cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulations of Dimensional Effects in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Two dimensional simulation models for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) including gas channels have been studied using the commercial software FEMLAB which has a multi-physics approach. The models include full coupling between the mass balances at the anode and cathode, the balance of the ionic current carried by the oxide ion, and a balance of electronic current with an assumption of isothermal conditions. Three cross-section areas of 1cm × 1cm, 3cm × 3cm, and 5 cm × 5cm were chosen to study the dimensional effect. An additional 1cm × 1cm channel with rectangular protrusions was also studied to investigate geometry effects. Simulation results show expected result of increases in fuel cell properties like convective flux, electric potential with increasing cell flow area. The smaller fuel cell surface is altered by adding rectangular protrusions to increase surface area. The presence of rectangular protrusions also show increased current density production compared to a wall without protrusions. It is expected that the proposed simulations can be used to significantly help the design and operation of a SOFC in practical applications.© 2005 ASME
Could a megaquake occur in the Himalayas

GPS measurements of crustal deformation are showing that a magnitude 9 earthquake could occur in the Himalayas. Roger Bilham of the University of Colorado at Boulder reported at the AGU Fall Meeting that the region, known to be seismically active, could produce a much larger earthquake than previously thought. Bilham and colleagues used GPS to monitor rates of crustal deformation in the Himalayas. They found that the potential rupture zone is larger than scientists had believed—the region where strain is building is twice as wide as expected. Previous estimates, which were based on the historical earthquake record, suggested that the largest earthquake that would occur in the region would have a magnitude in the low 8s. Such an earthquake could be devastating—the Kashmir valley region alone is home to 6 million people.
A histochemical study of the effect of estrogen on oxidative enzymes in the testes of cryptorchid BALB/c mice.

The effects of diethylstilbestrol (DES) treatment on several oxidative enzymes in the testes of cryptorchid BALB/c mice were studied by histochemical means. DES treatment did not affect the activity or localization of lactate dehydrogenase, NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, NADH diaphorase or NADPH diaphorase in either the interstitial or the tubular elements. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the interstitium was increased by treatment, while there was no changein activity in the tubules. The activity of 17β- hydroxysteroid (testosterone) dehydrogenase was reduced drastically after only 8 days of DES treatment. There was, however, no reduction in 3β-hydroxysteroid (DHEA) dehydrogenase activity even after 3 weeks of DES treatment. These histochemical data paralleled previous biochemical findings and indicate that in the testes of this strain the primary effect of DES treatment is on the interstitium. (Endocrinology 85: 849, 1969)
Modeling interparticle and intraparticle (perfusive) electroosmotic flow in capillary electrochromatography

A model to estimate the extent of intraparticle, or perfusive, electroosmotic flow (EOF) in CEC capillaries packed with macroporous particles has been developed. Nucleosil packings (dp= 7 μm) having nominal pore sizes of 500, 1000, and 4000 A were studied. Intraparticle pores ranging from 50 to 10 000 A in diameter were partitioned into 995 intervals of 10 A. Using pore size distribution data for the sorbents obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry, fractions of the total column void volume contributed by pores in the range of interest were determined. The average channel diameter of the interstitial space was estimated from the dp of the packing; its fraction of total column volume was determined from the interstitial porosity. Estimations of relative EOF velocity in the intraparticle and interstitial channels were made by treating the channels as parallel cylindrical capillary tubes. Relative EOF values were combined with the volume fraction data and used as weighting factors in calculating an effecti...
“Salt Peanuts”*: Bebop and the Search for Radical Methodological Praxis in the African Diaspora**

In this poem, I theorize a bebop methodology: an approach to research in communities of African descent that is simultaneously creative, improvisational, and spontaneous while reflecting dexterity, virtuosity, and brilliance. Research methods should be informed by the communities they’re intended to serve. As both the observer and the observed, I understand Diasporan Black communities as being modern colonies suffering economic, social, political, and cultural oppression. However, these homeplaces, as hooks calls them, are not without genius, beauty, and pockets of self-determining autonomy. Bebop emerged as a radical, transformative aesthetic during World War II. Through their instruments, men like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie channeled the soul-sounds of people longing to be free. A bebop methodology reverberates with the forward-leaning, socially just bent in the “Ninth Moment” (Denzin and Lincoln, 2006) of qualitative research. This work is about the poetics of research, the poetics of struggle,...
Primary pulmonary hypertension. Review of clinical features and pathologic physiology with a report of pulmonary hemodynamics derived from repeated catheterization.

The clinical features of 16 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension are reviewed. Repeated cardiac catheterizations at intervals of 1 to 4 years during the course of the disease were performed in five patients. In three of the five patients there was a progressive increase in pulmonary artery pressure, total pulmonary resistance, and a decline in cardiac output. In two patients the pulmonary hemodynamics remained unchanged between studies at intervals of 2 and 4 years. Arterial oxygen saturation decreased with progression of the disease, presumably reflecting the appearance of an uneven distribution of pulmonary capillary flow. The course of the illness was variable and unaffected by any mode of therapy, including long-term anticoagulation.
Predicting the academic achievement of gifted students with autism spectrum disorder.

We are not well informed regarding the ability-achievement relationship for twice-exceptional individuals (very high cognitive ability and a diagnosed disability, e.g., autism spectrum disorder [ASD]). The research question for this investigation (N = 59) focused on the predictability of achievement among variables related to ability and education in a twice-exceptional sample of students (cognitive ability of 120 [91st percentile], or above, and diagnosed with ASD). We determined that WISC-IV Working Memory and Processing Speed Indices were both significantly positively correlated with achievement in math, reading, and written language. WISC Perceptual Reasoning Index was uniquely predictive of Oral Language test scores. Unexpected findings were that ASD diagnosis, Verbal Comprehension Index, and forms of academic acceleration were not related to the dependent variables.
Evidence for production of inner-shell vacancies in slow multicharged F ions interacting with a Cu surface

Abstract Electron energy distributions have been measured for Fq+ ions (∽q×10 keV, q=2−8) interacting with a Cu surface at 5° grazing incidence. The measurements show evidence for K-shell excitation in Fq+ (q≤6) ions. The resultant inner-shell vacancy production is understood in terms of calculated molecular orbital diagrams which qualitatively describe the close collisions between the incident ion and the target atoms. When the K-shell vacancy is created in the collision, the mean KLL Auger electron energy shows a shift to higher energies relative to that observed for K-vacancies carried into the collision. This shift occurs since the KLL Auger decay for a vacancy created in the collision is constrained to take place late in the neutralization process, where the K- and L-shell energies differ from those in the less screened ion.
Real-Time Infrared Overtone Laser Control of Temperature in Picoliter H2O Samples: “Nanobathtubs” for Single Molecule Microscopy

An approach for high spatiotemporal control of aqueous sample temperatures in confocal microscopy is reported. This technique exploits near-IR diode-laser illumination to locally heat picoliter volumes of water via first-overtone excitation in the OH-stretch manifold. A thin water cell after the objective resonantly removes any residual IR light from the detection system, allowing for continuous observation of single-molecule fluorescence throughout the heating event. This technique is tested quantitatively by reproducing single-molecule RNA folding results obtained from “bulk” stage heating measurements. Calibration of sample temperatures is obtained from time-correlated single-photon counting studies of Rhodamine B fluorescence decay. We obtain an upper limit to the heating response time (τheat < 20 ms) consistent with even faster estimates (τheat ≈ 0.25 ms) based on laser spot size, H2O heat capacit,y and absorption cross section. This combination of fast, noncontact heating of picoliter volumes provid...
Government Programs and Adoption of Conservation Tillage Practices on Nonirrigated Wheat Farms

A whole-farm simulation analysis is used to investigate producer preferences for adoption of separate tillage practices (minimum-till, combination-till, or no-till) under provisions of both the 1981 and 1985 farm bills. An analysis of preference for participation or nonparticipation in government programs under both farm bills is also considered. For risk-averse producers, a combination-tillage practice with program participation is found to dominate (as measured by stochastic dominance) the other strategies considered under both the 1981 and 1985 provisions.
Ecology of dental disease

Trace elements in the dental enamel of 43 prehistoric Indians from Illinois, Maryland and Virginia show concentration differences by age, sex and geographical locality. Sample areas on an incisor or first molar were blocked off with paraffin, washed twice with distilled water and etched 7 times with 6N HCl. An optical emission spectrophotometer was used to analyze the 9 samples, representing surface contamination and sequential enamel layers. Al, B, Ba, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, Sr, and Ti were present in most samples in micro or trace quantities; other elements were detected with less regularity. Comparisons of the 2 water washes with the 3 superficial, 4 deep and 7 total acid etches, suggest that during burial the residual inorganic portion of the enamel exchanged little or nothing with the soil. Enamel from archeological teeth may therefore be utilized in host factor studies in dental paleopathology. The Jy 50 Illinois Indians differ from the Potomac Creek, Virginia, Indians both in quantities of elements present and in internal sample variability. In each group, the sexes differ in 4 or more elements, both as to content and variability. Similarly, the older half of each sample differs from the younger. Patterns of sex and age difference are irregular, suggesting cultural differences, rather than physiological, in utilizing the environment during enamel-forming years. Enamel composition, as affected by differential environment utilization, may partially explain sex, age and geographical differences in dental pathology rates.
A Guide to the Use of Interferon-Alpha in the Management of Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia

Interferon-alpha (IFNα) can induce major cytogenetic responses in 30 to 40% of patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) and up to 50% when combined with cytarabine (ara-C). These responses translate into a survival advantage. However, the management of patients treated with IFNα requires experience to optimise the therapy. The optimal dose should be used and the addition of ara-C should be considered. It is advisable to lower the white blood cell count (WBC) before the start of therapy and increase the dose to the ideal dose gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Some myelosuppression should be tolerated to keep a WBC in the range of 2 to 4 × 109/L. Dosages should be adjusted as needed when grade 3 or persistent grade 2 toxicity occurs, and adverse effects should be managed promptly and aggressively to improve tolerance. Patients should be monitored closely with cytogenetic and possibly other analyses such as fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine response. The duration of therapy is controversial, but it should be kept in mind that whenever the decision is made to use IFNα for therapy in CML, the patient should be given the best opportunity to achieve a cytogenetic response as this will probably translate into a survival advantage.
Crystallization of the Fab fragment of a monoclonal anti-digoxin antibody and its complex with digoxin.

The Fab fragment of a monoclonal anti-digoxin antibody has been crystallized by vapor diffusion of solutions of 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol. Similar crystals have been grown in the presence of the hapten, digoxin. The crystals appear to be suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis to atomic resolution and one potential heavy-atom derivative of the native crystals has been found.
Influence of Gamma-irradiation on Sulphur-35 Mineralization of Sternum and Tibia, and Weight of Spleen and Testes of Chicks

Cockerel Leghorn chicks were given 1200 or 1400 r doses of /sup 137/Cs gamma rays. Twenty-four hr after irradiation, 5 mu C /sup 35/S was administered subcutaneously to control and irradiated chicks. The anlmals were killed 24 and 120 hr after treatment and sternum, tibia, spleen, and testes were removed and weighed. Sulfur-35 contents of the sternum and tibia were determined. Results show gamma radiation damages the spleen and testes and reduces /sup 35/S loss. Sulfur35 retention was similar at both levels of irradiation, iodicating that 1200 r doses are sufficient for sulfur metabolism reduction. (H.M.G.)
Low-thrust trajectory optimization based on epoch eccentric longitude formulation

The mathematics of trajectory optimization based on the use of nonsingular orbit elements involving the eccentric longitude at epoch as the sixth element are fully derived. The epoch eccentric longitude and epoch mean longitude are fundamental nonsingular orbit elements, which stay constant in the absence of perturbations. These formulations constitute the basis from which the current time formulations are derived and, therefore, are important from a theoretical point of view. They are also beneficial in minimum-fuel problems during the natural coasting parts of the trajectory, where the adjoint equations need not be propagated by either analytical or numerical integration. The state and adjoint differential equations are explicit functions of time in this formulation that involves natural orbit elements with the optimal Hamiltonian, also varying in time. The mathematics of this epoch formulation provides added insight into the problem of trajectory optimization by relating the various assumptions used in generating the differential equations for the adjoint variables that correspond to various sets of orbital elements. Furthermore, the function that defines the transversality condition at the end time in minimum-time problems is shown to remain constant during the optimal transfer providing a further check in accepting a converged trajectory as truly optimal. This formulation is also related to the one that uses the current eccentric longitude as the sixth state variable, and the mathematical relationship between the Hamiltonian and the Lagrange multipliers of these two formulations is also shown. A pair of continuous constant acceleration minimum-time transfer examples are duplicated using this new formulation to validate the mathematical derivations.
A Minimum Cost Model of Spare Parts Inventory Control

A mathematical model of a spare parts inventory control policy is constructed. The model is intended to apply to the case in which it is the policy to carry a maximum of one spare part in inventory. Under some relatively mild assumptions on the probability distributions of the time between demands for spare parts and of lead times, an overall cost function associated with any spare parts policy (SPP) is derived. An optimum SPP is defined to be one which minimizes the derived cost function. The minimization of the cost function leads to some objective criteria, stated in the form of a set of decision rules, to determine when to order a spare part. These rules are summarized at the end of Section 3. A brief discussion of these rules is contained in Section 4.
Treatment and microbiology of repeated cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in children.

Background:A small group of children have second and even more cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infections (SIs). We sought to describe the treatment approaches used for, and the microbiology of, repeated SIs.Methods:The study population included 31 children with second shunt infection (SI-2) among t
On offering economic incentives to backorder

We study a strategy to manage demands that occur when an inventory system is temporarily out of stock: offer the customer facing the unsatisfied demand an economic incentive to backorder. We explore the benefits of this inventory management strategy by analyzing a model of an inventory system with stochastic demand and random supply disruptions, where the probability that a customer facing an unfilled demand will backorder (as opposed to becoming a lost sale) can be influenced by an economic incentive. Our results provide several insights regarding this inventory management strategy and suggest that the benefits of offering backorder incentives can be significant.
Three-dimensional seismic velocity structure of the northwestern United States

[1] We present a high-resolution, three dimensional, P-wave tomography model for the northwestern United States. Major features of the model include clear, well-resolved images of the Juan de Fuca–Gorda slab to depths of at least 500 km, reduced velocities beneath Newberry volcano and north-central Oregon, increased velocities beneath the Idaho batholith, and a deep, slab-like, eastward-dipping feature of increased velocities beneath Nevada. We find no evidence for a mantle plume in this region, and demonstrate that suggested disruption of the Juan de Fuca slab beneath Oregon in the vicinity of Newberry volcano is an inversion artifact. We interpret the primary features of this new model within the framework of post-Laramide tectonomagmatism and the continuing tectonic evolution of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. A model explaining the regional tectonomagmatic history consistent with the imaged seismic velocity structure is one driven by mantle flow responding to the evolving subduction system.
The Children Should Lead Us: Diane Ehrensaft's Gender Born, Gender Made: Raising Healthy Gender-Nonconforming Children

This article reviews Diane Ehrensaft's Gender Born, Gender Made: Raising Healthy Gender-Nonconforming Children, a thoughtful and practical guide that can help parents, other family members, and therapists better understand and support children and youth whom the author refers to as “gender creative.” Ehrensaft's work is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in how gender-nonconforming children are treated in and outside of mental health settings.
Pre-mating and pregnancy stress in rats affects behaviour of grandpups.

EXPERIMENTAL manipulations of female rats have significantly influenced the open field behaviour of their grandpups. This phenomenon has been called “non-genetic transmission of information”1. Whereas the experimental manipulations of the grandmothers reported in ref. 1 consisted of pre-weaning infantile “handling”, we have investigated whether stress of the grandmother rat before and during pregnancy affected the open field behaviour of the offspring of the foetuses carried during or immediately after the periods of stress.
Isozymes of cottonseed microsomal N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine synthase : detergent solubilization and electrophoretic separation of active enzymes with different properties

Abstract We recently reported that a novel acyltransferase activity (fatty acid : diacylphosphatidylethanolamine N-acyltransferase) synthesizes N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), an unusual derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), in microsomes of cotyledons of cotton seedlings by direct acylation of PE with free fatty acids (Chapman and Moore (1993) Plant Physiol. 102(3), 761–769). Here we report the solubilization of this membrane-bound NAPE synthase activity from cottonseed microsomes and the separation of three active isozymes with distinctly different characteristics. NAPE synthase activity was solubilized from NaCl-washed microsomal membranes by 0.2 mM dodecylmaltoside (DDM) at a 2:1 (w:w) detergent/protein ratio (assessed by enzyme activity after centrifugation at 150000 × gmax, 1 h). Two sequential preparative isoelectric focussing separations of DDM-solubilized microsomal membrane proteins resulted in recovery of three distinct peaks of NAPE synthase activity - one at pH 6.3, one at pH 7.2, and one at pH 8.4 (designated A, B and C). These isozymes were purified 1148-fold (A), 269-fold (B), and 729-fold (C) from homogenates of cotton cotyledons. A 28 kDa subunit was enriched in all three isozyme fractions. Each of the isozymes exhibited unique kinetic properties with respect to palmitic acid and dioleoyl-PE. Each of the solubilized isozymes exhibited positive cooperativity toward palmitic acid (consistent with previous studies of NAPE synthase activity in intact microsomes) but not toward dioleyl-PE. Collectively, these results indicate that the synthesis of NAPE in cotton cotyledons is complex and has a potential for being a highly regulated process. The isolation of active NAPE synthase isozymes will provide the foundation for future studies into the physiological role of NAPE synthase (and NAPE) and the regulation of NAPE metabolism in membranes of plant cells.
Saying no to drugs

Illicit drug use, and the associated health problems, is a frequent issue encountered by medical providers. Because of its salience as a piece of health care information, drug use history is often included in patient charts and presentations by house staff and medical students. However, if used and recorded inappropriately, drug use history can have significant long-lasting effects on the perception of patients in a system where they have little agency.
Estimating Passenger Miles, Origin-Destination Patterns, and Loads with Location-Stamped Farebox Data

Integrating an electronic farebox with a location system can provide location-stamped records of passenger boardings, a valuable source of information on passenger travel patterns. However, this information is of small value unless the pattern of passenger alightings can also be determined, since most relevant measures of interest—passenger loads, passenger miles, and origin-destination (O-D) patterns—require a knowledge or at least estimate of passenger alightings by stop. The assumption of symmetry—that the pattern of passenger alightings in one direction mirrors the daily boardings pattern in the opposite direction—is explored. Estimation methods using this assumption are tested at the trip, route, and system levels using a full-day's set of on-off counts on five Los Angeles area routes. Tests at the route level indicate that although perfect symmetry does not exist, patterns are substantially similar on many routes. Based on the Los Angeles data, it can be found that systemwide estimates of passenger ...
Why do estimates of the acute and chronic effects of air pollution on mortality differ

Several investigators have discussed various reasons for the large and consistent difference in the relative risk estimates per unit exposure to air pollution derived from time-series and cohort study designs. This article considers whether the two study designs are estimating fundamentally different parameters even though both are commonly expressed in terms of relative risk coefficients. A frailty model for air pollution mortality is proposed to illustrate some of the theoretical behaviors of heterogeneous populations exposed to time-varying pollution patterns and their implications for the kinds of summary measures widely used in air pollution risk assessment.
Zero-shift tuning in geonium by variation of trapped charge.

Abstract Measuring the g factor, or gyromagnetic ratio of an individual electron or positron permanently confined in ultrahigh vacuum at liquid helium temperature, provides one of the few avenues for testing the currently accepted standard model that views these elementary particles, on the same level as the quarks, as point-like objects without internal structure. Our results, even though their error limits are the smallest ever attained, would still benefit by possibly two orders of magnitude if a shift, estimated at 4 parts in 10(12), caused by interaction of the cyclotron motion with standing electromagnetic waves in the trap cavity confining the electron could be eliminated. Reexamination of experimental data obtained in another connection suggests that it is practical to identify certain critical cyclotron frequency values for that the shift disappears by testing if the cyclotron frequency measured on a cloud of electrons does not vary with the number of electrons it contains. Clouds here must be kept very much smaller than the wavelength of the above standing waves.
Material applications of the far-infrared free-electron laser

Our research program using the free-electron laser (FEL) to study structural and dynamical properties of materials is described. Initial experiments using the FEL facility at the University of California, Santa Barbara, focus on understanding (1) low-energy processes in bulk and composite materials, (2) the intermolecular forces in van der Waal clusters, and (3) molecular interactions with surfaces. To support the interpretation of our experimental program we have developed the theory necessary to compute the dynamics of multicomponent systems that can interact through weak van der Waal forces or through formation of covalent and metallic bonds.
Circling the Blood in the Water: The Difficulties in Endangered Species Protections for the Great White Shark

The purpose of legislation like the Endangered Species Act is to provide a means to conserve the ecosystems of endangered and threatened species, but not all species that may appear to need conservation are granted protection. An estimated 100 million sharks are killed each year largely due to exploitation, yet few shark species are ever granted protection under state or federal endangered species acts. The Northeastern Pacific population of the Great White Shark is no exception. Despite the numerous threats facing the white shark, NOAA denied a petition to list it as an endangered or threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. In light of the pending California decision to list the white shark under its state endangered species act, this paper considers whether or not such extreme protections are necessary. This paper first discusses the threats facing the white shark, the listing processes of both the federal and the California endangered species acts, and NOAA’s 12-month negative finding. Finally, this paper concludes that endangered species protections are not warranted in the case of the Northeastern Pacific white shark because of prior government intervention and conservation efforts already in place.
917-92 Lipoprotein(a) Assayed from Frozen Serum Degrades with Time in Storage

Although we have previously identified a strong correlation between lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentrations measured from fresh serum and restenosis after balloon angioplasty (PTCA), the relationship between Lp(a) and restenosis remains controversial. In previous studies reporting a lack of correlation between Lp(a) concentration and restenosis. serum samples were frozen for prolonged periods prior to assay, and the reported concentrations of Lp(a) were lower than in studies reporting a positive correlation between Lp(a) and restenosis, We hypothesized that this may be due to degradation of Lp(a) occurring during storage. Accordingly, we measured Lp(a) concentrations (monoclonal/polyclonal sandwich enzyme immunoassay, MACRA Lp(a)) from serum samples of patients undergoing PTCA. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles (-70°) without storage did not result in Lp(a) degradation. In group 1 patients (n = 10), mean Lp(a) concentrations decreased significantly after 18 months of storage at -70° (30 ± 24 vs 6.8 ± 6.8, P = 0.007). In group 2 patients (n = 6), serum samples previously frozen and stored for 18 months demonstrated continued degradation after a subsequent 9 months of storage (48 ± 19 vs 33 ± 15, P = 0.0002). In conclusion, we observed that Lp(a) degrades significantly during storage, even when samples remain frozen at -70°. This observation may explain inconsistencies in results of previously published studies examining the relationship between Lp(a) and restenosis, and casts doubt upon studies measuring Lp(a) concentrations from stored samples.
Using elevation to aid the geostatistical mapping of rainfall erosivity

Abstract This paper addresses the issue of incorporating a digital elevation model into the mapping of annual and monthly erosivity values in the Algarve region (Portugal). Besides linear regression of erosivity against elevation, three geostatistical algorithms are introduced: simple kriging with varying local means (SKlm), kriging with an external drift (KED) and colocated cokriging. Cross validation indicates that the straightforward linear regression, which ignores the information provided by neighboring climatic stations, yields the largest prediction errors in most situations. Smaller prediction errors are produced by SKlm and KED that both use elevation to inform on the local mean of erosivity; kriging with an external drift allows one to assess the relation between the two variables within each kriging search neighborhood instead of globally as for simple kriging with varying local means. The best results are generally obtained using cokriging that incorporates the secondary information directly into the computation of the erosivity estimate. The trade-off cost is the inference and modeling of three direct and cross semivariograms.
Game-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (GB-CBT) Group Program for Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse: A Three-Month Follow-Up Investigation

This study examined the efficacy of a game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy program for addressing problems typically found among elementary school-aged victims of child sexual abuse immediately after treatment and at three months following treatment. It was hypothesized that positive gains would be observed among the following domains: (a) internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, and trauma); (b) externalizing behaviors (e.g., oppositional behavior, disobedience, and conduct disordered behavior); and (c) sexually inappropriate behaviors. Improved knowledge of abuse and personal safety skills was also predicted. Results indicated that game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy resulted in improvements in internalizing symptoms, externalizing behavioral problems, total behavioral problems, and personal safety skills both immediately after treatment and at three-month follow-up.
A screen for non-coding RNA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis reveals a cAMP-responsive RNA that is expressed during infection

A key to the success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the bacteria's ability to survive and thrive in the presence of numerous stresses mounted by the host. Small, non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) have been shown to modulate numerous stress responses in bacteria, yet to date only two studies have screened the Mtb transcriptome to identify sRNA. Their association with oxidative and acid stress has been demonstrated but the cellular function and role of these sRNAs in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB) remain unknown. Here, we have identified an sRNA, ncrMT1302, in a locus involved in cAMP metabolism and demonstrate that expression of ncrMT1302 responds to changes in pH and cAMP concentration. The differential expression of ncrMT1302 observed in wild-type Mtb during growth is abolished in a strain lacking MT1302, an adenylyl cyclase encoding gene. We report that ncrMT1302 is expressed in Mtb residing in the lungs of mice during an active infection.
Dimensions of the Human–Animal Bond and Evacuation Decisions among Pet Owners during Hurricane Ike

ABSTRACTThe events of Hurricane Katrina focused attention on the plight of companion animals and their human guardians during disasters. One result was the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006. Hurricane Ike, one of the first mass evacuation events after the legislation was signed into law, provided an opportunity to examine pet owner evacuation in a post-Katrina PETS Act environment. The relationships between two dimensions of the human–animal bond—attachment and commitment—and evacuation decisions among pet owners were examined using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) and the Miller-Rada Commitment to Pets Scale (CPS). A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a sample of pet-owning residents in zip codes that had been under mandatory evacuation order. One hundred and twenty valid responses were received. Descriptive and bi-variate statistics and logistic regressions were conducted. The two dimensions of the human–animal bond were positively correlated. The re...
Modulation of charge in the phosphate binding site of Escherichia coli ATP synthase

This paper presents a study of the role of positive charge in the Pi binding site of Escherichia coli ATP synthase, the enzyme responsible for ATP-driven proton extrusion and ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation. Arginine residues are known to occur with high propensity in Pi binding sites of proteins generally and in the Pi binding site of the βE catalytic site of ATP synthase specifically. Removal of natural βArg-246 (βR246A mutant) abrogates Pi binding; restoration of Pi binding was achieved by mutagenesis of either residue βAsn-243 or αPhe-291 to Arg. Both residues are located in the Pi binding site close to βArg-246 in x-ray structures. Insertion of one extra Arg at β-243 or α-291 in presence of βArg-246 retained Pi binding, but insertion of two extra Arg, at both positions simultaneously, abrogated it. Transition state stabilization was measured using phosphate analogs fluoroaluminate and fluoroscandium. Removal of βArg-246 in βR246A caused almost complete loss of transition state stabilization, but partial rescue was achieved in βN243R/βR246A and αF291R/βR246A. βArg-243 or αArg-291 in presence of βArg-246 was less effective; the combination of αF291R/βN243R with natural βArg-246 was just as detrimental as βR246A. The data demonstrate that electrostatic interaction is an important component of initial Pi binding in catalytic site βE and later at the transition state complex. However, since none of the mutants showed significant function in growth tests, ATP-driven proton pumping, or ATPase activity assays, it is apparent that specific stereochemical interactions of catalytic site Arg residues are paramount.
The evolution of endothermy.

A theory to account for the evolution of heat production for endothermy in the vertebrates is presented. It is argued that thermoregulatory responses to cold, thyroxine, and the Na+ pump are related functionally and phylogenetically. Fish regulate their body temperature behaviorally. For example, if the ambient temperature is too cold, they exhibit appetitive behavior and swim to an area where it is warmer. The incidental heat produced by the increased activity is lost through the gills due to the pattern of circulation. In fish the increased requirement for oxygen during increased activity demands an increased transfer of oxygen and of ions and water across the gill membranes. Thus, any increase in oxygen demand causes an obligatory stimulation of the Na+ pump. The evolution of endothermy (that is, of non-shivering thermogenesis) from behavioral thermoregulation of fish can be envisioned as a bypassing of the behavoiral response of fish and a direct stimulation of the Na+ pump to produce heat. The attraction of this argument is the ubiquity of Na+ transport across membranes. It is also argued that thyroxine was selected for as one type of control. Thyroxine could be selected as a control mechanism because its main function in fish is ion regulation. In addition, thyroxine effects the general level of spontaneous activity, increases chill resistance, alters the ability to sense salinity, and also alters the behavioral response of fish to changes in temperature. The argument is further supported by recent observations which indicate that a major fraction of the thyroxine induced elevated metabolic rate in mammals is due to stimulation of the Na+ pump. The above suppositions may also explain why the internal temperature sense of mammals is so sensitive to Na+, and may in fact suggest one possible feedback signal in homeotherms.
Surface composition, work function, and electrochemical characteristics of gallium-doped zinc oxide

Abstract Gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) possesses the electric conductivity, thermal stability, and earth abundance to be a promising transparent conductive oxide replacement for indium tin oxide electrodes in a number of molecular electronic devices, including organic solar cells and organic light emitting diodes. The surface chemistry of GZO is complex and dominated by the hydrolysis chemistry of ZnO, which influences the work function via charge transfer and band bending caused by adsorbates. A comprehensive characterization of the surface chemical composition and electrochemical properties of GZO electrodes is presented, using both solution and surface adsorbed redox probe molecules. The GZO surface is characterized using monochromatic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy after the following pretreatments: (i) hydriodic acid etch, (ii) potassium hydroxide etch, (iii) RF oxygen plasma etching, and (iv) high-vacuum argon-ion sputtering. The O 1s spectra for the GZO electrodes have contributions from the stoichiometric oxide lattice, defects within the lattice, hydroxylated species, and carbonaceous impurities, with relative near-surface compositions varying with pretreatment. Solution etching procedures result in an increase of the work function and ionization potential of the GZO electrode, but yield different near surface Zn:Ga atomic ratios, which significantly influence charge transfer rates for a chemisorbed probe molecule. The near surface chemical composition is shown to be the dominant factor in controlling surface work function and significantly influences the rate of electron transfer to both solution and tethered probe molecules.
Metabolism of [14C]dieldrin in bluegill fish

Abstract The exposure of bluegill fish to 50 parts per billion [14C]dieldrin in a static system resulted in the absorption of 73.00% of the radioactivity in 48 hr. Following transfer of the fish to clean water, only 16.20% of the absorbed radiolabel was eliminated in 23 days. Out of the 93.65% of the absorbed radioactivity recovered, 9 radioactive spots were isolated which included unchanged dieldrin (74.39%), pentachloroketone (8.17%), and aldrin-trans-diol (8.04%) as major metabolites.
The study of pars recta function by the perfusion of isolated tubule segments.

The pars recta, or proximal straight tubule, is one of the nephron segments which has been studied to the greatest advantage with the technique of isolated renal tubule perfusion. Together with the proximal convoluted tubule and cortical collecting tubule, the pars recta was used as an example in the classical description of the technique by Burg et al [1]. In that early study [1], the proximal straight tubule was shown to actively secrete para-aminohippurate (PAH). This transport process was demonstrated to occur most rapidly in the proximal straight tubule in a subsequent early study [2] and has been a distinguishing feature of its function.
Miscegenation as Metonymy: Sexuality and Power in the Colonial Novel

I invoke the shade of Joseph Conrad: imperial and colonial novelists inscribe within their works a multitude of fictions at whose core is the notion of the “otherness” of the locations of those outposts of progress whose recollection threatens the memory. The possibility of the darkness of their own hearts keeps them repeating Marlowe’s journey, so I evoke Conrad, for he it is, alien exile though he may be, whose own “tenebrous” language “inchoates” for me an equally alien, or alienating, tradition.
Minimal time change detection algorithm for reconfigurable flight control systems

Concluding Remarks The first formulation based on orientation angles for control variables leads to nonconvergent behavior if, during the iterative solution procedure, a gets too close to zero; this is because of a singularity in the formulation at a = 0. The second development, based on Lagrange's form of the equinoctial variables, solves this problem; however, without additional work the second formulation creates implementation problems in a hybrid symbolic-numerical computation environment. To overcome these difficulties, the ()* operator, developed herein, can be straightforwardly implemented in these codes.
Open-label pilot study of folic acid in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

: Background/Aims: Folate deficiency disturbs hepatic methionine metabolism and promotes the development of steatohepatitis in animal models. Our aims were (1) to determine the safety and efficacy of folic acid treatment in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) on changes in liver biochemistries, and (2) to investigate the presence of subclinical folate deficiency in this population. Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven NASH were treated with folic acid 1 mg/day for 6 months. Liver enzymes and adverse events were monitored every 3 months until completion. Results: Ten patients (one male and nine females) with a median age of 54 years were enrolled in this study. At baseline, the median steatosis grade was 2 (range 1–3), the median necroinflammatory grade was 1 (1–3), and the median fibrosis stage was 2 (0–4). The median level of red cell folate was 526 ng/ml (range 99–708); the normal level was 268–616 ng/ml. One compensated cirrhotic patient had folate deficiency. No serious adverse events occurred. After 6 months of therapy, no significant reductions in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels (60±25 vs. 54±29, P=0.5 and 86±29 vs. 83±42, P=0.6, respectively), were observed. Serum levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and prothrombin time remained in the normal range during treatment in all patients. Conclusion: Six months of therapy with folic acid at a dose of 1 mg/day, although safe and well tolerated, does not lead to a significant biochemical improvement in patients with NASH. In a small number of patients, folate deficiency was present in only a cirrhotic patient.
Sex-related differences in cadmium-induced alteration of drug action in the rat.

Abstract 3 days after pretreatment of rats of both sexes with cadmium (2 mg/kg, i.p.) the duration of hypnosis induced by hexobarbital (75 mg/kg, i.p.) was potentiated in males but not females. Likewise, similar treatment with cadmium leads to significant inhibition of the metabolism of hexobarbital by hepatic microsomal enzymes obtained from male but not female animals. These data suggest that there is a sex-related difference in the ability of cadmium to alter drug action in rats.
PS3-43: Using the Electronic Health Record to Evaluate the Collateral Impact of Bariatric Surgery

Background/AimsBariatric surgery is the only effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity. The bariatric program includes commitment to lifestyle changes that may have a collateral effect on co-inhabitants. Studies of the collateral impact are limited by small sample sizes and results have been conflicting, with studies showing both weight loss and weight gain in family members of surgery patients. This is the largest study to investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on the BMI of adults living in the same household.MethodsAdult co-inhabitants of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients were identified by matching addresses from an electronic health record. The sample was limited to co-inhabitants with BMI measures within the year prior and within a year after their household member’s surgery. Paired t-tests and repeated measures regression was used to determine if change in BMI from pre- to post-surgery was associated with the co-inhabitants’ age, gender, and BMI.ResultsOf 443 co-inhabitants (from 388 bariatric patients), 61% (n = 269) were male, and 21% (n = 91), 50% (n= 223), and 29% (n = 129) were aged 40kg/m2) in 12% (n = 54), 26% (n = 116), 46% (n = 205), and 15% (n = 68), respectively. The overall change in the co-inhabitants’ BMI was not significant (pre-surgery mean = 32.9, post-surgery mean = 32.8, paired t-test p-value = 0.072). Change in BMI from pre- to post-surgery was not associated with gender (P = 0.231) or pre-surgery BMI (P = 0.129). Older age was associated with significant decrease in BMI. Co-inhabitants aged ≥60 had a significant decrease in BMI (pre-surgery mean = 32.3 kg/m2, post-surgery mean = 31.9, P = 0.0002).ConclusionsOlder co-inhabitants (aged ≥60) of bariatric surgery patients had a significant reduction in BMI, while younger age, gender, and initial BMI were not associated with BMI change. The lifestyle changes required of bariatric surgery patients might have more of an impact on older co-inhabitants who are less likely to be influenced by competing lifestyle behaviors in the workplace than their younger counterparts. With more than 60 percent of co-inhabitants obese prior to surgery, it is critical to identify strategies for broadening the positive impact of bariatric surgery to co-inhabitants in all age groups.
Optimal estimation of feed-forward-controlled linear systems

The neuroprosthetic interface must infer an intended movement from the neural activity that would accompany it in healthy individuals. We show that an optimal estimator for a controlled system such as that responsible for human movements jointly estimates the goal and the trajectory of point-to-point movements. We demonstrate that this paradigm can achieve orders of magnitude of increased accuracy in regimes in which the interface has low SNR. With high SNR, our technique proves reliably more accurate than a typical approach which ignores the controlled nature of the system under observation. Furthermore, we show that even when the system violates the model assumptions of feedforward linear control with additive noise, system performance remains appreciably better than the alternative.