cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of estimates of basin-scale soil-moisture evapotranspiration and estimates of riparian groundwater evapotranspiration with implications for water budgets in the Verde Valley, Central Arizona, USA

Abstract Population growth in the Verde Valley in Arizona has led to efforts to better understand water availability in the watershed. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical factor in estimating groundwater recharge in the area and a substantial component of the groundwater budget. In this study, two estimates of soil-moisture ET and two estimates of groundwater ET in the Verde Valley are presented and discussed. Basin-scale soil-moisture potential ET (PET) estimates from the soil-water balance (SWB) and basin characteristics model (BCM) groundwater recharge models are compared. Separately, riparian groundwater ET estimated from a method that uses MODIS-EVI remote sensing data and geospatial information, and from the MODFLOW-EVT ET package as part of a regional groundwater-flow model that includes the study area, are also discussed. Somewhat higher PET rates from the SWB recharge model resulted in an average annual ET volume about 17% greater than for PET from the BCM recharge model. For groundwater ET estimates, annual ET volumes were about the same for upper-bound MODIS-EVI ET for perennial reaches of streams as for the MODFLOW ET estimates, with the small differences between the two methods having minimal impact on annual or longer groundwater budgets for the study area.
The spectral energy distributions, host galaxies and environments of variability-selected active galactic nuclei in GOODS-South

Variability selection has been proposed as a powerful tool for identifying both low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGN) and those with unusual spectral energy distributions. However, a systematic study of sources selected in such a way has been lacking. In this paper, we present the multiwavelength properties of the variability-selected AGN in GOODS-South. We demonstrate that variability selection indeed reliably identifies AGN, predominantly of low luminosity. We find contamination from stars as well as a very small sample of sources that show no sign of AGN activity, their number is consistent with the expected false positive rate. We also study the host galaxies and environments of the AGN in the sample. Disturbed host morphologies are relatively common. The host galaxies span a wide range in the level of ongoing star formation. However, massive starbursts are only present in the hosts of the most luminous AGN in the sample. There is no clear environmental preference for the AGN sample in general but we find that the most luminous AGN on average avoid dense regions while some low-luminosity AGN hosted by late-type galaxies are found near the centres of groups. AGN in our sample have closer nearest neighbours than the general galaxy population. We find no indications that major mergers are a dominant triggering process for the moderate- to low-luminosity AGN in this sample. The environments and host galaxy properties instead suggest secular processes, in particular tidal processes at first passage and minor mergers, as likely triggers for the objects studied. This study demonstrates the strength of variability selection for AGN and gives first hints at possibly triggering mechanisms for high-redshift low-luminosity AGN.
Screening for oral health literacy in an urban dental clinic.

Objective Studies show that the average person fails to understand and use health care related materials to their full potential. The goal of this study was to evaluate a health literacy instrument based on the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) that incorporates dental and medical terms into one 84-item Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine and Dentistry (REALM-D) measure and determine its association with patient characteristics of a culturally diverse dental clinic population.
A comparative study of relaxation based iterative deconvolution methods

Relaxation-based iterative deconvolution methods have become useful for restoring spectroscopic or chromatographic information that has become distorted by the measurement process. An evaluation is made of several of these techniques. Their RMS error performance, quantitative accuracy and repeatability, rate of convergence, and ability to work with noisy data are investigated. For a class of data that is amplitude-bounded and distorted by a Gaussian-shaped impulse response function, it is shown that P.A. Jansson's method (1984) provides the best overall performance. >
Quality management science in clinical chemistry: a dynamic framework for continuous improvement of quality

Current quality assurance approaches will not be adequate to satisfy the needs for quality in the next decade. Quality management science (QMS), as evolving in industry today, provides the dynamic framework necessary to provide continuous improvement of quality. QMS emphasizes the importance of defining quality goals based on the needs and expectations (implied needs) of customers. The laboratory can develop customer-friendly goals and measures of quality by recognizing that customers' experiences are represented by a totality of results. Quality goals and measures are best communicated as "total performance" by specifying a limit and percentile of the distribution, rather than a mean and standard deviation. Application of quality goals within the laboratory will usually require partitioning the total performance goal into components and translating those components into specifications to guide the operation and management of production processes. QMS also extends beyond technical processes to people processes and provides guidance for improving the quality of worklife and caring for the laboratory's most essential resource--our people.
Influence of provider discussion and specific recommendation on colorectal cancer screening uptake among U.S. adults

Abstract Objectives It is unclear if provider recommendations regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening modalities affect patient compliance. We evaluated provider–patient communications about CRC screening with and without a specific screening modality recommendation on patient compliance with screening guidelines. Methods We used the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) and identified 4283 respondents who were at least 50 years of age and answered questions about their communication with their care providers and CRC screening uptake. We defined being compliant with CRC screening as the use of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) within 1 year, sigmoidoscopy within 5 years, or colonoscopy within 10 years. We used survey weights in all analyses. Results CRC screening discussions occurred with 3320 (76.2%) respondents. Approximately 95% of these discussions were with physicians. Overall, 2793 (62.6%) respondents were current with CRC screening regardless of the screening modality. Discussion about screening (odds ratio (OR) = 8.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.20–10.84) and providers making a specific recommendation about screening modality rather than leaving it to the patient to decide (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.54–2.68) were associated with patient compliance with CRC screening guidelines. Conclusion Compliance with CRC screening guidelines is improved when providers discuss options and make specific screening test recommendations.
Sound Production and Spawning Behavior in Cyprinella lepida, the Edwards Plateau Shiner

Abstract Sound production and spawning behavior has not been described in Cyprinella lepida, the Edwards Plateau shiner, although described for other species in the genus. This study documented acoustic signals associated with agonistic and courtship interactions produced by male C. lepida during the breeding season. Females did not produce sounds. Signals were monophasic consisting of one type of call (pulses). All sounds were non-harmonic, low frequency, and often occurred in trains called bursts. Courtship behaviors were characterized by differences in duration and dominant frequency. The exact mechanism of sound production in this species is unknown.
Acute Ventilator Management and Weaning in Individuals with High Tetraplegia

The respiratory needs of patients with high tetraplegia require a unique approach to ventilator weaning that takes into account their anatomical and physiological conditions. A team approach that is centered on the patient is essential to anticipate and prevent pulmonary complications, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with spinal cord injury. At Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the Rehabilitation Trauma Center incorporates rehabilitation philosophies regarding ventilator weaning in an acute setting. This article describes patient characteristics and respiratory issues in patients with high tetraplegia, along with the techniques used to successfully wean these individuals.
Forskolin-stimulated platelet adenylyl cyclase activity is lower in persons with major depression

We investigated platelet adenylyl cyclase activity in 17 subjects with a history of major depression ("depressed subjects") and 20 controls. Forskolin was used to directly activate adenylyl cyclase, while guanine nucleotides (Gpp(NH)p) and fluoride ions were used to measure adenylyl cyclase activity modulated through the G proteins. Forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was significantly lower in the depressed subjects (p p
The reproductive system of Osedax (Annelida, Siboglinidae): ovary structure, sperm ultrastructure, and fertilization mode

Osedax is a genus of siboglinid annelids in which the females live on dead vertebrate bones on the seafloor. These females have a posterior end that lies within the bone and contains the ovarian tissue, as well as the “roots” involved with bone degradation and nutrition. The males are microscopic and live as “harems” in the lumen of the gelatinous tube that surrounds the female trunk, well away from the ovary. Females are known to spawn fertilized primary oocytes, suggesting internal fertilization. However, little is known about sperm transfer, sperm storage, or the location of fertilization, and the morphology of the female reproductive system has not been described and compared with the reproductive systems of other siboglinids. A 3D-reconstruction of the ovisac of Osedax showed ovarian tissue with multiple lobes and mature oocytes stored in a “uterus” before being released through the single oviduct. The oviduct emerges as a gonopore on the trunk and travels along the trunk to finally open to the seawater as a thin cylindrical tube among the crown of palps. Light and transmission electron microscopy of mature Osedax sperm revealed elongate heads consisting of a nucleus with helical grooves occupied by mitochondria. In contrast to other Siboglinidae, Osedax sperm are not packaged into spermatophores or spermatozeugmata, and Osedax females lack a discrete region for sperm storage. Transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy allowed detection of sperm associated with ovarian tissue of the female ovisac of four different Osedax species. This provides the first evidence for the site of internal fertilization in Osedax. A heart body was found in the circulatory system, as seen in other siboglinids and some other annelids. The possible presence of nephridia in the anterior ovisac region was also documented. These morphological features provide new insights for comparing the regionalization of Osedax females in relation to other siboglinids.
Operational approach to the phase of a quantum field

We examine the problem of determining the phase difference between two optical fields, first for classical and later for quantum fields, by reference to two simple measurement schemes that yield the sine and/or cosine of the phase difference between classical fields. We show that certain difficulties exist even within the framework of semiclassical radiation theory when the field is very weak, and particularly when amplitude and phase fluctuations are correlated. We find that a clear distinction has to be made between the measured values of the sine or cosine and the values that can be inferred from a series of repeated measurements. A corresponding distinction can be made also for a quantum field, although the interpretation is not the same. The dynamical variables chosen to represent the cosine and sine that emerge from the discussion of the measurement schemes commute when the sine and cosine are obtained together, but not when the measurement yields one or the other. These sine and cosine operators have well-defined values only when there is a large dispersion of the photon number. We arrive at expressions for the moments of the measured and of the inferred sines and cosines that differ from most previous treatments. The expressions are applied to optical fields in several different quantum states. Only for the Fock state and for the so-called phase state, which was treated recently at some length by Pegg and Barnett [Phys. Rev. A 39, 1665 (1989)], do the measured and the inferred moments coincide. Our analysis of the problem of phase measurement leads to the conclusion that the appropriate dynamical variables for the measured sine and cosine depend on the measurement scheme, and that different schemes correspond to different operators.
Lustration in poland and the former czechoslovakia: a study in decommunization

This article examines the process of decommunization in Poland and the former Czechoslovakia as it impacted opportunity for public services employment in elected or civil service offices. In each setting we describe the motivations expressed for and against lustration in the public service, explain the patterns of decommunization in each country and consider these events from legal, ethical and political points of view.
The Translation of History into Economics

In Economic Origins of Roman Christianity, as in their earlier works, Robert B. Ekelund, Jr., and Robert D. Tollison propose the forcing of history into the once-favored rational-agent template of economics, as an aid to a better understanding. Their terminology of choice amounts to translation, applied in a novel way. In the circle of Ekelund and Tollison, this approach has given rise in recent decades to an active social-scientific sub-specialty. Since, however, in translation much is lost, why resort to it as a tool of science?
Causative microorganisms in surgically treated pediatric hand infections

Purpose The causative organisms in many pediatric musculoskeletal infections are distinct from their adult counterparts. We investigated the organisms found in surgically treated hand infections in the pediatric population. Methods We reviewed the hospital charts and computer records of all patients who had surgical intervention for infections of the forearm, wrist, and hand from 1996 through 2002 at The Children's Hospital of Boston. Results Thirty-eight surgical procedures were performed on 31 children for 32 different upper-extremity infections. One patient was treated for 2 separate infections. In the 32 primary procedures 7 cultures grew mixed aerobic/anaerobic organisms, 19 grew aerobic organisms only, 6 grew no organisms, and 2 patients had no cultures. One culture from a secondary surgery was positive for Candida parapsilosis . Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 15 of the primary cases and was the primary organism in 12. Five of 7 mixed infections were associated with paronychia; 2 of the paronychial infections were complicated by flexor tenosynovitis. Chronic nail biting caused 2 infections and 1 was associated with thumb sucking. Conclusions In the adult population S aureus is the primary organism cultured in 50% to 80% of cases and anaerobic or mixed infection may occur in upward of 29% of patients. In this series S aureus was the primary organism in only 37%. Group A Streptococcus pyogenes was present in 20% of cases. The percentage of children with a mixed aerobic/anaerobic infection was similar to that found in adults; however, the presumed route of introduction was digital sucking/biting. Based on the number of anaerobic/mixed infections without predisposing factors we recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic regimen including anaerobic coverage as the initial antibiotic in the setting of pediatric hand infections.
Linguistic Synchrony in Parasocial Interaction

This investigation examines the linguistic behavior of audience members replying to the blog posts of television characters. Proponents of communication accommodation theory (Giles, 1973; Giles, Coupland, & Coupland, 1991) contend interactants accommodate the communicative behaviors of others they perceive as socially desirable. We argue similar behaviors should be observed in individuals engaging in parasocial interaction. Using the Language Inquiry and Word Count software (LIWC) (Pennebaker & Francis, 1999), we examine the language use of the TV characters as well as the audience members replying to their blog posts for linguistic synchrony and verbal immediacy by comparing language usage. The results suggest that audience members adapt language behaviors to TV characters and are more immediate when posting more often.
Aromatic Hydroxylation in Nasal Lavage Fluid Following Ambient Ozone Exposure

Abstract Ozone at ambient concentrations affects lung function and initiates an inflammatory response of the airways. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In vitro studies have shown that ozone reacts with water to give reactive hydroxyl radicals capable of oxidizing a wide range of biomolecules. We conducted a study to determine if in vivo hydroxyl radical attack on human airways occurs under natural exposure to ozone. The relation of ortho -tyrosine to para -tyrosine as a measure of hydroxyl radical attack was analyzed in nasal lavage samples of 44 primary school children in an epidemiologic study. Repeated nasal lavages were performed between May and October 1991 both following “low” (daily half-hour maximum μ g/m 3 , approximately 70 ppb) and “high” (daily half-hour maximum > 180 μ g/m 3 , approximately 90 ppb) ozone exposure. Concomitantly, lung function tests were performed. On average, 11.6 (6–16) nasal lavages were performed for each of 24 study days (10 days following “low” ozone exposure and 14 days following “high” ozone exposure). Average ortho -tyrosine (median; 5–95% percentile) for each child was 0.037 μ mol/L (0.016–0.064 μ mol/L) and average para -tyrosine was 15.7 μ mol/L (9.8–24.1 μ mol/L). Ortho -tyrosine (as percentage of tyrosine) was significantly higher following days with “high” ozone exposure (0.18%) vs. days following “low” ozone exposure (0.02%; p = .0001). Ortho -tyrosine showed an inverse relationship with forced vital capacity ( p = .01) but was not related to inflammation of the upper airways as assessed by cell counts of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Hydroxyl radical attack subsequent to ambient ozone occurs in the upper airways of healthy children and is related to lung function decrements. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.
Duty-Related Stressors and PTSD Symptoms in Suburban Police Officers

This study examined the effects of duty-related stress on police officers. Using a sample of 100 suburban police officers, an anonymous questionnaire requested demographic information and included a measure of duty-related stressors, SCL-90-R, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder scale of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, and a locus of control scale. Also assessed was whether Critical Incident Stress Debriefing was experienced. The results showed significant correlations between scores on duty-related stress, somatization, and symptoms of PTSD. 13% of the sample met the DSM-IV (1994) diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Results of the regression analysis showed the best predictors for the diagnosis of PTSD were associated with the factor of Exposure to Death and Life Threat, which corresponds to the DSM-IV AI criteria. Finally, 63% of the respondents stated that a critical incident debriefing would be beneficial following an extremely stressful event related to duty.
Dynamic models of interseismic deformation and stress transfer from plate motion to continental transform faults

thermal regime on “geologic” timescales (� 10 6 –10 7 years), as well as on timescales of the order of the earthquake recurrence (� 10 2 years). Strain localization in the viscoelastic medium results from thermomechanical coupling and power law dependence of strain rate on stress. For conditions corresponding to the San Andreas fault (SAF), the predicted width of the shear zone in the lower crust is � 3–5 km; this shear zone accommodates more than 50% of the far-field plate motion. Coupled thermomechanical models predict a single-layer lithosphere in case of “dry” composition of the lower crust and upper mantle, and a “jelly sandwich” lithosphere in case of “wet” composition. Deviatoric stress in the lithosphere in our models is relatively insensitive to the water content, the far-field loading rate, and the fault strength and is of the order of 10 2 MPa. Thermomechanical coupling gives rise to an inverse correlation between the fault slip rate and the ductile strength of the lithosphere. We show that our models are broadly consistent with geodetic and heat flow constrains from the SAF in Northern California. Models suggest that the regionally elevated heat flow around the SAF may be at least in part due to viscous dissipation in the ductile part of the lithosphere.
Venom regeneration in tarantula spiders—I. analysis of venom produced at different time intervals

Abstract 1. 1. Aphonopelma chalcodes and Dugesiella hentzi tarantulas were successively milked at different intervals and the venoms were analyzed quantitatively. 2. 2. Multiple successive milkings at defined intervals resulted in relatively constant venom yields. 3. 3. The amount of venom regenerated was relative to the time interval between successive milkings. 4. 4. Regeneration of the analyzed venom constituents was not completely uniform: proteins, free amino acids and toxicity reached more or less the same levels as fresh venom, but hyaluronidase was resynthe-sized at a considerably slower rate. 5. 5. Seasonal variations in the speed of venom regeneration were observed. 6. 6. The similarity of tarantula venom regeneration to those of snake venoms is discussed.
An inverse finite element minimization-based method for solution of multi-dimensional phase-change and material boundary shapes

An inverse finite element method for solution of unknown multidimensional phase-change and material boundary shapes is presented. The method is based on minimization and requires boundary shape parametrization. The unknown boundary parameters are determined by minimizing the error between a limited number of known (e.g. measured) temperatures and the temperatures associated with the iteratively altered boundary. The algorithm presented is based on the multidimensional downhill simplex minimization method. The inverse method is illustrated and verified using a model of the plasma arc welding process. In particular, it is shown that the technique is capable of accurately determining a specified weld pool capillary interface shape using a limited number of simulated thermocouple measurements. The code's ability to determine the interface shape is investigated under various interface-thermocouple separations, using varying numbers of simulated thermocouples.
ACETYL‐ AND BUTYRYLCHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY OF SELECTED BRAIN AREAS IN DEVELOPING RATS AFTER NEONATAL X‐IRRADIATION*

SUMMARY Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in sensori-motor cortex, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and brain stem were compared in normally developing Long-Evans rats and after neonatal whole-body exposure to 450 r X-radiation. Enzyme activities were measured on three postnatal days: day 10, when brain is still immature; day 24, when it has reached functional and morphological maturity; and day 64, after sexual maturation. In controls, acetylcholinesterase and butyrycholinesterase activities increased with age in all areas, especially between 10 and 24 days; e.g., in sensori-motor cortex acetylcholinesterase activity increased 60 per cent from 10 to 24 days and 12 per cent from 24 to 64 days. At all ages acetylcholinesterase activity was highest in the brain stern, followed in decreasing order by the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and sensori-motor cortex. Butyrylcholinesterase activity was higher in subcortical than in cortical areas. In neonatally irradiated rats, acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly decreased in the ontogenetically newer structures at 10, but not at 64, days; in the hypothalamus, it remained normal at 10 days but was significantly decreased at 24 and 64 days. Butyrylcholinesterase activity was significantly decreased in some areas 1 week after radiation but returned to normal at 24 days. Total esterase activity in whole blood was signtficantly decreased at 10 days in irradiated rats but returned to control levels by the end of the experiment. The greatest post-radiation decline in acetylcholinesterase activity (60 per cent below controls) did not result in spontaneous gross behaviour alterations, but may be related to disturbances in functional brain maturation evidenced by specific tests. If the role of acetycholine as a central neurotransmitter is accepted, these data suggest that radiation alters acetycholine/acetylcholinesterase ratios and thereby cholinergie synaptic transmission.
Nuclear Concentration of 3H-estradiol in Target Tissues. Dry-Mount Autoradiography of Vagina, Oviduct, Ovary, Testis, Mammary Tumor, Liver and Adrenal

Distribution of radioactivity in target and nontarget tissues has been studied by dry-mount high resolution autoradiography at different time intervals after the injection of 6,7-3H-estradiol-17β in intact immature and castrated mature rats. A nuclear concentration of 3H-estradiol appears to be characteristic for all target tissues studied, that is, in epithelial cells, connective tissue cells and muscle cells of the uterus, vagina and oviduct; in epithelial cells of the induced mammary tumors; in acidophiles, basophiles and chromophobes of the adenohypophysis; and in neurons concentrated in circumscribed areas of the brain. Radioactivity was also concentrated in nuclei of granulosa cells of the ovary and interstitial cells of the testis. In target cells the silver grain concentration over nuclei appeared random and without accumulation at nucleoli. A relatively small amount of radioactivity was also found in the cytoplasm. In nontarget tissues such as liver and adrenal, no nuclear concentration of radioa...
Surface stress of polydimethylsiloxane networks

For thin elastic films of crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the tensile modulus was found to be an increasing function of reciprocal thickness over the whole range of elongations. PDMS films between 0.052 and 0.018 mm were investigated. With decreasing film thickness, surface properties may be expected to increasingly contribute to the measured modulus. For small elongations, surface tension is expected to have no effect or to decrease the measured modulus compared with that of a bulk sample. If a surface layer with a modulus greater than that of the bulk modulus is assumed to exist, then the observed increase in modulus with decreasing film thickness can be explained.
Heavy metal concentrations in marine sediments impacted by a mine-tailings spill, Marinduque Island, Philippines

A mine-tailings spill occurred on the island of Marinduque, Philippines, on 24 March 1996. Originating from the Marcopper Mine, tailings sludge flowed down the Boac River abruptly and during subsequent storm events. Most of the tailings material has since accumulated in the nearshore environment along the western coast of the island. Nineteen sediment cores were collected from this site and analyzed for heavy metals. Elevated concentrations of Cu (706–3,080 ppm), Mn (445–1,060 ppm), Pb (43–56 ppm), and Zn (131–276 ppm) are present in the tailings. Two horizons of high metal concentrations in the marine sediment profile are interpreted to correspond to two distinct tailings input events. The lower horizon corresponds to the original 1996 spill, whereas the spike near the surface is thought to be a combination of input due to dredging of the river in 1997 and reworking of sediments. A previous history of contamination is also deduced from the metal profiles. The volume of tailings material released into the marine environment due to the spill is estimated to be 180,000 to 260,000 m3.
Differences in the Effects of the Great Recession on Health Outcomes among Minority Working-Age Adults

We examined the effects of the Great Recession (December 2007–June 2009) among vulnerable adults who may be at high risk of poor health and low access to health care. Our primary outcomes of interest were self-reported health status (fair/poor versus good/very good/excellent), and foregoing needed health care due to cost in the past 12 months. Racial and ethnic minorities, except Asians, experienced higher rates of poor/fair health and higher rates of forgone medical care than did White adults. Hispanic and AIAN adults experienced differential effects of the Great Recession, as compared to White adults. Understanding how vulnerable populations react in times of economic flux will enable policy makers to identify strategies/policies to lessen the burden experienced by vulnerable adults.
Energetic consequences of accommodating a bulkier ligand at the active site of medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase by creating a complementary enzyme site cavity.

The substitution of the CO by the CS group in 2-azaoctanoyl-CoA increases the volume of the ligand by 11 A3, and the excision of a methylene group from Glu-376, via Glu-376 → Asp (E376D) mutation in medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), creates a complementary cavity of 18 A3 dimension, just opposite to the ligand's carbonyl group. We investigated whether the newly created cavity would facilitate accommodation of the bulkier (CO → CS substituted) ligand within the active site of the enzyme. To ascertain this, we determined the binding affinity and kinetics of association and dissociation of 2-azaoctanoyl-CoA and the CO → CS substituted ligand, 2-azadithiooctanoyl-CoA, involving the wild-type and Glu-376 → Asp mutant enzymes. The experimental data revealed that the binding of 2-azadithiooctanoyl-CoA to the wild-type enzyme was energetically unfavorable as compared to 2-azaoctanoyl-CoA. However, such an energetic constraint was alleviated for the binding of the former ligand to the E376D mutant enzyme...
TOXICITY OF FORMALIN, MALACHITE GREEN, AND POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE TO THE GLASS EEL STAGE OF AMERICAN EEL1

The toxicity of formalin, malachite green, and potassium permanganate to the glass eel stage of American eel, Anguilla rostrata, was determined in glass jars containing three liters of aerated well water at 21 C for a period of 96 hours. Exposure to concentrations of formalin up to 50 ppm for 96 hours and up to 500 ppm for 1 hour produced less than 50% mortality in 96 hours, and 96-hour LC50 could not be determined. The 96-hour LC50 for malachite green was 0.25 ppm with a 95% confidence interval of 0.20-0.29 ppm. The 24-hour LC50 for potassium permanganate was 3.29 ppm with a 95% confidence interval of 2.11-3.62 ppm. After 24 hours, mortality in potassium permanganate increased so greatly from 30% in 3 ppm to 100% in 4 and 5 ppm that the LC50 could not be determined. All chemicals tested appeared to be safe to apply to glass eels at concentrations commonly used to control parasites on cultured fishes.
1012 TRANSIENT HYPERAMMONEMIA IN TERM AND PRETERM INFANTS

We observed within 6 months 4 infants with severe hyperammonemia, only one of whom has a proven enzyme defect. Of the remaining 3, all appeared normal at birth with Apgars >8. All had blood NH3 >2000 μg/dl, severe neurologic impairment, seizures, and complete apnea. All were treated vigorously with peritoneal dialysis, protein restriction, and high glucose infusion. Case 1 was a 3110 gm male who required ventilatory assistance at age 4 h for respiratory distress. Initial NH3 was 3000 μg/dl at age 30 h. The patient died of respiratory distress at age 8 d with a falling blood NH3. Biochemical studies revealed no evidence of urea cycle defect or organic acid disorder. Case 2 was a 2950 gm female who fed poorly, had irregular breathing, and was found to have a blood NH3 of 2700 μg/dl at age 44 h. Blood NH3 was normal by age 6 d; she tolerated normal protein intake and appears developmentally normal at age 4 m. Case 3 was a 2100 gm female product of a 35 wk gestation. Ventilatory assistance for respiratory distress was needed at age 10 h and initial NH3 was 3000 μg/dl at age 30 h. Blood NH3 was normal by age 7 d. No inborn error was diagnosed, but the patient has not been challenged yet with normal protein intake. Case 2 and probably Case 1 represent severe transient hyperammonemia in term infants. Cases 1 and 3 were similar with early development of respiratory distress and ↑NH3 prior to feeding. We believe neonatal hyperammonemia is more common than is generally recognized.
Computer Literacy in the Elementary School: An Argument for Change from Within

AbstractThe present rapid accumulation of microcomputers in elementary schools raises questions of intelligent use and the importance of inservice training for teachers. Much thought needs to be given to how microcomputers are to be used in the classroom and to the task of developing computer literacy and competency in teachers. The United Nations International School has developed an inservice training program for its elementary teachers to promote wise implementation and to prepare a foundation for curriculum change to accommodate the new technology. The model was designed, implemented and evaluated within the school in order to address the particular problems of its faculty. Change from within is advocated as a viable method for implementing innovation in elementary education.
Finding Meaning in Life: The Interactive Effect of Viewing Work as a Calling and Economic Need

For nearly a century scholars and practitioners alike have been concerned with identifying the factors that predict meaning in life. Our paper contributes to these ongoing efforts by demonstrating ...
Optical studies on the surface-induced tilted layers in freestanding films of two no-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal compounds.

Null transmission ellipsometry has been employed to study the molecular arrangements in freestanding films of two no-layer-shrinkage liquid crystal homologous compounds above the bulk smectic $A$--smectic ${C}^{*}$ (Sm ${C}^{*}$) transition temperature. An unusual nonplanar-parallel or nonplanar-antiparallel-parallel transition has been observed in both compounds under a proper electric field. With the addition of one ${\mathrm{CH}}_{2}$ group, while the $\mathrm{Sm}{C}^{*}$ phase is more stable thermally, the magnitude of the critical field needed to induce a parallel-antiparallel transition decreases dramatically.
A Three-Dimensional In Vitro Tumor Platform for Modeling Therapeutic Irreversible Electroporation

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is emerging as a powerful tool for tumor ablation that utilizes pulsed electric fields to destabilize the plasma membrane of cancer cells past the point of recovery. The ablated region is dictated primarily by the electric field distribution in the tissue, which forms the basis of current treatment planning algorithms. To generate data for refinement of these algorithms, there is a need to develop a physiologically accurate and reproducible platform on which to study IRE in vitro. Here, IRE was performed on a 3D in vitro tumor model consisting of cancer cells cultured within dense collagen I hydrogels, which have been shown to acquire phenotypes and respond to therapeutic stimuli in a manner analogous to that observed in in vivo pathological systems. Electrical and thermal fluctuations were monitored during treatment, and this information was incorporated into a numerical model for predicting the electric field distribution in the tumors. When correlated with Live/Dead staining of the tumors, an electric field threshold for cell death (500 V/cm) comparable to values reported in vivo was generated. In addition, submillimeter resolution was observed at the boundary between the treated and untreated regions, which is characteristic of in vivo IRE. Overall, these results illustrate the advantages of using 3D cancer cell culture models to improve IRE-treatment planning and facilitate widespread clinical use of the technology.
Osteoporosis-associated Fracture and Diabetes

Osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus are chronic diseases with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence suggests that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased fracture risk. Fracture as a complication of diabetes must be considered when evaluating and treating patients with diabetes.
The flow of ideas and timing of evaluation as determinants of knowledge creation

There are different perspectives on the study of knowledge in organizations, developed in economics, sociology, anthropology and organization theory. Several authors followed Schumpeter’s idea that innovations are new combinations of existing knowledge and incremental learning. Kogut and Zander further developed this idea and defined knowledge as a portfolio of options, and emphasized the importance of combinative capacities in knowledge creation. In a similar vein, Garud and Nayyar developed a notion of the transformative capacitiy of a firm in analyzing technological innovations. This paper follows in this tradition by pointing at the effects of different organizational structures on the flow of ideas and on the possibility of combining proposals in organizations. Communication structures, span of control and timing of evaluation are shown, using computer simulations, to have a large impact on the degree to which commonalities and complementarities among ideas and proposals can be detected and on the eventual combination of ideas for knowledge creation. Implications for organizational design are discussed.
Multifunctional Hierarchical Nanocomposites: A Review

Nanocomposites; including nano-materials such as nano-particles, nanoclays, nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanosheets; are of significant importance in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Due to the nanometer size of these inclusions, their physicochemical characteristics differ significantly from those of micron size and bulk materials. The field of nanocomposites involves the study of multiphase materials where at least one of the constituent phases has one dimension less than 100 nm. This is the range where the phenomena associated with the atomic and molecular interaction strongly influence the macroscopic properties of materials. Since the building blocks of nanocomposites are at nanoscale, they have an enormous surface area with numerous interfaces between the two intermix phases. The special properties of the nanocomposite arise from the interaction of its phases at the interface and/or interphase regions. By contrast, in a conventional composite based on micrometer sized filler such as carbon fibers, the interfaces between the filler and matrix constitutes have a much smaller surface-to-volume fraction of the bulk materials, and hence influence the properties of the host structure to a much smaller extent. The optimum amount of nanomaterials in the nanocomposites depends on the filler size, shape, homogeneity of particles distribution, and the interfacial bonding properties between the fillers and matrix. The promise of nanocomposites lies in their multifunctionality, i.e., the possibility of realizing unique combination of properties unachievable with traditional materials. The challenges in reaching this promise are tremendous. They include control over the distribution in size and dispersion of the nanosize constituents, and tailoring and understanding the role of interfaces between structurally or chemically dissimilar phases on bulk properties. While the properties of the matrix can be improved by the inclusions of nanomaterials, the properties of the fibers can also be improved by the growth of nanotubes on the fibers. The combination of the two will produce super-performing materials, not currently available. Since the improvement of fiber starts with carbon nanotube grown on micron-size fibers (and matrix with a nanomaterial) to give the macro-composite, this process is a bottom-up “hierarchical” advanced manufacturing process, and since the resulting nanocomposites will have “multifunctionality” with improve properties in various functional areas such as chemical and fire resistance, damping, stiffness, strength, fracture toughness, EMI shielding, and electrical and thermal conductivity, the resulting nanocomposites are in fact “multifunctional hierarchical nanocomposites.” In this paper, the current state of knowledge in processing, performance, and characterization of these materials are addressed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Curcumin-primed exosomes mitigate endothelial cell dysfunction during hyperhomocysteinemia.

Abstract Aim Exosomes, the nano-units ( Main methods Homocysteine is a well-known causative factor of BBB disruption; therefore, homocysteine-treated ECs were used as a model of BBB disruption and curcumin-primed exosomes were utilized to check their potential for mitigating EC disruption. MBECs were treated with curcumin and exosomes were isolated by using ultracentrifugation and immunoprecipitation. Expression levels of junction proteins were detected by Western blot and immunocytochemistry assays. Endothelial cell permeability was analyzed with Fluorescein isothiocyanate-Bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) leakage assay using transwell permeable supports. Key findings Exosomes derived from curcumin-treated (primed) cells (CUR-EXO) alleviated oxidative stress, tight junctions (ZO-1, claudin-5, occludin), adherent junction (VE-cadherin) proteins and EC layer permeability induced during EC damage due to high homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia). Significance In conclusion, the study potentiates the use of CUR-EXO for cerebral diseases where drug delivery is still a challenge. The results also pave the way to novel translational therapies for cerebral diseases by maintaining and establishing therapeutic conservatories via primed exosomes.
Amino Acids as Gustatory Stimuli in the Rat

Neural activity in intact chorda tympani nerve of rats was studied with an electronic summator. Neural activity increased when amino acid solutions 0.01 M or above passed over the tongue. Response magnitude, at concentrations close to solubility limits for the amino acids tested, was: DL-methionine < DL-tryptophan < DL-valine < DL-alanine < glycine < 0.1 M NaCl. Maximum response magnitudes to 1 M D-, and 1.2 M DL-alanine, and 1.5 M glycine developed in 1 to 3 minutes. Following such stimulation, a 63 per cent reduction in response to 0.1 M NaCl occurred 60 minutes after the first stimulation (medians). The depression was still present 20 hours later. Responses to glycine and alanine were not depressed. Amino acids vs. water preferences were investigated. With ascending concentration sequences, rats selected low concentration DL- and L-alanine and glycine; accepted D-, L-, and DL-tryptophan and low concentration DL-methionine; and rejected high concentration glycine, DL-alanine, and DL-methionine. Descending sequences showed depressed and delayed selection of glycine and DL-alanine, and DL-methionine and D- and L-tryptophan rejection. Both groups rejected DL-valine. It is concluded that glycine and alanine receptor effects differ from those of NaCl, but that all three compounds may affect a common receptor site. Prior exposure to amino acids may modify subsequent neural and/or behavioral responses.
Comparison of operative and non-operative outcomes based on surgical selection criteria for patients with Chiari I malformations.

Few studies have directly compared operative and non-operative outcomes in Chiari I patients. We evaluated risk factors for clinical improvement in 177 patients in order to help determine the optimal treatment of these often difficult to treat patients. The mean age at surgery for the operative treatment group was 29.9 years. The most common presenting signs and symptoms included cough headache (63.0%), migraine and non-cough type headaches (23.9%), paresthesias (32.1%), and abnormal reflexes or clonus (27.5%). The mean age of diagnosis for the non-operative treatment group was 30.2 years. The most common presenting signs or symptoms included migraine and other types of non-cough-associated headache (57.4%), paresthesias (45.6%), cough headache (44.1%), cerebellar signs or symptoms (41.2%), and dysphagia or apnea (15.7%). A propensity score was generated using cough headache, any headache, other headache, syrinx, abnormal reflexes or clonus, cerebellar symptoms, and miscellaneous symptoms as independent predictors of selection for surgery. The propensity score-adjusted odds of overall improvement for patients treated with surgery were 16.5 times the odds of overall improvement for patients treated conservatively (95% confidence interval 5.5–57.1, p < 0.0001). Overall 94.5% and 47.1% of operative and conservatively treated patients reported improvement, respectively. Only 26.5% of conservatively treated patients reported worsening of any of their symptoms. In conclusion, we provided further evidence for the use of cough headache as surgical indication for suboccipital decompression in patients with Chiari I malformation.
Energetics of X-ray-amorphous zirconia and the role of surface energy in its formation

Abstract X-ray-amorphous zirconia was synthesized by a low temperature process. The difference in the energetics of monoclinic and amorphous zirconia was calculated based on drop solution calorimetry of amorphous and monoclinic zirconia in lead borate (2PbO·B2O3) at 1073 K. X-ray-amorphous zirconia is about 58 kJ/mol less stable in enthalpy than the monoclinic phase. Amorphous zirconia heated to 573 K shows crystalline nanoparticles (cubic or tetragonal) of 3.8 nm average diameter. Formation of amorphous zirconia at low temperatures can be explained by its surface energy stabilization relative to monoclinic zirconia, with a difference Δσ∼1.19±0.08 J / m 2 .
Confidence intervals in generalized method of moments models

We consider the construction of confidence intervals for parameters characterized by moment restrictions. In the standard approach to generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation, confidence intervals are based on the normal approximation to the sampling distribution of the parameters. There is often considerable disagreement between the nominal and actual coverage rates of these intervals, especially in cases with a large degree of overidentification. We consider alternative confidence intervals based on empirical likelihood methods which exploit the normal approximation to the Lagrange multipliers calculated as a byproduct in empirical likelihood estimation. In large samples such confidence intervals are identical to the standard GMM ones, but in finite samples their properties can be substantially different. In some of the examples we consider, the proposed confidence intervals have coverage rates much closer to the nominal coverage rates than the corresponding GMM intervals.