cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of moderate ethanol dose on dopamine uptake in rat nucleus accumbens in vivo.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of a moderate dose of ethanol (1 g/kg) on dopamine (DA) dynamics in rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Voltammetric recordings were made every 100 ms at a carbon fiber microelectrode, positioned in the NAc core. Acute ethanol did not significantly alter DA uptake parameters (Km and Vmax), but amplitudes of the DA signals were decreased after the drug in both freely moving and anesthetized rats. Therefore, the present in vivo voltammetry results suggest that DA uptake changes are not involved in ethanol-induced increases in extracellular DA concentrations. Synapse 60:251–255, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Angular-Dependent Planar Metamagnetism in the Hexagonal Compounds TbPtIn and TmAgGe

Detailed magnetization measurements $M(T,H,\ensuremath{\theta})$, were performed on single crystals of TbPtIn and TmAgGe (both members of the hexagonal ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}\mathrm{P}∕\mathrm{Zr}\mathrm{Ni}\mathrm{Al}$ structure type) for the magnetic field $H$ applied perpendicular to the crystallographic $c$ axis. These data allowed us to identify, for each compound, the easy axes for the magnetization, which coincided with high symmetry directions ([120] for TbPtIn and [110] for TmAgGe). For fixed orientations of the field along each of the two sixfold symmetry axes, a number of magnetically ordered phases is being revealed by $M(H,T)$ measurements below ${T}_{N}$. Moreover, $T\ensuremath{\simeq}2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, ${\phantom{\ensuremath{\mid}}M(H)\ensuremath{\mid}}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}$ measurements for both compounds (with $H$ applied parallel to the basal plane), as well as $T=20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ data for TbPtIn, reveal five metamagnetic transitions with simple angular dependencies ${H}_{ci,j}\ensuremath{\sim}1∕\mathrm{cos}(\ensuremath{\theta}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\varphi})$, where $\ensuremath{\varphi}=0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ or 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The high-field magnetization state varies with $\ensuremath{\theta}$ as $2∕3{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{sat}}({R}^{3+})\mathrm{cos}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\theta}$, and corresponds to a crystal field limited saturated paramagnetic state. Analysis of these data allowed us to model the angular dependence of the locally saturated magnetizations ${M}_{\mathrm{sat}}$ and critical fields ${H}_{c}$ with a three coplanar Ising-like model, in which the magnetic moments are assumed to be parallel to three adjacent easy axes. Furthermore, net distributions of moments were inferred based on the measured data and the proposed model.
Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on red blood cell lipid composition and plasma metabolites in the cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus

Although dietary n-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied in poultry, they have not yet been prospectively investigated in psittacines, despite potential benefits for preventing and treating atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and other chronic disease processes. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incorporation of dietary n-3 fatty acids into red blood cells (RBC) and to determine the effects of supplementation of psittacine diets with fish or flax oil on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the cockatiel. Adult cockatiels were fed a custom-formulated diet containing either 4% (wt/wt, as-fed) beef tallow (CON), 3% fish oil + 1% tallow (FSH), or 3.5% flax oil + 0.5% tallow (FLX; n = 20 per diet group). Baseline measurements were obtained for RBC fatty acid composition, triacylglycerides (TAG), and cholesterol. After 8 to 13 wk on the study diets, plasma chemistry profiles, lipoprotein density profiles, and RBC fatty acid composition were determined. At 8 wk, total plasma cholesterol was least in FSH birds (P < 0.05) and TAG concentrations were less in FSH birds than FLX birds (P < 0.05). Total n-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were markedly greater in the RBC of FSH birds than FLX or CON birds (P < 0.05). Alpha linolenic acid was greatest in FLX (P < 0.05). Initial and final BW, and nonlipid plasma chemistry values did not differ among diet groups. No adverse effects of dietary supplementation of cockatiels with 3.5% flax oil or 3% fish oil were observed during the 13-wk feeding period. Although fish and flax oils provided similar total n-3 PUFA to the diets, fish oil caused greater reductions in cholesterol and TAG, and greater total RBC n-3 incorporation. Thus, dietary modification of psittacine diets with long chain n-3 PUFA from fish oil appears safe and may be beneficial to these long-lived companion birds.
Development of an integrated model of customer satisfaction with online shopping

Consumer satisfaction is critically important for the success of a Web based online store. Several prior studies have examined the antecedents of consumer satisfaction. In this study we propose a model of consumer satisfaction by integrating issues from marketing and IS literature. Our analysis identifies issues related to channel traits, Web store traits, and consumer traits as factors that may help influence customer satisfaction.
Examination of ion-induced Auger electron spectra of Ti, Cr and Co in a mass-selecting Focused Ion Beam with a gold–silicon liquid metal source

Abstract Ion induced Auger electron spectroscopy is a technique where Auger electrons are produced as a result of energetic ion impact. In this paper, the ion–induced electron spectra of three of the transition metals; Ti, Cr and Co by Si ++ and Au + ions accelerated to 30 and 60 keV are studied. Aside from the low energy plasmon peaks, sharp M 23 M 45 M 45 Auger transitions with high signal to noise ratio attributed to the metal targets and, in the samples bombarded by Si ++ ions, L 23 MM transition from Si incident ion are also detected. Broad tails next to the main metal Auger peaks are attributed to interatomic transitions between the incident ion and target ions.
Clinical Quality Improvement for Identification and Management of Overweight in Pediatric Primary Care Practices

The purpose of the Pediatric Overweight Quality Improvement Initiative (POWQII) was to demonstrate the feasibility and value of simple interventions for improving pediatric care and to address the additional needs of overweight and obese children. Practices were recruited from around New Mexico, with 16 pediatricians completing the POWQII within 9 to 12 months. Initially, documentation of BMI percentile across all practices was only 49%, increasing to more than 90% on average following the first intervention and eventually reaching an average of 99%. Nutrition and physical activity counseling started at 52% and 39%, respectively, increasing to 87% for nutrition and 77% for physical activity. Diagnosis of POW patients improved over the course of the POWQII (67% to 94%). This intervention's potential impact can extend to a larger population of patients, resulting in twice as many receiving screening for POW and increasing best practices known to improve ongoing care and patient outcomes.
Comparison of the performance of sows retained with and without health problems during periparturient period in the subsequent parity

s / Theriogenology 68 (2007) 492–518 510 histological examination of the ovaries (2 mm 3 mm in size) from three females. This study demonstrated that ovarian hypoplasia due to gonadal dysgenesis and cytogenetic abnormalities should be ruled out in maiden females with repeat breeding. Practitioners should develop transrectal ultrasonography skills necessary for the diagnosis of this condition. Failure to diagnose these anomalies may result in secondary uterine infection and compromise of the welfare of the females due to repeat breeding. Aspects of familial inheritance of gonadal dysgenesis in alpacas merit more studies.
Auditory cortical responses to neonatal deafening: pyramidal neuron spine loss without changes in growth or orientation.

Neonatal rabbits were unilaterally deafened at birth by surgical removal of the stapes, aspiration of the cochlear lymph, and kanamycin injection into the oval window. At 60 days of age, all rabbits were screened with brain stem evoked response tests in order to establish the efficacy of the deafening procedure. The auditory cortex contralateral to the destroyed cochlea was processed according to Golgi-Cox/Nissl procedures. Temporal bone histology revealed nearly complete outer hair cell loss in the damaged cochlea. The dendritic system of lamina III/IV pyramidal neurons contralateral to the deafened ear was digitized from frontal sections using a computer microscope system. Spine counts were also made along the basal dendrites. Spine counts revealed that neonatally deafened rabbits had 38.7% fewer spines along their basal dendrites. No differences between experimental and control rabbits were found in terms of soma cross-sectional area, total number of basal dendrites, total number of dendritic branches and total basal dendritic length. A fan-in projection of the dendritic system revealed no changes in the radial growth of basal dendrites resulting from the early acoustic trauma. In a prior study, spine-free nonpyramidal neurons in the same sections revealed altered dendritic growth and abnormally recurved dendrites. The separate response of pyramidal and nonpyramidal cell types to early cochlear damage is evidence for the different role of epigenetic determinants of dendritic form and orientation in sensory neocortical neurons.
Achieving community justice through faith-based initiatives.

Prior to 1996, most churches and other faith-based organizations were ineligible to receive federal funding for community services. In a little noticed provision of the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 known as 'charitable choice,' the federal government allowed religious groups to receive money for social programs without requiring them to censor their religious expression or give up their religious identity. States, with varying degrees of vigor and success, have partnered with faith-based organizations to provide community services that serve the purpose of transitioning people from welfare to work. Recent political developments and legislation suggest an expanded role for faith-based organizations to receive federal money to develop community services, including money for community justice projects. The Comment begins with an overview of the political and legal contexts that allow the development of promoting community justice initiatives through faith-based efforts. Next, there is a discussion of practical considerations that influence decisions of churches and faith-based organizations to participate in these activities. Finally, there is discussion of the roles social scientists and others might play to facilitate community justice initiatives through faith-based efforts.
Cortical barrel field ablation and unconditioned whisking kinematics.

The effects of a barrel cortexo ablation upon the biometrics of a exploratoryo whisking were examined in three head-fixed rats which had previously sustained unilateral ablation of the left cortical a barrel fieldo under electrophysiological control. Unconditioned movements of a pair of bilaterally homologous whiskers (C-1, Right, Left) were monitored, optoelectronically, with other whiskers present. Whisking movements on the intact and ablated side were analyzed with respect to kinematics (protraction amplitude and velocity) whisking frequency and phase relationships between whisking movement on the two sides of the face. Histological analysis confirmed complete removal of S-1 a barrel cortexo. In normal animals whisking movements have a characteristic rhythm (6± 9Hz), and protractions on the two sides of the face tend to be both synchronous and of very similar amplitudes. In the lesioned animals, whisking frequency was unchanged and whisking movements remained bilaterally synchronous. However, there was a significant difference between the amplitude of Right and Left whisker movements which was evident many months postoperatively. Our results suggest that the deficits in vibrissa-mediated tactile discrimination reported after a barrelo field ablation may reflect an impairment in the animal’s ability to modulate whisking parameters on the two sides of the face to meet the functional requirements of a discriminative whisking task. The effects upon whisking amplitude seen after unilateral barrel field ablation are consistent with a model in which the activity of a whisking Central Pattern Generator is modulated by descending inputs to achieve sensorimotor control of whisking movement parameters.
Ethical Issues in an Ethnographic Performance Text: the ‘dramatic impact’ of ‘juicy stuff’

Abstract This confessional tale describes the author's first time venture with producing an ethnographic performance text, an alternative mode of research presentation. In ethnotheatre, significant selections from a qualitative study's field notes and interview transcripts are carefully arranged, scripted, and staged for an audience to enhance their understanding of the participants’ lives. This particular project dramatised the story of Barry, an adolescent who dreams of becoming a professional actor. Barry participated in a longitudinal study of drama and theatre as he progressed from kindergarten through sixth grade. A follow‐up study from his sophomore (tenth) through senior (twelfth) years in high school observed his continued and exemplary participation in the art forms. Barry, his mother and his two high school theatre teachers were interviewed to assess the social influences on his career goals and to gain multiple perspectives on his ways of working. Unknowingly, the researcher was to grapple wit...
Using Power Series to Evaluate Integrals

To start this chapter, here’s a very simple illustration of the power series technique for the calculation of integrals, in this case giving us what is called Catalan’s constant (mentioned in the Preface) and written as G = 0.9159655 … . The power series expansion of tan− 1(x), for |x| < 1, is our starting point, and it can be found as follows. The key idea is to write $$ {\displaystyle {\int}_0^{\mathrm{x}}\frac{\mathrm{dy}}{1+{\mathrm{y}}^2}}={ \tan}^{-1}\left(\mathrm{y}\right)\Big|{}_0^{\mathrm{x}}={ \tan}^{-1}\left(\mathrm{x}\right). $$
Plaque thickness and morphology in psoriasis vulgaris associated with therapeutic response

Summary Background The Utah Psoriasis Initiative (UPI) is an expanding database that is being used to identify and characterize phenotypic variants of psoriasis and explore genotype–phenotype relationships. We recently reported distinct morphological variants of psoriasis that are characterized by thickness of lesions (induration) in the untreated state. Objectives To explore the clinical relevance of these morphological variants. Methods For these analyses, we used the phenotypic data from 282 additional subjects gathered at enrolment into the UPI and compared their phenotype with that of the original 500 patients reported previously. The analysis was further expanded via a longitudinal follow-up of 286 subjects from the original 500 case cohort. Results Firstly, the initial findings were confirmed. Expansion of the cohort used for the original observation by about 50% and reanalysis showed that there was no alteration in the proportions of patients expressing thin- and thick-plaque disease phenotypes. Secondly, analysis of the larger cohort showed that this morphological phenotype had clinical relevance: those patients with thin-plaque disease were more likely to report a complete therapeutic response to topical corticosteroids and phototherapy. In contrast, plaque thickness did not appear to be a factor in response to systemic agents. Conclusions Using a patient’s baseline plaque morphology to choose a primary treatment modality may result in earlier disease improvement and reduce the cost of therapy.
Application of Renormalization Group Method in Thermally Stratified Turbulent Flows

Renormalization group theory is applied to stratified turbulence. Various results due to nonlinearities, buoyancy and reference temperature gradient S 0 are reported for cases where |S 0 | is uniform and sufficiently large. The main result is that the imposition of strong stratification leads to a new renormalization group fixed point and a (−3) law for the energy spectrum
Effects of Testosterone on Pullets

Abstract Male chickens grow faster and are more efficient in their feed conversion than females. Due to their faster growth the male birds reach broiler weights about 7 to 10 days sooner than the females. These two factors are important to broiler growers since feed represents approximately 70% of their production costs. Implantation or injection of male sex hormones in the female sex of various farm animals has given varied results. Dinusson et al. (1950) found that the treatment of heifers with testosterone propionate appeared to stimulate growth but the effect was of short duraton. Woehling et al. (1951) found no significant deviation from the control in rate of gain or in feed efficiency of pigs. Bogart et al. (1951) reported both increased gains and feed efficiency for treated heifer calves (injected with an aqueous suspension of pure testosterone) over the control animals. Almquist (1952) implanted 50 mg. testosterone propionate pellets …
Screening study of adsorbents for urea removal from artifical kidney dialyzing fluid

A large number of activated carbons, carbon blacks, ion exchange resins, and inorganic adsorbents were screened for their capacity to remove urea from dilute neutral solution. An adsorbent capable of performing this task would be of assistance in decreasing the volume of dialyzing fluid required for hemodialysis. All activated carbons and carbon blacks had some adsorption capacity for urea. The most efficient was a carbonized poly(vinylidene chloride). The inorganic adsorbents exhibited negligible urea adsorption capacity, as did ion exchange resins in the ionic form at equilibrium with simulated dialyzing fluid. Several chemical reactions for urea were found not to procede in dilute neutral solution, even with carbon present to adsorb reaction products. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy showed no band shifts in urea adsorbed on strong acid ion exchange resin. Measurement of the spectrum of urea adsorbed on carbon was prevented by adsorption of the incident energy by the carbon.
Stochastic optimal capacity limits with linear management costs

An optimal capacity management policy, based on Markov decision theory, is presented for a firm facing stochastic market demand with linear management costs. The optimal policy is presented as optimal boundaries and their limits representing the optimal capacity expansion and reduction levels. These boundaries show over time, regions where capacity should be unchanged, increased, or decreased in response to market demand based on the available information on the demand forecasts.
Formation of Ishtar Terra, Venus: Surface and gravity constraints

WeexaminethegeologyofIshtarTerra,Venus,asviewedinhigh-resolutionMagellan synthetic-aperture radar imagery and altimetry, in order to interpret regional surface strain patterns. We combine constraints imposed by the surface strain with gravity modelingofMagellandegree-75high-resolutiongravitydata.Long-wavelength(>2500km)and short-wavelength (500‐2500 km) features show different apparent depths of isostatic compensation. Ishtar straddles a long-wavelength topographic bulge that is compensated at ;130 6 40 km depth, whereas the short-wavelength features (individual mountain belts and tesserae) are compensated at varying depths in a range of ;25‐70 km. These two ranges of compensation, taken together with surface strain patterns, lead us to postulate a new model for the evolution of Ishtar Terra. In the model, mantle downflow results in ponding and thickening of partial melt residuum that compensates the long-wavelength bulge of Ishtar Terra. Thickened lower crust, resulting from shear forces associated with structurallydeeperresiduum,isostaticallycompensatesshort-wavelengthtopography.Relative displacement of the lower crust beneath the upper crust, which deforms in ruglike fashion, results in the surface strain patterns.
Roma education in Europe: in support of the discourse of race

This paper reviews the research findings and policies regarding the conditions and educational needs of the Roma population in Europe. It examines assumptions, possibilities, and setbacks of translating and appropriating US‐American academic discourse on race into the debate across the continent. The central task for researchers, policy makers, and educators is to recognise the continuing significance and changing meaning of race and to argue against the colour blindness and the replacement of the concept of race by other, supposedly more objective categories such as class or nationality. We need to think of the emancipatory possibilities that the language of race and racism could have for the Roma who have long enough been treated as the ultimate European scapegoats and yet dismissed as a ‘social problem’.
Surveillance/Management of an Obligate Gene Carrier: The Cancer Family Syndrome

Abstract A mother and son from an extended, well-documented kindred with the cancer family syndrome developed proximal colonic cancer within 3 wk of each other. Recognition of the mother as an obligate gene carrier (syndrome cancer risk approximately 100%) was possible following demonstration of the cancer family syndrome in her son.
Points to remember: frequently encountered urologic problems after cardiovascular surgery.

Abstract The column in this issue is supplied by David Goldfarb, M.D., a urologist in private practice at Houston Metro Urology in Houston Methodist Hospital. He is a graduate of Tulane University, Summa Cum Laude, and earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he also completed his residency in the Scott Department of Urology. The following are his suggested points to remember about potential urological problems associated with cardiovascular surgery.
Earth science: Another energy source for the geodynamo

Magnesium is not usually considered to be a constituent of Earth's core, but its presence there has now been proposed to explain an ongoing enigma — the identity of the energy sources that drive our planet's magnetic field. See Letter p.387 Existing models of the Earth's core dynamo, which generates Earth's global magnetic field, are unable to explain its apparent longevity: it has existed for more than 3.4 billion years — most of the Earth's history. In particular, the thermal conductivity of iron is now estimated to be higher than previously thought, implying that thermal convection and radiogenic heating would not have been sufficient to sustain the geodynamo. Here Joseph O'Rourke and David Stevenson show that the precipitation of magnesium-bearing minerals from the Earth's core can serve as an alternative power source for the geodynamo. They suggest that equilibration at high temperatures in the aftermath of giant impacts on the early Earth allowed a small amount of magnesium to partition into the core, and show that the transport of magnesium as oxide or silicate from the cooling core to underplate the mantle is a more efficient source of buoyancy than inner core growth. Such a dynamo could survive throughout geologic time, even if core radiogenic heating is minimal and core cooling is slow.
Allocating Limited Sampling Resources for Estimating Regional Populations of Overwintering Cereal Leaf Beetles

In population studies, sampling resources are often limited. To maximize the precision of the resulting estimates, it is essential to consider not only the usual statistical parameters of mean and variance, but also the specific research objectives and such distributional phenomena as stratification and spatial homogeneity. Formulae are derived for the optimal allocation of a limited number of emergence traps for estimating a regional population of overwintering cereal leaf beetles which is distributed among 5 different habitat types. With stratified sampling, a substantial increase in reliability per unit cost over simple random sampling can be obtained. Previously published estimates of the number of traps needed to obtain population estimates with a given precision are too large. It is further demonstrated that when estimates of the density of beetles in each separate habitat are wanted with equal precision, the allocation of samples among habitats is quite different from the optimal allocation for estimating the total regional population. The successful application of this last allocation is demonstrated with field results of trapping conducted for validation purposes. An analysis of variance showed that grouping traps into clusters within each habitat to reduce travel costs does not, for the case of cereal leaf beetle emergence data, result in a significant loss of information compared to a stratified random sample.
Magnetic differentiation of pyrogallol[4]arene tubular and capsular frameworks.

The differences in magnetic properties of metal-based nanometric assemblies are due to distinct contributions from host–guest interactions, structural integrity, and magnetic interactions. To disentangle these contributions, it is necessary to control the self-assembly process that forms these entities. Herein we study the effect of host-to-guest ratios to identify remarkably different structural–magnetic contributions of C-methylpyrogallol[4]arene⊂ferrocene/(PgC1)2⊂Fc dimers vs (PgC1)3⊂Fc nanotubes. At low temperature, a weak anti-ferromagnetic alignment is observed, suggesting a weak dipolar interaction between Fc guest moieties within adjacent dimers or tubes. Also, differences are observed between magnetic atom occupancy as a function of guest (PgC1⊂Fc tube/dimer) versus magnetic atom occupancy within the framework wall (PgC3Ni hexamer/dimer). Identification of the role of the framework shape and metal–metal distances in the crystal lattice opens up unparalleled prospects for materials engineering.
Whale Meat in Early Postwar Japan: Natural Resources and Food Culture

In the face of strong opposition from anti-whaling groups, whale meat consumption became a point of national pride and cultural importance in late twentieth-century Japan. Current efforts to expand...
Deep brain stimulation improves gait velocity in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In Parkinson's disease (PD), slow gait speed is significantly related to clinical ratings of disease severity, impaired performance of daily activities, as well as increased overall disability. Conducting a meta-analysis on gait speed is an objective and quantitative technique to summarize the effectiveness of DBS and to determine the effect sizes for future studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzed the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery on gait speed in patients with PD to gain fundamental insight into the nature of therapeutic effectiveness. A random effects model meta-analysis on 27 studies revealed a significant overall standardized mean difference medium effect size equal to 0.60 (SE = 0.06; p < 0.0001; Z = 10.58). Based on our synthesis of the 27 studies, we determined the following: (1) a significant and medium effect size indicating DBS improves gait speed; (2) DBS improved gait speed regardless of whether the patients were tested in the on or off medication state; (3) both bilateral and unilateral DBS led to gait speed improvement; (4) the effects of DBS on gait speed in the data collection sessions after surgery (DBS on vs. off) were comparable with data collection before surgery (before surgery vs. DBS after surgery); and (5) when evaluating the effects of DBS and medication on gait speed suprathreshold doses were comparable to normal dosages of medication and DBS. The current analysis provides objective evidence that both unilateral and bilateral DBS provide a therapeutic benefit on gait speed in persons with PD.
Entrepreneurship, shared values and the region - assessing the conditions for regional social performance of entrepreneurial behaviour

This study inquires the social impact of entrepreneurial behaviour from a regional development perspective. A special focus is laid on the reciprocity of public and private leaders' regional responsibility. From a social capital perspective, the relevance of shared values among actors within regional structures is elaborated and identified as a decisive component for establishing regional economic prosperity in dynamic structural conditions. Qualitative data is analysed by mapping semantic relations within network structures. Results emphasise the role of shared values among entrepreneurs and public managers as a critical precondition for the application of entrepreneurial patterns to approaching social challenges.
Study on the Effect of Ambroxol by Intravenous Administration in Infants with Severe Pneumonia

Objective To observe and study the effect of ambroxol by intravenous administration in infants with severe pneumonia. Methods 58 infants with severe pneumonia admitted in our hospital from June, 2010 to March, 2013 were selected as the research object,and they were randomly divided into control group(conventional treatment method group)of 29 cases and observation group(conventional treatment method and ambroxol by intravenous administration group)of 29 cases. Then the total effective rate,disappearing time of cough,anhelation and pulmonary rales,serum PCT,β2-MG,PaO2,PaCO2 before and after the treatment of two groups were compared. Results The superiority of total effective rate,disappearing time of cough,anhelation and pulmonary rales of the observation group were all greater than those of the control group,serum PCT,β2-MG, PaO2 and PaCO2 at 24h and 72h after the treatment were better than those of the control group too,the differences were significant, all P0.05. Conclusion The effect of ambroxol by intravenous administration in infants with severe pneumonia is better,and its influence for the improvement of infants is more active.
5 000 h Artificial Accelerating Ageing Test of HVDC Composite Insulator

As the first attempt of making such a test in China,a 5 000 h artificial accelerating ageing test,which consults and follows the standard ageing process specified by IEC 61109,for HVDC composite insulators with different shapes of sheds,compositions and produced by different manufacturing technologies is performed in China Electric Power Research Institute(CEPRI).In this test the influence of following factors on ageing of composite insulators,such as DC electrical stress,solar radiation,high temperature,high humidity,severe pollution,etc.,are researched.Test results show that by means of 5 000 h artificial accelerating ageing test the unceasing transport and recovery of surface hydrophobicity of silicon rubber,contamination retention features of composite insulators with different shapes of sheds as well as the differences of surface discharge paths can be reproduced.It is put forward that surface discharge is the principal cause of contamination retention and transport of hydrophobicity,and the temperature and solar radiation greatly affect the transport and recovery property of silicon rubber’s hydrophobicity.The surface hydrophobicity of silicon rubber composite insulators dynamically varies in whole 5 000 h artificial accelerating ageing test,and the hydrophobicity also varies under different ageing factors being applied.
Constraint satisfaction using soft quantifiers: Research Articles

Fuzzy sets and other methods have been used to model a softening of constraints in constraint propagation (CP) problems. Here, we suggest an approach to the softening of the CP problem at the meta level, in the process used to aggregate the satisfactions to the individual constraints. We discuss the possibility of using soft quantifers such as ‘most’ to guide the process of aggregating the satisfactions to the individual constraints. Use is made of the ability to represent these soft quantifers by fuzzy sets and the ability to implement their authorized aggregation by the ordered weighted averaging operator. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chapter II.9 – Tissue Engineered Construct Design Principles

Publisher Summary Building on the knowledge base of conventional tissue grafts and disparate fields of science and engineering, great strides have been made in the field of tissue engineering with regard to replacement and assembly of functional tissue equivalents. The development of tissue-engineered constructs (TECs) involves a complex underlying interplay of mechanisms. A case in point is the provision of a microvasculature. What nature appears to readily provide has become a crux in the current TEC design. To be sure, the future design of clinically translatable TECs will continue to involve multidisciplinary research and training to address the current and future design limitations realized with TECs. Many current design limitations are not insurmountable, but only require innovative approaches and/or development of new technologies. Once titanium alloys were the implant scaffolds of choice. But today there are biodegradable polymers, “smart” polymers, and biomimetic materials. The future for the development of clinically translatable TECs is just beginning to be fathomed.
Nitrogen isotopic fractionations in the low temperature (80 K) vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of N2

N2 is a diatomic molecule with complex electronic structure. Interstate crossings are prominent in the high energy domain, introducing significant perturbations to the system. Nitrogen mainly photodissociates in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum through both direct and indirect predissociation. Due to the complexity introduced by these perturbations, the nitrogen isotopic fractionation in N2 photodissociation is extremely hard to calculate, and an experimental approach is required. Here we present new data of N-isotopic fractionation in N2 photodissociation at low temperature (80 K), which shows a distinctly different 15N enrichment profile compared to that at relatively higher temperatures (200 and 300 K). The new data, important to understanding the N-isotopic compositions measured in meteorites and other planetary bodies, are discussed in light of the knowledge of N2 photochemistry and calculated photoabsorption cross sections in the VUV.
Integration of motion energy from overlapping random background noise increases perceived speed of coherently moving stimuli.

We found that random motion noise in a background stimulus significantly increased the perceived speed of an overlapping center stimulus, and the speed overestimation was tuned to the background no...
Rhizodeposition flux of competitive versus conservative graminoid: contribution of exudates and root lysates as affected by N loading

Carbon distribution between root production and rhizodeposition represents the plant strategy for growth and nutrient capture. It can shift in response to changed availability of limiting nutrients, with important consequences for ecosystem functioning. We studied the influence of nitrogen (N) availability on the belowground C fluxes of two wetland graminoids, the competitive Glyceria maxima and the conservative Carex acuta. Plants grown in pots under two levels of N availability were pulse-labeled with 13CO2 and the 13C distribution in the plant–soil systems was followed for 15 days. Together with 13C allocation measurements, root production and death were estimated to constrain the belowground C fluxes, including rhizodeposition. Higher N supply enhanced root biomass and, subsequently, the total rhizodeposition. Both species shifted partitioning of belowground C towards higher mass-specific root production and turnover, with lower investments into root exudation. Therefore, the rhizodeposition was enriched in root-derived lysates over soluble exudates. Increased total rhizodeposition and its changed quality enhanced the concentration of soluble organic C. The N fertilization induced changes in belowground C fluxes were species-specific. Contrary to Glyceria, Carex enhanced mass-specific root growth rate, which implied a markedly larger root-derived C flux to soil. In general, soil N loading enhanced total C rhizodeposition and, simultaneously, the proportion of predominantly more complex root lysates over soluble root exudates, with consequences for soil organic matter dynamics. Our results also underline the importance of species-specific responses to N loading in predicting total rhizodeposition flux and changes in its quality.
Primer on the Use of Bayesian Methods in Health Economics

This article reviews the Bayesian approach to estimation and inference. To begin with, it discusses two very popular and powerful algorithms for Bayesian model fitting – the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm – and offers a few observations regarding the role of the prior in both Bayesian and non-Bayesian research. It also illustrates the Gibbs algorithm in practice in two applications involving the effect of female obesity on log wages. Throughout these examples, focus is on strategies for diagnosing convergence of a posterior simulator and on exercises of posterior prediction.
ASIA, WEST | Southern Levant, Chalcolithic Cultures

The Chalcolithic Period in the southern Levant lasted some one thousand years (c. 4500–3500 BC) during which society saw major changes. Economic change can be seen in the advent of copper metallurgy, the rise of craft specialization, and an increase in long-distance exchange networks. Important social developments during the Chalcolithic include the first extramural cemeteries and rich corporate cave tombs. New types of figurines and temple complexes may reflect new religious practices and beliefs. There is regional variation in material culture with regional sub-groups observed in the Wadi Grar, Beer Sheva region, the Golan, North Jordan Valley, and elsewhere. Chalcolithic culture seems to have developed directly out of local Neolithic traditions, with limited external influences (e.g., Syria). It is unclear why the Chalcolithic cultures collapsed, but many sites of the northern Negev and elsewhere were abandoned sometime in the first half of the fourth millennium.
Erosion and channel changes due to extreme flooding in the Fourmile Creek catchment, Colorado

Abstract Infrequent, large magnitude geomorphic events generate quantifiable change on geologically short timescales and are crucial to understanding landscape evolution. Airborne lidar surveys and field measurements were used to investigate floodplain erosion and deposition along a 19.5 km reach of Fourmile Creek, Colorado that was devastated by severe flooding in 2013 that followed a 2010 wildfire. > 350 mm of rain fell on the Fourmile catchment from September 9–15, 2013, generating discharge that exceeded bankfull for > 120 h at the Orodell gage, with local unit stream power > 300 W m− 2 throughout the study reach. Debris flows occurred on steep hillslopes and tributary channels in the most intensely burned areas. Lidar difference measurements and field studies highlight zones of local deposition along the study reach, but demonstrate overall net erosion of ~ 0.25 m for the 19.5 km reach of Fourmile floodplain, mainly by channel widening. Tributary junctions where debris-flow sediment entered the floodplain and local decreases in unit stream power controlled some zones of deposition. Overall, mass balance calculations show that a total sediment loss of ~ 91,000–161,000 m3 from the Fourmile Creek floodplain and hillslopes, which is broadly consistent with channel sediment flux estimates of 71,000–111,000 m3. Measurements from the Fourmile catchment demonstrate that floodplain erosion was a major source of sediment in the 2013 flood and demonstrate that infrequent events marked by long-duration flooding and high total energy expenditure can account for a large fraction of total sediment transport in mountain streams.
The Portfolio Balance Channel of Monetary Policy: Evidence from the U.S. Financial Accounts

How does monetary policy affect the balance sheet of households? This is an important question in light of the recent large scale asset purchases that have been justified on the grounds of the portfolio balance channel. Many studies have attempted to quantify the effect of these LSAPs and find evidence for the portfolio channel. Most of these studies, however, focus only on one manifestation of the portfolio channel, the change in relative yields and typically do so in the narrow context of the zero lower bound. Little is empirically known about this channel in more conventional settings. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the literature by examining the overall validity of the channel away from the zero lower bound. We do this by examining how household portfolios responded to monetary policy shocks to the monetary base and to inflation forecasts for the period 1959:Q1 – 2007:Q4. We find strong evidence that the portfolio channel is an important part of the monetary transmission mechanism.
Use of Fluoroscopy and Potential Long-Term Radiation Effects on Cataract Formation.

Abstract Introduction: The lens of the eye is extremely susceptible to radiation and long-term exposure can induce cataract formation. Our objective was to explore the risk of cataract formation for urologists at our institution. Methods: A retrospective review of a multisurgeon database of fluoroscopic cases between October 2013 to December 2014 was queried. Procedures were performed by different subspecialties and ranged from stent insertion/ureteroscopy to percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Fluoroscopic parameters were recorded from all cases and the radiation dosimetry was calculated through methods described by the National Council on Radiation Protection. The data were extrapolated to determine the risk of cataract formation. The technical specifications of the GE OEC 990 mobile C-arm unit were used for calculations. Results: A total of 780 cases were analyzed, of which 182 were endourology cases. Average fluoroscopic time was 34.86 seconds per case. Average tube potential and current were 86.84 kV and 1...
NeuroAIDS in Drug Abusers: Associations with Oral Manifestations

Illicit drug use continues to add to the global disease burden and death. Worldwide, the prevalence of opioid, opiate, cocaine, amphetamine, and cannabis dependence is correlated with the prevalence of mental health disorders and the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV infection, especially among injection drug users. Every class of illicit drug is associated with oral manifestations that range from dry mouth and tooth decay to periodontal disease, inflammatory oral lesions, and premalignant conditions. Attention to patient education around oral health and access to dental and specialty care is important in the overall management of patients with illicit drug use and dependence.
Fabrication of Suspended III–V Nanofoils by Inverse Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching of In0.49Ga0.51P/GaAs Heteroepitaxial Films

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) has been established as a low-cost, benchtop, and versatile method for large-scale fabrication of semiconductor nanostructures and has been heralded as an alternative to conventional top-down approaches such as reactive-ion etching. However, extension of this technique to ternary III-V compound semiconductor alloys and heteroepitaxial systems has remained relatively unexplored. Here, Au-assisted and inverse-progression MacEtch (I-MacEtch) of the heteroepitaxial In0.49Ga0.51P/GaAs material system is demonstrated, along with a method for fabricating suspended InGaP nanofoils of tunable thickness in solutions of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A comparison between Au- and Cr-patterned samples is used to demonstrate the catalytic role of Au in the observed etching behavior. Vertical etch rates for nominally undoped, p-type, and n-type InGaP are determined to be ∼9.7, ∼8.7, and ∼8.8 nm/min, respectively. The evolution of I-MacEtch in the InGaP/GaAs system is tracked, leading to the formation of nanocavities located at the center of off-metal windows. Upon nanocavity formation, additional localized mass-transport pathways to the underlying GaAs substrate permit its rapid dissolution. Differential etch rates between the epilayer and substrate are exploited in the fabrication of InGaP nanofoils that are suspended over micro-trenches formed in the GaAs substrate. A model is provided for the observed I-MacEtch mechanism, based on an overlap of neighboring injected hole distribution profiles. The nanofabrication methodology shown here can be applied to various heteroepitaxial III-V systems and can directly impact the conventional processing of device applications in photonics, optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and nanoelectronics.
Biology of Acarophagous Scydmaeninae

Some Scydmaeninae are strict specialists that feed exclusively on heavily sclerotized oribatid or uropodine mites. The chapter reviews the available literature on the feeding habits of Euconnus , Stenichnus , Scydmaenus , and Cephennium beetles and presents previously unpublished observations on Neuraphes and Microscydmus species. Species with unspecialized mouthparts attack the mite’s gnathosoma, removing movable parts to gain access to soft tissues. They also often remove genital or anal plates to feed through the resulting openings. In Euconnus that are specialized to feed on ptyctimous (i.e., capable of encapsulating) oribatids, a sticky droplet of digestive juice exuded onto the predator’s mouthparts is used to capture mites. The prey is then lifted and covered with noxious digestive juice, which weakens or kills the encapsulated mite . Once the muscles responsible for maintaining the encapsulation are relaxed, the prey’s prodorsum opens, and Euconnus beetles use their mandibles to crush the mite’s ventral plates and gain access to the flesh. In Scydmaenus that are specialized to feed on non-ptyctimous Oribatida and Uropodina, the mandibles play a major role both in capturing prey and in breaching the mite’s defenses. The prey’s legs are often cut off if they are long or spiny, which facilitates the subsequent attack on the gnathosoma. Cephenniini are the “hole scrapers”: they have paired labial suckers on the prementum, which are used to immobilize their prey. Once the mite adheres to the suckers, the predator’s mandibles slowly grind a small hole in the prey’s cuticle. Digestive juices are then injected; through the same puncture, liquefied tissues are ingested. The entire feeding process can take many hours. Some species show preferences toward particular mite taxa and may play a significant role in the oribatid or uropodine mite population dynamics.
Human iPSC-Derived Natural Killer Cells Engineered with Chimeric Antigen Receptors Enhance Anti-tumor Activity.

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) significantly enhance the anti-tumor activity of immune effector cells. Although most studies have evaluated CAR expression in T cells, here we evaluate different CAR constructs that improve natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing. We identified a CAR containing the transmembrane domain of NKG2D, the 2B4 co-stimulatory domain, and the CD3ζ signaling domain to mediate strong antigen-specific NK cell signaling. NK cells derived from human iPSCs that express this CAR (NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells) have a typical NK cell phenotype and demonstrate improved anti-tumor activity compared with T-CAR-expressing iPSC-derived NK cells (T-CAR-iPSC-NK cells) and non-CAR-expressing cells. In an ovarian cancer xenograft model, NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival compared with PB-NK cells, iPSC-NK cells, or T-CAR-iPSC-NK cells. Additionally, NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells demonstrate in vivo activity similar to that of T-CAR-expressing T cells, although with less toxicity. These NK-CAR-iPSC-NK cells now provide standardized, targeted "off-the-shelf" lymphocytes for anti-cancer immunotherapy.