cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cu at Al grain boundaries on electromigration behavior in Al thin films

The distribution of copper in aluminum thin films is examined with respect to how the copper can influence electromigration behavior. Al-Cu thin films annealed in the single phase region, to just below the solvustemperature, have 0-phase Al2Cu precipitates at the aluminum grain boundaries. The grain boundaries between precipitates are depleted in copper. Al-Cu thin films heat treated at lower temperatures, within thetwo phase region, also have 0-phase precipitates at the grain boundaries but the aluminum grain boundariescontinuously become enriched in copper, perhaps due to the formation of a thin coating of 0-phase at the grain boundary. Here, it is proposed that electromigration behavior of aluminum is improved by addingcopper because the 0-phase precipitates may hinder aluminum diffusion along the grain boundaries. It was also found that resistivity of Al-Cu thin films decrease during accelerated electromigration testing prior to failure. Pure Al films did not exhibit this behavior. The decrease in resistivity is attributed to theredistribution of copper from the aluminum grain matrix to the 0-phase precipitates growing at the grain boundaries thereby reducing the number of defects in the microstructure.
The Stability of a Capacitated, Multi-Echelon Production-Inventory System Under a Base-Stock Policy

Most models of multilevel production and distribution systems assume unlimited production capacity at each site. When capacity limits are introduced, an ineffective policy may lead to increasingly large order backlogs: The stability of the system becomes an issue. In this paper, we examine the stability of a multi-echelon system in which each node has limited production capacity and operates under a base-stock policy. We show that if the mean demand per period is smaller than the capacity at every node, then inventories and backlogs are stable, having a unique stationary distribution to which they converge from all initial states. Under i.i.d. demands we show that the system is a Harris ergodic Markov chain and is thus wide-sense regenerative. Under a slightly stronger condition, inventories return to their target levels infinitely often, with probability one. We discuss cost implications of these results, and give extensions to systems with random lead times and periodic demands.
Processing of polycistronic guide RNAs is associated with RNA editing complexes in Trypanosoma brucei

In kinetoplastid mitochondrial mRNA editing, post-transcriptional insertion or deletion of uridines is templated by guide RNAs (gRNAs). Pre-mRNAs are encoded by maxicircles, while gRNAs are encoded by both maxicircles and minicircles. We have investigated minicircle transcription and the processing of gRNAs in Trypanosoma brucei. We find that minicircles are transcribed polycistronically and that transcripts are accurately processed by an approximately 19S complex. This gRNA processing activity co-purifies with RNA editing complexes, and both remain associated in 19S complexes. Furthermore, we show that RNA editing complexes associate preferentially with a polycistronic gRNA over non-processed RNAs. We propose that the approximately 19S complexes initially described as RNA editing complex I are gRNA processing complexes that cleave polycistronic gRNA transcripts into monocistrons.
Impacts of welfare participation, school dropouts, and police force on illegal drug arrests

Examines the determinants of illegal drug arrests based on the 1991 data for 48 states in the USA. Major findings indicate that illegal drug arrests have a positive relation with welfare (AFDC) recipients, high school dropout rates, field police force and other types of crime, and a negative relation with the unemployment rate. Policy implications of this study are that to reduce illegal drug crime, the government and parents need to emphasize family values and work ethics, provide quality education and proper counselling, increase field police size or make police more productive, and reduce other types of crime.
The Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and Alcohol Problems in Heavy Drinkers: Moderation by Depressive Symptoms

Heavy alcohol use in young adults has been prospectively associated with a host of psychosocial and alcohol-related problems. Recent studies have supported the interaction between serotonin transporter polymorphism and adverse environmental factors, as a predictor of alcohol use and the development of alcohol dependence. The current study examined the role of depressive symptoms in combination with the serotonin transporter polymorphism as a predictor of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Results revealed a significant genotype by depressive symptom interaction, such that heavier alcohol use was associated with depressive symptoms in L allele homozygotes but not among S allele carriers. These results remained significant after controlling for ethnicity and gender effects. These findings extend the emerging literature supporting 5-HTTLPR genotype as a risk factor for alcohol-related problems in the context of co-occurring symptoms of depression.
Analyses for Differentiating Littoral Fish Assemblages with Catch Data from Multiple Sampling Gears

Abstract We evaluated analytical approaches to discriminating littoral fish assemblages with catch data from multiple sampling gears. Eight littoral sites were sampled with seines, fyke nets, and gill nets in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, in summer 1990. No one gear sampled the full composition represented by the total catch. Fyke nets best discerned differences among littoral fish assemblages. Young-of-year (age-0) bluegills Lepomis macrochirus and age-0 black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus caught in the fyke nets were the strongest discriminators among sites. Gill nets did not differentiate among sites. With the seine and fyke net, analysis of absolute abundance data detected differences among sites; analysis of presence–absence and rank abundance data did not. Fish caught in fyke nets were the most frequent significant correlates in site ordinations based on log-abundance data for taxa, defined as a combination of species, age (age 0 or adult) and gear type. Retention of gear designation in site ordination...
Spectrum of coronary arterial spasm. Clinical, angiographic and myocardial metabolic experience in 29 cases

Abstract A relationship of coronary arterial spasm to variant angina pectoris, subendocardial ischemia, major ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarction has been demonstrated. In 29 patients, spasm was angiographically observed in normal-appearing coronary arteries (7 patients) as well as superimposed on various degrees of coronary atherosclerotic obstruction (22 patients). All patients experienced an atypical anginal syndrome; 16 patients also experienced typical exertional angina. Coronary spasm appeared to be a major contributory factor in eight occurrences of myocardial infarction and in 11 incidents of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and heart block. Coronary spasm in the 29 cases was distributed in the following fashion: left main trunk, 6 cases; right main trunk, 12 cases; proximal left anterior descending artery, 13 cases; proximal circumflex artery, 1 case; distal left anterior descending artery, 1 case; and distal circumflex artery, 2 cases. In 5 cases coronary spasm was noted at multiple sites. In contrast to findings in patients manifesting only typical exertional angina, the hemodynamic findings during spasm were those of a hypodynamic state. Left ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 138.9 ± 6.0 (mean ± standard error of the mean) to 113.2 ± 6.2 mm Hg; left ventricular end-diastolic pressure did not change significantly. Myocardial lactate extraction during spasm was invariably markedly reduced: −53.19 percent ± 15.44 ( P The respective roles of medical and surgical intervention are uncertain. Only 3 patients had a completely satisfactory pharmacologic response to nitrates alone or in combination with propranolol, and the condition of 5 others was partially improved; the remaining 21 patients were judged intractable to medical management. Coronary bypass surgery was performed as the ultimate recourse in 18 patients. However, short-term results reveal that only nine (50 percent) showed improvement, four (22 percent) had myocardial infarction during or after surgery and four (22 percent) died. These studies confirm that coronary arterial spasm is a definite pathogenetic factor in a variety of acute myocardial ischemic syndromes. The incidence and full clinical significance of this functional disorder remain to be determined.
Endoscopic transaxillary approach to the thyroid gland: our early experience

Background Thyroid nodules are a common occurrence in clinical practice today. Most nodules are benign and can be managed nonoperatively with careful medical follow-up. However surgical extirpation occasionally becomes necessary to exclude a malignant neoplastic process. Although the majority of surgically excised thyroid lesions are histologically benign, patients are traditionally left with a permanent transverse surgical scar in a highly visible area of the neck.
Epigenetic Gene Inactivation Induced by a Cis-acting Methylation Center

In this report we test the hypothesis that a cis-acting methylation center can induce epigenetic gene inactivation. The cis-acting element used is an 838-base pair fragment that was shown previously to provide a de novo methylation signal (Mummaneni, P., Bishop, P. L., and Turker, M. S.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 552-558). Its normal location is approximately 1.3 kilobase pairs upstream of the mouse aprt (adenine phosphoribosyltransferase) gene. To determine if the methylation center could induce inactivation of the aprt gene, a plasmid construct was created in which the methylation center was moved next to the aprt promoter. Transfection experiments demonstrated inactivation of the aprt gene on the hybrid construct. The inactivation event was shown with a Southern blot analysis to correlate with hypermethylation and to be reversible by treatment with 2-deoxy-5′-azacytidine, a demethylating agent. Interestingly, gene inactivation induced by the methylation center required truncation of the aprt promoter. The results demonstrate that epigenetic gene inactivation can be induced by a DNA methylation center.
Professional attitudes toward a first course in speech and its requirement in American colleges

(1964). Professional attitudes toward a first course in speech and its requirement in American colleges. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 25-31.
Moral Languages from Colonial Punjab: the Singh Sabha, Arya Samaj and Ahmadiyah

Moral Languages from Colonial Punjab: the Singh Sabha, Arya Samaj and Ahmadiyah Bob van der Linden Manohar, 2008 268 pp., Rs 670.00, ISBN 81-7304-759-6 Moral Languages from Colonial Punjab: The Sin...
Why Not a Transparent Slow Code

Lantos and Meadows (2011) argue that in some end-of-life situations limiting resuscitative measures by using a “slow code,” one limited in intensity and duration, is morally justified and, in fact,...
Comparison of algorithms for land mine detection and discrimination using ground penetrating radar

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been proposed as an effective sensing modality for reducing the excessively high false alarm rates often encountered in landmine detection applications. Ground penetrating radar is sensitive to discontinuities in the interrogated medium, rather than the presence of metal, and thus exploits a different phenomenology than electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors. Thus, unique signals that are dependent on the composition of the targets can be obtained from buried objects. Consequently, the detection of low metal content targets is improved since the radar responds to non-metallic objects, such as wood, plastic, and stone, as well as metallic objects. When the GPR sensor is mounted on a moving platform, the target signatures are hyperbolas in a time-domain data record. Furthermore, the hyperbolas from different targets often exhibit different characteristics. The goal of this work is to develop robust signal processing algorithms which exploit this knowledge to improve target detection and discrimination. Among the algorithms considered are a Bayesian approach and an approach similar to the Hough transform. The algorithms are evaluated using real data collected with fielded GPR sensors, and are compared in terms of their computational requirements as well as their detection and discrimination performance.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Recent advances in cardiovascular monitoring using ballistocardiography

Ballistocardiography (BCG) is a non-invasive method for monitoring cardiovascular health. While in the early 1900s, when it was invented, the BCG was intended to be a tool used exclusively in the clinic, the recent resurgence of BCG research has actually focused on extra-clinical applications ranging from home monitoring to measuring signals from astronauts in space. This repositioning of the diagnostic technique has largely been spurred by recent advances in measurement technology: historically, BCG instrumentation was large, cumbersome, and difficult to maintain; currently, it is small, easy-to-use, and does not require any sophisticated maintenance. This review presents the latest technological improvements in BCG instrumentation. These developments should further help to establish the BCG as a useful diagnostic tool in the coming years.
The Utility of the AUDIT in Screening for Drinking Game Involvement among Female College Students

Drinking games (DG) facilitate heavy alcohol consumption in a short period and are associated with negative experiences. We examined the utility of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) cut-off scores to identify DG involvement. Findings indicated an AUDIT score of at least 5 is needed to identify gamers among students at a women's college. Prevention implications are discussed.
Chemical factors for chemical-mechanical and electrochemical-mechanical planarization of silver examined using potentiodynamic and impedance measurements

Abstract Ag may eventually replace Cu (like Cu has replaced Al) in sub-micron interconnects used for integrated circuits. Fabrication of such Ag lines would typically involve damascene structures patterned by chemical–mechanical planarization (CMP). Our present work focuses on certain chemical aspects of CMP of Ag in alkaline polishing slurries. Specifically, we study the oxidation and dissolution reactions of Ag that are relevant for CMP of this metal in KOH (pH 10) solutions, and we investigate the role of O 2 in these reactions. The surface reactions are probed with Fourier transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in combination with potentiodynamic measurements. The reaction steps are discussed in terms of circuit models, and the possibility of incorporating electro-activated reactions in CMP through electrochemical–mechanical planarization (ECMP) of Ag is briefly discussed.
Immunohistochemical localization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit α6 to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area

PARTICIPATION of the neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit α6 in a physiologically relevant receptor has yet to be demonstrated, but its high degree of expression in catecholaminergic nuclei has attracted considerable interest. To investigate the pattern of expression of the α6 protein, a subunit specific antibody against the α6 subunit was used to immunohistochemically label sections of the adult rat brain. α6 immunoreactivity was found to be present in the substantia nigra, the ventral tegmental area, the locus coeruleus and the medial habenula, and double-labeling for tyrosine hydroxylase demonstrated that the α6 protein is present on dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. A possible role for the α6 subunit in nicotinic modulation of dopaminergic transmission is therefore proposed.
A Lost Sense of Self by Ignoring Other in THE AWAKENING by Kate Chopin

In “The Myth of Awakening: American and Chinese Writers,” Ma Yuanxi examines the awakening of four female protagonists as they become economically, politically, and socially independent beings. Wit...
Small-Sample Interval Estimation of Bernoulli and Poisson Parameters

Abstract To find an interval estimate for the parameter of the Bernoulli or the Poisson distribution usually requires the sample size to be large so that the normal approximation may be used. Small-sample intervals have been proposed earlier, but the procedures have required tables and are inexact. In this note we give a simple procedure for finding a small-sample confidence interval with minimum interval width. We also give a geometric interpretation to the minimization problem.
Visual stability across saccades while viewing complex pictures

As people examine their world, the proximal stimulus changes position on their retinae with every saccade, but they perceive the world as being stable. This phenomenon of visual stability was explored by making changes in natural, full-color pictures during selected saccades as observers examined them in preparation for a recognition test. In Experiment 1, the pictures were displaced up, down, left, or right by 0.3, 0.4, or 1.2 degrees. In Experiment 2, the pictures were expanded or contracted by 10% or 20%. As a secondary task, subjects pressed a button when a change was detected. Three results from previous studies with simpler stimuli did not generalize. Evidence suggests that subjects' detection of image changes primarily involves the use of local information in the region of the eyes' landing position. A saccade target theory of visual stability is proposed.
Effect of inorganic phosphate on serum ionized calcium concentration in vitro: A reassessment of the “trade-off hypothesis”

Effect of inorganic phosphate on serum ionized calcium concentration in vitro: A reassessment of the "trade-off hypothesis". The development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in uremia is thought to be due, in part, to the retention of inorganic phosphate which, as proposed by the "trade-off hypothesis", lowers serum ionized calcium by means of CaHPO 4 complex formation. To study this hypothesis, free from hormonal or physiological influence, the effect of changes in inorganic phosphate concentration on calcium ion concentration was examined in vitro in serum and protein-free aqueous solutions. The findings of this study demonstrate that the mean change in ionized calcium in aqueous solution is -0.019 ± 0.001mM per 1mM change in inorganic phosphate, and is not significantly different in serum where the mean change in ionized calcium is -0.018 ± 0.003mM per 1mM change in inorganic phosphate. The results in both aqueous solutions and sera agree closely with values predicted from the K′CaHPO 4 . Based on these results, the serum inorganic phosphate would have to increase by 1.2mM (3.7 mg%) before the serum ionized calcium would fall sufficiently (0.025 mM) to stimulate the parathyroid glands. These results indicate that an increase in serum inorganic phosphate to as great as 1 mM/liter does not produce a fall in serum ionized calcium by means of direct physicochemical CaHPO 4 complex formation great enough to account for the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Groundhog Day: Teach it Again…and Again…

The problem of teaching the same negotiation class again and again, yet remaining fresh and spontaneous, is a dilemma familiar to academics. The situation is akin to that of characters in the movie, “Groundhog Day,” living the same 24 hours over and over, trying to get things “just right.” This article reflects on this problem, and offers some advice.
Comparing the nursery role of inner continental shelf and estuarine habitats for temperate marine fishes

Abstract The marine-estuarine transition represents an important biogeographic boundary, yet juvenile marine finfish have been observed in both temperate inner continental shelf (ICS) and estuarine habitats during the summer nursery period. In a direct comparison of ICS and estuary nurseries, spatial and temporal patterns in species composition, biodiversity, size structure, and relative abundance of age-0 fishes were tested using contemporaneous data from multiyear (2004–2006) trawl surveys of the Maryland ICS near Assateague Island, MD, and lower Chesapeake Bay, VA (estuary). Survey data from both habitats showed similar seasonal progression of assemblage structure, biodiversity phenologies, and dominant species identities. Late summer densities for four of five numerically dominant species varied by habitat. Densities of bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli , weakfish Cynoscion regalis , and Atlantic butterfish Peprilus triacanthus were higher in the ICS; whereas summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus density was higher in the estuary. Density of spot Leiostomus xanthurus did not differ between habitats. Apparent daily growth rates of these five species, as estimated by modal length progression, were not significantly different between the two habitats. Although individual species displayed varying affinities for ICS versus estuarine habitats, this study provides strong evidence that the ICS of the Middle Atlantic Bight is capable of functioning interchangeably with polyhaline estuarine regions as nursery habitat for a diverse group of marine finfish.
A survey of University of Pittsburgh Child Development and Child Care graduates, 1970–1984

Baccalaureate and master's graduates of the University of Pittsburgh Program in Child Development and Child Care from 1970–1984 were surveyed on employment history, conditions of current employment, professional development, and evaluation of the Child Development and Child Care Program. The prototypical program graduate was pleased with training, committed to working in the field, and professionally active. Comparisons are made between B.S. and M.S. graduates, early graduates and later graduates, and M.S. program graduates and B.S. graduates with master's degrees in other fields. Master's graduates were distinguished by higher salaries and greater professional activity. The findings demonstrate that university-based professional education for child and youth care practice can be successful along the dimensions considered in this survey.
Comparison of Descriptive Terminology Systems for Sensory Evaluation of Fluid Milk

A defect-oriented sensory terminology system traditionally used in the dairy industry was compared with a panel-generated consumer-oriented terminology system for the quantitative sensory description of fluid milk characteristics. Samples were treated to produce light-oxidized, metallic-oxidized and rancid flavors. The discriminative sensitivity of two panels, one using each terminology system, was compared using sets of six treated milk samples. Given the same amount of training, the panel generating their own terminology system was more sensitive than the panel using the traditional terms, showing better differentiation of treated samples from controls, between levels of sample treatments, and among types of defects. These results suggest that a descriptive analysis procedure is a feasible alternative to a traditional defect-oriented system for sensory analysis of milk.
Outreach project introducing computer engineering to high school students

This paper presents an outreach program that targets students in high school. The program is designed to be fun, hands-on, and interactive, while introducing educational building blocks that will prepare students for careers in computer engineering. Key concepts introduced to students include logic design, hardwaresoftware interface, simple circuit design, robust design practices, and teamwork. An adaptation of the popular video game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is the platform on which this program is built. Teams of students construct dance pads from arts and crafts materials and aluminum foil. They also design and implement a scoring circuit based on Boolean logic, using logic gates on a solder-less breadboard. The scoring circuit is then interfaced with a preprogrammed micro controller and graphical user interface to complete the DDR design. Using DDR as a platform allows students to conquer several design challenges including building reliable dance pads and designing logic for a scoring circuit. The program was used three times during engineering summer camps hosted by the Minority Engineering Program and Women In Engineering Program at Purdue University in 2009. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the students that participated.
The Relationship between Police Officers' Attitudes Toward Women and Perceptions of Police Models:

This article argues for the nexus between more positive attitudes toward women and an acceptance by police officers of the characteristics and values associated with the community policing model. A survey including questions regarding attitudes toward women and toward both community and traditional policing models was administered to officers of the Little Rock, Arkansas, Police Department. Although some of the questions measuring attitudes toward women used in the present study were found to be predictors of attitudes toward community policing and traditional policing, others were not. The implications for these findings are discussed, and an argument is made for future inquiry into the effect of attitudes toward women on the acceptance of community policing.
Correlations among GPA and scores on the Spanish version of WISC-R and the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement subtests for 10- to 12-year-old Puerto Rican children.

Summary.-The purpose of this study was to explore the correlations among GPA, the Spanish version of the WISC-R, and the Woodcock Johnson Achievement subtests for a group of Puerto Rican children. The tests were administered to a sample of 32 children between the ages of 10 to 12 yr. in Grade 4. Pearson correlations between the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale scaled scores in the WISC-R (Spanish Edition) ranged between .37 to 33. Correlations between subtests of the Woodcock-Johnson Achievement Test ranged fmm .26 to .70. The moderate correlation between the Total scaled scores on the Woodcock-Johnson and the scaled scores of the Performance, Verbal, and Full Scales of the Spanish WISC-R is indicative of the value of these Spanish-language instruments in diagnosing the intellectual and academic performance of Spanish-speaking populations ~n the United States. Intellectual ability is related to a number of variables that are considered in psycho-educational assessment. Intellectual ability is related to achievement since most intelligence tests are developed to predict school success. One instrument that has been used to assess the intellectual ability of Spanish-speaking children is the Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler para NiiiosRevisada (EWIN-R) (3). The EWIN-R is a research edition of the Spanish translation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) (2), for which norms have not as yet been developed. Rivera Ruiz (1) sought to determine the predictive validity of the Verbal and Performance scales as predictors and the Language Assessment Battery and GPA as dependent variables of the EWIN-R with a group of seventh and eighth graders. Rivera Ruiz has indicated that the Information subtest had the highest value in predicting GPA scores. He concluded that GPA scores contributed the most to the predictive value of the EWIN-R so the test scores were appropriate in predicting academic achievement. The Bateria Woodcock Psico-Educativa en Espaiiol (Bateria) (5) has been used to assess achevement with Puerto Rican children. The Bateria is a translation into Spanish of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (4). In contrast to the EWIN-R, the Bateria provides appropriate norms to interpret the scores. The purpose of this study was to estimate correlations among mean
INSPIRE: an interactive image assisted non-photorealistic rendering system

We present a GPU supported interactive non-photorealistic rendering system, INSPIRE, which performs feature extraction in both image space, on intermediately rendered images, and object space, on models of various representations, e.g., point, polygon, or hybrid models, without needing connectivity information. INSPIRE obtains interactive NPR rendering with most styles of existing NPR systems, but offers more flexibility on model representations and compromises little on rendering speed.
A variable DNA recognition site organization establishes the LiaR-mediated cell envelope stress response of enterococci to daptomycin.

LiaR is a ‘master regulator’ of the cell envelope stress response in enterococci and many other Gram-positive organisms. Mutations to liaR can lead to antibiotic resistance to a variety of antibiotics including the cyclic lipopeptide daptomycin. LiaR is phosphorylated in response to membrane stress to regulate downstream target operons. Using DNA footprinting of the regions upstream of the liaXYZ and liaFSR operons we show that LiaR binds an extended stretch of DNA that extends beyond the proposed canonical consensus sequence suggesting a more complex level of regulatory control of target operons. We go on to determine the biochemical and structural basis for increased resistance to daptomycin by the adaptive mutation to LiaR (D191N) first identified from the pathogen Enterococcus faecalis S613. LiaRD191N increases oligomerization of LiaR to form a constitutively activated tetramer that has high affinity for DNA even in the absence of phosphorylation leading to increased resistance. Crystal structures of the LiaR DNA binding domain complexed to the putative consensus sequence as well as an adjoining secondary sequence show that upon binding, LiaR induces DNA bending that is consistent with increased recruitment of RNA polymerase to the transcription start site and upregulation of target operons.
Analysis of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-Triazole-5-One (NTO) in Explosive Mixtures by capillary electrophoresis

Recemment, un nouvel explosif, le 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) a suscite un grand interet pour un eventuel remplacement ou une integration dans differents propergols et explosifs militaires. L'analyse des composants NTO ainsi que de 14 autres explosifs nitramines ou nitroaromatiques a pu etre effectuee au moyen de l'electrophorese capillaire en utilisant une methode connue sous le nom de MECC, chromatographie capillaire electrocinetique micellaire. On a utilise un tampon de borate/acide debore avec du dodecylsulfate de sodium (SDS) en liaison avec une detection UV directe a 185 nm.
Microbial growth in neonatal intravenous fat emulsion administered over 12 versus 24 hours.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether an extended infusion time (24 hours) of intravenous fat emulsion is associated with an increase in microbial growth, versus a shorter infusion time (12 hours). METHODS Samples were collected from intravenous fat emulsions (n=132), from intravenous fat emulsions prepared in the current 24-hour infusion method (n=55), and from intravenous fat emulsions prepared in the twice-daily (12-hour infusion) method (n=55). In addition, samples were collected from pharmacy (n=22) to test for possible contamination. RESULTS No growth was observed in either arm of the study. CONCLUSIONS Current Kern Medical Center policy of preparation and administration of neonatal intensive care unit intravenous fat emulsion is safe and effective in regard to microbial growth.
Agent-based simulation tutorial - simulation of emergent behavior and differences between agent-based simulation and discrete-event simulation

This tutorial demonstrates the use of agent-based simulation (ABS) in modeling emergent behaviors. We first introduce key concepts of ABS by using two simple examples: the Game of Life and the Boids models. We illustrate agent-based modeling issues and simulation of emergent behaviors by using examples in social networks, auction-type markets, emergency evacuation, crowd behavior under normal situations, biology, material science, chemistry, and archaeology. Finally, we discuss the relationship between ABS and other simulation methodologies and outline some research challenges in ABS.
RANK ligand and TNF-α mediate acid-induced bone calcium efflux in vitro

Chronic metabolic acidosis stimulates net calcium efflux from bone due to increased osteoclastic bone resorption and decreased osteoblastic collagen synthesis. Previously, we determined that incuba...
Skillful anticipation: maternity nurses' perspectives on maintaining safety.

Objective To describe maternity nurses' perspectives on how they contribute to safety during labour and birth at two urban academic medical centres in the United States. Design Grounded theory: data were collected using semistructured, open-ended interviews and participant observations with registered nurses (RNs) in two inpatient maternity settings. Data were analysed simultaneously using constant comparison, and dimensional and situational analysis. Participants Purposive sample of 12 RNs working in the two maternity units. Findings Safety was broadly conceptualised by RNs as protecting the physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing of a woman and her family. During labour and birth, safety was maintained by RNs through “skilful anticipation” of situational potential. This required integration of medical and technical knowledge and skill with intimate knowledge of the woman and the operational context of care to achieve accurate situation awareness and appropriate future planning. Conditions and processes promoting skilful anticipation included being prepared, knowing, and envisioning the whole picture. Conclusions In the two settings, maternity RNs made active contributions to safe birth in the context of constrained resources through preparing the environment, anticipating potential problems and trapping errors before they reached the patient. The contributions of maternity nurses to team situation awareness and to creating safety need to be appreciated and administratively supported. Continued research with RNs may reveal previously unrecognised opportunities for safety improvements.
A pdf Neuropeptide Gene Mutation and Ablation of PDF Neurons Each Cause Severe Abnormalities of Behavioral Circadian Rhythms in Drosophila

The mechanisms by which circadian pacemaker systems transmit timing information to control behavior are largely unknown. Here, we define two critical features of that mechanism in Drosophila. We first describe animals mutant for the pdf neuropeptide gene, which is expressed by most of the candidate pacemakers (LNv neurons). Next, we describe animals in which pdf neurons were selectively ablated. Both sets of animals produced similar behavioral phenotypes. Both sets entrained to light, but both were largely arrhythmic under constant conditions. A minority of each pdf variant exhibited weak to moderate free-running rhythmicity. These results confirm the assignment of LNv neurons as the principal circadian pacemakers controlling daily locomotion in Drosophila. They also implicate PDF as the principal circadian transmitter.
Water and Ritual: The Rise and Fall of Classic Maya Rulers – By Lisa J. Lucero

Throughout the lowland jungles and scrub forests of eastern Mesoamerica lie the ruins of scores of cities built by Mayan peoples, beginning around 500-BC. By the Late Classic period (AD-550–850), m...
Nonstaphylococcal Infections of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Background— Along with the rising use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), there has been a disproportional increase in the number of infections of such devices. Little is known about nonstaphylococcal CIED-related infections, which make up ≈10% to 30% of all CIED infections. Methods and Results— A retrospective review of hospital records of patients admitted with a CIED-related infection was conducted in 4 academic hospitals in Houston, Tex, between 2002 and 2009. Of the 504 identified patients with CIED-related infection, 80 (16%) had a nonstaphylococcal infection and were the focus of this study. The mean duration of CIED placement before infection was 109±27 weeks, whereas 44% had their device previously manipulated within a mean of 29.5±6 weeks. The mean duration of clinical symptoms before admission was 48±12.8 days. Furthermore, 13 patients (16%) presented with CIED-related endocarditis. Although not described in prior reports, we identified 3 definite and 2 suspected cases of seconda...
Theoretical evaluation of anharmonic contributions to radiationless transitions in aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract A previously derived expression for Franck-Condon factors of radiationless transitions in aromatic hydrocarbons contains a semi-empirical anharmonicity parameter. It is shown that this parameter can be calculated accurately on the basis of Morse potentials.
The less-often-traveled surface of stem cells: caveolin-1 and caveolae in stem cells, tissue repair and regeneration

Stem cells are an important resource for tissue repair and regeneration. While a great deal of attention has focused on derivation and molecular regulation of stem cells, relatively little research has focused on how the subcellular structure and composition of the cell membrane influences stem cell activities such as proliferation, differentiation and homing. Caveolae are specialized membrane lipid rafts coated with caveolin scaffolding proteins, which can regulate cholesterol transport and the activity of cell signaling receptors and their downstream effectors. Caveolin-1 is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes, including growth, control of mitochondrial antioxidant levels, migration and senescence. These activities are of relevance to stem cell biology, and in this review evidence for caveolin-1 involvement in stem cell biology is summarized. Altered stem and progenitor cell populations in caveolin-1 null mice suggest that caveolin-1 can regulate stem cell proliferation, and in vitro studies with isolated stem cells suggest that caveolin-1 regulates stem cell differentiation. The available evidence leads us to hypothesize that caveolin-1 expression may stabilize the differentiated and undifferentiated stem cell phenotype, and transient downregulation of caveolin-1 expression may be required for transition between the two. Such regulation would probably be critical in regenerative applications of adult stem cells and during tissue regeneration. We also review here the temporal changes in caveolin-1 expression reported during tissue repair. Delayed muscle regeneration in transgenic mice overexpressing caveolin-1 as well as compromised cardiac, brain and liver tissue repair and delayed wound healing in caveolin-1 null mice suggest that caveolin-1 plays an important role in tissue repair, but that this role may be negative or positive depending on the tissue type and the nature of the repair process. Finally, we also discuss how caveolin-1 quiescence-inducing activities and effects on mitochondrial antioxidant levels may influence stem cell aging.
The influence of ion gratings on rotational wavepacket dynamics in H2

Abstract We generalize earlier work [V.G. Stavros, E. Harel, S.R. Leone, J. Chem. Phys. 122 (2005) 064301] by illustrating the plausible role of ion gratings in time-dependent degenerate four-wave mixing (TD-DFWM) experiments in H2. We postulate that at high laser intensities (1014–1015 W/cm2), H 2 + /H+ ions generate a static ion grating, it’s signature manifested in the transformation from homodyne- to heterodyne-detection of the TD-DFWM signal, depending on laser intensity. The change in signal detection agrees with the calculated intensity for barrier suppression ionization (BSI) in H2 and the reported onset of saturation for H 2 + and H+, pointing towards the likely role of ion gratings in intense laser field, FWM experiments.
INTENSE NATURAL SELECTION ON BODY SIZE AND WING AND TAIL ASYMMETRY IN CLIFF SWALLOWS DURING SEVERE WEATHER

Extreme climatic disturbances provide excellent opportunities to study natural selection in wild populations because they may cause measurable directional shifts in character traits. Insectivorous cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) in the northern Great Plains must often endure periods of cold weather in late spring that reduce food availability, and if cold spells last four or more days, mortality due to starvation may result. We analyzed morphological shifts associated with viability selection, and how patterns of bilateral symmetry were affected by survival selection, during a four-day period of cold weather in 1992 and a six-day period in 1996 in southwestern Nebraska. Birds that died during the cold were compared to those still alive when the severe weather ended. The event in 1992 killed relatively few birds, but the cold spell in 1996 killed thousands of cliff swallows and reduced their population by about 53%. Climatological records suggest that mortality events comparable to that of 1996 have occurred in only one other year since 1875. Larger birds were favored in the 1996 event. Selection was more intense in 1996 than in 1992 because of more stressful conditions in 1996. Directional selection gradient analysis showed that measures of skeletal body size (tarsus length, culmen width and length) and wing length were targets of selection in 1996. Survivors had lower wing and outer tail asymmetry, and wing and tail asymmetry were targets of selection in both events. Mortality patterns did not differ by sex, but older birds suffered heavier mortality; morphological traits generally did not vary with age. Nonsurvivors were not in poorer apparent condition prior to the weather event than survivors, suggesting that selection acted directly on morphology independent of condition. Selection on body size in cliff swallows was more intense than in studies of body size evolution in other bird species. Larger swallows were probably favored in cold weather due to the thermal advantages of large size and the ability to store more fat. Swallows with low asymmetry were favored probably because low asymmetry in wing and tail made foraging more efficient and less costly, conferring survival advantages during cold weather. This population of cliff swallows may have undergone relatively recent body size evolution.
The Effect of High Levels of Dietary Fat on Beta-Aminopropionitrile Induced Internal Hemorrhage in Chicks

Abstract COMMERCIAL turkey producers frequently suffer considerable economic loss because of mortality in growing birds associated with massive internal hemorrhage. Sometimes producers become concerned even when losses are not heavy because the largest birds are affected. McSherry et al. (1954) described the degenerative changes of the aorta in detail and referred to the condition as a dissecting aneurysm. Carnaghan (1955) and Gibson and de Gruchy (1955) reported the same condition in England, and the former observed atheroma associated with the dissecting aneurysm and suggested this to be the initial cause of the disorder. Following the demonstration by Bachhuber et al. (1955) that beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) produced aortic rupture in rats, Barnett et al. (1957) fed BAPN to turkey poults and produced a syndrome characterized by hock and toe deformities, pericardial hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage and aortic rupture. The severe hock and toe deformities observed on levels of BAPN required to produce aortic rupture …
Clinical studies of drug reversal of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy.

Because left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a strong risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality considerable interest has been generated concerning the possible effects of modifying LVH in hypertensive patients. In animal models disproportionate regression of left ventricular (LV) mass in relation to blood pressure may produce adverse effects on coronary blood flow reserve or LV systolic function. Clinical studies of modulation of LVH with antihypertensive drug therapy have been of two types: (1) large scale community comparison trials in which the prevalence of LVH and its regression were evaluated serially by electrocardiography (ECG) with stepped care drug therapy and (2) relatively short term (less than 2 years) studies with echocardiographic (ECHO) determination of LVH. The development of anatomically validated measurement of LV muscle mass by ECHO has demonstrated ECHO to be much more sensitive than ECG to assessment of LVH. Community comparison trials of stepped care therapy such as the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) and Hypertension Detection and Followup Study (HDFP) have not had the statistical power to demonstrate significant effects on risk reduction despite evidence for significant decrease in ECG-LVH despite participant numbers in the range of 8,000 to 10,000 followed serially for 5 to 6 years. Analysis of over 60 studies of hypertensive treatment using ECHO for assessment of LVH mass changes, averaging 10 to 15 subjects/study, indicates that correlation of reduction of LV mass with decrease in blood pressure has been weak (r = 0.255, P less than .025). Drug monotherapy studies have shown that use of calcium channel blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors predominantly decrease LV mass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Aerosolized manganese SOD decreases hyperoxic pulmonary injury in primates. I. Physiology and biochemistry

Simonson, Steven G., Karen E. Welty-Wolf, Yuh-Chin T. Huang, David E. Taylor, Stephen P. Kantrow, Martha S. Carraway, James D. Crapo, and Claude A. Piantadosi. Aerosolized manganese SOD decreases h...
Prevention of demoralization in prolonged bicultural conflict and interaction: the role of cultural receptors I - description of a natural experiment.

Background:This article examines how symbols and sentiments are exchanged to produce a synthesis of two cultures in the context of prolonged bicultural conflict and interaction, thereby minimizing or preventing sociocultural disintegration and the resulting demoralization. This process will be shown to be anchored on the discovery of certain thematic areas (cultural receptors) in which social roles or cultural mandates are missing, unclear, ambiguous or congruent.Material:The setting of this research is the history of Goa, a former Portuguese state on the western coast of India, where the exchange between the Portuguese and Indian cultures lasted longer than four centuries (1510–1961). Both published and unpublished sources were studied.Discussion:From 1510, the year of the beginning of the Portuguese rule, until 1540, the local traditions and leadership patterns were respected. This was followed by a period of religious intolerance during which attempts were made to encourage Hindus to convert to Christi...
Interannual variation of oceanic precipitation

Twelve and a half years (July 1987-December 1999) of monthly rainfall data derived from SSM/I are used to study interannual variation of oceanic precipitation. Empirical orthogonal function analyses show that the dominant mode of interannual variation is the El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) pattern, exhibiting a correlation of 0.73 with a Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Wavelet analyses of the SOI show high power concentration in the 3.5-5 year band starting from the late sixties, but the power peak was disrupted during the period July 1991-June 1995. SSM/I can provide the long-term history as a baseline for the more accurate TRMM and future GPM missions.
Control of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state by HT-29 cells is independent of cellular glutathione.

Human cell lines regulate the redox state (Eh) of the cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) couple in culture medium to approximately −80 mV, a value similar to the average Eh for Cys/CySS in human plasma. T...