cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenated Linear Block Copolymers of Butadiene and Isoprene: Effects of Variation of Composition and Sequence Architecture on Properties,

Abstract The effect of variations in molecular architecture and composition on bulk properties is reported for a series of well characterized hydrogenated block copolymers of butadiene (HB) and isoprene (HI), each with a total molecular weight of ∼ 200 000 and a narrow distribution ( Mw Mn ). The polymers were synthesized by sequential anionic polymerization followed by hydrogenation, using p-toluenesulphonylhydrazide. The material properties of the homopolymeric HI and HB were also investigated. As expected, HI is rubbery at room temperature and HB is a tough semicrystalline plastic with properties similar to those of a low density polyethylene, LDPE. The crystallinity, density and ΔHt for all of the block copolymers were found to be linearly dependent on HB content indicating that little mixing exists between the HB and HI blocks in the solid state. Although the solution cast films of the block copolymers were spherulitic, the quenched films displayed no distinct structure on the supermolecular level indicating that the aggregation of the crystallites was more random in these films. The stress-strain properties of triblock copolymers with different block sequence, HBIB and HIBI, and a di-block copolymer, HBI, were similar in bulk behaviour to each other in the high and the intermediate butadience content (50–90%). This was related to the fact that the mechanical properties were determined predominantly by the behaviour of the more continuous HB phase. For the lower butadiene compositions (7–29%), there was a major difference in the behaviour of polymers with different block architecture. HBIB polymers were thermoplastic elastomers, whereas HIBI polymers behaved like an uncured particulate filled rubber. This difference was related to the presence of permanent ‘entanglements’ in HBIB polymers. The permanent entanglements which act as a physical crosslink are a consequence of the anchorage of the HB end blocks in the semicrystalline domains. No such arrangement is possible for either the HIBI or HBI polymers. The hysteresis behaviour of HBIB polymers were strongly dependent on butadiene content, decreasing with lowering of the concentration of the semicrystalline HB. This dependence was related to the continuity of the crystalline microdomains. All the members of HIBI series (and the HBI we considered) showed large hysteresis behaviour. This large energy loss during cyclic deforn ation in these polymers was related to the absence of the permanent anchor points arising from end block crystallization.
Why monitor serum levels of gentamicin

Although it is widely recommended that serum levels of aminoglycoside antibiotics be monitored by assay, the justification for this approach has not been clearly presented. A number of studies indicate that serum levels of these agents cannot be predicted reliably on the basis of simple dosage formulae; the major confounding factors being abnormalities of renal function and of extracellular fluid volume in addition to less well defined variables such as fever and anaemia. The influence of haemodialysis and concomitant administration of carbenicillin further complicate dosage estimations in patients with renal insufficiency. On the basis of currently available data, it is reasonable to suggest an optimum range of 5 to 8 microgram/ml for peak serum levels of gentamicin. There are no reliable studies from which to derive a comparable value for trough (pre-dose) concentrations. The relative importance of peak and trough values for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity is an unresolved subject of controversy. However, it seems possible that neither of these individual values, but rather the 'area under the time-concentration curve' is the major risk factor for toxicity. In view of the unpredictability of serum levels, especially in seriously ill patients in a fluctuating physiological state, periodical serum gentamicin assays should be performed. The main objective of these assays is to ensure that the peak serum levels attained are adequate, but not unnecessarily high.
Curarization with quinine methochloride to prevent traumatic complications of metrazol shock therapy

A synthetic compound of quinine with a curare-like action, known as quinine methochloride, has proved to be a satisfactory substitute for aqueous extract of curare in the prevention of traumatic complications in convulsive shock therapy. The dosage of this drug is slightly more accurate and easier to gauge in the patient. It has the drawback of being relatively insoluble, requiring a larger volume for intravenous injection. It produces a higher degree of respiratory complications; but these can be readily overcome with the antidote of prostigmin and the use of artificial respiration. The question of possible cardiac embarrassment from the drug is not entirely settled. From present experience, the writers believe the drug is safe if carefully administered, especially if one has had previous experience with curare in this therapy and thoroughly understands its action. A combined metrazol quinine methochloride single injection technic has been developed. Further experimentation with oral administration of the drug is necesary before it can be recommended in that form for relief of spastic rigidity states or for use in convulsive shock therapy. This drug offers great possibilities in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disease.
Survey for Fusaria that produce and antibiotic that causes conidia of Penicillium digitatum to swell

During screening of Fusarium Lk. ex Fr. strains for antibiotic production, we observed a peculiar conidial swelling of Penicillium digitatum Sacc. strain NRRL 1202 when this sensitive fungus was grown in the presence of methanol extracts of Fusarium roseum Lk. ‘Acuminatum’ strain NRRL 6227 cultures. In an expanded study to determine the prevalence of a ‘swelling factor’ among Fusarium species, 23 of 132 strains produced an antibiotic that caused P. digitatum conidia to swell. Eighteen of the producing fungi belonged to the species F. tricinctum (Cda.) Sacc, two were identified as F. roseum ‘Acuminatum’, and one strain each was identified as F. roseum ‘Sambucinum’, F. roseum ‘Equiseti’ and F. graminearum Schwabe. These data indicate that production of an antibiotic that causes P. digitatum conidia to swell is not unique to only a few Fusarium cultures.
Hollow-cathode sputtering source for the production of gas-phase metal atoms of the refractory elements

Abstract A simple, versatile hollow-cathode sputtering system for the production of gas-phase metal atoms has been developed. The source has been used to produce gas-phase metal-containing diatomic and polyatomic molecules. Chemiluminscence and laser-induced fluorescence studied have been used to characterize the source and show that it produces high densities (1014/cm3) of atoms at a low temperature (340 K).
Cadherin Switching and Activation of β-Catenin Signaling Underlie Proinvasive Actions of Calcitonin-Calcitonin Receptor Axis in Prostate Cancer

Calcitonin, a neuroendocrine peptide, and its receptor are localized in the basal epithelium of benign prostate but in the secretory epithelium of malignant prostates. The abundance of calcitonin and calcitonin receptor mRNA displays positive correlation with the Gleason grade of primary prostate cancers. Moreover, calcitonin increases tumorigenicity and invasiveness of multiple prostate cancer cell lines by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated actions. These actions include increased secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase-type plasminogen activator and an increase in prostate cancer cell invasion. Activation of calcitonin-calcitonin receptor autocrine loop in prostate cancer cell lines led to the loss of cell-cell adhesion, destabilization of tight and adherens junctions, and internalization of key integral membrane proteins. In addition, the activation of calcitonin-calcitonin receptor axis induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of prostate cancer cells as characterized by cadherin switch and the expression of the mesenchymal marker, vimentin. The activated calcitonin receptor phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3, a key regulator of cytosolic β-catenin degradation within the WNT signaling pathway. This resulted in the accumulation of intracellular β-catenin, its translocation in the nucleus, and transactivation of β-catenin-responsive genes. These results for the first time identify actions of calcitonin-calcitonin receptor axis on prostate cancer cells that lead to the destabilization of cell-cell junctions, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. The results also suggest that cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase plays a key role in calcitonin receptor-induced destabilization of cell-cell junctions and activation of WNT-β-catenin signaling.
Role dimensions of patient and physician in medical interviews: relationship to patients' satisfaction

We applied the Verbal Response Mode coding system to 80 medical interviews to characterize role dimensions of patient and physician and to assess the relation between physicians' role dimensions and patients' satisfaction. Role dimensions conformed closely to prior work. Physicians' acquiescence was positively correlated with satisfaction. This study suggests that the role dimensions generated by the Verbal Response Mode taxonomy are a useful measure of patients' and physicians' relationships.
A single activity carboxyl methylates both farnesyl and geranylgeranyl cysteine residues

Members of the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins, γ-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins and nuclear lamin B are subject to a series of post-translational modifications that produce prenylcysteine methylester groups at their carboxyl termini. The thioether-linked polyisoprenoid substituent can be either farnesyl (C15) or geranylgeranyl (C20). Small molecule prenylcysteine derivatives with either the C15 or C20 modification, such as N-acetyl-S-trans,trans-farnesyl-L-cysteine (AFC), S-trans,trans-farnesylthiopropionate (FTP), as well as the corresponding geranylgeranyl derivatives (AGGC and GGTP) are substrates for the carboxyl methyltransferase. Saccharomyces cerevisiae ste 14 mutants that lack RAS and a-factor carboxyl methyltransferase activity are also unable to methylate farnesyl and geranylgeranylcysteine derivatives. Moreover, C20-substituted cysteine analogs directly compete for carboxyl methylation with the C15-substituted cysteine analogs and vice versa. Finally, AGGC is even more effective than AFC as an inhibitor of Ras carboxyl methylation, despite the fact that Ras is methylated at a farnesylcysteine rather than a geranylgeranylcysteine residue.
Friction and Wear of Porcine Articular Joint and Effects of Selective Digestions

In this work, we explored the possible existence of a wear mechanism developing under mild conditions using surface force apparatus (SFA). By selectively digesting different components (type II collagen, Hyaluronic acid (HA), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)) of the cartilage, we also establish correlation between the structural properties of cartilage surface and the tribological properties.We observed stick-slip friction in articular cartilage for the first time under mild conditions. To visualize load and speed regimes of stick-slip friction occurrence we introduced ‘Dynamic (friction) phase diagram'. Prolonged exposure of the cartilage surfaces to stick-slip sliding results in an increase of surface roughness similar to HA and GAGs digested cartilage suggesting that stick-slip motion is able to induce severe morphological changes of cartilage superficial zone. We also found that digestion of the different components of cartilage alters the morphology of the superficial zone in very different ways. HA and GAGs digestions increased surface roughness while collagen digestion decreased the surface roughness compared to normal cartilage. Friction forces increased up to 2, 5 and 10 times after HA, collagen and GAGs digestion, respectively, indicating no direct correlation between surface roughness and friction forces.
Leptomeningeal lymphoma: perspectives on management.

Summary The optimal treatment of meningeal lymphoma is not at all standardized, but from this abbreviated review emerges at least two important concepts which may be applied to provide effective therapy. First, patients with the histologic subtypes of histiocytic, undifferentiated or convoluted cell, and the anatomic distribution of marrow involvement might warrant prophylactic therapy to the CNS. The use of intrathecal therapy in conjunction with cerebral radiation much like the prophylaxis for meningeal leukemia may be indicated in this group and has been suggested by Young et al. (31). Similarly, Levitt et al. (14) have proposed prophylaxis particularly for diffuse histiocytic lymphoma with marrow involvement. CNS complications developed in 35% (6/17) of such patients. This issue, however, is not resolved and Sweet et al. (27) have not observed a comparable frequency of CNS relapse. Secondly, in patients with established meningeal lymphoma the intrathecal drugs are either untested (thiotepa) or of limited effect (methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside). In the series of Young et al. (31), 80% of patients treated for CNS lymphoma and coming to autopsy demonstrated histologic evidence of persistent disease. A new therapeutic approach to CNS lymphoma is therefore justified and the use of multiple intrathecal drugs in sequence may avoid development of tumor cell resistance. In addition, the The role of radiation therapy as primary treatment or combined with systemic and/or intrathecal chemotherapy is undetermined at present although the general tendency is to apply both modalities with some risk of adverse effects. Specifically identified mass lesions are effectively treated with localized radiation therapy but irradiation of the entire central nervous system (cerebral hemispheres and spinal cord) would be associated with a major compromise of marrow reserve. The sequential interdigitation of chemotherapy with radiation would appear to be an important area of future study.
Bounds on expectations of order statistics for dependent samples

Abstract Arnold and Groeneveld (1979) presented distribution free bounds for E(Xg:n) the expected value of the gth order statistic when sampling n possibly dependent observations from populations each with finite expectations μi and finite variances σ2i. Here, the problem of incorporating known dependencies among the distributions of observations in a sample to produce bounds for the order statistics of that sample is considered. Limits are obtained for expectations of the gth order statistic and the range. These limits hold even when the population variances are not finite. An application of the upper bound for E(Xn:n) is given.
Comparison of Ground Motions from Hybrid Simulations to NGA Prediction Equations

We compare simulated motions for a Mw 7.8 rupture scenario on the San Andreas Fault known as the ShakeOut event, two permutations with different hypocenter locations, and a Mw 7.15 Puente Hills bli...
The Evolution of Victimology: Pedagogy, Research, Services, and Advocacy

Ninety years ago, Edwin Sutherland (1924) produced his seminal work, Criminology. In this comprehensive study of crime and criminality, he included a chapter entitled “The Victims of Crime,” where ...
Tourism and nostalgia for the pastoral on the island of Fyn, Denmark

According to the tourist literature, Fyn is the garden of Denmark. This paper examines this idea and explicates the relationship between gardens and the classical idea of the pastoral. We argue that this classical idea is central to the roles that meaning-making and personal narrative play in the rural tourist experience on Fyn. We further suggest that it is this prevalent Western interrelation of the pastoral and tourist experience that allows rural tourism to be considered a form of heritage tourism in that rural tourism makes reference to both a more general longing for a pre-industrial era and specific national agrarian contexts.
Crack-tip strain fields and fracture microplasticity in hydrogen-induced cracking of Fe-3 wt% Si single crystals

Abstract The development of a sound physical view regarding crack quasi-stability during subcritical crack extension still remains challenging. It is evident that further progress requires exploration of the refined micromechanical processes of fracture. The present study emphasizes the experimental findings which indicate a crack arrest potential in terms of flexible dislocation activity available in semibrittle b.c.c. single crystals. This is particularly demonstrated in Fe-3 wt% Si single crystals with subcritical crack extension induced by sustained loading and external hydrogen interaction. Pre-fatigued crystals oriented in (001)[010] and loaded above 18 MPa m½ in 1 atm of gaseous hydrogen resulted in slow crack growth. Since a fine-scale localized approach was adopted, observations were conducted with the use of selected-area channelling patterns in a scanning electron microscope. This provided a 5 μm spatial resolution and a submicrometre depth resolution with regard to strain measurement. The curr...
Monkeying around with the gorillas in our midst: familiarity with an inattentional-blindness task does not improve the detection of unexpected events

When people know to look for an unexpected event (eg, a gorilla in a basketball game), they tend to notice that event. But does knowledge that an unexpected event might occur improve the detection of other unexpected events in a similar scene? Subjects watched a new video in which, in addition to the gorilla, two other unexpected events occurred: a curtain changed color, and one player left the scene. Subjects who knew about videos like this one consistently spotted the gorilla in the new video, but they were slightly less likely to notice the other events. Foreknowledge that unexpected events might occur does not enhance the ability to detect other such events.
Retroperitoneal benign cystic peritoneal mesothelioma.

A 53-YEAR-OLD,OTHERWISEHEALTHYWOMAN was involved in a motor vehicle accident when an automobile crashed through the window of her workplace and struck her. She was brought to an outside hospital and her only complaint was left ankle pain associated with an open left ankle fracture. Evaluation for associated injuries included an abdominal computed tomography scan that demonstrated a large cystic lesion apparently arising from the retroperitoneum (Fig 1). Other than a possible increase in abdominal girth over the previous several months, the patient denied abdominal complaints. On review of systems, she denied nausea, vomiting, constipation, or constitutional symptoms. Past medical history was unremarkable, and there was no history of previous abdominal surgery or gynecologic disorders. Family history was notable only for a renal cell carcinoma in her maternal grandmother. Physical examination was remarkable only for a soft, moderately distended abdomen. There were no discretely palpable masses or peritoneal signs. The patient underwent open reduction and fixation of her ankle fracture. Subsequent work-up of the cystic abdominal mass included endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, because there was some concern for the possibility of a traumatic pancreatic injury with resultant pseudocyst formation. The result of study was unremarkable. After discharge, the patient was referred to our institution for further evaluation and treatment. After the pertinent history and radiologic study results were reviewed, the patient was scheduled for exploratory laparotomy with resection of the large
Synthesis and structure of a monomeric magnesium phenylselenolate complex [Tpp-Tol]MgSePh supported by tris (3-p-tolylpyrazolyl)hydroborato ligation

The magnesium phenylselenolate complex [Tp p -Tol ]MgSePh has been synthesized by the reactions of [Tp p -Tol ]MgMe with PhSeH and Ph 2 Se 2 . The molecular structure of [Tp p -Tol ]MgSePh has been determined by X-ray diffraction.
Microbial diversity within basement fluids of the sediment-buried Juan de Fuca Ridge flank

Despite its immense size, logistical and methodological constraints have largely limited microbiological investigations of the subseafloor basement biosphere. In this study, a unique sampling system was used to collect fluids from the subseafloor basaltic crust via a Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit (CORK) observatory at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program borehole 1301A, located at a depth of 2667 m in the Pacific Ocean on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Here, a fluid delivery line directly accesses a 3.5 million years old basalt-hosted basement aquifer, overlaid by 262 m of sediment, which serves as a barrier to direct exchange with bottom seawater. At an average of 1.2 × 104 cells ml−1, microorganisms in borehole fluids were nearly an order of magnitude less abundant than in surrounding bottom seawater. Ribosomal RNA genes were characterized from basement fluids, providing the first snapshots of microbial community structure using a high-integrity fluid delivery line. Interestingly, microbial communities retrieved from different CORKs (1026B and 1301A) nearly a decade apart shared major community members, consistent with hydrogeological connectivity. However, over three sampling years, the dominant gene clone lineage changed from relatives of Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator within the bacterial phylum Firmicutes in 2008 to the Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotic Group in 2009 and a lineage within the JTB35 group of Gammaproteobacteria in 2010, and statistically significant variation in microbial community structure was observed. The enumeration of different phylogenetic groups of cells within borehole 1301A fluids supported our observation that the deep subsurface microbial community was temporally dynamic.
The role of glutamate in swim initiation in the medicinal leech

Antagonists were used to investigate the role of the excitatory amino acid,l-glutamate, in the swim motor program ofHirudo medicinalis. In previous experiments, focal application ofl-glutamate or its non-NMDA agonists onto either the segmental swim-gating interneuron (cell 204) or the serotonergic Retzius cell resulted in prolonged excitation of the two cells and often in fictive swimming. Since brief stimulation of the subesophageal trigger interneuron (cell Tr1) evoked a similar response, we investigated the role of glutamate at these synapses. Kynurenic acid and two non-NMDA antagonists, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and Joro spider toxin, effectively suppressed (1) the sustained activation of cell 204 and the Retzius cell following cell Tr1 stimulation and (2) the monosynaptic connection from cell Tr1 to cell 204 and the Retzius cell, but did not block spontaneous or DP nerve-activated swimming. Other glutamate blockers, including γ-d-glutamylaminomethyl sulfonic acid,l(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonoproprionic acid and 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, were ineffective. DNQX also blocked both indirect excitation of cell 204 and direct depolarization of cell Tr1 in response to mechanosensory P cell stimulation. Our findings show the involvement of non-NMDA receptors in activating the swim motor program at two levels: (1) P cell input to cell Tr1 and (2) cell Tr1 input to cell 204, and reveal an essential role for glutamate in swim initiation via the cell Tr1 pathway.
Interferon-producing cells develop from murine CD31high/Ly6C− marrow progenitors

Abstract In this study, we sorted total bone marrow (BM) into six distinct subsets based on surface expression of CD31 and Ly6C and investigated the capacity of these subsets to acquire characteristics of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) after in vitro culture with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3-L). Cultured CD31 high /Ly6C − cells were the only subset that consistently developed immunophenotypic, functional, and morphologic characteristics of PDCs. Culture of this subset resulted in expression of CD11c, B220, and the PDC-specific marker 440C and secretion of interferon-α (IFN-α) when stimulated with CPG ODN 2216. Cultured cells displayed the typical plasmacytoid morphology of PDCs with eccentrically located nucleus and mature lymphoid chromatin. Unlike conventional dendritic cells (CDCs) that can be generated from CD31 high /Ly6C − , CD31 + /Ly6C + , and CD31 − /Ly6C high BM subpopulations, PDCs can only be derived from the CD31 high /Ly6C − subset, the subset that reportedly contains the highest frequency of early and late cobblestone area forming cells (CAFC).
Thermal conductivity and thermodynamics of phonons for an exactly soluble model of disorder.

We calculate the exact thermal conductivity and the heat capacity of an insulator for which the lattice dynamics are given by a phonon gas in the presence of frozen-in disorder, in the special case of the ``backward-scattering'' model of impurity scattering.
Long-Term Unresolved Grief: Applying Bowlby's Variants to Adult Survivors of Early Parental Death

Previous research efforts studying the long-term adjustment of persons bereaved in childhood have produced sometimes questionable findings due to the often exclusive focus on psychiatric populations. Current research on long-term outcomes for normative early parental death survivors has explored selected characteristics and needs of this population. With this article, we encourage researchers to conduct further study of normative participants and their adjustment to early bereavement. In an extension of Bowlby's (1980) disordered variants of childhood grief, we propose behavioral and thought manifestations in adult survivors of early bereavement as indicators of unresolved grief. Variants addressed include persistent anxiety, desire to die, persistent blame and guilt, compulsive self-reliance, and aggressive outbursts. Topics needing further research using appropriate methodological controls are proposed.The bereavement reaction can be an impetus for creative effort, a force for good, or it can have the e...
The elusive link between conservative Protestantism and conservative economics

Abstract Research on the political attitudes of conservative Protestants has yielded inconsistent results. We know that conservative Protestants (CPs) tend to be more socially conservative than members of other religious groups and have tended to vote Republican in recent years, but we are less certain of their attitudes toward the size and role of government in matters unrelated to religion. Despite theoretical expectations and qualitative research supporting a link between conservative Protestantism and conservative attitudes about the size and role of government, quantitative work has failed to find a consistent relationship. The present study interprets conservative Protestant issue preferences in the context of research on non-attitudes, arguing that we should not expect ideological constraint among the less educated segment of the population. However, among better educated members of the population, we should expect to find ideologically consistent attitudes. Results from the General Social Survey suggest that better-educated evangelical Protestants are consistently more economically conservative than other Protestants. Among Protestants with lower levels of education, there is no consistent relationship between conservative Protestantism and economic policy preferences. Since the better educated are disproportionately politically active, politicians may be especially likely to pay attention to their interests. This may help to explain why the Republican coalition between social and economic conservatives has endured for several decades and shows no signs of abating.
Cancer Therapy and Osteoporosis: Approach to Evaluation and Management

The incidences of osteoporosis and cancer increase with age, and these two diagnoses are often made in the same individual. Both increasing age and hypogonadism associated with aging, as well as cancer therapies, can lead to loss of bone mass and increased risk for fragility fractures. Advancing age carries an association with increased incidence of cancers. Thus, cancer and its therapies may predispose an individual to osteoporosis and its associated morbidity and mortality. Prevention of bone loss and its consequent fractures is critical in the care of aging patients. This article reviews the mechanisms of bone metabolism and the principles of management of bone health in the older population with a history of cancer.
Developments in nonlinear multivariate calibration

Abstract This paper describes ongoing efforts by researchers to develop methods for detecting, studying, and modeling nonlinear spectral response in multicomponent spectroscopic assays. Some topics for future study are also identified. Tests for detecting nonlinear regions of spectral response in multivariate, multicomponent spectroscopic assays are described. These techniques can be used to study the capability of multivariate linear models like multiple linear regression, principal components regression and partial least-squares to approximate nonlinear response. With artificial neural networks it is possible to develop calibrations that accommodate different functional forms of nonlinear response in different spectral regions.
Interface characterization of (In,Ga)As/AlGaAs layers grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract The structures and interface qualities of (In 0.1 Ga 0.9 )As/(Al 0.2 Ga 0.8 )As and (In 0.2 Ga 0.8 )As/(Al 0.2 Ga 0.8 )As semiconductor superlattices grown by the MOCVD technique have been examined by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy image technique. Interface quality can be distinguished using a (100) zone axis with proper specimen thickness range and an appropriate objective aperture. The interface is found to be smooth and the interdiffusion of elements is restricted to a monolayer scale on both sides of the single quantum well structures.
Initial results from a water vapor differential absorption lidar (DIAL) using a widely tunable amplified diode laser source

It is widely agreed that water vapor is one of the most important gasses in the atmosphere with regards to its role in local weather, global climate, and the water cycle. Especially with the growing concern for understanding and predicting global climate change, detailed data of water vapor distribution and flux and related feedback mechanisms in the lowest 3 km of the troposphere, where most of the atmospheric water vapor resides, are required to aid in climate models. Improved capabilities to monitor range-resolved tropospheric water vapor profiles continuously in time at many locations are needed. One method of obtaining this data in the boundary layer with improved vertical resolution relative to passive remote sensors is with a Differential Absorption LIDAR (DIAL) utilizing a compact laser diode source. Montana State University, with the expertise of its laser source development group, has developed a compact water vapor DIAL system that utilizes a widely tunable amplified external cavity diode laser (ECDL) transmitter. This transmitter has the ability to tune across a 17 nm spectrum near 830 nm, allowing it access to multiple water vapor absorption lines of varying strengths. A novel tuning system tunes and holds the ECDL to within +/- 88 MHz (0.20 pm) of the selected wavelength. The ECDL acts as a seed source for two commercial cascaded tapered amplifiers. The receiver uses commercially available optics and a fiber-coupled Avalanche Photodiode (APD) detector. Initial nighttime measurements of water vapor profiles taken over Bozeman, Montana, with comparisons to radiosonde-derived profiles will be presented.
Identification of two cationic amino acid transporters required for nutritional signaling during mosquito reproduction

SUMMARY The defining characteristic of anautogenous mosquitoes is their requirement for a blood meal to initiate reproduction. The need for blood drives the association of vector and host, and is the primary reason why anautogenous mosquitoes are effective disease vectors. During mosquito vitellogenesis, a key process in reproduction, yolk protein precursor (YPP) gene expression is activated specifically in the fat body, the insect analogue of the vertebrate liver. We have demonstrated that blood meal derived amino acids (AAs) activate YPP genes via the target of rapamycin (TOR)-signal transduction pathway. Here we show, by stimulating fat bodies with balanced AA solutions lacking individual AAs, that specific cationic and branched AAs are essential for activation of the vitellogenin ( vg ) gene, the major YPP gene. Treatment of fat bodies with AA uptake inhibitors results in a strong inhibition of AA-induced vg gene expression proving that an active transport mechanism is necessary to transduce the AA signal. We identified two cationic AA transporters (CATs) in the fat body of Aedes aegypti females - Aa slimfast and iCAT2 . RNAi knockdown of slimfast and iCAT2 results in a strong decrease in the response to AAs by the vg gene similar to that seen due to TOR inhibition. These data demonstrate that active uptake of specific AAs plays a key role in nutritional signaling during the onset of vitellogenic gene expression in mosquitoes and it is mediated by two cationic AA transporters.
Treatment of children with simple febrile seizures: the aap practice parameter

Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in childhood, occurring in 2-5% of children. Despite their frequency, there has been little unanimity of opinion regarding the need for long-term antiepileptic therapy. As such, the American Academy of Pediatrics formulated a subcommittee to study the subject. A Practice Parameter was developed that addressed the issue of whether continuous or intermittent antiepileptic therapy is necessary for children with simple febrile seizures. The committee determined that with the exception of a high rate of recurrence, no long-term adverse effects of simple febrile seizures have been identified. The risk of developing epilepsy is extremely low and, even in those patients who do, there is no evidence that recurrent simple febrile seizures produce structural central nervous system damage. Also, there is no evidence that recurrent simple febrile seizures cause either learning problems or premature death. The committee concluded that although there is the evidence that continuous antiepileptic therapy with phenobarbital or valproic acid and intermittent therapy with diazepam are effective in reducing the risk of recurrence, the potential toxicities associated with antiepileptic therapy outweigh the relatively minor risks associated with simple febrile seizures. As such, long-term treatment is not recommended.
Habitat Use and Social Organization of Nine Sympatric Species of Macropodid Marsupials

Nine species of macropods were observed on 5.2 square kilometers in northeastern New South Wales. The terrain was hilly and covered with a mosaic of closed-forest, open-forest (much of it extensively ringbarked), and cleared pas- ture land. Most of the species were narrowly restricted to particular habitats, but the whiptail wallaby used all but the closed-forest, and the red-necked wallaby used even that to a limited extent. All nine species grazed on native and introduced pas- ture plants, and some also browsed. Most were nocturnal, but the grey kangaroo and especially the whiptail wallaby were also active during the day. These two species were also the most social. Local populations of both species were divided into discrete social units or mobs, whose members gathered in subgroups of varying size and composition. Scrub wallabies and rock wallabies are apparently also social; the other species are essentially solitary. The larger species in more open habitat grazed and rested together peacefully. The successful sympatry of these species was due largely to the diversity and interspersion of habitats; more detailed information is needed on their food habits. Their respective levels of sociality reflected each species' combination of group-facilitating adaptations.
Epstein-Barr virus: exploiting the immune system

In vitro, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) will infect any resting B cell, driving it out of the resting state to become an activated proliferating lymphoblast. Paradoxically, EBV persists in vivo in a quiescent state in resting memory B cells that circulate in the peripheral blood. How does the virus get there, and with such specificity for the memory compartment? An explanation comes from the idea that two genes encoded by the virus--LMP1 and LMP2A--allow EBV to exploit the normal pathways of B-cell differentiation so that the EBV-infected B blast can become a resting memory cell.
Expression of protooncogene-encoded mRNA by colonic epithelial cells in inflammatory bowel disease

Protooncogenes are cell cycle-related genes that are involved in cell growth or proliferation. Alterations in the level of expression of these genes, or expression of aberrant gene products, have been observed in tumors and precancerous conditions. To determine if expression of these genes is altered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-who are at risk for development of colon cancer—we assayed transcripts of 15 protooncogenes in colonic epithelial cells of IBD patients and controls. Nine, of these genes (H-ras, c-myc, c-fos, c-jun, junB, N-myc, c-abl, c-yes, andp53) were expressed in epithelial cells, whereas two (RB1 and N-ras) were not. Expression of four other genes (c-src, K-ras, c-raf and c-myb) was observed, but the intensity of these bands was too low for densitometric analysis. The steady-state levels of transcripts of H-ras and five nuclear protooncogenes (c-myc, c-fos, c-jun, junB, and N-myc) were lower in epithelial cells from involved or uninvolved IBD samples than in normal epithelial cells from either sporadic colon cancer or diverticulitis patients. The level of c-fos mRNA was two-to threefold higher in involved than in uninvolved areas of the colons of two ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, but not in one Crohn's disease (CD) patient. Message abundance of c-abl transcripts was two-to threefold lower in UC epithelial cells than in either the CD or control samples. The steady-state level of c-yes-encoded mRNA was considerably higher in IBD patients resected for colon cancer than in patients resected for active chronic IBD or in controls. The level ofp53 message was constant in these samples. Increased levels of c-fos mRNA in involved UC relative to uninvolved, UC may be related to the disease process. Decreased expression of c-abl transcripts in UC may be a diagnostic marker for UC and may be related to the rate of cell turnover in these diseases. Enhanced expression of c-yes in IBD patients with tumors compared to active chronic IBD and controls suggests that expression of this gene may be a marker for development of colon cancer in IBD.
Fluctuons—III. Gravity

Abstract The fluctuon principle provides a model of gravity. Mass and field are interpreted in terms of density depression in the full sea of vacuum fermions. Gravitons are interpreted as self-perpetuating chains of transient fermion-antifermion pairs (propagating gravitational fluctuons) and gravitational waves as compression-expansion waves of vacuum density. The direct gravitational interaction between absorbing particles is repulsive (whether the absorbers are permanent positive energy particles or trapped fluctuons). The attractive gravitational interaction arises from the ‘pushing’ effect of propagating gravitational fluctuons originating in the low mass regions of space, where the density of trapped fluctuons is highest. The model implies the principle of equivalence and through this the general relativistic equations of gravitation.
Understanding proximal humerus fractures: Image analysis, classification, and treatment

Proximal humerus fractures are difficult to define because of their extreme variability and potential for complexity. We designed a study to evaluate further why this is true. Radiographs of 113 proximal humeral fractures were assessed by 3 knowledgeable observers. The observers were asked to answer independently 9 questions about the fracture, to classify the fracture according to the Neer classification, and to recommend treatment. Two months later, a learning session was held to discuss discrepancies among the observers and to develop learning points to improve analysis of the images. Two months later, the radiographs were reassessed. Developing 10 learning points enhanced the ability to interpret images at the second review and provide more consistent fracture classification with statistically significant improvements. The problem is understanding the images of complex fractures-not the classification system. To enhance consistency in understanding these fractures, imaging of complex fractures must be enhanced.
Pictures of suffering in elders' narratives

Abstract This article is based on 4 respondents' answers to a question posed in our suffering study: Experiences of suffering in late life : “If you could draw or paint, or even take a picture of suffering, what would be in the picture?” This question was included in an in-depth interview that investigated events of suffering in community-dwelling men and women residing in Philadelphia who were aged 80 and above. Respondents were asked to tell a story of suffering earlier in the interview; the question about a picture of suffering invited them to use another medium to describe suffering, or to elaborate the suffering story. This article uses data from each respondent's entire transcript in order to put the picture of suffering in as complete a context as possible. A key finding of this article is that pictures add an unexpected dimension to respondents' story of suffering and reveal creativity and complexity in representing the self and suffering in the research interview.
Time-dependent effects in QWIPs in low temperature, low background conditions

Recently, several time-dependent effects have been observed in both the dark current and the photocurrent of quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) when operating in a low temperature and/or low photon background. These effects include: non-zero dark current when the applied bias is zero, hysteresis in the dark current when the applied bias is varied, chaotic oscillations in the dark current at high applied bias, a linear increase in the dark current when the frequency of a sinusoidal applied bias is increased, and a roll-off in the optical responsivity when the frequency of a time-varying photo signal is increased. In this paper, we explain how these effects are all manifestations of a single property: QWIPs behave like an RC circuit, with a resistance in series with the capacitance. Here we show the microscopic origin of both the transport resistance (due to tunneling in the dark cases, and due to photoexcitation when a photo signal is applied) and the quantum well capacitance. We also show that the non-adiabatic field that arises due to the capacitive time constant enters the theory non-linearly, leading to the oscillations at high bias first predicted and then observed.
Examination of scaling between earthquake magnitude and proposed early signals in P waveforms from very near source stations in a South African gold mine

[1] We analyze near-source seismograms recorded in a deep South African mine for scaling between signals early in P waveforms and the magnitude M of the events. The data consist of recordings at 26 stations of 122 events with � 1.5 � 0, implying that the final earthquake size is affected statistically by the initial rupture process. If these correlations hold for larger earthquakes, as suggested by other studies, the early predominant period and peak displacement are useful for early warning systems.
Dynamic Equifinality: The Case of South-Central Chile’s Evolving Forest Landscape

Abstract This paper explores a modified conceptual model of equifinality and applies it to an evolving landscape in south-central Chile. The equifinality model assumes that for a given open system, phenomena can take different paths and reach the same end state. We argue that landscapes with differing land cover can change over time for various reasons (political, social, or economical), and yet evolve into a landscape with the same land cover. Using a series of remotely sensed images spanning from 1976 to 2007, we look at land cover in three comunas in south-central Chile, each with a different dominant land cover in the early 1970s. We analyze land cover classes over time and find that each comuna is steadily increasing in forest cover through the establishment of plantations. Although we argue that policies of the 1970s and 1990s play a strong role in the establishment of plantations, we note that other factors (social and economic) are lending to the plantation land use. With regard to the equifinal behavior of land use in this region, we find the equifinality model (as based on the traditional principle of equifinality) limited, as plantations are not a stochastic end state, but a cyclical process of growth, harvest and replanting. As plantation land use is represented by an ever changing land cover, we introduce the term dynamic equifinality to explain how this land cover change via human-induced pathways does not reach an end state, per se, but rather a dynamic end process.
Common Malignant Musculoskeletal Neoplasms of Dogs and Cats

Malignancies of the musculoskeletal system in dogs and cats can be categorized as either primary or metastatic within the bony or soft structures that comprise the musculoskeletal system. By far, the most common tumor that affects the musculoskeletal system in dogs is osteosarcoma. The most common tumors that affect the musculoskeletal system in cats are injection site sarcomas. These tumors are locally infiltrative; whereas up to 25% metastasize, most animals die from our inability to control local disease. The aim of this article is to provide a brief review of the biologic behavior of and treatment recommendations for common tumors of the musculoskeletal system, excluding the oral and nasal cavities.
Conical flow near singular rays

The steady flow of an ideal gas past a conical body is investigated by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, with particular emphasis on the flow near the singular ray occurring in linearized theory. The first-order problem governing the flow in this region is formulated, leading to the equation of Kuo, and an approximate solution is obtained in the case of compressive flow behind the main front. This solution is compared with the results of previous investigations with a view to assessing the applicability of the Lighthill-Whitham theories.