increments. Separate implicit solutions at each boundary are then used to determine the remaining unspecified primary variables on and outside the boundaries. Subsequently, the remaining primary variables within the boundary edges of the shell and all secondary variables are determined explicitly. Numerical stability (or instability) of numerical solutions for given choices of spatial and time increments is determined by evaluation of the eigenvalues of the explicit coefficient matrix and comparing the maximum eigenvalue with the requirements of a stability criterion developed before by the author. Solutions for typical shells and loadings together with results of stability analyses have been included, and comparisons of the stability requirements and solutions with the requirements and solutions based upon ordinary spatial finite difference representations are included.
Biomechanical effects of anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior instrumentation techniques on the stability of a multilevel cervical corpectomy construct: a finite element model analysis.

Abstract Background context Multilevel corpectomy, with or without anterior instrumentation, has been associated with both graft and anterior screw-plate complications. The addition of posterior instrumentation after anterior fixation has been shown to increase the overall stiffness of fused segments and decrease the likelihood of instrumentation failure. Little biomechanical information exists for providing guidance in the selection of an appropriate instrumentation technique after a multilevel cervical corpectomy. Clinical studies have also been inconclusive in choosing an optimum fixation strategy. Purpose To test the hypothesis that combined anterior-posterior fixation would lower the stresses on the bone-screw interfaces observed after an isolated anterior fixation and on the graft–end plate interfaces observed after an isolated posterior fixation. Study design A finite element (FE) analysis of a C4–C7 corpectomy fusion with three different fixation techniques: anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior. Methods A previously validated three-dimensional FE model of an intact C3–T1 segment was used. From this intact model, three additional instrumentation models were constructed using anterior (rigid screw-plate), posterior (rigid screw-rod), and combined anterior-posterior fixation techniques following a C4–C7 corpectomy fusion. Construct stability at the cephalad and caudal levels of the corpectomy was assessed. Results Biomechanical comparisons between these instrumentation techniques show the least amount of construct motion in the combined anterior-posterior instrumentation model. The use of both anterior and posterior fixation shields the graft–end plate and screw-bone interfaces from peak stresses as compared with an isolated anterior or an isolated posterior fixation, thereby supporting the hypothesis of this study. Conclusions A combined fixation technique should be balanced against increased operating room time and surgery costs because of dual anterior and posterior fixation and the increased risk of long anterior plating, such as dysphasia, plate or screw dislodgement, or migration. Our study suggests that the use of posterior fixation, whether alone or in combination with anterior fixation, infers comparable stability. Further studies are warranted to identify whether the current findings are consistent with other biomechanical studies.
“Truly Disabled?”: An Analysis of LD Eligibility Issues Under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act

The construct of learning disabilities has been challenged pedagogically, politically, and in the judiciary. Some claim that learning disabilities are socially constructed and created by misdirecte...
Needs assessment survey of vascular interventional education in the diagnostic radiology residency

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of the current vascular interventional radiology (VIR) education on technical and conceptual self-competency in the traditional residency pathway. Materials and Methods Thirty-nine residents (78% response rate) from the 2011 Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) meeting were included. A 38-item questionnaire based on the SIR curriculum was designed to assess the radiology residents’ self-competency in general IR concepts (11 topics), vascular diseases (13 topics), and vascular procedures (14 procedures). Each item ranged from 1 (not confident at all) to 5 (very confident). Residents were divided into two groups, those with an IR rotation (Group 1, n=29) versus those with no IR rotation (Group 2, n=10) with comparison made using 24 general and vascular disease-related questions. The residents who had an IR rotation were further categorized into those who had participated in less than ten cases per week (Group 1A, n=11) versus residents with more than 10 cases (Group 1B, n=18) with comparison made using all questions. The comparisons were done using logistic and linear regression models. Results The average self-perceived confidence level did not reach level 4 or 5 on any of the questions. In terms of general competency, Group 1 only felt more confident in understanding methods to decrease radiation doses and in recommending proper use of CTA (p Group 1B residents were more confident than Group 1A in only six of the 38 items, including IVC filter placement, placement of chest wall access devices, and performing selective catheterization (p Conclusion Our data suggests that residents with IR rotations and those with more cases per week have higher self-competency in limited areas. However, the current self-competency level of radiology residents in VIR is not satisfactory and further improvement in VIR education is warranted.
Soil heterogeneity and the distribution of native grasses in California: Can soil properties inform restoration plans

When historical vegetation patterns are unknown and local environments are highly degraded, the relationship between plant species distributions and environmental properties may provide a means to determine which species are suitable for individual restoration sites. We investigated the role of edaphic variation in explaining the distributions of three native bunchgrass species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glaucus and Nassella pulchra) among central California mainland and island grasslands. The relative contribution of soil properties and spatial variation to native grass species abundance was estimated using canonical redundancy analysis, with subsequent testing of individual variables identified in ordination. Soil variables predicted a significant proportion (22-27%) of the variation in species distributions. Abiotic soil properties that drive species distributions included serpentine substrates and soil texture. Biotic properties that correlated with species distributions were ammonium and nitrogen mineralization rates. Spatial autocorrelation also contributed to species presence or absence at each site, and the significant negative autocorrelation suggested that species interactions and niche differentiation may play a role in species distributions in central California mainland and island grasslands. We explored the application of plant-environment relationships to ecological restoration for species selection at locations where degradation levels are high and historical communities are unclear. © 2014 Hufford et al.
The effect of alkyl chain length on the thermodynamic properties of the half esters of o-phthalic acid

Abstract The temperature, heat and entropy of fusion of four half esters of o -phthalic acid have been measured. These values are compared to other aromatic acid properties on the basis of molecular weight. The calorimetric data have an accuracy of ±5% and agree well with values predicted from simple entropy, geometric and electronic considerations.
Surgical techniques for repositioning a dislocated intraocular lens, repair of iridodialysis, and secondary intraocular lens implantation using innovative 25-gauge forceps.

Purpose We developed surgical techniques for the sulcus fixation of a posteriorly dislocated or secondarily implanted posterior chamber intraocular lens, repair of an iridodialysis, and the management of a decentered intraocular lens during vitreous surgery using innovative 25-gauge forceps. Methods The 25-gauge forceps have a curved shaft, a tip with a distal platform for grasping a suture, and a proximal groove for gripping a haptic. The forceps are inserted through a grooved scleral incision into the plane of the ciliary sulcus, facilitating manipulations such as fastening a suture loop around a haptic, repositing an intraocular lens at the ciliary sulcus, and grasping sutures during repair of a iridodialysis or implantation of a secondary intraocular lens. Seven patients underwent vitreous surgery using the new forceps. Results In all seven patients the surgical objectives were accomplished with the 25-gauge forceps without postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, hypotony, or lens decentration. Conclusions The 25-gauge forceps are innovative instrumentation designed specifically for anterior segment applications during vitreous surgery.
473 GROWTH HORMONE AND STUNTED GROWTH FOLLOWING HEAD IRRADIATION

The role of growth hormone (GH) in stunting following head-irradiation in rodents and humans is unclear. We have reported no response to GH treatment in the stunted head-irradiated rat. Secretion profile of GH and cell size and number in brain, heart, liver, kidney and gastrocnemius muscle (gastroc) were determined in rats X-irradiated with 600 rads to the head only or sham-irradiated at 2 d of age. Blood was sampled for GH RIA from cannulated undisturbed rats at 15 min intervals for 18 h periods (9 h light and 9 h dark) at 47 to 64 d of age. Irradiated rats were significantly stunted in body weight and tail length. At 20-21 d of age they had significantly reduced weight of all organs; decreased brain organ/body ratio (p<0.0005) and total DNA (p<0.0005); increased DNA/organ in all organs, significant in heart (p<0.025) and gastroc (p<0.025); decreased protein/DNA in all organs, significant in brain (p<0.005), heart (p<0.01) and gastroc (p<0.05). Irradiated rats had normal rhythm of GH pulses; reduced numbers of GH values from 200 to 499 ng/ml (p<0.05) and 500 to 999 ng/ml (p<0.005), and reduced area under GH concentration vs time (p<0.025). We conclude that GH secretory rhythm is intact in the head-irradiated rat. Cell size and number results exclude neonatal hypopituitarism and/or undernutrition as causes of the growth stunting. Reduced GH secretion may thus only reflect setting of a putative centrally located growth regulator for a smaller body size.
Incumbency, Campaign Spending, and the Decline of Competition in U.S. House Elections

The 1986 and 1988 U.S. House elections set all-time records for reelection of incumbents. This paper proposes and tests a comprehensive model of House election outcomes and uses this model to explain competition for House seats. The results indicate that the extraordinarily low level of competition in recent House elections is directly attributable to two trends which affected these elections during the 1980s: the increasing cost of House campaigns and the declining ability of House challengers to raise campaign funds. After controlling for inflation, a dollar of campaign spending in 1984 or 1986 yielded a much lower rate of electoral return for House challengers than a dollar of campaign spending in 1974 or 1976. In addition, between 1980 and 1988, average spending by House challengers declined by more than 30% in real dollars. Public financing of campaigns could increase competition for House seats, but only if a very high level of funding was provided.
Nutrition Review: Dietary Considerations for Obesity Treatment:

Dietary modification is critical in obesity treatment. Energy intake must fall below energy expenditure, but not so low that excess lean tissue is lost, hunger escalates, diet quality declines, and health is compromised. Reductions in energy consumption of 500 to 1000 kilocalories per day should result in appropriate rates of weight loss in most obese patients. Very low-calorie diets are sometimes used when excess body weight poses an acute risk, but such diets carry potential for many complications, and their long-term results are often no better than low-calorie diets. Macronutrient composition is not as important as overall energy defi cit in terms of weight loss, so dieters have some flexibility in choosing combinations that suit their preferences and needs, as long as they promote long-term healthy weight management. Diets with extremes of macronutrients are usually defi cient in micronutrients and are diffi cult to follow for long periods of time, so they should not be advocated. Resources for imple...
A spectral view of nonlinear fluxes and stationary-transient interaction in the atmosphere

Nonlinear spectral transfers of kinetic energy and enstrophy, and stationary-transient interaction, are studied using global FGGE data for January 1979. The spectral transfers are found to be dominated by two dynamically distinct components, one due to nonlinear self-interactions within the transient flow and the other arising from coupled interactions between the stationary and transient parts of the flow. The former seems to be attributable to two-dimensional homogeneous turbulence, while the second cannot be understood within that theory. It is argued that the mixed stationary-transient interactions can be understood physically as a process of shear-induced spectral transfer of transient enstrophy along lines of constant zonal wavenumber. The transients act mainly to strengthen the stationary flow, and this 'forcing' operates on a timescale comparable to presumed viscous timescales.
Temporal and spatial instability of an inviscid compound jet

This paper examines the linear hydrodynamic stability of an inviscid compound jet. We perform the temporal and the spatial analyses in a unified framework in terms of transforms. The two analyses agree in the limit of large jet velocity. The dispersion equation is explicit in the growth rate, affording an analytical solution. In the temporal analysis, there are two growing modes, stretching and squeezing. Thin film asymptotic expressions provide insight into the instability mechanism. The spatial analysis shows that the compound jet is absolutely unstable for small jet velocities and admits a convectively growing instability for larger velocities. We study the effect of the system parameters on the temporal growth rate and that of the jet velocity on the spatial growth rate. Predictions of both the temporal and the spatial theories compare well with experiment.
A comparison of the effect of microsecond and nanosecond ruby laser radiation on rat tissues and mouse melanoma, a preliminary report.

Summary Tissues of living mice and rats were exposed to ruby laser radiation in the microsecond and nanosecond time range. The results indicated that pigmented tissues were affected by both forms of laser radiation. Darkly pigmented tissues could be vaporized with the nanosecond laser beams. Nanosecond laser radiation was shown to transmit energy through poorly pigmented tissues to underlying pigmented tissues and cause tissue destruction similar to that produced by the microsecond laser beam.
Thyrotropin Radioimmunoassays: Birth, Life, and Demise

Thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone; TSH) radioimmunoassays had their origin in 1965. For 20 years, they provided the single most important measurement for the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism. Many improvements in the techniques of radioimmunoassay were applied to TSH measurements. These improvements provided greater specificity and sensitivity, but the assay was cumbersome and time-consuming. Despite these disadvantages, considerable information about the relationship of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid in normal and abnormal conditions was derived. The advent of monoclonal antibody technology and its application to the glycoprotein hormones resulted in the development of epitope-specific antibodies. These antibodies allowed a "sandwich" configuration for the TSH assay, which resulted in a new era of specificity, sensitivity, and speed in TSH measurements.
The relationship between extrusion die line roughness and high cycle fatigue life of an AA6082 alloy

Abstract The effect of surface finish on the fatigue life of hollow extruded AA6082 was studied by comparing results from specimens with as-extruded surfaces to results from specimens with polished surfaces. Extrusion die lines are the main contributor to surface roughening, and since die lines are parallel to the extrusion direction, distinct variations exist between fatigue lives of as-extruded specimens taken longitudinal and transverse to the extrusion direction [Nanninga N, White C, Furu T, Anderson O, Dickson R. Effect of orientation and extrusion welds on the fatigue life of an Al–Mg–Si–Mn alloy. Int J Fatigue 2008;30(9):1569–78]. Polishing specimen surfaces eliminated much of the variation between specimen orientations. Fatigue lives of polished specimens containing extrusion seam welds transverse to the loading direction were also studied. The seam weld did not appear to significantly affect the fatigue life. Die lines were modeled as notches and finite element analysis (FEA) was used to estimate a linear-elastic stress concentration factor for approximating fatigue run-out values for specimens with as-extruded surfaces loaded transverse to the die lines. The predicted run-out stress values based on the FEA match well with those obtained experimentally.
Identification of the optically absorbing component in urban aerosols

Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the absorptivity of urban particulates for combustion sources.(AIP)
Calculation of Electron Detachment Energies for Water Cluster Anions: An Appraisal of Electronic Structure Methods, with Application to (H2O)20- and (H2O)24-

We present benchmark calculations of vertical electron detachment energies (VDEs) for various conformers of , using both wave function and density functional methods, in sequences of increasingly diffuse Gaussian basis sets. For small clusters (n ≤ 6), a systematic examination of VDE convergence reveals that it is possible to converge this quantity to within ∼0.01 eV of the complete-basis limit, using a highly diffuse but otherwise economical Pople-style basis set of double-ζ quality, with 28 atom-centered basis functions per water molecule. Floating-center basis functions can be useful but are not required to obtain accurate VDEs. Second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation (MP2) theory suffices to obtain VDEs that are within 0.05 eV of the results from both experiment and coupled-cluster theory, and which always err toward underbinding the extra electron. In contrast to these consistent predictions, VDEs calculated using density functional theory (DFT) vary widely, according to the fraction of Hartree−Fock...
Planarity and constraint of the carbonyl groups in 1,2-diones are determinants for selective inhibition of human carboxylesterase 1.

Carboxylesterases (CE) are ubiquitous enzymes responsible for the detoxification of xenobiotics, including numerous clinically used drugs. Therefore, the selective inhibition of these proteins may prove useful in modulating drug half-life and bioavailability. Recently, we identified 1,2-diones as potent inhibitors of CEs, although little selectivity was observed in the inhibition of either human liver CE (hCE1) or human intestinal CE (hiCE). In this paper, we have further examined the inhibitory properties of ethane-1,2-diones toward these proteins and determined that, when the carbonyl oxygen atoms are cis-coplanar, the compounds demonstrate specificity for hCE1. Conversely, when the dione oxygen atoms are not planar (or are trans-coplanar), the compounds are more potent at hiCE inhibition. These properties have been validated in over 40 1,2-diones that demonstrate inhibitory activity toward at least one of these enzymes. Statistical analysis of the results confirms the correlation (P < 0.001) between th...
Initial studies of the equilibrium folding pathway of staphylococcal nuclease.

Spectroscopic methods were used to examine the sequential build up of structure in the denatured state of staphylococcal nuclease. The `free energy distance' between the native and denatured states was manipulated by altering conditions in solution (for example altering urea or glycerol concentration) and by changing the amino acid sequences. Initial studies employed a fragment of nuclease, referred to as $\Delta $ 131 $\Delta $ , which lacks six structural residues from the amino terminus and one structural residue from the carboxy-terminus. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of this fragment in solution revealed a modest quantity of dynamic structure which is native-like in character. With the addition of urea, 12 new H $_{\text{N}}$ peaks appeared in the $^{1}$ H- $^{15}$ N correlation spectrum, presumably as a result of the breakdown of residual structure involving the first three beta strands. With the addition of glycerol, there was a rapid increase in the quantity of beta sheet structure detected by circular dichroism spectroscopy. At very high glycerol concentrations, an increase in helical structure became apparent. These data in addition to previously published results suggest that: (i) a beta-meander (strands $\beta $ 1- $\beta $ 2- $\beta $ 3) and the second alpha helix ( $\alpha $ 2) are among the most stable local structures; (ii) the five-strand beta-barrel forms in a reaction which does not require the presence of several other native substructures; and (iii) the last step on the equilibrium folding pathway may be the formation and packing of the carboxy terminal alpha helix ( $\alpha $ 3) to give the native state.
A heuristic circulation-network approach to solve the multi-traveling salesman problem

The overall methodology developed in this paper can be organized into two major parts. The first part consists of a representation of the Multi-Traveling Salesman Problem as a network circulation model. The second part is a subtour elimination procedure. The circulation-network representation of the Multi-Traveling Salesman Problem allows the generation of a starting solution which satisfies the optimality LP conditions of the network, but which may not be feasible in the context of the original problem due to the existence of subtours. The proposed network algorithm iteratively reduces the set of solutions with subtours by eliminating one link and then rerouting its flow, using the remaining arcs without violating their LP optimality conditions. Computational results based on a sample of 91 randomly generated problems are reported.
The oligomeric state of the active BM2 ion channel protein of influenza B virus

Influenza A virus and influenza B virus particles both contain small integral membrane proteins (A/M2 and BM2, respectively) that function as a pH-sensitive proton channel and are essential for virus replication. The mechanism of action of the M2 channels is a subject of scientific interest particularly as A/M2 channel was shown to be a target for the action of the antiviral drug amantadine. Unfortunately, an inhibitor of the BM2 channel activity is not known. Thus, knowledge of the structural and functional properties of the BM2 channel is essential for the development of potent antiviral drugs. The characterization of the oligomeric state of the BM2 channel is an essential first step in the understanding of channel function. Here we describe determination of the stoichiometry of the BM2 proton channel by utilizing three different approaches. 1) We demonstrated that BM2 monomers can be chemically cross-linked to yield species consistent with dimers, trimers, and tetramers. 2) We studied electrophysiological and biochemical properties of mixed oligomers consisting of wild-type and mutated BM2 subunits and related these data to predicted binomial distribution models. 3) We used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in combination with biochemical measurements to estimate the relationships between BM2 channel subunits expressed in the plasma membrane. Our experimental data are consistent with a tetrameric structure of the BM2 channel. Finally, we demonstrated that BM2 transmembrane domain is responsible for the channel oligomerization.
Transforming Monsanto into a biotechnology‐based innovator

In 1979, the company's Annual Report stated that Monsanto operations included “more than 180 manufacturing plants, laboratories, and technical centers in 20 nations. The company's products [were] sold in 123 nations.” According to the April 30, 1984, Fortune, “Monsanto hit its nadir in 1980; though sales increased 6 percent to $6.57 billion, earnings plunged 55 percent to $149 million….[The company] lost over $300 million on old‐line businesses, with fibers and styrene proving the worst performers.” Its return on stockholder equity was 5.3 percent.
Combined Bethe-Saltpeter equations and time-dependent density-functional theory approach for x-ray absorption calculations

Many-body effects such as local fields and the core-hole interaction can be significant in x-ray absorption spectra even several hundred eV above an absorption edge. The treatment of these effects requires theories beyond the independent-particle approximation, e.g., the Bethe-Saltpeter equation (BSE) or the time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT). However the BSE is usually limited to low energies, while the TDDFT often ignores the nonlocality of the core-hole interaction. Here we present a combined approach for the calculations of the x-ray spectra that include both of these effects, together with inelastic losses and self-energy shifts over a wide energy range. The approach is illustrated for a few materials, including metals and oxides.
Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis: Prevention and Therapy

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis remains the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in children with Hirschsprung disease. This chapter details the various approaches used to treat and prevent this disease process. This includes prevention of complications, such as stricture formation, prophylaxis with rectal washouts, and identification of high-risk individuals. The chapter also details approaches to diagnose Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis as well as to exclude other etiologies.
Transport of elemental mercury in the unsaturated zone from a waste disposal site in an arid region

Abstract Mercury contained in buried landfill waste may be released via upward emission to the atmosphere or downward leaching to groundwater. Data from the US Geological Survey’s Amargosa Desert Research Site (ADRS) in arid southwestern Nevada reveal another potential pathway of Hg release: long-distance (10 2 m) lateral migration of elemental Hg (Hg 0 ) through the unsaturated zone. Gas collected from multiple depths from two instrumented boreholes that sample the entire 110-m unsaturated zone thickness and are located 100 and 160 m away from the closest waste burial trench exhibit gaseous Hg concentrations of up to 33 and 11 ng m −3 , respectively. The vertical distribution of gaseous Hg in the borehole closest to the disposal site shows distinct subsurface peaks in concentration at depths of 1.5 and 24 m that cannot be explained by radial diffusive transport through a heterogeneous layered unsaturated zone. The inability of current models to explain gaseous Hg distribution at the ADRS highlights the need to advance the understanding of gas-phase contaminant transport in unsaturated zones to attain a comprehensive model of landfill Hg release.
Tobacco Smoking, Nicotine Dependence, and Patterns of Prescription Opioid Misuse: Results from a Nationally Representative Sample

Introduction: The misuse of prescription opioid medications is a growing public health crisis. Given evidence of complex nicotine-opioid interactions, and initial support for the role of smoking status as a risk factor for prescription opioid misuse, a more detailed analysis of how current and historical patterns of smoking may influence misuse of prescription opioids is warranted. Methods: The current study is the first to test whether varying levels of current/historical smoking (current daily, current intermittent, former daily, never) and indices of smoking heaviness/nicotine dependence may be associated with greater likelihood of past-year prescription opioid misuse in the general population. Data were derived from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 24,348). Results: Consistent with hypotheses, after accounting for sociodemographic factors and major depressive/alcohol use disorders, both daily and intermittent smokers were greater than 3 times more likely to report past-year nonmedical prescription opioid use than were never smokers. In addition, daily smokers were observed to be nearly 5 times more likely, and intermittent smokers were nearly 3 times more likely, to have met past-year abuse/dependence criteria, relative to never smokers. Results further revealed positive associations between various indices of smoking heavi- ness/nicotine dependence and opioid medication misuse, and these findings remained largely consistent when analyses were stratified by gender. Conclusions: These findings indicate that smokers are not a homogeneous group with regard to risk for opioid misuse, and support the utility of comprehensive smoking assessment in the con- text of opioid-based treatment/tapering.
Whole-mount double immunostaining method using confocal scanning LASER microscopy shows two distinct neuronal networks in the human bowel

Whole-mount double immunostaining method using confocal scanning LASER microscopy shows two distinct neuronal networks in the human bowel
Free and open source software (FOSS) as a model domain for answering big questions about creativity

In free and open source software (FOSS), computer code is made freely accessible and can be modified by anyone. It is a creative domain with many unique features; the FOSS mode of creativity has also influenced many aspects of contemporary cultural production. In this article we identify a number of fundamental but unresolved general issues in the study of creativity, then examine the potential for the study of FOSS to inform these topics. Archival studies of the genesis of FOSS projects, coupled with laboratory studies detailing the psychological processes involved in software creation, can provide converging evidence on the nature of creativity in software design. Such a research program has broad implications both for theories of creativity and for real-world innovation in software and other forms of digital cultural production.
Comparison of a needleless system with conventional heparin locks

Abstract Background: Despite the improvements in needle disposal systems, needlesticks to health care workers continue to occur at unacceptably high rates. Needleless systems have been shown to reduce the risk of needlesticks. Methods: This pilot study examined the safety of such a system for patients by comparing the rates of intravenous infection-related indicators between a conventional heparin lock and a needleless system. Patients ( n = 97) were categorized on the basis of the duration of intravenous placement into 24-, 48-, and 72-hour groups. Within each group, half of the patients received conventional heparin locks and half received the needleless system. Intravenous infection-related indicators included catheter tip culture, adaptor fluid culture, intravenous site erythema, induration and tenderness, and elevated oral temperature. Results: Prevalence of one or more indicators was 48% for the conventional and 40% for the needleless system, a difference that was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The needleless system appeared to pose no greater risk of infection to patients and nurses preferred it for its reduced risk of potential needlesticks.
The effect of non-linear delay costs on workforce mix

This paper formulates a simple model to examine the appropriate mix of dedicated and flexible maintenance technicians (servers) required when total delay cost is a non-linear function of mean delay time. The primary decision variable is the number of flexible servers needed to minimize system-related costs. Non-linear delay costs appear to significantly increase the level of cross-training required compared with previous research using a linear cost function, which showed that a small proportion of flexible servers was sufficient. This has important implications for service system designers in regard to the amount of cross-training that might be appropriate.
Unmet Expectations for Care and the Patient-physician Relationship

OBJECTIVE: To profile patients likely to have unmet expectations for care, examine the effects of such expectations, and investigate how physicians’ responses to patients’ requests affect the development of unfulfilled expectations. DESIGN: Patient and physician questionnaires were administered before and after outpatient visits. A follow-up telephone survey was administered 2 weeks post visit. SETTING: The offices of 45 family practice, internal medicine, and cardiology physicians. PATIENTS: Nine hundred nine adults reporting a health problem or concern. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Before their visits, patients rated their general health and trust in the index physician. After the visit, patients reported upon 8 types of unmet expectations and any request they made. Two weeks thereafter, patients rated their visit satisfaction, improvement, and intention to adhere to the physician’s advice. They also reported any postvisit health system contacts. Overall, 11.6% of patients reported ≥1 unmet expectation. Visits in which a patient held an unmet expectation were rated by physicians as less satisfying and more effortful. At follow-up, patients who perceived an unmet expectation for care also reported less satisfaction with their visits, less improvement, and weaker intentions to adhere. Patients with an unmet expectation related to clinical resource allocation had more postvisit health system contacts. Unmet expectations were typically reported by a patient whose request for a resource was not fulfilled. CONCLUSIONS: Unmet expectations adversely affect patients and physicians alike. Physicians’ nonfulfillment of patients’ requests plays a significant role in patients’ beliefs that their physicians did not meet their expectations for care.
Emerging roles for myosin II and cytoplasmic dynein in migrating neurons and growth cones

Motor proteins are involved in a wide range of cellular and subcellular movements. Recent studies have implicated two motor proteins in particular, myosin II and cytoplasmic dynein, in diverse aspects of cell migration. This review focuses on emerging roles for these proteins in the nervous system, with particular emphasis on migrating neurons and neuronal growth cones. The former cells exhibit unusual features of centrosome and nuclear movement, whereas growth cones offer an opportunity to evaluate motor protein function in a region of cytoplasm free of these organelles.
Same-Sex Rape of Male College Students

Rape of men by other men is a widely neglected yet increasingly recognized form of sexual assault. Information on same-sex rape involving men is frequently absent in campus rape education and prevention programming because the general public and popular culture have traditionally viewed rape in a context of violence against women. Available medical and psychological literature indicates the need for expanded prevention, treatment, and research dealing with men who rape other men. Several initiatives in the areas of curriculum infusion, support, services, training, and public policy for addressing same-sex rape of men in campus communities are offered.
The relationshiop of adrenal glucocorticoids to transaminase activity and gluconeogenesis in the intact rat

Abstract The incorporation of varying loads of [ 14 C 4 ]aspartate, [ 14 C 4 ]glutamate, or [ 14 C 3 ]alanine into plasma glucose was investigated in normal and adrenalectomized rats. Simultaneously, in vivo transaminase activity was studied by measuring the appearance of 3 H in extracellular water after administration of [2- 3 H]aspartate, [2- 3 H]glutamate, or [G- 3 H]alanine. Adrenalectomy does not diminish the incorporation of aspartate or glutamate into glucose, or lower the in vivo activity of aspartate transaminase to levels which are rate limiting for gluconeogenesis. In adrenalectomized rats diminutions in the incorporation of alanine into glucose, in alanine permeability, and in alanine transaminase activity are evident only when unphysiological loads of alanine are administered. We propose that the actions of glutococorticoids which are rate limiting for gluconeogenesis take place in extrahepatic tissues and lead to an increased flow of gluconeogenic precursors to the liver.
Consider the benefits of a fully integrated medication use process.

We believe a pharmacist’s professional goal is simple to articulate but challenging to achieve – medication use that is safe and efficacious. Pharmacists do not operate alone in the medication use process and are not the only professionals who can influence medication safety and efficacy. We discuss the medication use process from a systems perspective, identifying opportunities for pharmacists (and others) to address medication safety and efficacy.
Preparation, ion transport, and spectroscopy of Eu(II) and Eu(III) beta″ alumina

Abstract Single crystals of Eu(II) and Eu(III) beta″ alumina can be prepared by ion exchange at 650−850°C. The products are strongly fluorescent and have emission spectra and fluorescence lifetimes typical of these ions in other hosts. Spectral changes in a mixed Eu(II)-Eu(III) composition indicate that more complete spectroscopic studies may help in understanding the nature of ion distribution, bonding, and diffusion in these new solid electrolytes.
Attraction and feeding responses of Mediterranean fruit fly and a natural enemy to protein baits laced with two novel toxins, phloxine B and spinosada

Studies were conducted to determine attraction and feeding propensity of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), to different protein bait mixtures with and without the insecticides malathion, spinosad, and phloxine B. Protein baits were more attractive to females than to males. Protein-starved females responded more than protein-fed females. The type of protein (USB yeast hydrolysate enzymatic, MazofermE802, Nu-LureInsect Bait, or Provesta 621 autolyzed yeast extract) in the bait had a major influence on C. capitata attraction, which was strongest to fresh Provesta. Aged baits (four day-old) were not as attractive as fresh baits. In feeding propensity studies, highest response was observed for USB protein. On the basis of attraction and feeding responses Provesta (attraction and feeding) and USB (feeding) outperformed the standard Nu-Lure. Protein-starved flies were much more likely to feed on protein compared to protein-fed flies. For protein-starved flies, a mixture of Provesta and malathion repelled fruit flies, compared to a mixture of Provesta and spinosad or phloxine B. This was not the case with protein–fed flies. The wasp Fopius arisanus (Sonan), one of C. capitata’s primary natural enemies in Hawaii, would not consume protein baits. Our studies suggest that spinosad or phloxine B, with low contact toxicity, mixed with protein baits offers a more environmentally friendly choice for control of C. capitata and conservation of F. arisanus, whereby the nontarget effects of broad spectrum contact poisons such as malathion can be avoided. Presumably, due to greater selectivity with spinosad and phloxine B bait treatments, the host would be killed, but not the natural enemy.
Strategies of aerobic microbial Fe acquisition from Fe-bearing montmorillonite clay

This research investigated strategies used by the common aerobic soil bacterium Pseudomonas mendocina to acquire Fe associated with Fe(III)-bearing montmorillonite (MMT) clay. Given the known importance of Fe(III)-chelating siderophores, Fe-limited batch experiments were conducted using a wild-type (WT) strain that produces siderophores and a ΔpmhA mutant with a siderophore(−) phenotype. Growth measurements were coupled with a transcriptional biosensor assay that monitors the siderophore biosynthesis gene pmhA, measurements of cells’ reducing ability, and quantification of exopolymeric substance (EPS) production. WT cells actively grow when MMT is the sole Fe source, but sorption to MMT may decrease the concentration of dissolved Fe–siderophore complex accessible to cells. Cells also obtain Fe by reducing MMT-associated Fe(III), but because P. mendocina lacks a secreted/diffusible reductant, direct physical contact is required. Dual strategies for Fe acquisition—a reducing mechanism that requires contact and that is likely facilitated by biofilm production and a siderophore related mechanism that does not require contact—provide flexibility to address the environmental Fe challenge.
Copula of bivariate Nakagami-m distribution

An exact expression of the copula of bivariate Nakagami-m is derived. This expression is in terms of the incomplete gamma function and inverse incomplete gamma function, both supported by Matlab.