cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Animal influenza epidemiology.

Influenza A viruses exist within their natural host, aquatic birds, in a number of antigenic subtypes. Only a few of these subtypes have successfully crossed into other avian and mammalian hosts. This brief review will focus on just three examples of viruses that have successfully passed between species; avian H5N1 and H9N2 viruses and H3N2 viruses which have transmitted from aquatic birds to humans and then to swine. Although there are a number of other subtypes that have also transmitted successfully between species, these three selected examples have spread and evolved in different ways, exemplifying the complexity of influenza A virus epidemiology.
Preparation of14C‐gossypol by incorporation of acetate‐1‐14C and acetate‐2‐14C by biosynthesis

Details for the germination of cotton seedlings and their utilization for incorporating14C-labeled acetate into gossypol are presented. Methods for the isolation and purification of the biosynthesized gossypol are given. The specific activity of the gossypol obtained from root tissue and cotyledons had mean values for 8 preparations of 428.6×103 and 6.3×103 dpm/mg, respectively. Corresponding incorporations were 5.42 and 0.32%.
Volcano and geothermal tourism: sustainable geo-resources for leisure and recreation

Volcano and geothermal tourism: sustainable geo-resources for leisure and recreation, edited by Patricia Erfurt-Cooper and Malcolm Cooper, London, Earthscan, 2010, 378 pp., $99.95 (hbk), ISBN 978-1...
A Novel Heart Failure Disease Management Strategy Reduces Heart Failure Readmissions in Veterans with Heart Failure

A NOVEL HEAT FAILURE DISEASE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY REDUCES HEART FAILURE READMISSIONS IN VETERANS WITH HEART FAILURE T. Jungklaus, S. Malloy, A. Mullikin, S. Anderson, D. Reeder, D. Chapman, C. Schmalfuss, R. Schofield, Cardiology Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL; R. Schofield, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
Inverse relationship between potassium intake and coronary artery disease in the cholesterol-fed rabbit

We tested the hypothesis that a low level of dietary potassium intake would exacerbate the severity of vascular lesion formation in rabbit coronary arteries during high cholesterol intake. Two groups of nine rabbits were studied for 6 weeks while eating a diet containing 2% cholesterol and 0.9% sodium. The normal potassium group consumed a diet containing 1.5% potassium and the low potassium group consumed a diet containing 0.4% potassium. After 6 weeks the animals were killed, the hearts were removed, and blood samples were withdrawn from the abdominal aorta immediately before removing the heart. The hearts were sectioned and slides were prepared and fixed with hematoxylin and eosin. The numbers of normal and abnormal vessels, and those with foam cells in the subintima, were counted in selected sections. Plasma potassium concentration in the normal and low potassium intake groups averaged 4.27 ± 0.27 mmol/L and 3.90 ± 0.11 mmol/L, respectively. No differences between the groups were observed in plasma cholesterol or body weight gain. The percentages of abnormal arteries in the groups were 4.20 ± 0.35 in the normal intake group and 6.36 ± 0.50 in the low intake group, 51% greater in the normal intake group (P < .001). These results support the hypothesis that low potassium intake exacerbates the severity of subintimal lesion development in the coronary arteries.
Inverse Mobile–Immobile Modeling of Transport During Transient Flow: Effects of Between-Domain Transfer and Initial Water Content

Mobile–immobile models (MIM) have rarely been used for inverse simulation of measurements of variably saturated water flow and contaminant transport. We evaluated two MIM approaches with water transfer across the mobile and immobile regions either based on relative saturation (Se) differences, MIM(Se), or pressure head ( h ) differences, MIM( h ), for inverse simulation of transient water flow and Br − transport in aggregated soil. Six undisturbed Ap soil columns (14.7-cm length and diameter) at wet, medium, and dry initial water contents were subjected to application of 0.005 L Br − solution of 1000 mg L −1 and subsequent irrigation of 1 cm h −1 for 3 h. Two similar irrigations were applied after 7 and 14 d. Measurements comprised pressure heads at depths of 2.8 and 12.8 cm, average soil column water contents, outflow, and effluent solute concentrations. This experimental information was used for simultaneous optimization of van Genuchten soil hydraulic parameters for mobile and immobile regions, the dispersivity, and the first-order rate coefficients for water and solute transfer. In total, eight parameters were estimated for MIM(Se) and 10 parameters for MIM( h ). The inverse MIM approaches described the various hydraulic and transport data adequately. Physical nonequilibrium was more pronounced for wet and dry than for intermediate initial moisture, while initial moisture had no obvious effect on the total Br − lost. For wet and dry initial conditions, parameter estimates seemed fairly reliable, with the exception of the highly correlated saturated water contents in mobile and immobile regions. MIM( h ) yielded parameters that appeared physically more consistent with observations, but required smaller time steps than MIM(Se) to overcome oscillations of pressure heads. Both MIM approaches were found to be suitable for inverse simulation of physical nonequilibrium transport during variably saturated flow.
Hexavalent chromium-induced alteration of proteomic landscape in human skin fibroblast cells.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] generated during industrial processes is carcinogenic. Although much is known about the deleterious effects caused by reactive oxygen species generated during the reduction of Cr(VI) after its absorption by biological systems, the precise mechanisms underlying Cr(VI) cytotoxicity remain poorly defined. Here, we analyzed, at the global proteome scale, the perturbation of protein expression in GM00637 human skin fibroblast cells upon exposure to potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). We were able to quantify ~ 4600 unique proteins, among which ~ 400 exhibited significant alterations in expression levels upon a 24-hr treatment with 0.5 μM K2Cr2O7. Pathway analysis revealed the Cr(VI)-induced perturbation of cholesterol biosynthesis, G-protein signaling, inflammatory response, and selenoprotein pathways. In particular, we discovered that the K2Cr2O7 treatment led to pronouncedly elevated expression of a large number of enzymes involved in de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. Real-time PCR analysis revealed the increased mRNA expression of selected genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Consistently, K2Cr2O7 treatment resulted in marked increases in cellular cholesterol level in multiple cell lines. Moreover, the Cr(VI)-induced growth inhibition of cultured human cells could be rescued by a cholesterol-lowering drug, lovastatin. Together, we demonstrated, for the first time, that Cr(VI) may exert its cytotoxic effect, at least partly, through the up-regulation of enzymes involved in de novo cholesterol biosynthesis and the resultant increase of cholesterol level in cells.
Absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism of a single oral dose of [14C]tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) in the male rat.

Abstract A single oral dose of 50 mg/kg of [ 14 C]TOCP was administered in corn oil to male rats. Three animals were sacrificed at each of 2, 6 and 12 h and 1,2 and 5 days following dosing, and tissues and excreta were analyzed for 14 C. Within 5 days, 63 and 36% of the dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Initially, the highest concentrations of radioactivity were observed in the gastrointestinal tract, its contents, the urinary bladder, liver and kidneys. Appreciable concentrations of 14 C were detected in plasma, red blood cells, lungs and adipose tissues, while neural tissues, muscle, spleen and testes contained lower concentrations of radioactivity. Among neural tissues, the sciatic nerve contained the highest concentrations of 14 C at all time points studied. The concentration of TOCP in plasma was at maximum by 6 h then declined biexponentially with terminal half-life of 46 h. The predominant metabolites in plasma were o -cresyl dihydrogen phosphate, di-ocresyl hydrogen phosphate and o -hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid). Small concentrations of the neurotoxic metabolite of saligenin cyclic- o -tolyl phosphate, were detected in plasma at all but the last time point analyzed. Most of the radioactivity extracted from the livers of rats sacrificed at 2 and 4 h were metabolites. No TOCP was detected in the urine or feces collected within 3 days after dosing. The major metabolite in the urine and feces was o -cresyl dihydrogen phosphate followed by di- o -cresyl hydrogen phosphate, salicylic acid, o -hydroxybenzyl alcohol and o -cresol. This study supports the hypothesis that the insensitivity of the rat to TOCP-induced delayed neurotoxicity may be attributed, in part, to the disposition and metabolism of this chemical.
The Microsynchronizer: A Microprocessor Based Synchronizing Relay

A generator power system synchronizer, the microsynchronizer was developed specifically for gas turbine generator drives. It provides improved performance and reliability as compared to synchro n izers used in the past, while at the same time it cuts costs of manufacturing and installation. Faster and more accurate synchronizing is achieved by including a speed matching function and utilizing more sophisticated algorithms. Higher reliability is obtained by minimizing parts count, eliminating adjustments, incorporating transient suppression, and designing “failsafe” features. The microsynchronizer was first installed in the field in early 1979, while more than 100 will be in service by the end of 1982.Copyright © 1983 by ASME
An unusual gastric bezoar in a newborn: polystyrene resin and Candida albicans.

amounts of bil irubin removed by the procedure would have to be compared. Al though this was not done in our evaluation, we believe tha t the similari ty of the volumes of the exchanged blood and the t ime of the procedure support the in terpre ta t ion tha t the greater decrease in serum bil irubin concentrat ion represents more bil irubin removed. Our prel iminary experience has indicated tha t the exchange transfusion technique is safe and effective and may avoid many of the potential problems inherent in previously used techniques.
Porous Dielectrics in Microelectronic Wiring Applications

Porous insulators are utilized in the wiring structure of microelectronic devices as a means of reducing, through low dielectric permittivity, power consumption and signal delay in integrated circuits. They are typically based on low density modifications of amorphous SiO2 known as SiCOH or carbon-doped oxides, in which free volume is created through the removal of labile organic phases. Porous dielectrics pose a number of technological challenges related to chemical and mechanical stability, particularly in regard to semiconductor processing methods. This review discusses porous dielectric film preparation techniques, key issues encountered, and mitigation strategies.
Lower extremity injuries sustained while farming

Today's complex farm environment can pose many threats to the lower extremities of all people especially those with chronic diseases that affect the lower extremities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of injuries to the lower extremities among farmers and to rank the importance of these incidents in order to plan prevention programs. one hundred farmers were surveyed at a large farm show in the southeastern United States. An average of 4.86 injuries per farmer were reported. Blisters from work shoes or boots, followed by injuries from animals stepping on the feet were the most common injuries. Since those with chronic illnesses are especially prone to injury and disability, regular foot assessments, evaluation, and education about the hazards of farming are mainstays of prevention. Language: en
Teaching MBA Statistics Online: A Pedagogically Sound Process Approach.

Delivering MBA statistics in the online environment presents significant challenges to education and students alike because of varying student preparedness levels, complexity of content, difficulty in assessing learnng outcomes, and faculty availability and technological expertise. In this article, the author suggests a process model that develops key learning strategies for the online environment and offers accreditation- and literature-based guidelines for overcoming obstacles to sucessful mastery of MBA-level statistics. Intended for faculty members, administrators, and students with limited experience in online education, the model may stimulate discussion and investigation of successful practices appropriate for teaching business statistics.
Identification of T cell lymphoma tumor antigens on human T cell lines

All human T lymphoblast cell lines have been derived from subjects with leukemia secondary to thymic lymphoblastic lymphoma, a T cell malignacy, suggesting that such lines represent established cultures of neoplastic T cells. Based on this observation, we prepared rabbit antisera to T cell line HSB-2, removed reactivity for histocompatibility antigens and normal T cells by absorption with autocthonous B cell line CCRF-SB and normal thymocytes, and tested the absorbed antisera by complement-dependent cytotoxicity against a panel of normal and malignant cells. A representative antiserum reacted with all 4 T cell lines (mean cytotoxic index = 56) and with tumor cells from 4 patients with T cell lymphma (mean cytotoxic index = 50) but did not react with tumor cells from 6 patients with other types of leukemias (mean cytotoxic index = 2), with 3 B cell lines (mean cytotoxic index = 1), normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (mean cytotoxic index = 5), or normal thymocytes (mean cytotoxic index = 6). We conclude that appropriately absorbed antisera to human T cell lines detect T cell lymphoma tumor antigens.
Independent slip systems and ductility of hexagonal polycrystals

(1964). Independent slip systems and ductility of hexagonal polycrystals. The Philosophical Magazine: A Journal of Theoretical Experimental and Applied Physics: Vol. 9, No. 98, pp. 339-341.
On the froth transport modelling in industrial flotation cells

Abstract A froth transport model for industrial flotation cells characterisation has been developed in terms of operating variables for a three-phase system (i.e., gas, liquid and valuable/non-valuable solid). The new approach, based on previous literature, involves three transport mechanisms: a vertical transport zone, a combined vertical and horizontal transport zone that allows the liquid and solid phases to be carried to the concentrate stream, and a mechanism in which the gas phase is gradually removed from the top of the froth (bubble collapse). To develop and evaluate the model, non-conventional measurements were conducted in a 130 m 3 flotation cell in the Cu/Mo rougher circuit at Division El Teniente, Codelo-Chile. The solid axial profile in the froth, the froth recovery and the froth transport times for the three phases (measured by radioactive tracers), are among the most important measured variables. The mean froth residence times and froth recovery estimations were used as boundary conditions in the proposed model. The aim of the froth transport model was to provide a simple and practical understanding of the froth performance in the flotation equipment. A practical description of the froth zone behaviour will allow new designs and configurations to be evaluated for the radial and peripheral launders in mechanical cells, improve the recovery of valuable minerals and decrease the gangue entrainment into the concentrate stream.
Life “on holiday”?: In defense of big stories

There has been an increasing emphasis in narrative inquiry on “small” stories (i.e., those derived from everyday social exchanges) rather than “big” stories (i.e., those derived from interviews, clinical encounters, autobiographical writing, and other such interrogative venues). The latter, it may be argued, inevitably entail a problematic distance from everyday reality and may thus be said to embody life “on holiday.” On one level, this is surely true: big stories, insofar as they entail a significant measure of reflection on either an episode, a portion of a life, or the whole of it, are a step removed from those everyday goings-on that are the focus of small stories. Far from necessarily being a liability, however, the distance that is intrinsic to big story narrative reflection creates opportunities for understanding that are largely unavailable in the immediacy of the moment. Big stories and small stories thus complement one another; taken together, they represent a promising integrative direction for narrative inquiry.
Persistent inflammatory response in stroke survivors

objective Goals were to determine how long acute-phase markers remain elevated after ischemic stroke and how marker levels relate to stroke risk factors, stroke mechanism, and subsequent vascular events. Methods Fibrinogen (FIB), C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes (WBC), neutrophils (PMN), interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist were measured at stroke onset and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after enrollment, or until a vascular event occurred in 136 acute ischemic stroke patients, 76 patients with comparable risk factors for stroke, and 48 age-balanced healthy subjects. Results Multivariate logistic analysis showed that prior stroke and FIB level predicted new events in stroke patients (p p p p p Conclusions Most acute-phase markers decline gradually after stroke, but FIB remains significantly elevated and is associated with increased risk for recurrent vascular events.
Child malnutrition and school performance in China

This paper uses data on the height, weight, age and grade level of over 3000 children in five quite different locations to measure the impact of the nutritional variables on the available measure of school performance. Children tend to be about one grade further behind in rural areas than in the provincial capitals, and about one-half a grade further behind in the provicial capitals than in Beijing. Even after controlling for location, however, lower nutritional status was found to affect school performance adversely; a one standard deviation reduction in height for age, for example, would result in a child's being about one third of a year further behind. Though results from a geographically limited sample should be generalized only with extreme caution, it does appear likely that malnutrition in rural China remained sufficiently prevalent in 1979 to retard the school advancement of large numbers of children.
The changing face of neonatal infection: experience at a regional medical center

The incidence, etiology and timing of neonatal infection were assessed in a regional neonatal intensive care unit from 1983 through 1992. Infection onset was considered as very early (< 24 hours), early (1 to 7 days) or late (8 to 60 days). Case-fatality rates were determined for different weight groups and time periods (1983 to 1987 vs. 1988 to 1992). Overall neonatal sepsis incidence changed very little, but there was a marked decrease in very early onset sepsis in 1988 to 1992 especially in very low birth weight (< 1500 g) infants, possibly attributable to increased use of prenatal antibiotics. There was an accompanying increase in late onset sepsis, primarily nosocomial infection associated with improved survival of tiny infants, most striking after exogenous surfactant became readily available. During 1988 to 1992, because of very few very early-onset cases, very low birth weight infants had overall case fatality rates of about 10%, which were the same as for larger infants. The predominant organism in very early onset infection was Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (27 of 58) and in late onset infection was coagulase-negative staphylococcus (57 of 103). More cases of early onset GBS pneumonia were seen in the last 5 years. Neonatal meningitis was seen rarely during this decade, with only one case documented in the first 24 hours of life.
Estimates for the probability of detecting neutral heavy leptons in hadron-initiated interactions

A consideration of two mechanisms for the production of neutral heavy leptons (${L}^{0}$'s) in hadron-initiated interactions lead to an estimate of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}39}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for the cross section per nucleon for observing the trimuons associated with the production of $\ensuremath{\mu}$-coupled ${L}^{0}$'s. This is well below the estimated background due to the production of a pair of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$'s which decay into $\ensuremath{\mu}$ pairs.
Ophthalmic findings in an infant with phosphomannomutase deficiency

We present the ocular features including full-field electroretinography (ff-ERG) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a 14-month-old infant with congenital disorder of glycosylation type 1a (PMM2-CDG). An infant with failure to thrive, bilateral neurosensory hearing loss, cerebellar hypoplasia, and pericardial effusions was referred to ophthalmic genetics for evaluation. The patient had fix and follow vision, an intermittent esotropia, moderate myopia, a hypo pigmented macula, and mild attenuation of the retinal vasculature. Electroretinography showed severe reduction in both rod and cone-dependent responses with a negative waveform pattern. Handheld SD-OCT revealed severe attenuation of the outer retina throughout the macula, but with preservation of outer retinal structures in the fovea. PMM2-CDG is a rare congenital disorder for which both ff-ERG and SD-OCT were useful in demonstrating early changes in retinal architecture and function.
Effects of Sulfuric Acid on Ferret Respiratory Tract Clearance

AbstractThis study was performed to assess the effects of sulfuric acid inhalation, and partly to examine the potential suitability of the laboratory ferret as a respiratory tract clearance model. Separate groups of ferrets were first exposed nose-only to purified air, 0.5 mg/m3 ofsulfuric acid aerosol, and 1.0 mg/m3 ofsulfuric acid aerosol for 4 h. Following the deposition of radiolabeled tracer microspheres, the clearance rates from the head and chest regions were monitored using collimated radiation detection equipment. The results indicate that (1) neither of the acid atmospheres produced a statistically significant effect on the clearance rate of the head region; (2) the high-acid atmosphere produced a significant acceleration in the clearance rate of the lung region; and (3) the long-term lung clearance rate of the purified air-exposed ferrets was very close to that observed with humans. Also, the ferrets were docile and easy to handle, and seemed to be well suited to this type of study.
Dual polarized Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) for UHF to millimeter wave applications

We present a dual polarized Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA), representing the first practical realization of dual polarizations using a TCDA topology. This is accomplished through a dual-offset, split unit cell with minimized inter-feed coupling. The array achieves a minimum 6.1:1 bandwidth for VSWR<;2.25, 2.5, and 3.9 for 0°, 30°, and 60° scans, respectively. To our knowledge, this implies our design is simultaneously the widest band and widest scanning dual-polarized, conformal array in the literature.
Inheritance of ICA bunsi-derived resistance to white mold in a navy × pinto bean cross

Pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of cool subtropical and temperate origins are extremely susceptible to white mold disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. Breeding pinto beans with resistance to white mold is difficult because of the paucity of resistant germplasm in a closely related background. White mold resistant 'ICA Bunsi', a small white navy bean, is from the same Middle American gene pool, but it is of warm tropical origin and needs to be exploited in pinto bean improvement. Our objectives were to determine inheritance of ICA Bunsi-derived resistance in a cross with pinto bean, determine association of the resistance with disease avoidance, and identify white mold resistant pinto beans. White mold reactions of 85 F 5:8 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from the cross 'Aztec'/ND88-106-04 were characterized in the field in North Dakota and Washington in 2001 and 2002. Aztec pinto is susceptible to white mold, and ND88-106-04 navy bean has partial resistance derived from ICA Bunsi. Disease severity score (1 = no disease to 9 = completely susceptible), yield, and disease avoidance traits were measured. Disease severity for Aztec and ND88-106-04 across environments was 6.9 and 2.5, respectively, compared with 4.6 for ICA Bunsi. Reduced lodging and late maturity enhanced disease avoidance. The RILs with stay-green stem at harvest, similar to ND88-106-04, also exhibited less disease. Normal distribution and moderate heritability (H ns = 56 and 36% for WA and ND environments, respectively) for disease score indicated resistance was influenced by environment and likely conditioned by genes with small effects. Nonetheless, white mold resistance was present in a few RILs with high yield potential and pinto seed type.
Magnitude and modulation of pancreatic beta-cell gap junction electrical conductance in situ.

The parallel gap junction electrical conductance between a β-cell and its nearest neighbors was measured by using an intracellular microelectrode to clamp the voltage of a β-cell within a bursting islet of Langerhans. The holding current records consisted of bursts of inward current due to the synchronized oscillations in membrane potential of the surrounding cells. The membrane potential record of the impaled cell, obtained in current clamp mode, was used to estimate the behavior of the surrounding cells during voltage clamp, and the coupling conductance was calculated by dividing the magnitude of the current bursts by that of the voltage bursts. The histogram of coupling conductance magnitude from 26 cells was bimodal with peaks at 2.5 and 3.5 nS, indicating heterogeneity in extent of electrical communication within the islet of Langerhans. Gap junction conductance reversibly decreased when the temperature was lowered from 37 to 30°C and when the extracellular calcium concentration was raised from 2.56 to 7.56 mm. The coupling conductance decreased slightly during the active phase of the burst. Activation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin (10 μm) resulted in an increase in cell-to-cell electrical coupling. We conclude that β-cell gap junction conductance can be measured in situ under near physiological conditions. Furthermore, the magnitude and physiological regulation of β-cell gap junction conductance suggest that intercellular electrical communication plays an important role in the function of the endocrine pancreas.
A comparison of binge‐purgers, obese binge eaters, and obese nonbinge eaters on the MMPI

This study compared the (MMPI) score distributions obtained by binge-purgers (n=34), obese binge eaters (n=34), and obese nonbingers (n=34) of similar age. Significant differences emerged among the three groups on all MMPI scales except Masculinity-feminity (Mf) and Mania (Ma), and there was a consistent trend on the clinical scales for binge-purgers to obtain the highest scores and obese nonbingers the lowest. Obese binge eaters were statistically different from obese nonbingers on 10 of 13 scales and from binge-purgers on 4 of 13 scales. The results suggest that these groups represent three distinct populations, with obese nonbingers exhibiting the least psychological disturbance and binge-purgers exhibiting the most
“Sin” talk as postmodern text: A view from savvy insiders

This article presents clergy members’ talk of “sin” as postmodern text. Definitions and negotiations of sin are examined from the perspectives of 72 people interviewed. Ideas of sin as textual symbol of identity and indicator of social address are proposed. The implications of the meanings attached to sin for postmodernism and the project of sociology are addressed.
Molecular biology: genome under surveillance.

Decoding the information stored in DNA requires an intricate balance between processes that turn gene expression on or off. A protein that influences the packaging of DNA regulates this balance genome-wide.
New approaches to the design of computerized interviewing and testing systems

Most computer interviewing and testing systems have adopted paper-and-pencil approaches to information gathering with little modification. However, computer technology offers two fundamental advantages over paper-and-pencil technology for psychological information gathering: (1) A computer can record ancillary data such as latencies and pressure on response keys during an interviewing session, and (2) A computer can react adaptively to special events as these arise during a session. Ways to capitalize on these advantages are outlined. A pilot study of interviewee behavior during a computer problem-screening interview is described, and the implications of the results for future research in the area are discussed. Passive and active computer testing systems occupy positions on a continuum between paper-based psychological testing and the flexible, but less well controlled, technology represented by the human. With its unique capabilities, computer technology has a special role to play in the future of psychological measurement.
Existence and stability of nanometer-thick disordered films on oxide surfaces

Abstract Disordered films of 1–2 nm thickness have been observed on the surfaces of binary oxide systems in liquid–solid and solid–state equilibrium. The systems Bi 2 O 3 –ZnO, Bi 2 O 3 –Fe 2 O 3 , WO 3 –TiO 2 and MoO 3 –Al 2 O 3 have been examined. Sufficient data now exist to interpret the observed films as surface phases of thermodynamically determined thickness and composition, coexisting at equilibrium with one or more bulk phases. Phenomenological comparisons to the formation of equilibrium-thickness intergranular films, multilayer adsorption, prewetting and surface melting are made. A thermodynamic model that allows the prediction of systems likely to form stable films is proposed, in which key variables are the relative surface energies, the sign and strength of the dispersion interaction, the extent of ordering (epitaxy) at the crystal–film interface, and the free energy of amorphization and mixing. It is suggested that the relative interfacial energies and volume thermodynamic terms are always important contributions, while the dispersion interaction is relatively unimportant well below the solidus temperature, but may be critical close to and above the solidus temperature.
Variations in strength and structure of cancellous bone at the knee.

Abstract Specimens of cancellous bone were obtained from normal autopsy and arthritic knees at operation. The bone was removed from the locations of the contact areas at 0°, 45° and 90° flexion. Compressive strength was measured and compared with the bulk specimen density, the linear absorption coefficient, μ B , and the bone material density. In addition, the trabecular patterns themselves were studied. Strength varied with position in the joint so as to indicate load-bearing function. Bone material density did not relate to strength. Bulk specimen density and μ B were found to correlate with strength, yet did not fully account for the wide strength variations. Trabecular organization however was shown to be a significant factor. It was concluded, therefore, that specimen strength was a function of several factors.
Kinetics of the heterogeneous decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl

The decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl at pressures between one and 400 Torr was studied from 120° to 300°C. Up to about 200°C. the rate was primarily limited by surface kinetics of adsorbed carbonyl. Gas phase diffusional resistances were controlling at higher temperatures. In the kinetically controlled region the deposition rate was correlated by a Langmuir type of equation. Corrections for diffusion resistances in the kinetic region and kinetic resistances in the diffusion region were found to be appreciable.
Razor clams, Siliqua patula (Dixon): Gonadal development, induced spawning and larval rearing

Abstract Maturation of ova and oocytes was described for populations along the Central Oregon coast. A new method was developed for inducing spawning of the razor clam Siliqua patula (Dixon). One celled marine algae at a concentration of 2–2.5 million cells/ml caused spawning in clams, mussels and oysters. Growth rates were estimated for the larval stage of the razor clam.
An evaluation of paramedics' ability to screen older adults during emergency responses☆

Objectives. This study evaluated the feasibility of using the emergency medical services (EMS) system as a public health provider by having paramedics screen older adults (age ≥ 65 years) for influenza immunization status during emergency responses. It also determined the proportion of older-adult EMS patients who lacked an influenza vaccination. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was performed, with medical-record review for patients treated between January 2003 and April 2003. Patients were included if they were age 65 years and older, requested assistance via a 9-1-1 call, and were treated by one of 13 paramedics using a directed medical record. The authors calculated the proportion of patients successfully screened and the proportion who reported being nonimmunized. They also compared the patients screened and not screened by the EMS providers and patients who reported being immunized and reported being nonimmunized. Results. Two hundred eighty-eight patients were eligible; the median age was ...
Vegetative Clostridium difficile Survives in Room Air on Moist Surfaces and in Gastric Contents with Reduced Acidity: a Potential Mechanism To Explain the Association between Proton Pump Inhibitors and C. difficile-Associated Diarrhea?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been identified as a risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), though the mechanism is unclear because gastric acid does not kill C. difficile spores. We hypothesized that the vegetative form of C. difficile, which is killed by acid, could contribute to disease pathogenesis if it survives in room air and in gastric contents with elevated pH. We compared the numbers of C. difficile spores and vegetative cells in stools of patients prior to and during the treatment of CDAD. We assessed the survival of vegetative cells on moist or dry surfaces in room air versus anaerobic conditions and in human gastric contents, in pH-adjusted gastric contents, and in gastric contents from individuals receiving PPI therapy. Stool samples obtained from patients prior to the initiation of antibiotic treatment for C. difficile contained ∼10-fold more vegetative cells than spores. On dry surfaces, vegetative C. difficile cells died rapidly, whereas they remained viable for up to 6 h on moist surfaces in room air. Vegetative C. difficile cells had only marginal survival in gastric contents at low pH; adjustment to a pH of >5 resulted in survival similar to that in the phosphate-buffered saline control. The survival of vegetative C. difficile in gastric contents obtained from patients receiving PPIs was also increased at a pH of >5. The ability of the vegetative form of C. difficile to survive on moist surfaces and in gastric contents with an elevated pH suggests a potential mechanism by which PPI therapy could increase the risk of acquiring C. difficile.
Computed tomographic findings in the pituitary gland and brain of horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Background: Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common endocrinologic disorder of aged horses. Hypothesis/Objectives: Pituitary glands of PPID-affected horses are larger than those of aged horses without signs of PPID, and the size difference can be detected using computed tomography (CT) imaging. Animals: Eight horses with clinical signs of PPID and supportive endocrinologic test results and 3 aged control (PPID-negative) horses. Methods: Computed tomography examination of the brain and pituitary gland was performed twice in 10 of the 11 horses, approximately 6 months apart. Six PPID-affected horses were treated with pergolide for 6 months between CT scans. The second CT scan was followed by euthanasia and pathologic examination of 6 PPID-affected horses (4 treated horses). Results: On initial examination, pituitary glands of PPID-affected horses were larger in height (P < .01) and width (P < .01) than controls, but the difference in length was not significant (P = .06). After 6 months of pergolide treatment of PPID-affected horses, pituitary gland length increased (P < .05), but height and width were not different from pretreatment values. There was no difference between pituitary gland measurements made at the terminal CT scans and necropsy. Furthermore, pituitary gland volume calculated from the measurements was highly correlated to pituitary gland weight. Additional CT findings were bilaterally symmetrical mineralization in the thalamus and cholesterol granulomas adjacent to the lateral and fourth ventricles. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CT is a useful imaging modality to determine pituitary gland size of PPID-affected horses,and CT measurements are similar to gross pathologic measurements.
Brain injury impairs prostaglandin cerebrovasodilation.

ABSTRACT Previous studies have observed that ATP- and calcium-sensitive K+ (KATPnd Kca) channel function is impaired after fluid percussion brain injury (FPI). The present study was designed to cha...
Stability of Zr-Al alloys

The Zr-Al alloy system has one of the more complicated binary transition-metal aluminide phase diagrams: ten reported intermediate phases belonging to four different crystal systems. In order to understand the competition among different structures and concentrations, the heats of formation of a number of different possible structures were calculated using both all-electron and pseudopotential methods. The ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{5}{\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$ $(\mathrm{tI}32)$ and ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{5}{\mathrm{Al}}_{4}$ $(\mathrm{hP}18)$ phases are predicted to be high-temperature phases. The existence of the large number of observed phases is attributed to the fact that the heats of formation for ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$ for $x=0.25--0.75$ fall on a nearly straight line, suggesting that these phases should have narrow composition ranges. In addition, a simple procedure to modify and test the pseudopotentials is presented and shown to yield calculated metallic alloy properties in good agreement with the all-electron results.
Modified iterated simulated annealing algorithm for structural synthesis

Abstract A new hybrid simulated annealing method is presented for the optimization of structural systems subjected to dynamic loads. The optimization problem is formulated as a structural weight minimization, with time-varying constraints on floor displacements, velocities, accelerations, or floor drifts, and structural member combined stresses. In addition, time-invariant constraints on structural frequencies and member sizes that will satisfy the strong column–weak beam philosophy of the building codes can be imposed. The method uses elements of existing simulated annealing algorithms and introduces certain new procedures. Firstly, the search range is automatically reduced, by using the updated information of the current design, at each iteration. Secondly, the inner and outer iteration loops are implemented. Thirdly, sensitivity analysis of the time-varying global displacements is performed with respect to the design variables that are the structural member cross-sectional areas. The results of the sensitivity analysis identify which design variables must be modified to decrease the global displacements in the most effective manner. However, once the variables are identified from the sensitivity analysis, the new values of these variables are determined in a random manner. The possibility of attaining a global minimum is thus maintained. The method is suited for structural optimization problems with time-varying constraints because the annealing is a random search technique and can locate global rather than local minima.
Extreme Pathway Lengths and Reaction Participation in Genome-Scale Metabolic Networks

Extreme pathways are a unique and minimal set of vectors that completely characterize the steady-state capabilities of genome-scale metabolic networks. A framework is provided to mathematically characterize extreme pathway length and to study how individual reactions participate in the extreme pathway structure of a network. The length of an extreme pathway is the number of reactions that comprise it. Reaction participation is the percentage of extreme pathways that utilize a given reaction. These properties were computed for the production of individual amino acids and protein production in Helicobacter pylori and individual amino acid production in Haemophilus influenzae. Reaction participation classifies the reactions into groups that are always, sometimes, or never utilized for the production of a target product. The utilized reactions can be further grouped into correlated subsets of reactions, some of which are non-obvious, and which may, in turn, suggest regulatory structure. The length of the extreme pathways did not correlate with product yield or chemical complexity. The distributions of extreme pathway lengths in H. pylori were also very different from those in H. influenzae, showing a distinct systemic difference between the two organisms, despite overall similar metabolic networks. Reaction participation and extreme pathway lengths thus serve to elucidate systemic biological features.
A fast geometric algorithm for finding the minimum distance between two convex hulls

The problem of computing the minimum distance between two convex hulls has applications to many areas including robotics, computer graphics, path planning, and data classification. In this paper, we propose and investigate a new algorithm (based on the MDM algorithm) for finding the minimum distance between two convex hulls. The new algorithm is simple to understand and easy to implement. The convergence of the algorithm is proved and the performance of the algorithm is compared with the state-of-art techniques. For randomly generated data sets, the new algorithm is more efficient than some of the best available algorithms and implementations, in particular when the number of points and the dimensions are large.
Adherence to treatment for tobacco dependence: Association with smoking abstinence and predictors of adherence

INTRODUCTION Detailed analysis of adherence to tobacco cessation medications and predictors of adherence is sparse in published literature. In this analysis, we assessed adherence to tobacco dependence treatment, association of adherence with abstinence, and predictors of adherence. METHODS We analyzed pooled results from 2 randomized controlled trials. Adult smokers (N = 2,045) who were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of treatment and took at least 1 dose of the assigned medication (varenicline [692], bupropion sustained release [669], or placebo [684]) were included. Treatment adherence was defined as any subject who took >or=1 dose of study drug for >or=80% days during the 12-week treatment period ("completers"). Smoking abstinence was assessed using carbon monoxide-confirmed 4-week continuous abstinence rate at end of treatment (Weeks 9-12). RESULTS Adherence rates for completers who received varenicline, bupropion, and placebo groups, respectively, were 99.3%, 98.8%, and 99.2%. There was a positive correlation between adherence to treatment and tobacco abstinence in all treatment groups. Treatment effect sizes (odds ratios) for active therapy compared with placebo were similar whether considering all subjects or only the completer subset. Age, cigarettes per day, and Week-2 abstinence were significant predictors of adherence for all treatment groups (all p < .05), with Week-2 abstinence the strongest predictor. DISCUSSION Adherence to pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation is highly correlated with improved tobacco abstinence. Early abstinence experience is a strong driver of adherence.
Steps toward Gaining Knowledge of World Music Pedagogy.

This article presents steps toward gaining knowledge of world music pedagogy for K-12 general music educators. The majority of the article details steps that invite engagement within everyday conte...
Chronic nicotine exposure produces lateralized, age-dependent dendritic remodeling in the rodent basolateral amygdala.

KEY WORDS dendrites; prefrontal cortex; infralimbic; adolescent; cerebral hemi-spheres; functional laterality; Sprague–Dawley rats; developmentABSTRACT This study investigated the dendritic morphology of neurons located inthe right and left basolateral amygdala (BLA) and infralimbic (IL) cortex followingchronic nicotine exposure during adolescence or adulthood. Sprague–Dawley rats wereadministered subcutaneous injections of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg; free base) or saline threetimes per week for 2 weeks (six total injections). The dose period began on either post-natal day (P) 32 (adolescent) or P61 (adult). Twenty days following the end of dosing,brains were processed for Golgi-Cox staining, and dendrites from principal neurons inthe BLA and pyramidal neurons in the IL were digitally reconstructed in three dimen-sions. Morphometric analysis revealed a contrasting pattern of BLA dendritic morphol-ogy between the adolescent and adult pretreatment groups. In the adult control group,basilar dendritic length did not differ with respect to hemisphere. Nicotine induced ro-bust hemispheric asymmetry by increasing dendritic length in the right hemisphereonly. In contrast, adolescent nicotine exposure did not produce signiﬁcant alteration ofbasilar dendritic morphology. There was, however, an indication that nicotine eliminateda naturally existing hemispheric asymmetry in the younger cohort. At both ages, nico-tine produced a reduction in complexity of the apical tree of principal neurons. Chronicnicotine did not affect the dendritic morphology of pyramidal neurons from the IL in ei-ther age group, indicating another dimension of anatomical speciﬁcity. Collectively, thesedata implicate the BLA as a target for lasting neuroplasticity associated with chronicnicotine exposure. Further, hemispheric differences in dendritic morphology were uncov-ered that depended on the age of nicotine exposure, a ﬁnding that underscores the im-portance of considering laterality when investigating neurodevelopmental effects of drugexposure. Synapse 64:754–764, 2010.