cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of California almonds depend on cultivar and harvest year.

The polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of Nonpareil, Carmel, Butte, Sonora, Fritz, Mission, and Monterey almond cultivars harvested over three seasons in California were examined. LC–MS was employed to quantify 16 flavonoids and two phenolic acids in acidified methanol extracts of almond skins. The 3-year mean polyphenol content of cultivars ranged from 4.0 to 10.7 mg/100 g almonds. Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside was the most abundant flavonoid, present at 28–49% of total polyphenols among cultivars. Almonds from 2006 and 2007 had 13% fewer polyphenols than 2005, but FRAP and total phenols were comparable. Cultivar, but not season, had a differential impact on individual polyphenol synthesis. Using the results of polyphenol, total phenol, and FRAP, multivariate analysis distinguished harvest years and most cultivars with 80% confidence. Flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of almonds may be more dependent on cultivar than on seasonal differences.
The Cheerleaders' Mock Execution.

The fervor of student speech is demonstrated through different mediums and venues in public schools. In this case, a new principal encounters the mores of a community that believes in free speech, specifically student free speech. When a pep rally becomes a venue for hate speech, terroristic threats, and profanity, the student code of conduct could become the principal’s best weapon. This case explores case law, codes of conduct, organizational culture and climate, and leadership in the context of a controversial cheerleader sketch at a pep rally. A brief literature review can be found in the teaching notes with suggestions for current and future school administrators.
European monetary union, adjustment, and exchange rate variability

Abstract This paper uses a three-country, three-good, factor-specific model of trade with wage rigidities to investigate how European Monetary Union is likely to affect exchange rate variability. Focusing on international macroeconomic adjustment under both exogenous and optimizing monetary policies, it shows that the relative variability (against external currencies) of the euro and a basket of predecessor currencies depends on the relative sizes and specialization patterns of countries and the relative importance of different shocks. Monetary union is likely to decrease (increase) aggregate European exchange rate variability for shocks to industries in which large (small) euro area countries specialize.
Involvement of a calcium-independent pathway in plasmin-induced platelet shape change.

Abstract Plasmin-induced platelet activation is considered to be a cause of reocclusion after thrombolytic therapy with plasminogen activators. However, little is known regarding its mechanism and regulation, particularly with respect to the initial step shape change. We here demonstrate that a Ca 2 +-independent pathway is involved in plasmin-induced human platelet shape change, and that Rho-kinase plays an important role in this pathway. When the increase in cytosolic Ca 2 + was prevented by an intracellular Ca 2 + chelator, 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA, plasmin-induced platelet shape change was partially inhibited but still occurred. In the presence of 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, completely inhibited the shape change. Phosphorylation of myosin light chain, a key regulator of platelet shape change, was completely inhibited by Y-27632 in 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA-treated platelets. Although plasmin caused tyrosine phosphorylation of the 80 kDa protein during the shape change, it did not seem to have a critical role. cAMP-elevating agents inhibited plasmin-induced shape change in 5,5′-dimethyl-BAPTA- or Y-27632-treated platelets with similar efficiency. These results indicated that plasmin causes platelet shape change by activating Ca 2 +-dependent and Ca 2 +-independent-Rho-kinase-dependent pathways, both of which are sensitive to cAMP.
Couples Counseling Directive Technique: A (Mis)communication Model to Promote Insight, Catharsis, Disclosure, and Problem Resolution

A psychoeducational model for improving couple communication is proposed. An important goal in couples counseling is to assist couples in resolving communication conflicts. The proposed communicati...
Chronic kidney disease due to surgical removal of nephrons: relative rates of progression and survival.

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher likelihood of progression to end stage renal disease and increased mortality rates. However, the etiology of nephron loss may modify the rate of chronic kidney disease progression and overall survival.Materials and Methods: Patients with suspected renal malignancy who had a new baseline glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m2 6 weeks after surgery were divided into the 2 groups of surgically induced chronic kidney disease (preoperative glomerular filtration rate greater than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m2) and preexisting chronic kidney disease due to medical causes followed by surgery. An independent cohort of subjects with chronic kidney disease entirely due to medical causes served as a comparator.Results: Renal cancer surgery yielded cohorts with surgically induced chronic kidney disease (1,097) and chronic kidney disease due to medical causes followed by surgery (1,053), whereas the group with chronic kidney disease due to medical...
Fusion technology aspects of laser inertial fusion energy (LIFE)

Abstract This paper provides an overview of one option for LLNL's LIFE power plant design with a focus on the fusion nuclear science and technology aspects. The design is based on 132 MJ yield indirect-drive targets ignited by a diode pumped solid state laser that delivers 2.2 MJ on target at a pulse rate of 8.3 Hz for the first market entry plant (MEP) and 16.7 Hz for subsequent first generation commercial plants (FCP). The chamber first wall is steel which is protected from direct exposure to target X-ray and ion emissions by a Xe fill gas at ∼6 μg/cm 3 . Reduced activation ferritic martensitic steel is proposed for the MEP while commercial plants will utilize higher strength, more radiation damage tolerate steels such as ODS, which can also operate at higher temperature for improved thermal efficiency and overall plant economics. Liquid Li is the primary coolant and tritium breeding material. An intermediate loop with molten salt as the working fluid transports power to a Rankine steam cycle; the estimated gross electric power conversion efficiency is 45% for the MEP and 47% for the FCP.
Supercavitating Linear Cascades With Rounded Noses

A singular perturbation method is used to analyze the flow past a linear cascade of thin supercavitating hydrofoils which have rounded leading edges. This consists essentially of correcting the local flow near the nose as determined by a somewhat improved linearized theory so that pressure distributions can be calculated. Numerical results for a number of cases having circular arc camberline and elliptic noses are presented over a range of parameters suitable for pump or propeller configurations. Some of these show very good lift/drag ratios and pressure distributions even for larger stagger angles.
Oral history as a classroom tool: learning management theory from the evolution of an organization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of oral history to teach students about management history and the implementation of principles of management during the evolution of an organization.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the oral history methodology and how the process was adapted to classroom learning.Findings – By studying the historical development of a multispeciality physician practice, students were able to see firsthand the incredible impact of the founders on the future of the organization and understand how the early culture and strategy of the organization set the stage for its successful future. Other findings involved the evolution of the organizational structure and incentive system, staff and recruiting policies, and the impact of the environment overtime. In addition, the use of oral history in the classroom proved to be an effective way of making management history come alive for students.Research limitations/implications – Although designed to benefit...
Studying taste as a cutaneous sense

Abstract Taste perception always occurs amid thermal and mechanical stimulation. Evidence is reviewed that interactions take place between gustatory and somatosensory stimuli at every level of the taste system, from imperfect chemoreceptor selectivity in the periphery to convergence of gustatory and somatosensory pathways in the CNS. Parallels are drawn between thermal–tactile interactions in the skin and taste–somatosensory interactions in the oral cavity. New data are presented which support the hypothesis that tactile stimulation can affect localization of taste in a manner similar to the way touch affects localization of thermal sensations. In addition to sharpening taste localization, ‘taste referral’ to touch probably serves to bind tastes perceptually to the foods and beverages that give rise to them. This possibility is discussed in terms of understanding the interactive processes that govern how chemical, thermal and mechanical stimuli become integrated into coherent perceptions of foods and beverages.
Kinetics of the hydrogen effect on PbSe epitaxial films

Abstract A one-dimensional diffusion equation has been solved to establish the kinetic behavior of atomic hydrogen in PbSe under both steady state a.c. hydrogen excitation and initial step conditions. The boundary conditions on the surfaces of the films were constructed with the surface recombination velocity g as a phenomenological parameter. Since the hydrogen effect makes the film more n-type, measurements of electrical conductivity changes were used to determine the amount of atomic hydrogen inside the film. Step and periodic hydrogen flux-time variations were used to determine g and the diffusion coefficient D , respectively. g was linearly proportional to the partial oxygen pressure. The activation energy for H diffusion was 0.4 eV and the pre-factor was 1.1×10 −7 cm 2 sec −1 for the p-type films measured. The assumed boundary conditions for the analysis were established as a result of the experimental measurements. The amount of atomic hydrogen that diffused into the conventional vacuum evaporated p-type epitaxial PbSe films was much larger than that which diffused into an n-type epitaxial film grown by the hot wall method. This result strongly suggests that the hot-wall-grown film had fewer Pb vacancies than the vacuum-evaporated films.
Ampakines and the threefold path to cognitive enhancement

Ampakines are the first peripherally administered drugs that increase excitatory monosynaptic responses in the brain. Because of this effect, the compounds improve communication in complex networks, potently facilitate long-term potentiation (LTP) and induce the expression of neurotrophic factors. Ampakines are effective in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders and have produced positive results in a small number of human studies. Neurobiological considerations and modeling studies suggest that the drugs, in addition to their effects on disturbed behavior, will alter the encoding and organization of information in normal brains. Results from physiological and behavioral studies accord with this prediction. Building on these findings, this article considers how the threefold effects of ampakines will modify, and enhance, cognition.
Peptide and steroid regulation of muscle degeneration in an insect

Two types of cell death occur in the intersegmental muscles of the giant silkmoth Antheraea polyphemus. The first results from a slow atrophy of the fibers, and the second is a rapid, programmed dissolution of the muscle. Both types appear to be mediated by endocrine factors. The slow atrophy is brought about by the decline in the steroid molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone and can be prevented with exogenous steroid. The rapid degeneration is triggered by the peptide eclosion hormone, but the sensitivity of the muscle to the peptide depends on the history of exposure of the muscle to 20-hydroxyecdysone.
Community Childcare Providers' Role in the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The first few years of life represent a crucial period for optimal brain development for young children. Therefore, it is important to identify children at-risk for developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders, at the earliest age possible. An argument for utilizing community childcare providers for universal developmental screening is presented along with suggestions for assessment tool selection and a model for developmental monitoring in community childcare settings.
Complicated Enterocutaneous Fistulas: Failure of Octreotide to Improve Healing

Octreotide has been promoted as a potential aid during closure of enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) on the basis of clinical and experimental evidence that it can reduce gastrointestinal secretions. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients admitted with ECF to our tertiary referral center to ascertain whether use of octreotide affected fistula duration, length of hospitalization, closure rate, and morbidity. Of 60 patients diagnosed and treated for ECF over a 4-year period, 13 underwent a therapeutic trial with octreotide. Thirteen patients from the group who did not receive octreotide were matched by cause, location, and output of the fistula, age, and primary diagnosis to the treatment group. Octreotide was administered in therapeutic dosage for a mean course of 57 ± 29 days, resulting in a substantial acute decrease (84.7 ± 4.8%) in fistula output. Prolonged therapy nevertheless failed to affect the outcome parameters studied, particularly fistula duration, spontaneous closure rate, and length of hospitalization. There was a significantly higher incidence of septic and thrombotic complications associated with octreotide use. In this patient population with complicated ECFs, use of octreotide showed no benefit and was associated with increased morbidity.
Interpixel capacitance in nondestructive focal plane arrays

Inter-pixel capacitive coupling can exist in a non-destructive detector array if the detector nodes change voltage as they integrate charge and the design of the device allows for an electric field to exist between adjacent collection nodes. Small amounts of inter-pixel capacitance can cause large errors in the measurement of poissonian noise versus signal, and all subsequently derived measurements such as nodal capacitance and quantum efficiency. Crosstalk and MTF can also be significantly influenced by interpixel capacitance. Two 1k by 1k Raytheon SB226-based hybridized silicon PIN arrays were tested for nodal capacitance and MTF. Initial results indicated unexpected and unexplainably large nodal capacitance, poor MTF, and odd edge spread. It was hypothesized that inter-pixel capacitive coupling was responsible for these discrepancies. A stochastic method of measuring the coupling using 2D autocorrelation and Fourier Transform techniques was devised and implemented. Autocorrelation of the shot noise in the images revealed a correlation consistent with 3.2% interpixel capacitive coupling. When the effects of the measured interpixel capacitance were taken into account, the initially measured nodal capacitance of 56 fF was found to be 31% higher than the corrected nodal capacitance measurement of 43 fF. Large discrepancies between the theoretical and observed edge spread response were also greatly reduced. A simulation of the electric field in the PIN detector intrinsic region predicted an interpixel coupling very close to the observed coupling. Interpixel capacitance was also observed in a 2k by 2k Raytheon SB304-based InSb detector array, but was not strongly evident in a bare Raytheon SB226 multiplexer.
Structural aspects of local adjunct languages

Several open problems concerning local adjunct languages are considered and solved. One of the most interesting (from a linguistic point of view) and difficult (mathematically) open problems was whether or not null symbols can be dispensed without sacrificing the weak generative capacity. This problem is solved and the answer is negative. Also considered are some problems concerning one-sided grammars, homomorphisms of languages (it is shown that local adjunct languages are not closed under homomorphism), β-linear languages and mixed adjunct grammars.
Band structure and stability of zinc-blende-based semiconductor polytypes

Using a first-principles generalized one-dimensional Ising model we have studied the band structure and stability of two types of zinc-blende-based polytype series: type-a GaInP{sub 2} and type-b CuInSe{sub 2}. The interaction parameters for the formation energy are found to be short range, while the convergence is slower for the band-gap and conduction-band energies of the type-a GaInP{sub 2} polytypes. We predict that the CuAu-like phase can coexist in nominally chalcopyrite CuInSe{sub 2} and CuInS{sub 2}, while such coexistence is less likely in CuGaSe{sub 2}. We also predict that type-II band alignment can exist between different ordered type-a GaInP{sub 2} polytypes, despite that the band alignment between ordered and disordered GaInP{sub 2} are predicted to be type I. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Thick Holograms in Photochromic Materials

Thick hologram storage in recently developed CaF2 and SrTiO3 photochromic crystals has been demonstrated and studied. It was found that a 2-mW laser at 6328 A yielded good holograms with exposure times of 2–30 see depending on the particular photochromic crystal considered. In the case of CaF2 crystals, the angular sensitivity of the thick hologram image intensity was found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions; in SrTiO3 crystals, angular sensitivity measurements were used to determine the effective hologram thickness. Desirable improvements in photochromic materials for thick hologram storage are suggested.
On differences between East and West Germany: 1970‐1990

Provides an evaluation of the reality of the German economy after unification, also answers to some of the questions that the post‐unification era has raised, analyzes aggregate and sectoral data of the former GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany over the period 1970‐1989. The results characterize the former GDR with a steeper supply curve. While the central plan assumed a steady growth of real output over time, it eliminated producers’ incentives to vary capacity utilization in response to demand pressures. Demand pressures proved inflationary without determining conditions in the labor market. In contrast, the market‐oriented plan in West Germany tied output expansion and contraction with demand fluctuations. Consequently, inflationary effects of demand fluctuations appeared moderate in West Germany and real output growth was not sustained at a high level over time. Demand fluctuations determined employment changes in West Germany. Implications of these differences are analyzed in light of the reality of the post‐unification in Germany.
Resistance to technological innovations: An examination of the role of self-efficacy and performance satisfaction

Technological innovation is seen as the key to survival and success for many firms. Whether intended for internal use or for customers, adoption decisions must consider the response of the final user to such technological alternatives. This paper argues for greater attention to the factors which cause individual resistance to technological innovations. The results of two studies are reported which examined the effects of self-efficacy (Bandura 1977) and performance satisfaction on consumers’ response to technological changes. Results indicate that a person’s perceived ability to use a product successfully affects their evaluative and behavioral response to the product. In addition, the level of satisfaction experienced with an existing behavior increases resistance to and reduces likelihood of adopting an alternative.
Betriebsfestigkeit + Funktion = Betriebsfunktionalität, Anforderungen an die Entwicklung von Fahrwerkbauteilen

Die Betriebsfestigkeit hat innerhalb der Fahrwerkentwicklung einen sehr hohen Stellenwert, da Fahrwerkbauteile in der Regel Sicherheitsbauteile sind. Die Festigkeit stellt jedoch nur einen Teilaspekt innerhalb der Entwicklungstatigkeit dar. Die ubergeordnete Aufgabe in der Bauteilentwicklung ist die Sicherstellung der Funktionalitat unter allen Betriebsbedingungen. Fur die Bauteile Radlager, Gelenkwelle und Stabilisator werden beispielhaft die Entwicklungsanforderungen diskutiert. Fatigue Strength + Function = Functional Service, Requirements for the Development of Chassis Components The fatigue strength is an important aspect within the development of chassis components but there are some more aspects to consider. So the functionality under all condition (environmental conditions, temperature, loading) is the general requirement for all chassis components. In the following text these problems will be discussed for three examples: a hub unit, a driveshaft and a stabiliser bar.
Kinetics of wound-induced v-Ha-ras transgene expression and papilloma development in transgenic Tg.AC mice.

The Tg.AC transgenic mouse, which harbors an activated v-Ha-ras coding region that is fused to an embryonic zeta globin transcriptional control region and a 3' simian virus 40 polyadenylation sequence, rapidly develops epidermal papillomas in response to topical application of chemical carcinogens or tumor promoters or to full-thickness wounding of the dorsal skin. In this report, we investigated the localization and temporal induction of v-Ha-ras transgene expression after full-thickness wounding of Tg.AC mouse skin. Surgically inflicted full-thickness incisions 3 cm long yielded four to six papillomas per Tg.AC mouse by 5 wk after wounding. Similar wounding of the FVB/N isogenic host strain did not produce tumors, which implicates a causal role for the v-Ha-ras transgene. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays detected the v-Ha-ras transgene transcript in total RNA samples isolated from wound-associated tissue 3 and 4 wk after wounding. Tissues 1-2 wk after wounding and all non-wound-associated tissues were negative for transgene expression. In situ hybridization experiments using transgene-specific 35S-labeled antisense RNA probes localized transgene expression to the basal epidermal cells in wound-induced papillomas. Adjacent normal and hyperplastic skin tissues were negative for transgene expression by this assay. This work supports the hypothesis that the wound repair response leads to the transcriptional activation and continued expression of the v-Ha-ras transgene in specific cells in the skin, which alters normal epithelial differentiation and ultimately results in neoplastic growth.
Engineering multivalent antibodies to target heregulin-induced HER3 signaling in breast cancer cells

The use of antibodies in therapy and diagnosis has undergone an unprecedented expansion during the past two decades. This is due in part to innovations in antibody engineering that now offer opportunities for the production of "second generation" antibodies with multiple specificities or altered valencies. The targeting of individual components of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)3-PI3K signaling axis, including the preferred heterodimerization partner HER2, is known to have limited anti-tumor effects. The efficacy of antibodies or small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in targeting this axis is further reduced by the presence of the HER3 ligand, heregulin. To address these shortcomings, we performed a comparative analysis of two distinct approaches toward reducing the proliferation and signaling in HER2 overexpressing tumor cells in the presence of heregulin. These strategies both involve the use of engineered antibodies in combination with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/HER2 specific TKI, lapatinib. In the first approach, we generated a bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody that, in the presence of lapatinib, is designed to sequester HER3 into inactive HER2-HER3 dimers that restrain HER3 interactions with other possible dimerization partners. The second approach involves the use of a tetravalent anti-HER3 antibody with the goal of inducing efficient HER3 internalization and degradation. In combination with lapatinib, we demonstrate that although the multivalent HER3 antibody is more effective than its bivalent counterpart in reducing heregulin-mediated signaling and growth, the bispecific HER2/HER3 antibody has increased inhibitory activity. Collectively, these observations provide support for the therapeutic use of bispecifics in combination with TKIs to recruit HER3 into complexes that are functionally inert.
Anorectal melanoma—An incurable disease?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to describe recurrence and survival rates after operative treatment for anorectal melanoma and to identify predictive factors for recurrence. METHODS: Records of 50 patients with anorectal melanoma from 1939 to 1993 were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall five-year survival and disease-free survival were 22 and 16 percent, respectively. At the time of diagnosis, 26 percent of patients had metastatic disease, and all died within 12 (mean, 6.3) months. Five-year survival and recurrence rates were identical after either abdominoperineal resection (APR) or wide local excision, both with curative intent. Gender, size of tumor, presence of melanin, positive perirectal lymph nodes, or treatment were not predictive of recurrence. Anorectal melanoma was found incidentally after hemorrhoidectomy or polypectomy in five patients. Three other patients underwent an excisional biopsy of a lesion measuring less than 2 cm. Of these eight patients, five underwent APR and three underwent wide local excision with no microscopic residual tumor at pathology. All developed regional or systemic recurrence at a mean of 21 (range, 4–88) months, and all died of their disease at a mean of 29 (range, 5–98) months. CONCLUSION: Prognosis for anorectal melanoma is poor, irrespective of surgical treatment performed. No predictive factors for recurrence were identified in this series. Wide local excision with a negative margin of a least 1 cm is suggested as the treatment of choice. APR should be reserved for tumor not amenable to local excision or for palliative treatment of large obstructive lesion until effective adjuvant therapies are available.
Evidence for Learning-Deficit versus Performance-Deficit Theories of Latent Inhibition in Pavlovian Fear Conditioning☆

Abstract In a conditioned suppression task with rats, we used retention-interval and context-switch maneuvers in an effort to affect retrieval of interfering associations often held responsible for the effects of preexposing conditioned stimuli (CSs). In Experiment 1, we found that preexposing CS A reduced its subsequent ability to support second-order conditioning to CS X. Inserting a 28-day retention interval between A+ and X → A (second-order conditioning) phases did not restore that ability. It did, however, increase A's ability to acquire conditioned suppression during the second-order phase, suggesting renewed attention to A. In Experiment 2, we found that preexposing CS A reduced its ability to serve later as a blocker. Conducting the blocking test outside the preexposure context did not restore that ability, but conducting the element training phase outside the preexposure context did. Results favor learning-deficit theory over a retrieval-interference version of performance-deficit theory of CS-preexposure effects.
Estimating plate heights in stacked-membrane chromatography by flow reversal

Abstract A novel method to quantitatively evaluate chromatographic separation performance is presented. Distortion of effluent profiles by non-uniform flow is eliminated by reversing flow direction during the experiment. A semiempirical approach accounts for extracolumn effects on peak shape. Effluent profiles are fitted to a closed-form mathematical description of the experiment to estimate plate height values. Plate heights obtained from two stacked-membrane columns decrease from 3.3 μm at 0.52 cm/min to 0.59 μm at 3.8 cm/min, in agreement with dispersive theory. Performance estimates based on moments or bandwidth measurement are less reliable than this method when non-uniform flow or extracolumn effects are significant.
Extending models of arithmetic

Let T be some complete extension of Peano's axioms of arithmetic. If M<N are models of T, then let Lt (N/M) be the lattice of all intermediate structures N0, M<N0<N. For a model M of T, Gaifman has shown how to construct a canonical extension of N of M using a definable type t(v). In that case, we say that N is a t(v)-extension of M. The following two conjectures of Gaifman are proved. 1. (1) If (D, <) is a finite distributive lattice, then there is a definable type t(v) such that whenever M is a model of T and N is a t(v)-extension of M then Lt (N/M) ≅ (D, <). 2. (2) If (D, <) is a finite distributive lattice with a unique atom, then there is a definable end-extensional type (t(v)) such that whenever M is a model of T and N is a t(v)-extension of M, then Lt (N/M) ≅ (D, <). Another problem of Gaifman's is solved by giving a neat characterization of minimal types.
Metal Contamination from Gold Mining in the Cid District, North Carolina

The purpose of this paper was to assess contamination from 19th century gold (Au) mining in the Cid district, North Carolina. Sediment samples collected from active channel sediments and floodplain cores were analyzed for mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Analysis of trace metal concentrations shows that although Hg contamination exists at relatively low levels (i.e., no samples exceeded the probable effect concentration for Hg), the active channel sediments and historical floodplain deposits are contaminated by Hg downstream from all mines in the district. We also found significant contamination by Cu, Pb, and Zn. The use of Hg and other metals as tracers associated with mining activities suggests that long-term rates of floodplain sedimentation in the Cid district (0.3-0.9 cm/yr) were less than half as high as those in the nearby Gold Hill district. This suggests that the intensity of land disturbance in the Cid district was less than in the more intensively mined Gold Hill district.
Local Therapy Decision-Making and Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Young Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Background Rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) have increased in the United States, with younger women with breast cancer the most likely to have CPM.
Utility of structured care approaches in education and clinical practice.

Abstract Structured care approaches, such as protocols, clinical pathways, and algorithms are being used increasingly to organize clinical knowledge and to guide patient care. This article reviews the types of structured care approaches available to the clinician and explores the value of structured care approaches in practice and education. Nurs Outlook 2000;48:132–5.
Hematopoietic Growth Factors: Frontiers for Cure

Hematopoietic growth factors are cytokines that regulate the growth, development, and function of hematopoetic lineages. These hematopoietic growth factors have great potential for improving the quality of life and for reducing toxicity. This article reviews some of the most clinically relevant hematopoietic growth factors and what is known about their use in veterinary medicine. In particular, the following hematopoietic growth factors are discussed: erythropoietin, stem-cell factor, interleukin-3, interleukin-5, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and macrophage colonystimulating factor.
Hydrodesulfurization of model diesel using Pt/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by supercritical deposition

Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalysts with Pt loadings ranging from 0.5 to 11 wt.% were synthesized by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) deposition method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the synthesized catalysts contained small Pt nanoparticles (1-4 nm in diameter) with a narrow size distribution, no observable agglomeration, and uniformly dispersed on the alumina support. The catalysts were found to be active for hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) dissolved in n-hexadecane (n-HD) without sulfiding the metal phase. The reaction proceeded only via the direct hydrogenolysis route in the temperature range 310-400 °C and at atmospheric pressure. The activity increased with increasing the metal loading. Increasing [H 2 ] 0 /[DBT] 0 by either increasing [H 2 ] 0 or decreasing [DBT] 0 , increased the DBT conversion. At a fixed weight hourly space velocity and feed concentration, conversion did not increase with increasing temperature beyond 330 °C. The presence of toluene inhibited the catalyst activity presumably due to competitive adsorption between DBT and toluene. Under the operating conditions, the reaction was far from equilibrium.
Cardiopulmonary effects of the laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum in a porcine model of adult respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Increasingly, laparoscopy is being used in critically ill patients in whom there is a question of intra-abdominal sepsis. We examine the cardiopulmonary effects of laparoscopy in a porcine model of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Domestic pigs (n = 12) underwent saline lung lavage and subsequent surgical abdominal exploration using either laparoscopy or conventional laparotomy. Hemodynamic and respiratory measurements were obtained. Results: After pulmonary lavage, the two groups developed similarly diminished arterial pO2 (P <0.001), a worsened pulmonary shunt (P <0.001), and an increased alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P <0.001). The pulmonary compliance was significantly decreased in the animals undergoing laparoscopy (versus laparotomy, P <0.05). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure did not differ between the groups. The laparoscopic group had a higher pCO2 (not significant) and was more acidotic (P <0.05) than the laparotomy group. The laparoscopic animals had an increased heart rate (P <0.05), cardiac index (P <0.01), and oxygen delivery (P <0.005) as compared with the laparotomy group. Conclusions: During laparoscopy, animals with ARDS demonstrate further compromise in pulmonary physiologic parameters but overall cardio-respiratory function is preserved.
Executive target bonuses and what they imply about performance standards

We provide evidence that CEOs' and lower‐level business unit executives' target bonuses are negatively associated with a proxy for measurement noise in accounting‐based performance measures, and positively associated with proxies for firms' growth opportunities and the extent of executives' decision‐making authority. Non‐CEO executives' target bonuses are also positively associated with their CEO's target bonus. In addition, we compare executives' actual and target bonuses over two consecutive periods to draw inferences about how firms revise executives' performance standards. If firms adjust performance standards to fully reflect executives' past performance, then we expect an executive's chances of earning an above‐target bonus to be independent of his past performance. We find evidence to the contrary; an executive is more likely to receive an above‐target bonus if he received an above‐target bonus in the prior year than if he did not. This suggests that firms do not adjust standards to fully reflect e...
Stress Dependence of Shear Strength in Fine-Grained Soils and Correlations with Liquid Limit

AbstractThe undrained strengths and friction angles of a variety of natural fine-grained soils are investigated over an effective stress range of 0.1 to 10 MPa. The resedimentation technique was used to produce identical saturated samples for laboratory shear testing. The majority of the results presented are derived from Ko-consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests, although behavior under direct simple shear and triaxial extension modes of shear is also presented for a single soil. Normalized shear stress-strain responses, undrained strength ratios, and critical state friction angles are found to vary considerably and consistently at each overconsolidation ratio when viewed over a significant effective stress range. Correlations are developed that allow the undrained strength and friction angle of a fine-grained soil, as well as the variation in these properties with stress level, to be estimated effectively from liquid limit, together with an evaluation of the in situ stress history of the sedi...
The Microflora of Blue Cheese Slime

Summary Slime appearing on Blue cheese was shown to develop in a regular pattern depending on local environment, the initial flora being predominantly yeasts and some mold ( P. roqueforti ). This was followed by an increase in cocci and rod forms. The organism predominating in the slime of cheese ripening at 46 to 49° F. was identified as B erythrogenes. B. linens was found to be the dominant rod-shaped organism in cheese curing at 55 to 58° F. and was entirely absent from slime developing at 46 to 49° F. Various factors that can affect the flora of the slime are ripening temperatures, manufacturing techniqnes, type of seeding, and method of handling during curing.
Intraseasonal variability near 10°N in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean

[1] New in situ observations from 10°N, 125°W during 1997–1998 show strong intraseasonal variability in meridional velocity and sea surface temperature. The 50- to 100-day oscillations in sea surface height (SSH) have long been recognized as a prominent aspect of oceanic variability in the region of 9–13°N in the eastern Pacific Ocean. We use in situ and satellite data to more fully characterize this variability. The oscillations have zonal wavelengths of 550–1650 km and propagate westward in a manner consistent with the dispersion relation for first baroclinic mode, free Rossby waves in the presence of a mean westward flow. Analysis of 9 years of altimetry data shows that the amplitude of the 50- to 100-day SSH variability at 10°N is largest on 90–115°W, with peak amplitudes occurring around April. Some eddies traveling westward at 10–13°N emanate from near the gulfs of Tehuantepec and Papagayo, but eddies sometimes also appear to intensify well away from the coast while in the North Equatorial Current (NEC). The hypothesis that the intraseasonal variability and its annual cycle are associated with baroclinic instability of the NEC is supported by a spatiotemporal correlation between the amplitude of 50- to 100-day variability and the occurrence of westward zonal flows meeting an approximate necessary condition for baroclinic instability. The notion that baroclinic instability may be involved is further corroborated by the tendency of the NEC to weaken while the eddies intensify, even as the wind works to strengthen the current.
Migration Following Resettlement of the Gwembe Tonga of Zambia: The Consequences for Children's Growth

In 1958, 57,000 Gwembe Tonga people were forcibly relocated by a large-scale hydroelectric development project. The land on which they were resettled was insufficient to sustain their livelihoods, and many later chose to migrate to a frontier zone north and west of the Gwembe Valley to secure additional land for farming. Guided by human adaptability theory, we use child growth as a measure of success of the migration strategy, and find that in 2004, migrant children were growing better than pre-resettlement (1957/58) and post-resettlement (1993) Gwembe Tonga children. In addition, fewer migrant children were stunted and underweight than their earlier counterparts in the Gwembe Valley.
Vaporization chemistry and thermodynamics of congruently vaporizing zinc indium sulfide

Abstract The vaporization and thermodynamics of ZnIn 2 S 4 (s) were investigated with the computer-automated simultaneous torsion-Knudsen-effusion method in the temperature range 1088–1218 K. The vaporization of ZnIn 2 S 4 (s) was shown to be congruent in that range by the reaction ZnIn 2 S 4 (s) = Zn(g) + In 2 S(g) + 3 2 S 2 (g) Least-squares straight lines relating the equilibrium constants to the temperature were, from torsion results, log ( K p /Pa 7 2 )= −(5.505±0.050) × 10 4 K / T +47.21±0.44, and from Knudsen results, log( K p /Pa 7 2 ) = − (5.634±0.081) × 10 4 K / T +48.30±0.70. The average third-law Δ H 0 (298 K) of the vaporization reaction of ZnIn 2 S 4 (s) was 1050.1±0.6 kJ mol −1 from torsion-effusion and 1050.4±0.7 kJ mol −1 from Knudsen-effusion. The value 1050.3± 1.0 kJ mol −1 was selected. The Δ H 0 (298 K) of combination of ZnIn 2 S 4 (s) from its constituent binary sulfides, ZnS(wz) and In 2 S 3 (s), was −49.9±1.4 kJ mol −1 .
Boundary-layer structure near the cold front of a marine cyclone during “ERICA”

The boundary layer in the warm sector of a moderately deepening winter cyclone during the Experiment on Rapidly Intensifying Cyclones over the Atlantic (ERICA) is studied near the cold front. Data from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Electra research aircraft are used to examine mean and turbulence quantities. The aircraft data and supplemental data from ships, drifting buoys and moored buoys reveal an equivalent-barotropic pressure field. The area is found to be dominated by gradients in temperature and in turbulent fluxes, with changes occurring over 100 km horizontally being comparable to changes over 350 m vertically. The horizontal components of the gradients are found to be a maximum in a direction perpendicular to the front. Cross-sections perpendicular to the front are used to illustrate boundary-layer structure. Profiles of wind speed, stress, wind direction and stress direction are estimated from an Ekman model that is modified to take into account the equivalent-barotropic pressure field. Comparison of profiles from the model to the aircraft-measured data show reasonable agreement far from the front (100 km) when the model uses a constant eddy viscosity of approximately 6 kg m−1 s−1. Near the front there is less agreement with the model. Profiles of turbulent fluxes of momentum, heat and latent heat are divergent, with along-wind momentum flux negative and decreasing upward, cross-wind momentum flux positive and increasing upward, and heat flux and latent heat flux small, positive and decreasing upward. Far from the front, the turbulent kinetic energy budget shows that dissipation balances shear production. However, near-front behavior has an imbalance at low altitude, with shear production appearing as a TKE sink.
T-box genes and the formation of vertebrate forelimb- and hindlimb specific pattern

Limb patterning is thought to be a multistep process involving specification of the limb fields, establishment of defined signaling centers that globally inform cells of their position, interpretation of positional signals, and regulated growth and differentiation of the limb structures. Great progress has been made over the past few years in identifying the molecular players that control limb outgrowth and patterning, in particular, how the limb axes are specified. However, the molecular mechanism for determination of the morphological and functional differences between forelimbs and hindlimbs has remained elusive. The recent identification of a series of limb-specific transcription factors has now provided excellent candidates for such upstream regulators of limb identity, and has allowed new insights into the regulatory network of making a hand or a foot.
THE IMPACTS OF STATE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS ON URBAN SPRAWL IN THE 1990S

The urban landscape in the United States has been characterized by sprawl for decades. Despite arguments in favor of sprawl or its component attributes, it is widely believed that sprawl leads to m...
A Novel Liposomal Bupivacaine Formulation to Produce Ultralong-Acting Analgesia

Background:Currently available local anesthetics have relatively brief durations of action. An ultralong-acting local anesthetic would benefit patients with acute and chronic pain. The authors prepared and characterized a novel liposomal bupivacaine formulation using remote loading of bupivacaine al
The C-terminal tail of presenilin regulates Omi/HtrA2 protease activity

Presenilin mutations are responsible for most cases of autosomal dominant inherited forms of early onset Alzheimer disease. Presenilins play an important role in amyloid beta-precursor processing, NOTCH receptor signaling, and apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which presenilins regulate apoptosis are not fully understood. Here, we report that presenilin-1 (PS1) regulates the proteolytic activity of the serine protease Omi/HtrA2 through direct interaction with its regulatory PDZ domain. We show that a peptide corresponding to the cytoplasmic C-terminal tail of PS1 dramatically increases the proteolytic activity of Omi/HtrA2 toward the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and beta-casein and induces cell death in an Omi/HtrA2-dependent manner. Consistent with these results, ectopic expression of full-length PS1, but not PS1 lacking the C-terminal PDZ binding motif, potentiated Omi/HtrA2-induced cell death. Our results suggest that the C terminus of PS1 is an activation peptide ligand for the PDZ domain of Omi/HtrA2 and may regulate the protease activity of Omi/HtrA2 after its release from the mitochondria during apoptosis. This mechanism of Omi/HtrA2 activation is similar to the mechanism of activation of the related bacterial DegS protease by the outer-membrane porins.
Clinical predictors of exercise capacity 1 year after cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Background The exercise capacity of cardiac transplant recipients is reduced compared with normal controls. However, clinical variables predictive of post-transplant exercise capacity have not been well defined. The objective of the present study was to identify clinical features predictive of post-transplant exercise capacity. Methods Ninety-five cardiac transplant recipients underwent cardiopulmonary testing at 1 year after transplant. The exercise parameters were compared with both pre-transplant values and normal subjects. The relationships between exercise parameters and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results Mean peak oxygen consumption (Vo 2 ) and exercise test duration at 1-year post-transplant improved significantly from 16.4 to 19.9 ml/kg/min and 5.5 to 7.6 minutes, respectively ( p 2 34.0 ml/kg/min; exercise duration 11.2 minutes; p 2 was 54% of predicted. Pre-operative body weight correlated strongly with post-transplant weight ( r = 0.80, p 2 identified by multivariate regression analysis were age, male gender, body mass index, exercise peak heart rate and duration of post-operative intensive care. Donor variables did not contribute significantly to post-transplant peak Vo 2 . Conclusions Peak Vo 2 improved after cardiac transplantation but remained significantly impaired compared with normal subjects. In estimating the impact of cardiac transplantation on exercise capacity the most important pre-transplant factors to consider are age, gender and height and weight (or, alternatively, body mass index).
Metal extractions using water in carbon dioxide microemulsions

Water in supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsions are examined as a new medium for the extraction of metal ions from contaminated surfaces, and are shown to extract >99% of the copper from a spiked filter paper with as little as a two-fold excess of surfactant.