cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social networks in complex human and natural systems: the case of rotational grazing, weak ties, and eastern US dairy landscapes

Multifunctional agricultural systems seek to expand upon production-based benefits to enhance family wellbeing and animal health, reduce inputs, and improve environmental services such as biodiversity and water quality. However, in many countries a landscape-level conversion is uneven at best and stalled at worst. This is particularly true across the eastern rural landscape in the United States. We explore the role of social networks as drivers of system transformation within dairy production in the eastern United States, specifically rotational grazing as an alternative management option. We hypothesize the importance of weak ties within farmer social networks as drivers of change. In Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York, we conducted 53 interviews with confinement, low-intensity, and rotational grazing dairy producers as well as 35 interviews with associated network actors. Though confinement and grazier networks had similar proportions of strong and weak ties, confinement producers had more market-based weak ties, while graziers had more weak-ties to government agencies and other graziers in the region. These agency weak ties supported rotational graziers through information exchange and cost sharing, both crucial to farmers’ transitions from confinement-based production to grazing systems. While weak ties were integral to initial innovation, farmers did not maintain these relationships beyond their transition to grazing. Of equal importance, grazier weak-tie networks did not include environmental organizations, suggesting unrealized potential for more diverse networks based on environmental services. By understanding the drivers, we can identify barriers to expanding weak tie networks and emergent properties in order to create institutions and policies necessary for change.
Dexamethasone affects phosphatidylinositol synthesis and degradation in cultured human embryonic cells

Abstract Dexamethasone (DEX), a glucocorticoid which induces cleft palate, causes marked alterations in the synthesis and degradation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) but not phosphatidylcholine in an established fibroblastic cell line derived from a human embryonic palate. Incorporation of radiolabeled inositol into phosphatidylinositol as well as degradation of prelabeled phosphatidylinositol is stimulated by DEX. The dose-response curves for the DEX-induced effect on PI synthesis and DEX-induced inhibition of cell proliferation are nearly identical, with the maximal responses occurring at 10−8M DEX. Our results suggest that DEX-induced inhibition of human embryonic palatal mesenchyme cell proliferation and alterations in synthesis and degradation of phosphatidylinositol are related.
Teaching safety: evaluation of a children's village in Maryland.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Children's Village, a life safety education facility for children. SETTING: The study took place in Washington County, Maryland, a rural county. METHODS: Eight elementary schools with 20 second grade classrooms (410 students aged 7 and 8) were selected to participate. Using a quasiexperimental design, tests were administered to two cohorts of children before (pretest) and after (post-test) they attended the Children's Village during 1993-4. Parent and teacher surveys were also completed after the program. RESULTS: Among children who attended in December 1993-January 1994, there was a significant improvement in average test scores between the pretest (58% correct) and post-test (78%). Among children who attended in April 1994, there also was a significant improvement in test scores between pretest (74%) and post-test (85%). Among parents, 70% reported that their child learned a great deal at Children's Village and 33% reported having made changes in their home as a result. The parent survey also revealed that 25% of children and 35% of adults did not always wear their seat belts, and 74% of children did not always wear bicycle helmets. Teachers' responses to the program were generally positive. CONCLUSIONS: Children's Village brought together an extensive network of community leaders, parents, and teachers dedicated to safety education of children. The curriculum had a positive impact on children's knowledge and, to a lesser extent, on parents' safety practices. Program impact could be enhanced by more emphasis on automobile restraints and helmets (behaviors that parents reported were not consistently practiced) and by expanding the village services to parents as well as children. Others considering creating similar programs need to identify community leaders willing to commit the time, effort, and resources required to develop and sustain such programs.
HER-Hydrologic evaluation of runoff; the soil conservation service curve number technique as an interactive computer model

Abstract Many methods exist to estimate watershed runoff. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number (CN) method is used widely to estimate runoff, water recharge, stream flow, infiltration, soil moisture content, and landfill leachate production from precipitation. The technique usually is evaluated by use of tables and nomograms, requiring extended computational time commitments and the subjective interpretation of graphical output. HER—Hydrologic Evaluation of Runoff, uses a FORTRAN algorithm to express the SCS technique as an interactive computer model. HER features standardized calculation methodology, generates reproducible results, and allows the rapid calculation of runoff estimates. HER is designed to simplify future efforts to: (1) research the sensitivity and accuracy of the method in environmental applications; and (2) investigate future model modifications to estimate runoff from two layer soil systems consisting of a permeable surface layer underlain by an impermeable subsurface layer.
Maximum independent sets in graphs of low degree

We study computational complexity of the maximum independent set problem on graphs of bounded vertex degree. In general, this problem is NP-hard. However, under certain restrictions it becomes polynomial-time solvable. We identify three graph properties to which the complexity of the problem is sensible.
Powering of bulk transport (varicosities) and differential sensitivities of directional transport in growing axons.

Abstract Goldfish retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, regenerating in vitro, have varicosities, intervening phase-dense inclusions (IPDIs) and particles that are mobile. Varicosities contain an aggregate complex of cytomembranes embedded in a cytoskeletal matrix, and, when they saltate, they represent a form of bulk transport. While movement of varicosities is normally infrequent, the incidence of movement can be greatly increased by alkalinization with NH4Cl. However, alkalinization also lowers the phase density of varicosities to reveal that motile hyperdense particles appear to be responsible for powering the translocation of varicosities and IPDIs. Other effects of alkalinization include a selective arrest of all anterograde movements and approximately a 10-fold reduction in the rate of retrograde mobility of particles and IPDIs. In mildly permeabilized axons, 20 μM orthovanadate selectively arrests retrogradely directed particle movements, while 100 μM arrests both antero- and retrograde transport. In addition to demonstrating in RGC axons that antero- and retrograde mechanisms exhibit differential pharmacological and pH sensitivities, the observations indicate that a heterogenous bulk mass can be translocated in growing axons by a passive ‘piggyback’ mechanism.
Energetics of Homogeneous Intermolecular Vinyl and Allyl Carbon−Hydrogen Bond Activation by the 16-Electron Coordinatively Unsaturated Organometallic Fragment [Tp‘Rh(CNCH2CMe3)]

Reaction of the complex Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(CHCH2)Cl (neo = CH2CMe3, Tp‘ = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) with Cp2ZrH2 leads to the formation of Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(CHCH2)H. This complex is also formed upon photolysis of a solution of Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(PhNCNneo) containing ethylene or by thermal reaction of Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(c-hexyl)H with ethylene. The vinyl hydride complex rearranges to the more stable η2-ethylene complex with a half-life of 8 h at 22 °C. Photolysis of a solution of Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(PhNCNneo) in liquid propylene produces the allylic activation product Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(CH2CHCH2)H, which rearranges (t1/2 = 3 days at 22 °C) to the η2-propylene complex. Allylic activation is also seen with isobutylene, but loss of olefin is observed at 22 °C in benzene solution to generate Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(Ph)H (t1/2 = 16.6 h). Photolysis of a tert-butylethylene solution of Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(PhNCNneo) produces the trans vinyl hydride complex, which loses tert-butylethylene to generate Tp‘Rh(CNneo)(Ph)H (t1/2 = 113 days at 22 °C). A comb...
The effect of quality assurance on flight nurse documentation

This study was developed to evaluate if a structured quality assurance program has an effect on nursing documentation. A randomized, retrospective audit of records was conducted from 1985 to 1989, and in November 1987, a structured QA program was initiated for flight nurses. Each chart was audited for completeness of 69 elements from seven categories: administrative information, patient history, physical exam, management plan, vital signs, medications and intravenous access. A comparison of audit results was conducted before and after the QA program was initiated. A total of 224 charts were audited, 123 before the QA program and 101 after. There was statistically significant improvement in 4 of 13 administrative, 5 of 7 history, 21 of 31 physical exam, 2 of 6 management, 2 of 2 vital signs, 0 of 4 medication, and 0 of 6 intravenous access elements. Twenty-five of 35 categories that did not show improvement had initial completion rates greater than 90 percent. The significant improvement in documentation by flight nurses after a formal QA program was initiated lead the authors to conclude that QA benefits air medical programs by providing a mechanism to improve documentation.
A characterization and critical discussion of models and their use in environmental policy

Formal models, most of them implemented with computers, play a critically important role in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental regulatory policy. As in the social sciences, some of these models serve as research tools which are useful in developing and testing theoretical insight. But a large set of models are used directly in the day-to-day processes of impact assessment, policy-formulation, and most importantly, regulatory enforcement.
An architecture for active metamaterial particles and experimental validation at RF

We describe a class of metamaterial particle that employs active elements to overcome the inherent limitations of their passive counterparts, such as significant losses, high dispersion, and narrow bandwidth. The active unit cell can be designed to have either an elec- tric or magnetic response. For a magnetic active metamaterial, we de- rive the design equations for the unit cell and validate them experimen- tally through the extraction of effective permittivity and permeability from S-parameter measurements of a unit cell in a waveguide. We show that phase delay in the amplifier can be used to control losses and dis- persion. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2574 -2577, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22789
Anaesthetics increase light emission from aequorin at constant ionised calcium.

The isolation by Shimomura, Johnson and Saiga1 of a protein, aequorin, that emits light in the presence of micromolar concentrations of ionised calcium opened up new possibilities for the study of ionised calcium inside cells2–5. It is a relatively simple matter to introduce aequorin into large cells by microinjection, and the rate of light emission gives a direct measure of intracellular free calcium. During an investigation into the action of certain anaesthetics on squid axons, we noticed that these agents always increase the light output from intracellular aequorin. Subsequent analysis has now revealed that this does not result from a rise in ionised calcium inside the axon but seems to reflect a direct effect of the anaesthetic agent on the aequorin molecule. The agents studied all produce greater activation of the light emitting reaction at a constant level of ionised calcium. These rather simple observations have several important biological implications: (1) aequorin might be an interesting model system for studying interaction between anaesthetics and proteins, (2) other Ca-sensitive proteins might behave like aequorin, their affinity for calcium being subject to modulation, and (3) such modulation of endogenous Ca-binding proteins might contribute to the mechanism of anaesthesia.
On a new graphical method in the theory of multiple fixations and its application to the wurmser theory of isohemagglutination

The fundamental equation of the theory of multiple fixations without interaction (MFWI) is $$\frac{1}{r} = \frac{1}{m} + \frac{1}{{mKA}}$$ wherer is the number of saturated sites,m the maximal number of such sites,K the association constant andA the activity of the univalent fixing elements. Whenm is large, the determination of 1/m as the intercept in a plot of 1/r versus 1/A is impracticable. It can be shown that, given three half-raysOA, OB andOC respectively defined by the polar anglesO, π/3 and 2π/3, the relation $$\frac{1}{{OA}} + \frac{1}{{OC}} = \frac{1}{{OB}}$$ holds for any straight lineABC crossing the axes. Such a graph can be used to represent the fundamental equation of the theory of MFWI: a set of straight lines corresponds to a set of points (r,A) and these lines converge on the axisOC. This graphical method has been used to test Wurmser’s theory of isohemagglutination; the results are aberrant. It is concluded that either the theory is wrong, or the experimental errors are considerable. The findings closely agree with the views of E. A. Kabat.
Impacts of multispecies parasitism on juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon

Abstract We are studying the impacts of parasites on threatened stocks of Oregon coastal coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ). In our previous studies, we have found high infections of digeneans and myxozoans in coho salmon parr from the lower main stem of West Fork Smith River (WFSR), Oregon. In contrast parr from tributaries of this river, and outmigrating smolts, harbor considerably less parasites. Thus, we have hypothesized that heavy parasite burdens in parr from this river are associated with poor overwintering survival. The objective of the current study was to ascertain the possible effects these parasites have on smolt fitness. We captured parr from the lower main stem and tributaries of WFSR and held them in the laboratory to evaluate performance endpoints of smolts with varying degrees of infection by three digeneans ( Nanophyetus salmincola , Apophallus sp., and neascus) and one myxozoan ( Myxobolus insidiosus ). The parameters we assessed were weight, fork length, growth, swimming stamina, and gill Na + ,K + -ATPase activity. We repeated our study on the subsequent year class and with hatchery reared coho salmon experimentally infected with N. salmincola . The most significant associations between parasites and these performance or fitness endpoints were observed in the heavily infected groups from both years. We found that all parasite species, except neascus, were negatively associated with fish fitness. This was corroborated for N. salmincola causing reduced growth with our experimental infection study. Parasites were most negatively associated with growth and size, and these parameters likely influenced the secondary findings with swimming stamina and ATPase activity levels.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and heparin in a biologic glue promotes human aortic endothelial cell proliferation with aortic smooth muscle cell inhibition.

Background . Incomplete luminal endothelialization may contribute to small diameter vascular graft failure. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can be used to stimulate endothelialization without provoking smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Heparin and VEGF in a fibrin glue (FG) were investigated for their ability to promote selective human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) proliferation and human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) inhibition. Methods . HAECs and HASMCs were seeded on FG containing VEGF (2.5, 10, 30, 100 ng/ml) or VEGF and heparin (5, 50, 500 units/ml). Proliferation assays were performed with tritiated thymidine on days 1 and 3. Results were analyzed by ANOVA, with p≤0.05 significant. Results . HAEC proliferation on FG with 10, 30, and 100 ng/ml VEGF was significantly greater than FG alone at days 1 and 3. The addition of 50 units/ml heparin to VEGF significantly increased HAEC proliferation to greater than FG with VEGF alone at day 1. Human aortic SMC proliferation was not stimulated by the addition of VEGF. The addition of 5, 50, and 500 units/ml heparin significantly inhibited HASMC proliferation regardless of VEGF concentration. Discussion . VEGF at 10 ng/ml combined with heparin at 50 units/ml exhibited maximal stimulation of HAECs with inhibition of HASMCs. VEGF and heparin in a biologic glue may improve patency by selectively promoting HAEC proliferation without HASMC growth on synthetic vascular bypass grafts.
Voxel-based lesion-parameter mapping: Identifying the neural correlates of a computational model of word production.

The dual-route interactive two-step model explains the variation in the error patterns of aphasic speakers in picture naming, and word and nonword repetition tasks. The model has three parameters that can vary across individuals: the efficiency of the connections between semantic and lexical representations (s-weight), between lexical and phonological representations (p-weight), and between representations of auditory input and phonological representations (nl-weight). We determined these parameter values in 103 participants with chronic aphasia from left hemisphere stroke whose lesion locations had been determined. Then, using voxel-based lesion-parameter mapping, we mapped the parameters onto the brain, thus determining the neural correlates of the model’s mechanisms. The maps and the behavioral findings supported the model’s central claim that word repetition is affected by both the p and nl parameters. We propose that these two parameters constitute the model’s analogue of the “dorsal stream” component of neurocognitive models of language processing.
What to do at an end: DNA double-strand-break repair

Abstract Repairing chromosome breaks is essential to cell survival. A major lethal effect of ionizing radiation (IR) damage is the creation of double-strand DNA breaks. Recently, a number of mammalian cell mutants that are sensitive to IR damage have been described, revealing a unique repair pathway. The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is necessary for double-strand-break repair and lymphoid V(D)J recombination. DNA-PK consists of three subunits: the Ku autoantigen heterodimer and a kinase (DNA-PK cs ) that is deficient in mouse scid mutant cells.
Measurement of gliding resistance of the extensor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum communis II tendons within the extensor retinaculum.

Abstract Purpose The etiology of spontaneous extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture is still largely unknown. It is possible that friction within the sheath may play a role. The purposes of this study were to compare gliding resistance of the EPL tendon with that of the extensor digitorum communis tendon of the index finger (EDC II) and to find the wrist position that gives the EPL tendon the lowest gliding resistance. Methods Fifteen fresh-frozen cadavers were used. Gliding resistance was measured directly in 7 different wrist positions. Results The mean gliding resistance of the EPL tendon was 0.16 ± 0.08 N and that of the EDC II tendon was 0.11 ± 0.06 N. This difference was significant. There was also a significant effect on gliding resistance due to wrist position. For the EPL tendon, the gliding resistance was significantly greater in 60° wrist flexion compared with all other wrist positions tested. Additionally the gliding resistance of the EPL in 30° flexion, 60° extension, and 15° radial deviation was significantly higher than wrist positions of 30° extension, neutral, and 30° ulnar deviation. Conclusions Positioning the wrist close to neutral flexion/extension and in some ulnar deviation minimizes the friction within the EPL sheath. Such positions may be advantageous for splinting patients at risk for EPL rupture.
Petrology of a leucogabbroic interval within basal layered gabbros at North Arm Mountain, Bay of Islands ophiolite

Data from detailed sample traverses in the layered gabbro unit of the North Arm Mauntain massif, Bay of Islands ophiolite, allow meter-scale resolution of magmatic processes in spreading ridge magma chambers. One suite of 46 samples from a 195 m interval near the base of the layered gabbro unit contains cumulus plagioclase (An73.7–87.5; average modal abundance=75%), clinopyroxene (Mg#=80.3–86.0; 18%), and olivine (Fo76.6–82.1; 6%), with intergranular orthopyroxene (Mg#=78.0–83.3; 1%), and accessory Cr-Al spinel (Cr#=32.3–41.4). Ilmenite rims spinel in one sample. Whole rock Zr contents range from <6 to 15 ppm. Plots of stratigraphic height in the traverse versus petrogenetic indicators (e.g. Mg#'s of mafic phases and An in plagioclase) reveal both normal and reverse cryptic variation patterns; the patterns for all indices are generally correlated. The normal portions of the patterns formed during fractional crystallization of basalt batches. Ranges of mineral compositions in the normal trends suggest that ∼29–38% crystallization of each batch of basalt occurred before magmatic replenishment. The reverse cryptic trends formed by crystallization of hybrid magmas produced during periods of magma mixing. Other evidence for magma mixing is the systematic association of spinel and reversely zoned plagioclase with the reverse trends. Experiments and observations of natural assemblages indicate that ∼55% modal plagioclase crystallizes from basalts at the olivine+plagioclase+clinopyroxene+liquid piercing point. The average plagioclase content of this suite of leucogabbros from North Arm Mountain is too high to have formed from simple crystallization at the piercing point. Petrologic modeling indicates the leucogabbros may have formed from basalts into which a small amount (<10%) of plagioclase was resorbed during mixing; the initial compositions of these hybrid basalts lie in the plagioclase primary phase volume. Other suites of layered gabbros from North Arm Mountain are not so plagioclase-rich as the leucogabbros described above. Crystallization of basalts in the plagioclase primary phase volume and the consequent formation of plagioclaserich gabbros may occur in restricted portions of zoned magma chambers underlying oceanic spreading centers, or may occur episodically in the overall lifetimes of the magma chambers.
Glucose regulation of transforming growth factor-alpha expression is mediated by products of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway.

We have recently shown that glucose and glucosamine regulate the transcription of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) in rat aortic smooth muscle (RASM) cells. Based on the increased potency of glucosamine compared to glucose, we hypothesized that stimulation of TGF alpha transcription by glucose is mediated through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. The yeast cDNA for the rate-limiting enzyme of this pathway, glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFA), was therefore expressed in RASM cells. GFA-transfected cells showed an increase in GFA activity, exhibiting a 2.2-fold increase in the synthesis of glucosamine-6-phosphate, the first product of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. To test the effect of GFA overexpression on TGF alpha transcriptional activity, cells were transiently cotransfected with GFA along with a reporter plasmid containing the firefly luciferase gene under control of the TGF alpha promoter. GFA-transfected cells exhibited a glucose-dependent 2-fold increase in TG...
A new AMS setup for nuclear astrophysics experiments

Abstract The Nuclear Structure Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Notre Dame installed its Browne–Buechner spectrograph in the early 1970s for highly accurate energy measurements of nuclear reactions. Current renovation and upgrading of this spectrograph will enable operation of the magnet in a gas-filled mode, in particular for the study of nuclear reactions with low cross-sections of interest in nuclear astrophysics. One of the principle issues shared by measurements of extremely low abundances in Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and nuclear astrophysics is the discrimination between the nuclei of interest and often very intense isobaric background. Recently the AMS technique of the gas-filled magnet has very successfully been used at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to overcome this in the study of both environmental noble gas traces ( 39 Ar) and the measurement of cross-sections of interest in stellar nucleosynthesis i.e. the 62 Ni( n , γ) 63 Ni reaction. We hope to extend these techniques further to the observations of astrophysically important reactions such as 40 Ca(α, γ) 44 Ti and 78 Kr(α, γ) 82 Sr.
Embedded dynamics for lattice field theory

Abstract A new approach to simulating lattice field theory with continuous fields is suggested and it is tested on φ 4 field theory. Discrete variables are embedded into the field theory, so that large scale tunneling events can be induced via a modified Swendsen-Wang algorithm with fluctuating site-bond percolation probabilities. The measured dynamical critical exponents z ED = 0.07±0.07, 0.29±0.09, 0.87±0.20 in d = 1,2,3 dimensions respectively are consistent with our conjecture that this embedded dynamics lies in the same universality class as the Swendsen-Wang Ising dynamics.
ECLOGITES AND THE METASOMATISM OF ECLOGITES FROM THE JAGERSFONTEIN KIMBERLITE : PUNCTUATED TRANSPORT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ALKALI MAGMATISM

The first detailed petrographic and electron microbeam study of eclogite xenoliths and associated metasomatism from the Jagersfontein Kimberlite are presented with the objectives of determining depths of origin and of establishing possible links to cratonic magmatism. Jagersfontein eclogites are primarily bimineralic garnet + clinopyroxene with wide variations in color, size, and modal abundances, and with initial equilibration in the diamond stability field; five of seventy-nine eclogites derive from P > 8 Gpa. Phlogopite, amphibole, and calcite are the dominant metasomatic minerals, with accessory spinel, feldspar, and serpentine. Garnets are py39 to py77 in composition, and zoned garnets are observed as overgrowth rims on early garnet, adjacent to phlogopite, and as relicts in spinel-bearing subassemblages. Phlogopite and amphibole are enriched in Ti, and serpentine contains noticeable Al and Fe. Pleonaste has limited magnetite and minor Cr; and a strong correlation exists between MgO and Cr2O3 contents in spinel and in coexisting garnet. Pyroxene is compositionally diverse, and three distinct varieties exist: (1) primary omphacite (jd7-jd55) with distinct high-Al[VI] and low-Al[VI] groups; (2) secondary symplectitic diopsidic omphacite (jd2-jd25) with slightly greater Al[IV] content than primary omphacite; and (3) spinel-associated pyroxene with little or no jadeite component (max 0.96 wt% Na2O), variable Ca/(Ca + Mg + Fe) (0.03–0.47), and high Tschermak content (up to ∼0.3 cations Al[IV] pfu). Feldspar compositions are variable and controlled by associated minerals (garnet, pyroxene, phlogopite) and composition of reacting phases. Pressure-T estimates for metasomatism are phlogopite; and for advanced C-H-O metasomatism of eclogites, conjugate silicate (melilitic to phonolitic) and carbonatitic (sovite) melts, similar to the field settings of carbonatites, are produced.
The impact of electronic data interchange on purchasing: an empirical investigation

As the use of inter‐organizational information systems such as electronic data interchange (EDI) increases, it becomes important to determine what impact, if any, their adoption has on different functions of an organization. Since the purchasing function is among one of the most affected by EDI adoption, a survey of purchasing managers was conducted to assess the extent of EDI′s impact on purchasing. The results, based on 122 EDI users, indicate that increasing the percentage of purchasing transactions using EDI permits more automation but some of these benefits may not be fully realized due to some associated inefficiencies. However, those organizations that have encouraged their vendors to use EDI appear to have significantly improved organizational efficiencies. These organizations also did not perceive any significant organizational changes due to EDI adoption. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Purulence and Gram Negative Bacilli in Tracheal Aspirates of Mechanically Ventilated Neonates

Purulence and Gram Negative Bacilli in Tracheal Aspirates of Mechanically Ventilated Neonates
Role of ion depletion in the electrophoretic deposition of alumina powder from ethanol with increasing quantities of HCl

Under certain conditions of conductivity and at constant current, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of alumina powder from an acidic suspension is accompanied by an anomalous voltage rise across the deposited particulate layer. This voltage rise, which is much greater than can be accounted for by the blocking of the electrode by non-conducting particles, is the signal of the formation of a very uniform, dense alumina deposition layer. To determine the conditions necessary to induce this effect and discover its origins, a series of systematic EPD trials with increasing quantities of HCL is comprehensively examined. It is shown that both of these effects can be accounted for by the formation of an ion depleted conduction layer in the solvent at the deposition electrode, which is marked by extremely high voltage gradients. The resulting electrophoretic force on particles in this layer is several orders of magnitude higher than the force on particles in the rest of the system and consolidates the particles to form the observed densely compacted layer. This high voltage gradient layer also results in a significant self-leveling effect for deposition thickness. A complete description of the various types of deposition observed in this series of trials is then given in which EPD is treated as a series of three steps: accumulation, deposition, and consolidation. This description identifies the origin of several effects seen during EPD and is intended to help the reader identify the conditions necessary to induce ion depletion enhanced, automatic leveling electrophoretic deposition.
The D function in a phenomenological ND model

Abstract Analytic expressions for the D function in a phenomenological N D model are given. These expressions can be of considerable use in phenomenological studies of partial-wave scattering amplitudes pertaining to systems such as πN,KN,NN, etc. Extension to the case in which one of the two particles in a channel is an isobar is also considered.
A co-crystal of polyoxometalates exhibiting single-molecule magnet behavior: the structural origin of a large magnetic anisotropy.

A polyoxometalate-based {MnIII3MnIV} single-molecule magnet exhibits a large axial anisotropy (D = −0.86 cm−1) resulting from a near-parallel alignment of Jahn–Teller axes. Its rigorous three-fold symmetry (i.e. rhombicity E → 0) and increased intercluster separation via co-crystallization effectively hamper quantum tunnelling of the magnetization.
Advancing environmental and policy change through active living collaboratives: compositional and stakeholder engagement correlates of group effectiveness.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate compositional factors, including collaborative age and size, and community, policy, and political engagement activities that may influence collaboratives’ effectiveness in advancing environmental improvements and policies for active living. Design/Participants/Setting: Structured interviews were conducted with collaboratives’ coordinators. Survey items included organizational composition, community, policy, and political engagement activities and reported environmental improvements and policy change. Descriptive statistics and multivariate models were used to investigate these relationships. Main Outcome Measure(s): Environmental improvement and policy change scores reflecting level of collaborative effectiveness across 8 strategy areas (eg, parks and recreation, transit, streetscaping, and land redevelopment). Results: Fifty-nine collaborative groups participated in the interview, representing 22 states. Groups have made progress in identifying areas for environmental improvements and in many instances have received funding to support these changes. Results from multivariate models indicate that engagement in media communication and advocacy was statistically correlated with higher levels of environmental improvement, after adjusting for age of group and area poverty levels (P < .01). Groups that frequently solicited endorsements from community leaders and offered testimony in policy or legal hearings reported significantly more policy change, after adjusting for age of group and area poverty levels (P < .01 for both). Conclusions: Active living collaboratives are translating the evidence on environmental and policy approaches
Habitat influences snail community structure and trematode infection levels in a spring-fed river, Texas, USA

The spring-fed Comal River in Texas, USA, has been impounded and channelized resulting mainly in a lentic environment with four headwater spring runs. We sampled two spring runs (lotic sites) and two lentic sites seasonally from April 2001 through April 2002 to assess (1) co-occurrence of native and exotic snail species (as determined by interspecific association), (2) the importance of habitat conditions in structuring relationships among these species, and (3) the distribution of snails infected with exotic trematode parasites. Three exotic and four endemic species of aquatic snails were collected, but only Elimia comalensis (Prosobranchia: Pleuroceridae, native), Melanoides tuberculatus, and Tarebia granifera (Prosobranchia: Thiaridae, exotic) were in sufficient densities for further analyses. Tarebia granifera was positively associated with both M. tuberculatus (χ2 = 18.5, P < 0.001) and E. comalensis (χ2 = 7.3, P < 0.01), although the co-occurrence between the two exotics was much stronger. Melanoides tuberculatus and E. comalensis exhibited a strong, negative association (χ2 = 10.9, P < 0.001). The weaker co-occurrence between E. comalensis with the thiarids appeared to be driven by differences in habitat use by the thiarids and native E. comalensis. In lentic habitats, densities of M. tuberculatus and T. granifera were similar but differed significantly from E. comalensis whose densities were 200 times less than the exotic snails. In lotic spring runs, densities of T. granifera and E. comalensis were similar, but differed significantly from M. tuberculatus whose densities were 10 times fewer. Lower densities of M. tuberculatus and T. granifera in habitat conditions common to the spring runs may explain why exotic snail interactions were less with the native E. comalensis than with each other. The native snail, E. comalensis, was not infected with any trematodes, while 6.1% of M. tuberculatus and 4.8% of T. granifera were infected with exotic trematodes. Distributions of infected snails were aggregated; such that most infected snails were found in lentic habitats with silt substrates and moderate to high levels of detritus. Continued declines in spring-flows due to aquifer withdrawals and droughts will increase lentic habitats that may lead to increased densities of T. granifera and M. tuberculatus and their concomitant parasites.
Ketomethylthiobutyric acid formation from methylthioadenosine: a diffusion assay.

Abstract Typical enzyme kinetics were observed when 5′-methylthioadenosine was used as substrate with extracts of malignant murine cells in a diffusion assay. The volatile product was measured after diffusion into a solution of the sulfhydryl reagent, 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), which it reduced to a yellow chromophore. Cysteine was required in the system. The volatile product was identified as H2S derived from the cysteine. The yield of H2S was similar to the amount of 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid (KMTB) formed from methylthioadenosine when the KMTB was measured simultaneously in an ether extraction assay. KMTB could replace methylthioadenosine as a substrate capable of causing the formation of the diffusible product from cysteine. It is concluded that the following sequence of reactions takes place in the diffusion assay system: (1) 5′-methylthioadenosine + Pi → adenine + 5-methylthioribose-1-P, (2) 5-methylthioribose-1-P → KMTB, (3) KMTB + cysteine → methionine + 3-mercaptopyruvate, (4) 3-mercaptopyruvate + excess R-SH → pyruvate + H2S, (5) H2S + 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) → 5-mercapto-2-nitrobenzoic acid. Thus, the diffusion assay measures the amount of KMTB formed. The key enzyme, cysteine aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.3, was partially purified from malignant cells and from liver and several of its characteristics are described. The diffusion assay using this enzyme is useful in measuring de novo synthesis of α-keto acids and it is applicable to crude enzyme preparations. The sensitivity is about 5 nmol of keto acid and the accurate range is 5 to 100 nmol.
Psychogenic seizures after head injury in children.

A total of 148 patients with a history of probable seizure disorder were studied prospectively with long-term video electroencephalography over a 1-year period. Sixteen (11%) were identified with psychogenic seizures. Eleven (69%) of 16 were boys, with a mean age of 10.5 years. Seven (44%) of the 16 had an antecedent history of head injury prior to the development of these episodes; of these patients 85% were boys. Our results suggest that contrary to findings in the adult population, psychogenic seizures can be commonly seen in boys. The prevalence of antecedent head injury suggests that it is a notable risk factor in children as well as adults in the occurrence of psychogenic seizures. (J Child Neicrol 2000;15:78-80).
Immunotoxicology of Beryllium Lung Disease

Beryllium induces non-caseating granulomatous inflammation in humans exposed to the metal dust or fumes in both occupational and non-occupational settings. The resulting condition, chronic beryllium disease (CBD), affects principally the lungs, lymphatics, and skin and continues to plague modern industry. Beryllium exerts several important immunotoxic effects, including induction of a beryllium-antigen specific adaptive immune response and the triggering of inflammatory and innate immune responses. Genetic susceptibility plays a role in CBD adaptive immune responses, mainly mediated through single nucleotide polymorphisms in HLA-DP and, to a lesser extent, HLA-DR. The adaptive response is characterized by influx and proliferation of CD4+ central and effector memory T cells expressing Th1 cytokines. Insights into the immunopathogenesis of CBD have implications for the understanding of other immune-mediated granulomatous disorders and for metal antigen behavior.
Identification of iron-regulated proteins ofMycobacterium tuberculosisand cloning of tandem genes encoding a low iron-induced protein and a metal transporting ATPase with similarities to two-component metal transport systems

Abstract Iron plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis , the principal causative agent of tuberculosis. To learn more about iron acquisition by this bacterium, its iron regulated proteins (IRPs) were investigated. Seven IRPs were identified — three increased by high iron concentrations, and four by low iron concentrations. The smallest protein induced by low iron, Irp10, is tightly iron regulated as it is virtually absent in bacteria cultured in the presence of high iron concentrations. The gene ( irpA ) encoding this protein and an adjacent open reading frame, mtaA , were cloned and sequenced. The protein encoded by mtaA (Mta72) has striking homology to metal transporting P-type ATPases. This study suggests that Irp10 and Mta72 function as a two-component metal transport system in M. tuberculosis.
Oligomerized pool engineering (OPEN): an 'open-source' protocol for making customized zinc-finger arrays

Engineered zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) form the basis of a broadly applicable method for targeted, efficient modification of eukaryotic genomes. In recent work, we described OPEN (oligomerized pool engineering), an 'open-source,' combinatorial selection-based method for engineering zinc-finger arrays that function well as ZFNs. We have also shown in direct comparisons that the OPEN method has a higher success rate than previously described 'modular-assembly' methods for engineering ZFNs. OPEN selections are carried out in Escherichia coli using a bacterial two-hybrid system and do not require specialized equipment. Here we provide a detailed protocol for carrying out OPEN to engineer zinc-finger arrays that have a high probability of functioning as ZFNs. Using OPEN, researchers can generate multiple, customized ZFNs in approximately 8 weeks.
Effects of long-term doxycycline on bone quality and strength in diabetic male DBA/2J mice.

Abstract In type 1 diabetes, diabetic bone disease (DBD) is characterized by decreased bone mineral density, a state of low bone turnover and an increased risk of fracture. Animal models of DBD demonstrate that acquired alterations in trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture contribute to decreased bone strength in diabetes. With anti-collagenolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, tetracycline derivatives may prevent diabetes-related decreases in bone strength. To determine if doxycycline, a tetracycline class antibiotic, can prevent the development of DBD in a model of long-term diabetes, male DBA/2J mice, with or without diabetes, were treated with doxycycline-containing chow for 10 weeks (dose range, 28–92 mg/kg/day). Long-term doxycycline exposure was not deleterious to the microarchitecture or biomechanical properties of healthy bones in male DBA/2J mice. Doxycycline treatment also did not prevent or alleviate the deleterious changes in trabecular microarchitecture, cortical structure, and biomechanical properties of bone induced by chronic diabetes.
Regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the rat neuromuscular lunction

Abstract The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) from the electric organ of T. californica is highly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in vivo. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of the AM in rat myotube cultures is barely detectable. To determine whether this low level of tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR in muscle cell cultures is due to a lack of neuronal innervation, we examined tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR in rat diaphragm in vivo. Immunofluorescent double labeling of cryostat sections of rat diaphragm using antibodies specific for phosphotyrosine or the AChR showed a direct colocalization of phosphotyrosine with the AChR at the neuromuscular junction. Using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies, immunoblots of AChR partially purified from rat diaphragm demonstrated that the rat AChR contains high levels of phosphotyrosine. Denervation of rat diaphragm induced a time-dependent decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR, as measured by immunocytochemical and immunoblot techniques. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR occurred late in the development of the neuromuscular junction, between postnatal days 7 and 14. These studies suggest that muscle innervation regulates tyrosine phosphorylation of the AChR and that tyrosine phosphorylation may play an important role in the developmental regulation of the AChR.
A phase-measurement offset compensation technique suitable for automation

A phase meter is presented which incorporates zero crossing detectors (ZCDs) with hysteresis. The system performance is good when the ZCDs are bipolar comparators, but worse when they are operational amplifiers whose switching times are heavily dependent on both the amplitude and frequency of the input signal. To improve the performance, a new error correction technique is introduced which has been successfully implemented in the laboratory and is suitable for use in automated instruments. The technique is based on measuring the erroneous phase angle, then isolating the error sources and measuring the error angle separately. The difference between the two measured values is the correct phase. Thus using a computer in conjunction with lower quality hardware, the same results as with higher quality hardware were achieved.
On the three-particle scattering operator in classical gases

The Green function form of the three particle scattering operator is shown to be associated with a binary collision expansion that readily yields the irreducible'' character of the operator. The form is also shown to be capable of describing the non-equilibrium behavior of systems by the time dependence of the general n-particle collision operators of which the scattering operators are simply an asymptotic limit. (D.C.W.)
Increased hippocampal CA1 cerebral blood volume in schizophrenia.

Hippocampal hyperactivity has been proposed as a biomarker in schizophrenia. However, there is a debate whether the CA1 or the CA2/3 subfield is selectively affected. We studied 15 schizophrenia patients and 15 matched healthy control subjects with 3T steady state, gadolinium-enhanced, absolute cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps, perpendicular to the long axis of the hippocampus. The subfields of the hippocampal formation (subiculum, CA1, CA2/3, and hilus/dentate gyrus) were manually segmented to establish CBV values. Comparing anterior CA1 and CA2/3 CBV between patients and controls revealed a significant subfield-by-diagnosis interaction. This interaction was due to the combined effect of a trend of increased CA1 CBV (p = .06) and non-significantly decreased CA2/3 CBV (p = 0.14) in patients relative to healthy controls. These results support the emerging hypothesis of increased hippocampal activity as a biomarker of schizophrenia and highlight the importance of subfield-level investigations.
Sputtering of tunsten: An atomic view of a near-surface depleted zone created by a single 30 keV 63Cu+ projectile

Abstract The vacancy structure of near-surface depleted zone (DZ), created by a single 30 keV 63Cu+ ion in a tungsten field-ion microscope (FIM) specimen, was determined with atomic resolution. Both the irradiation and pulse field-evaporation experiments were performed in situ at ≲11 K, so that the observed vacancy structure was unaltered by the long-range migration of self-interstitial atoms. The following basic physical quantities were measured: (1) the number of vacancies; (2) the dimensions; (3) the vacancy concentration; (4) the distribution of first-nearest-neighbor vacancy clusters; and (5) the radial-distribution function for the vacancies out to ninth-nearest neighbor. The values of these quantitieswere shown to be similar for both the near-surface DZ and DZs created in the bulk of the same specimen by 30 keV 63Cu+ projectiles.