cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of second language strategy instruction: A meta-analysis

Research on the effects of second language strategy instruction (SI) has been extensive yet inconclusive. This meta-analysis, therefore, aims to provide a reliable, quantitative measure of the effect of SI as well as a description of the relationship between SI and the variables that moderate its effectiveness (i.e., different learning contexts, treatments, and outcome variables). A comprehensive search was conducted to collect the population of SI studies. Effect sizes were calculated for 61 primary studies, contributing a total of 95 unique samples, all of which were coded for potential moderators. The findings indicate a small to medium overall effect of SI (d = 0.49). Variables found to moderate its effectiveness include type and number of strategies, learning context (second vs. foreign language), and length of intervention. Following a contextualized interpretation of the results, the article concludes with a discussion of theoretical, practical, and methodological implications.
Improving controllability on flotation columns

Abstract Flotation columns are common devices in cleaning circuits in the mineral processing industry. The operation and control of these columns often have the final responsibility for the quality of the concentrate grade and, to a less extent, for the recovery of the cleaning circuit. The use of basic distributed control has frequently lead to a large variability in concentrate grade and recovery, as can be observed in many concentrators world-wide. The contribution to this variability usually comes from different sources, severely constraining the performance of conventional control systems. In this paper, the industrial experience in developing supervisory control systems is discussed in order to provide procedures for the diagnosis of instrumentation, calibration and maintenance, prior to the implementation of control schemes on top of the distributed control system. Examples based on control systems developed for E1 Teniente and Salvador Concentrators, from Codelco-Chile, are used to illustrate how some of the constraints on the controllability of the process can be relaxed.
Interaction of Interferon Gamma-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species with Ceftazidime Leads to Synergistic Killing of Intracellular Burkholderia pseudomallei

Burkholderia pseudomallei, a facultative intracellular pathogen, causes severe infections and is inherently refractory to many antibiotics. Previous studies from our group have shown that interferon gamma (IFN-γ) interacts synergistically with the antibiotic ceftazidime to kill bacteria in infected macrophages. The present study aimed to identify the underlying mechanism of that interaction. We first showed that blocking reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways reversed IFN-γ- and ceftazidime-mediated killing, which led to our hypothesis that IFN-γ-induced ROS interacted with ceftazidime to synergistically kill Burkholderia bacteria. Consistent with this hypothesis, we also observed that buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), another inducer of ROS, could substitute for IFN-γ to similarly potentiate the effect of ceftazidime on intracellular killing. Next, we observed that IFN-γ induced ROS-mediated killing of intracellular but not extracellular bacteria. On the other hand, ceftazidime effectively reduced extracellular bacteria but was not capable of intracellular killing when applied at 10 μg/ml. We investigated the exact role of IFN-γ-induced ROS responses on intracellular bacteria and notably observed a lack of actin polymerization associated with Burkholderia bacteria in IFN-γ-treated macrophages, which led to our finding that IFN-γ-induced ROS blocks vacuolar escape. Based on these results, we propose a model in which synergistically reduced bacterial burden is achieved primarily through separate and compartmentalized killing: intracellular killing by IFN-γ-induced ROS responses and extracellular killing by ceftazidime. Our findings suggest a means of enhancing antibiotic activity against Burkholderia bacteria through combination with drugs that induce ROS pathways or otherwise target intracellular spread and/or replication of bacteria.
Carbon monoxide elimination.

Abstract The elimination rates of carbon monoxide in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing dogs 2 were determined following acute inhalation of varying amounts of this gas. Blood levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) induced ranged between 5 and 43%. Following the administration of carbon monoxide, the decline in arterial blood %COHb was biphasic. The decline in the blood %COHb level could be described as an initial distribution curve which was exponential in nature, followed by an elimination curve which was linear for 90 min. Prediction equations for elimination of CO from blood according to the initial levels of COHb are presented. Animals having low (5–16%) and high (20–43%) COHb levels eliminated 50% of their total load in 190 ± 6.4 and 134+5.3 min, respectively.
Androgen and estrogen dynamics: relationships with age, weight, and menopausal status.

Previous studies have shown a relationship between age and weight and the MCR and conversions ([rho]) of androgens and estrogens. To assess the relative importance of these relationships in the metabolism and conversion of the androgens and estrogens, we used a series of statistical analyses, including t test, Pearson's correlation, and a step-wise regression analysis of the data obtained from the constant infusion of radiolabeled androgens and estrogens to normal women, 18-90 yr old. The MCRs of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), and estrone (E1) were strongly correlated with weight, but not age or menopausal status. The MCR of estradiol (E2) was strongly correlated with weight and less strongly correlated with age, but was not correlated with menopausal status. The interconversions of the androgens ([rho]T,ABB and [rho]A,TBB, i.e. percentage of precursor infused measured as product in blood) and estrogens ([rho]E1,E2BB and [rho]E2,E1BB) were not correlated with age or weight, but there was a weak correlation between [rho]T,ABB and menopausal status. The aromatization of androgens to estrogens ([rho] A,E1BM and [rho]T,E2BM, i.e. percentage of androgens infused measured as estrogen glucuronide in the urine) was highly correlated with age, less strongly correlated with weight, and not correlated with menopausal status. The correlation with weight and MCR is a reflection of the extrasplanchnic metabolism of steroids. The lack of correlation with weight for the interconversions of androgens and estrogens indicates that the enzyme(s) responsible is affected differently in extrasplanchnic tissue than is the aromatase complex. The relationship between age and aromatization, while strong, remains unexplained.
The effect of monaural middle ear destruction on response properties of neurons in the auditory midbrain of juvenile and adult mice.

Abstract This article reviews our studies of the effect of monaural middle ear destruction on midbrain auditory response properties of the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus. Monaural middle ear destruction was performed on juvenile and adult mice and the auditory sensitivity of neurons in the midbrain inferior colliculus (IC) ipsilateral and contralateral to the intact ear was examined 4 weeks later. When stimulated with sound pulses, IC neurons of the control mice typically had lower minimum threshold, larger dynamic range, and sharper frequency tuning curve than IC neurons of the experimental juvenile and adult mice. In the experimental mice, neurons in the ipsilateral IC had significantly longer latency, higher minimum threshold, and smaller dynamic range than neurons in the contralateral IC. When determined at two sound directions (ipsilateral 40° and contralateral 40° to the recording site), IC neurons of the control mice had higher minimum threshold, sharper frequency tuning curve but smaller dynamic range at I-40° than at C-40°. However, these direction-dependent response properties were not observed for IC neurons of the experimental juvenile and adult mice. Clear tonotopic organization was only observed in the IC of the control mice and experimental adult mice but not in the IC of experimental juvenile mice. These different response properties are discussed in relation to the effect of monaural middle ear destruction.
Evidence for a genetic basis for hyperandrogenemia in polycystic ovary syndrome

Our preliminary family studies have suggested that some female first-degree relatives of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have hyperandrogenemia per se. It was our hypothesis that this may be a genetic trait and thus could represent a phenotype suitable for linkage analysis. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined 115 sisters of 80 probands with PCOS from unrelated families. PCOS was diagnosed by the combination of elevated serum androgen levels and ≤6 menses per year with the exclusion of secondary causes. The sisters were compared with 70 healthy age- and weight-comparable control women with regular menses, no clinical evidence of hyperandrogenemia, and normal glucose tolerance. Twenty-two percent of the sisters fulfilled diagnostic criteria for PCOS. In addition, 24% of the sisters had hyperandrogenemia and regular menstrual cycles. Circulating testosterone (T) and nonsex hormone-binding globulin-bound testosterone (uT) levels in both of these groups of sisters were significantly increased compared with unaffected sisters and control women (P < 0.0001 for both T and uT). Probands, sisters with PCOS, and hyperandrogenemic sisters had elevated serum luteinizing hormone levels compared with control women. We conclude that there is familial aggregation of hyperandrogenemia (with or without oligomenorrhea) in PCOS kindreds. In affected sisters, only one-half have oligomenorrhea and hyperandrogenemia characteristic of PCOS, whereas the remaining one-half have hyperandrogenemia per se. This familial aggregation of hyperandrogenemia in PCOS kindreds suggests that it is a genetic trait. We propose that hyperandrogenemia be used to assign affected status in linkage studies designed to identify PCOS genes.
Nitric oxide modulates high-energy phosphates in brain regions of rats intoxicated with diisopropylphosphorofluoridate or carbofuran: prevention by N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone or vitamin E

Acute effects of seizure-inducing doses of the organophosphate compound diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP, 1.25 mg/kg s.c.) or the carbamate insecticide carbofuran (CF, 1.25 mg/kg s.c.) on nitric oxide (NO) were studied in the brain of rats. Brain regions (pyriform cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus) were assayed for citrulline as the determinant of NO and for high-energy phosphates (ATP and phosphocreatine) as well as their major metabolites (ADP, AMP, and creatine). Rats, anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg i.p.), were killed using a head-focused microwave (power, 10 kW; duration, 1.7 s). Analyses of brain regions of controls revealed significantly higher levels of citrulline in the amygdala (289.8±7.0 nmol/g), followed by the hippocampus (253.8±5.5 nmol/g), and cortex (121.7±4.3 nmol/g). Levels of energy metabolites were significantly higher in cortex than in amygdala or hippocampus. Within 5 min of CF injection, the citrulline levels were markedly elevated in all three brain regions examined, while with DFP treatment, only the cortex levels were elevated at this time. With either acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, the maximum increase in citrulline levels was noted 30 min post-injection (>6- to 7-fold in the cortex, and >3- to 4-fold in the amygdala or hippocampus). Within 1 h following DFP or CF injection, marked declines in ATP (36–60%) and phosphocreatine (28–53%) were seen. Total adenine nucleotides and total creatine compounds were reduced (36–58% and 28–48%, respectively). The inverse relationship between the increase in NO and the decease in high-energy phosphates, could partly be due to NO-induced impaired mitochondrial respiration leading to depletion of energy metabolites. Pretreatment of rats with an antioxidant, the spin trapping agent N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN, 200 mg/kg i.p.), prevented DFP- or CF-induced seizures, while the antioxidant vitamin E (100 mg/kg i.p. per day for 3 days) had no anticonvulsant effect. Both antioxidants, however, significantly prevented the increase of citrulline and the depletion of high-energy phosphates. It is concluded that seizures induced by DFP and CF produce oxidative stress due to a marked increase in NO, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, and thereby depleting neuronal energy metabolites. PBN pretreatment provides protection against AChE inhibitor-induced oxidative stress mainly by preventing seizures. Additional antioxidant actions of PBN may contribute to its protective effects. Vitamin E has direct antioxidant effects by preventing excessive NO production.
Transient Wigner Function Studies of DMS Barrier Devices

Incorporating diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) layers within barrier devices offers new device design potential. To study these devices we have generalized an existing time dependent transient algorithm that couples the Wigner transport equation to Poisson’s equation and an external circuit. For electron transport we have studied alterations in the dc and time dependent behavior of resonant tunneling diodes with DMS barriers and wells, have transformed a single barrier structure into a double barrier structure and examined the increased functionality of the devices. We present new results, including some preliminary calculations incorporating holes, discuss transients and the potential role that DMS layers will play in controlling the transient operation of superlattice structures.
The under-reported impact of age discrimination and its threat to business vitality☆

Abstract The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA, 29 USCA, 621) is credited with helping eliminate many blatant forms of age discrimination in employment. For example, before the ADEA was enacted 37 years ago, it was common for employment ads to list age limitations, indicating people over 40 need not apply. Across the board, mandatory retirement policies went unchallenged. Despite advancements in these areas since the founding of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, it remains to be seen whether the ADEA has completed the job it set out to do. Has it proven to be an effective tool for eliminating the unreasonable prejudices that make it difficult for older workers to achieve their full potential? Has it provided adequate compensation for victims of discrimination? The following article takes a snapshot of the current work environment to gain a perspective. Based on extensive interviews with academics, employment lawyers, advocates for older workers, and older workers themselves, it reveals the need for reforms. It finds that, in a legal environment slanted toward employers, older workers continue to face bias and stereotyping, that most victims of discrimination are not made whole, and that society's lack of concern for this type of discrimination may prove more costly in the future as employers look more to older workers to fill projected workforce gaps.
Direct synthesis of a layered medium from its seismic transmission response

Abstract A surface seismogram is recorded due to an upgoing unit-spike source incident on the lower interface of a horizontally layered system. This observed seismogram represents the seismic transmission response of the system. The following direct (noniterative) method is given for the determination of the reflection coefficients of the interfaces. First the observed seismogram is normalized by its first break, and then the least-squares inverse (i.e. zero-delay spiking filter) is computed from the normalized seismogram. Next this least-squares inverse is decomposed by means of an inverse recursion relation into the reflection coefficients of the interfaces. This method differs from that of Claerbout in that his transformation of this transmission response problem to a reflection response problem is not required.
Refraction of Rossby waves on a multiple β-plane

Abstract A multiple β-plane is introduced to explore the relation between plane and spherical Rossby waves. The fundamental problem, the refraction of a plane Rossby wave across a discontinuity in β, is solved. It is shown that refraction on the multiple β-plane agrees in the limit with refraction on the full sphere only if a suitable correction is made for the geometric distortion of the β-plane. The full spherical modes of Rossby waves trapped in a band about the equator (Longuet-Higgins, 1964) have their counterpart in a simple model consisting of an “equatorial” β-plane bounded above and below by “polar” β-planes.
Assessing fundamental 2-dimensional understanding of basic soft tissue techniques.

Objective To develop a written practical examination and scoring system for assessing trainee skills in basic soft-tissue techniques. Design A brief written practical examination was developed to assess the ability of trainees to sketch preoperative plans and postoperative results for common soft-tissue techniques: simple-excision, M-plasty, geometric broken line closure, Z-plasty, V-to-Y flap, and rhombic flap. A scoring system was developed to assign 0 to 5 points to each of 10 items on the examination for a total score of 0–50. The 15-minute examination was administered as a pretest, posttest, and 3-month posttest assessment as part of a soft-tissue course at our institution. Setting University of Minnesota, Otolaryngology Department. Results Three raters reviewed all examination answer sheets independently. The pretest scores of examinees correlated strongly with their level of training; the average pretest for junior residents (PGY 1-2) compared with senior residents (PGY 4-5) was 17.3 (of 50) versus 26.0 (p Conclusion This written practical examination and scoring system may be used to assess the skills of trainees accurately in basic soft tissue techniques and to expose areas of deficiency that can be addressed in future training sessions.
A Pseudo MS3 Approach for Identification of Disulfide-Bonded Proteins: Uncommon Product Ions and Database Search

It has previously been reported that disulfide and backbone bonds of native intact proteins can be concurrently cleaved using electrospray ionization (ESI) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). However, the cleavages of disulfide bonds result in different cysteine modifications in product ions, making it difficult to identify the disulfide-bonded proteins via database search. To solve this identification problem, we have developed a pseudo MS(3) approach by combining nozzle-skimmer dissociation (NSD) and CID on a quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer using chicken lysozyme as a model. Although many of the product ions were similar to those typically seen in MS/MS spectra of enzymatically derived peptides, additional uncommon product ions were detected including c(i-1) ions (the i(th) residue being aspartic acid, arginine, lysine and dehydroalanine) as well as those from a scrambled sequence. The formation of these uncommon types of product ions, likely caused by the lack of mobile protons, were proposed to involve bond rearrangements via a six-membered ring transition state and/or salt bridge(s). A search of 20 pseudo MS(3) spectra against the Gallus gallus (chicken) database using Batch-Tag, a program originally designed for bottom up MS/MS analysis, identified chicken lysozyme as the only hit with the expectation values less than 0.02 for 12 of the spectra. The pseudo MS(3) approach may help to identify disulfide-bonded proteins and determine the associated post-translational modifications (PTMs); the confidence in the identification may be improved by incorporating the fragmentation characteristics into currently available search programs.
Third-order dispersion radiation in solid-state solitary lasers

The effects of the third-order dispersion on the dynamics of solid-state solitary lasers are studied by means of the soliton perturbation theory, with the radiation emitted by the solitary pulse also taken into account. A set of equations for the soliton amplitude and frequency is found and studied. The equations include the contribution of radiation to the frequency shift of the solitary pulse, which is calculated for the first time to our knowledge. The results are in very good agreement with the numerical solutions of the master equation and with the reported experiments.
Failure to Seek Health Care Among the Mentally Ill

This study describes failure to seek health care among 673 new adult clients seeking mental health services in the San Francisco Bay area. Overall, 49% (n = 328) reported a failure to seek health care they believed was needed in the past year. People with dual diagnosis, severe depression, chronic physical illness, fear of coercive treatment, private insurance, and no insurance were more likely to fail to seek health care. Greater use of private physicians decreased the odds of failure to seek health care. These findings highlight the need to target groups at risk for failure to seek health care and the need to design nonthreatening programs to improve health access for people with mental illness.
Genetic and enological analysis of selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for wine production

Summary The non-wine Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain of 96581 was found to be a promising candidate for the production of white wine. It produced wines with fusel alcohols that were 57% higher than those produced by the wine yeasts studied and was also more efficient in the production of 2-phenethyl acetate and 3-methyl-1-butanol acetate. This study also shows that there is a difference in the ester-formation efficiency for acetates relative to C6, C8 and C10 fatty acid esters for all the studied yeast strains. Therefore, it supports the view that other unidentified enzymes besides those regulated by ATF1 and ATF2 genes are involved in the production of ethyl esters of C6–C10 fatty acids. DNA analysis of the 25S, 18S, 5.8S and 5S ribosomal DNA genes in these strains showed high conservation. Despite the closely related nature of these yeast strains, the chemical profiles of the wines produced were significantly different.
The large path length limit for infrared gaseous radiation

The large path length limit is investigated for infrared gaseous radiation. This limit differs considerably, as the result of the wing regions of vibrationrotation bands, from the conventional Rosseland limit. For illustrative purposes, results are presented for a gas bounded by two parallel black plates and within which there is a uniform heat source. In order to demonstrate its range of applicability, the large path length limit is compared with numerical solutions for CO, CO2, H2O, and CH4. It is further shown that a gas such as CO2 is a very poor transmitter of radiant energy, relative to other absorbing-emitting gases, in the large path length limit, although just the opposite is true under optically thin conditions.
Dilated cardiomyopathy risk stratification; the vital role of CMR

Methods Over 24 consecutive months, 49 CMX pts were referred for standard 3D CMR (1.5 T GE) to interrogate the LV pattern, distribution and extent of DHE (MultiHance, Princeton, NJ). 18 pts met follow-up inclusion criteria for the study. Pts were categorized into: 1)+DHE/+midwall Stripe 2)+DHE/-Stripe and 3)-DHE/-Stripe. LVAD, Tx use, major adverse clinical events (MACE) and event free survival were evaluated over the next 6 months.
Using Web-Based Peer Benchmarking to Manage the Client-Based Project.

The complexities of integrating client-based projects into marketing courses provide challenges for the instructor but produce richness of context and active learning for the student. This paper explains the integration of Web-based peer benchmarking as a means of improving student performance on client-based projects within a single semester in undergraduate consumer insight courses. Furthermore, the paper provides empirical evidence for the effect of this innovative method on students' deeper learning, as measured by the method's capability to improve students' motivation to learn.
Infants' sensitivity to the depth cue of shading.

Five- and 7-month-old infants were tested for sensitivity to the depth cue of shading. Infants were presented with two displays: a surface in which a convexity and a concavity were molded and a photograph in which shading specified a convexity and a concavity. Each display was presented under both monocular and binocular viewing conditions. Reaching was observed as the dependent measure. Infants in both age groups reached preferentially for the actual convexity in both the monocular and binocular viewing conditions. In the monocular photograph condition, the 7-month-olds reached preferentially for the apparent convexity specified by shading, indicating that they perceived it to be an actual convexity. These infants showed no significant reaching preference in the binocular photograph condition. This finding rules out interpretations of the infants’ reaching not based on perceived depth. The results therefore suggest that the 7-month-olds perceived depth from shading. The 5-month-olds showed no significant reaching preferences when viewing the photograph; thus, they showed no evidence of depth perception from shading. These findings are consistent with the results of a number of studies that have investigated infants’ sensitivity to pictorial depth cues. Together, these studies suggest that the ability to perceive depth from pictorial cues may first develop between 5 and 7 months of age.
The role of part-whole information in reasoning about relative size.

Models of comparative judgment have assumed that relative magnitude is computed from knowledge about absolute magnitude rather than retrieved directly. In Experiment 1, participants verified the relative size of part-whole pairs (e.g.,tree-leaf ) and unrelated controls (e.g.,tree-penny). The symbolic distance effect was much smaller for part-whole pairs than for unrelated controls. In two subsequent experiments, participants determined either which of two objects was closer in size to a third object or which of two pairs had a greater difference in the size of its constituents. In contrast to the paired comparison task in Experiment 1, judgments of part-whole items were more sensitive to the influence of symbolic distance than were unrelated controls. The fact that the part-whole relation attenuates the effects of symbolic distance in a paired comparison task but not in tasks that require an explicit comparison of size differences suggests that the part-whole relation provides a source of information about relative magnitude that does not depend on knowledge about absolute magnitude.
An enhanced beam model for constrained layer damping and a parameter study of damping contribution

An enhanced analytical model is presented based on an extension of previous models for constrained layer damping (CLD) in beam-like structures. Most existing CLD models are based on the assumption that shear deformation in the core layer is the only source of damping in the structure. However, previous research has shown that other types of deformation in the core layer, such as deformations from longitudinal extension and transverse compression, can also be important. In the enhanced analytical model developed here, shear, extension, and compression deformations are all included. This model can be used to predict the natural frequencies and modal loss factors. The numerical study shows that compared to other models, this enhanced model is accurate in predicting the dynamic characteristics. As a result, the model can be accepted as a general computation model. With all three types of damping included and the formulation used here, it is possible to study the impact of the structure's geometry and boundary conditions on the relative contribution of each type of damping. To that end, the relative contributions in the frequency domain for a few sample cases are presented.
Message passing delay in network congestion management

Network Utility Maximization (NUM) framework has been extensively studied. Generally, existing solutions for NUM require message exchange between network and users to regulate the flow of network traffic, and information is frequently assumed to be available instantaneously and the traffic flow adjustment is accomplished immediately. However, realistically, there is delay in message exchange because time is required for the messages to reach the designated destinations and for the traffic flow adjustment in network to take effect. Consequently, without proper synchronization, transmission rate and network pricing may oscillate, resulting in the algorithm's failure to converge, even when there is a solution that converges to an optimal solution. Here, we propose a synchronization methodology to prevent the algorithm from oscillating.
MBE growth and microstructural evaluation of Zn(S,Se)-based LEDs and diode lasers

The use of a nitrogen radio frequency plasma source together with an appropriate quantum well configuration have recently resulted in the successful realization of p-type ZnSe by molecular beam epitaxy. This has enabled a variety of pn heterojunction based devices to be built including the first semiconductor injection lasers operating in the blue/green portion of the spectrum first reported by 3M and the Brown/Purdue group. In this paper, we discuss two lattice matched multiple quantum well structures that produce laser emission in the blue and blue/green portion of the spectrum.
Atmospheric Mg2+ wet deposition within the continental United States and implications for soil inorganic carbon sequestration

Little is known about atmospheric magnesium ion (Mg 2+ ) wet deposition in relation to soil inorganic carbon sequestration. Understanding the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) or organic carbon to a form having a long residence time within the soil (e.g., dolomite, magnesian calcite) will greatly benefit agriculture, industry, and society on a global scale. This preliminary study was conducted to analyze atmospheric Mg 2+ wet deposition within the continental United States (U.S.) and to rank the twelve major soil orders in terms of average annual atmospheric Mg 2+ wet deposition. The total average annual Mg 2+ wet deposition for each soil order was estimated with geographic information systems (GIS) using the following data layers: (1) atmospheric Mg 2+ wet deposition data layers covering the continental U.S. for a 10-yr period (1994–2003) and (2) a soil order data layer derived from a national soils database. A map of average annual Mg 2+ wet deposition for 1994–2003 reveals that the highest deposition (0.75–1.41 kg ha -1 ) occurred in Oregon, Washington, parts of California, and the coastal areas of East Coast states due to magnesium enrichment of atmospheric deposition from sea salt. The Midwestern region of the U.S. received about 0.25–0.75 kg ha -1 Mg 2+ wet deposition annually, which was associated with loess derived soils, occurrence of dust storms and possibly fertilization. The soil orders receiving the highest average annual atmospheric Mg 2+ wet deposition from 1994 to 2003 were: (1) Mollisols (3.7 × 10 7 kg), (2) Alfisols (3.6 × 10 7 kg) and (3) Ultisols (2.8 × 10 7 kg). In terms of potential soil carbon sequestration, the average annual atmospheric Mg 2+ wet deposition was equivalent to formation of the following theoretical amounts of dolomite: (1) Mollisols (2.8 × 10 8 kg of CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ), (2) Alfisols (2.7 × 10 8 kg of CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ) and (3) Ultisols (2.1 × 10 8 kg of CaMg(CO 3 )2). The soil orders receiving the lowest average annual atmospheric Mg 2+ wet deposition were: (1) Andisols (3.3 × 10 6 kg), (2) Histosols (3.4 × 10 6 kg) and (3) Vertisols (5.0 × 10 6 kg). The methods proposed here to estimate soil inorganic carbon sequestration potential from atmospheric wet deposition data can be useful for preliminary carbon accounting on a global scale. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2006.00242.x
Pyk2 mediates endothelin-1 signaling via p130Cas/BCAR3 cascade and regulates human glomerular mesangial cell adhesion and spreading.

Calcium-regulated non-receptor Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase 2 (Pyk2) is a critical mediator of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) signaling in human glomerular mesangial cells (GMC). We aimed to identify which small G-protein is acting downstream of Pyk2. Dominant interfering Pyk2 construct, termed Calcium Regulated Non Kinase (CRNK) or green fluorescent protein (control) were expressed in GMC using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. ET-1 stimulation resulted in a significant increase of Pyk2 phosphorylation accompanied by GTP-loading of Rap1 and RhoA. CRNK expression inhibited ET-1-induced autophosphorylation of endogenous Pyk2 and diminished Rap1, but not RhoA, activation. The mechanism linking Pyk2 and Rap1 included 1) increased autophosphorylation of Pyk2 associated with p130Cas; 2) augmented p130Cas Y165 and Y249 phosphorylation; 3) enhanced p130Cas-BCAR3 complex formation. CRNK expression prevented p130Cas phosphorylation and attenuated p130Cas association with BCAR3. Downregulation of endogenous BCAR3 protein expression using an siRNA technique led to a significant decrease in Rap1 activation in response to ET-1. We observed that endogenous Pyk2 was important for GMC adhesion and spreading. Our data suggest that ET-1 stimulated the GTPase Rap1 (but neither RhoA nor Ras) by a mechanism involving Pyk2 activation and recruitment of the p130Cas/BCAR3 complex in GMC.
Some moment relationships for multivariate skew-symmetric distributions

Moments of multivariate skew-symmetric distributions which are generated from spherically symmetric and elliptically symmetric kernels are considered. For a rather general class of spherically symmetric kernels a strong relationship to the univariate case is established. This is exploited to demonstrate that the structure of the mean is that of shrinkage towards the origin. This result is generalized to skew-elliptical distributions.
Possible consequences of social drinking in the early stages of Alzheimer disease.

Abstract Although research supports the idea that alcohol is not a risk factor for developing Alzheimer disease (AD), surprisingly little attention has been given to the role of social drinking in the early stages of the disorder. The current review highlights potential alcohol- and disease-related interactions on neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral functioning in individuals experiencing the early stages of AD. Understanding how alcohol interacts with AD can benefit both treatment providers (eg, interpreting clinical tests) and caregivers (eg, managing disruptive behaviors) by providing important clues to potentially reversible impairments that may negatively affect the everyday functioning of individuals with the disorder. (Geriatr Nurs 2001;22:100-5)
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines: what is new?

New guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma were released in 2007. Separate recommendations are presented for three separate age groups (ages 0–4, 5–11 and ≥ 12). Six pharmacologic steps of therapy are defined for each age group. Severity is assessed in patients not on long-term control medication as a guide to initiating therapy. Control is assessed in patients on long-term control therapy to determine whether a step up, no change or a step down in therapy is indicated. Before increasing pharmacologic therapy in patients with uncontrolled asthma, adverse environmental exposure, poor adherence and inadequately treated comorbidities should be considered as targets of therapy. Guidelines for the management of asthma exacerbations are also presented.
Off-campus adult learners' levels of library anxiety as a predictor of attitudes toward the Internet

This study assesses what factors associated with library anxiety predict off-campus adult learners' attitudes toward the educational use of the Internet. Off-campus adult learners were graduate students attending classes at a distance of 50 or more miles from their home institution's library. Two factors associated with library anxiety, knowledge of the library and affective barriers, yielded a multiple R of .30, accounting for 9 percent of the variance in respondents' attitudes toward the Internet. Findings indicate that off-campus adult learners' perceptions of their information retrieval skills impact their anxiety levels while utilizing library and Internet resources. Findings suggest the benefit of including information in library tutorials about accessing databases and hands-on computer instruction to elevate adult learners' perceptions of their competency.
Localization of intracellular calcium release in cells injured by venom from the ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and dependence of calcium mobilization on G-protein activation.

Abstract Venom from the ectoparasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis induces cellular injury that appears to involve the release of intracellular calcium stores via the activation of phospholipase C, and culminates in oncotic death. A linkage between release of intracellular Ca2+ and oncosis has not been clearly established and was the focus of this study. When BTI-TN-5B1-4 cells were treated with suramin, an uncoupler of G-proteins, venom-induced swelling and oncotic death were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner for at least 24 h. Suramin also blocked increases in free cytosolic [Ca2+], arguing that venom induces calcium mobilization through G-protein signaling pathways. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was predicted to be the source of intracellular calcium release, but labeling with the fluorescent probe ER-tracker revealed no indication of organelle swelling or loss of membrane integrity as would be expected if the Ca2+-ATPase pump was disabled by crude venom. Incubation of cell monolayers with calmodulin or nitrendipine, modulators of ER calcium release channels, neither attenuated nor augmented the effects of wasp venom. These results suggest that wasp venom stimulates calcium release from ER compartments distinct from RyRs, L-type Ca2+ channels, and the Ca2+-ATPase pump, or calcium is released from some other intracellular store. A reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential ΔΨm appeared to precede a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ as evidenced by fluorescent microscopy using the calcium-sensitive probe fluo-4 AM. This argues that the initial insult to the cell resulting from venom elicits a rapid loss of (ΔΨm), followed by unregulated calcium efflux from mitochondria into the cytosol. Mobilization of calcium in this fashion could stimulate cAMP formation, and subsequently promote calcium release from NAADP-sensitive stores.
Enhanced output power for phase-matched second-harmonic generation at 10.6 μm in a ZnGeP 2 crystal

Second-harmonic generation was phase-matched at the fundamental wavelength of 10.6 μm in an annealed ZnGeP2 crystal at room temperature. Our results demonstrated that the phase-matching angle was decreased with increasing the pump power. Such a unique dependence resulted in a significant enhancement on the second-harmonic output power. The highest average output power at 5.3 μm was 55 mW for an average pump power of 5.0 W, which corresponded to a conversion efficiency of 1.1%. Due to the laser-induced heating effect, the second-harmonic output power was increased by 65%. Such an efficient conversion was made possible also by using a short-pulse repetition-frequency-excited waveguide and single-longitudinal-mode CO2 laser as a fundamental beam.
PNGase F catalyzes de-N-glycosylation in a domestic microwave

Common de-N-glycosylation protocols usually require a lengthy incubation time. Although pressure cycling technology or scientific microwave reactors can accelerate this enzyme reaction, they may not be easily accessible. In this brief report, we employed an alternative strategy using a standard domestic microwave oven to perform the de-N-glycosylation. Model glycoproteins (bovine RNase B, bovine fetuin, and human IgG) and a complex mixture from human plasma were fully deglycosylated in 20 min, without any apparent adverse affects on the glycans or protein backbones. This new method provides a simple and inexpensive solution to achieve rapid de-N-glycosylation.
Steroid hormone metabolism by the chorioallantoic placenta of the mountain spiny lizard Sceloporus jarrovi as a possible mechanism for buffering maternal-fetal hormone exchange.

Abstract The placenta provides a maternal‐fetal exchange interface that maximizes the diffusion of gases, nutrients, and wastes. However, the placenta also may permit diffusion of lipid‐soluble steroid hormones that influence processes such as sex‐specific fetal development and maternal pregnancy maintenance. In mammals, placental steroid metabolism contributes to regulation of maternal and fetal hormone levels. Such mechanisms may be less highly developed in species that have recently evolved placentation, such as many reptiles. We therefore chose to investigate placental metabolism of steroids in the viviparous lizard Sceloporus jarrovi. In vitro tissue incubations tested the abilities of the chorioallantoic placenta to clear progesterone and corticosterone by converting them to other metabolites and to synthesize progesterone. Placental tissue rapidly cleared progesterone and corticosterone added to the incubation media, indicating that the tissue had converted the steroids to other products. Placental...
Victim resistance and judgments of victim "consensuality" in rape.

Summary.-38 participants read about a man who entered a woman's apartment at night, told her that "all he wanted was sex," engaged in the act of sex regardless oE what she said or did, and then left. Participants then made a preliminary rating of their agreement or disagreement with the statement "The woman consented to have sex." To learn how victim's resistance might add or subtract from judgments of victim's "consensuality," participants then read four additional scenarios about how the woman might have responded to the man. Analysis indicated that the absence of any verbal or physical resistance (e.g., "OK-please don'r hurt me," or "Please wear a condomI'm afraid of getting AIDS") increased judgments of victim's consensuality. In the summer of 1992, the media reported an interesting grand jury decision in Texas. A man had entered a woman's apartment and told the young woman he was going to rape her. The woman, being afraid of AIDS, asked the man to wear a condom which he did. The first grand jury refused to indict the man for rape. Before convicting someone of rape, juries must make a determination of whether the women did or did not give her consent to having sex. Prior research suggests that bystanders are more likely to see the alleged rapist as guilty, are more confident he should be convicted, and attribute less blame to the victim if the victim shows some verbal or physical resistance than if she shows none (Branscombe & Weir, 1992; Krulewitz & Nash, 1979; Wyer, Bodenhausen, & Gorman, 1985). The present study attempted to go beyond prior studies by investigating how the victim's verbal and physical behavior added to or subtracted from bystander's initial judgment of the extent of "victim consen~ualit~." In the present study, participants first read the following: A man entered the woman's bedroom (where she was sleeping) through an open window. He then put his hand over the woman's mouth and said "All I want is sex-don't struggle or you might get hurt." Regardless of what she said or did, the man engaged in the act of sex and then left.
Electronic structure of La 1 − x Ca x MnO 3 determined by spin-polarized x-ray absorption spectroscopy: Comparison of experiments with band-structure computations

A model was developed to predict the temperature dependent changes in the local magnetic ordering based on spin-polarized Mn K-edge measurements of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}.$ With this model, one can ascertain the change in local ordering that occurs on transiting the magnetic ordering temperature. Parallel local density approximation (LDA) and $\mathrm{LDA}+U$ computations are used to label the symmetries of the unoccupied bands, determine the degree of electron correlation and to provide a direct comparison with the band ordering predicted by the temperature dependent spin-polarized measurements. The spin magnetic moment and ordering of the ${t}_{2g}$ and ${e}_{g}$ states are also determined. We find that the occupied ${t}_{2g}$ orbitals are always ordered with lobes near 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the local Mn-O directions. The Mn K-edge main line splitting is discussed in terms of the effective spin-polarized charge density. The oxygen hole contribution to the net magnetic moment is seen to be important. We survey the spin-polarized x-ray absorption near-edge spectra of a large group of manganese oxides and show the general trends in the main line spin splitting as a function of valence.
An α-adrenoceptor inhibitory action of kynuramine

Abstract Kynuramine, an endogenously occuring amine, inhibited the vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine in the isolated perfused mesentric arteries of rats and blocked the relaxation of rabbit intestinal smooth muscle by phenylephrine. Similarly, kynuramine reversed clonidine-induced inhibition of the cholinergic twitch response in the guinea-pig ileum. These effcets, seen with concentrations ranging from 4 to 60 μg/ml, aer consistent with an α-adrenoceptor inhibitory action of kynuramine at both presynaptic sites. Kynuramine itself, lacked intrinsic activity on α-adrenoceptors and showed a complete lack of affinity for β-adrenoceptors in the rabbit intestine and guinea pig tracheal chain preparation. None of the effects of kynuramine could be attributed to the formation of 4-hydroxyquinoline, the deaminated metabolite of kynuramine. Additionally, no evidence was obtained for an action on muscarinic receptors or non-specific effects on vascular smooth muscle. However, a slight, transient stimulant action was evident on intestinal smooth muscle. It is concluded tha kynuramine inhibits both presynaptic and postsynaptic α-adrenoceptors in vitro and it is conceivable that the compound might function as an endogenous inhibitor of α-adrenoceptors in vivo.
Luminance control of a small computer CRT display: A very cheap technique

An inexpensive way to produce continuous variation in the luminance of a computer-controlled CRT display is described. One application of that system to the study of motion-analyzers in human vision is discussed briefly.
The first use of a library questionnaire: Adalbert Blumenschein's eighteenth-century study of European libraries

Abstract A large work of library literature, the “Beschreibung verschiedener Bibliotheken in Europa” (“Description of Various Libraries in Europe”) of Adalbert Blumenschein (1720–1781), which exists in a single manuscript copy in the Austrian National Library, is introduced, its methods summarized, and its use of a questionnaire documented. The questionnaire, which may be the first known to have been used by a library researcher to gather data about libraries, is reconstructed based on internal evidence.
Hiding the Self and Social Anxiety: The Core Extrusion Schema Measure

Multiple sources of evidence suggest that problematic social anxiety should be related to attempts to hide aspects of the self from others, but no specific measures are available to assess this phenomenon. A self-report measure, the Core Extrusion Schema measure (CES) was developed to measure aspects of self-concealment that should be related to social anxiety, including perceived present rejection, belief that one’s true self would be socially rejected, attempts to hide one’s true self, and attempts to avoid scrutiny. In two studies with undergraduates (ns = 383 and 79), the CES was found to have good psychometric properties and relate to social anxiety as predicted. Some evidence of relation to interpersonal dysfunction above and beyond social anxiety was also observed. The CES therefore offers one avenue to assess a potential core cognitive component of impairing social anxiety, as well as the interpersonal effects of such anxiety.