cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Weary Old Warrior: An Arts-Based Case Study in Palliative Care

This narrative describes how an art image can elicit conversation with hospice patients about their spiritual needs. It describes one conversation between the researcher (in the role of a spiritual care provider) and a hospice patient that demonstrates how an art image can serve as a metaphor, a bridge linking inner and outer worlds, and a stimulus to help those at the end of life identify and integrate aspects of self that might otherwise remain unexpressed and unresolved. One goal for spiritual care providers is to be open to painful expressions of regret and longing.
Is horizontal curvature a significant factor of safety in rural multilane highways

The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) crash prediction models estimate the expected number of crashes for different facility types. Models in Part C of the first edition of the HSM include crash prediction models for divided and undivided rural multilane highway segments. Each of the HSM crash prediction models for highway segments is composed of a safety performance function (SPF) that is a function of annual average daily traffic and segment length plus a series of crash modification factors (CMFs). The SPF estimates the number of crashes for a site if the site features are of base condition. The effects of other features of the site, if their values are different from the base condition, are carried out through use of CMFs. Existing models for rural multilane segments do not have any CMFs for horizontal curvature. The goal of this research was to investigate whether horizontal alignment has any significant effect on crashes on these types of facilities and if so, to develop a CMF for this feature. Washington State cross-sectional data from the Highway Safety Information System Laboratory were used in this research. Data from 2007 to 2009 were used to conduct the investigation and 2010 and 2011 data were used to validate the results. As the results showed, horizontal curvature has a significant safety effect on rural multilane highways, and using a CMF for horizontal curvature improves the prediction of crashes significantly for tangent and curve segments.
1 – Mathematical Preliminaries

This chapter provides a background for the formulation part of the study. Similar to other field theories, such as fluid mechanics, heat conduction, and electromagnetics, the study and application of elasticity theory requires the knowledge of several areas of applied mathematics. The theory is formulated in terms of a variety of variables including scalar, vector, and tensor fields, and this calls for the use of tensor notation along with tensor algebra and calculus. Through the use of principles from continuum mechanics, the theory is developed as a system of partial differential field equations, which are to be solved in a region of space coinciding with the body under study. Solution techniques used on these field equations commonly employ Fourier methods, variational techniques, integral transforms, complex variables, potential theory, finite differences, and finite and boundary elements. Therefore, to develop proper formulation methods and solution techniques for elasticity problems, it is necessary to have an appropriate mathematical background.
Comparison of pH-stat and alpha-stat cardiopulmonary bypass on cerebral oxygenation and blood flow in relation to hypothermic circulatory arrest in piglets.

Background Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is used in neonatal cardiac surgery. Recent work has suggested improved neurologic recovery after deep hypothermic arrest with pH-stat cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) compared with alpha-stat CPB. This study examined cortical oxygen saturation (ScO(2)), cortical blood flow (CBF), and cortical physiologic recovery in relation to deep hypothermic arrest with alpha-stat or pH-stat CPB. Methods Sixteen piglets were cooled with pH-stat or alpha-stat CPB to 19 [degree sign]C (cortex) and subjected to 60 min of circulatory arrest, followed by CPB reperfusion and rewarming and separation from CPB. Near infrared spectroscopy and laser Doppler flowmetry were used to monitor ScO(2) and CBF. Cortical physiologic recovery was assessed 2 h after the piglets were separated from CPB by cortical adenosine triphosphate concentrations, cortical water content, CBF, and ScO(2). Results During CPB cooling, ScO(2) increased more with pH-stat than with alpha-stat bypass (123 +/- 33% vs. 80 +/- 25%); superficial and deep CBF were also greater with pH-stat than with alpha-stat bypass (22 +/- 25% vs. -56 +/- 22%, 3 +/- 19% vs. -29 +/- 28%). During arrest, ScO(2) half-life was greater with pH-stat than with alpha-stat bypass (10 +/- 2 min vs. 7 +/- 2 min), and cortical oxygen consumption lasted longer with pH-stat than with alpha-stat bypass (36 +/- 8 min vs. 25 +/- 8 min). During CPB reperfusion, superficial and deep CBF were less with alpha-stat than with pH-stat bypass (-40 +/- 22% vs. 10 +/- 39%, -38 +/- 28% vs. 5 +/- 28%). After CPB, deep cortical adenosine triphosphate and CBF were less with alpha-stat than with pH-stat bypass (11 +/- 6 pmole/mg vs. 17 +/- 8 pmole/mg, -24 +/- 16% vs. 16 +/- 32%); cortical water content was greater with alpha-stat than with pH-stat bypass (superficial: 82.4 +/- 0.3% vs. 81.8 +/- 1%, deep: 79.1 +/- 2% vs. 78 +/- 1.6%). Conclusions Cortical deoxygenation during hypothermic arrest was slower after pH-stat CPB. pH-stat bypass increased the prearrest ScO(2) and arrest ScO(2) half-life, to increase the cortical oxygen supply and slow cortical oxygen consumption. Improved cortical physiologic recovery after hypothermic arrest was suggested with pH-stat management.
Impact of Providers’ Cultural Competence on Clients’ Satisfaction and Hopefulness in Rural Family Services: A Pilot Study

Cultural competence has been discussed in professional disciplines. However, previous studies focused on ethnic sensitivity in practice, and limited work has addressed the cultural competence of rural social work practitioners. This study examined relationships between families’ perception of cultural competence, therapeutic alliance, and practice outcomes in rural practice settings. Forty-five youth and their parents receiving intensive in-home family preservation services at Integrated Services of Appalachian Ohio completed a questionnaire regarding their provider’s cultural competence in rural settings, and their therapeutic alliance, hopefulness, and satisfaction with services. Families rated their provider as culturally competent in rural practice settings; and provider competence in rural culture was positively associated with practice outcomes – satisfaction and hopefulness. Suggestions for enhancing social work practitioner’s cultural competence in rural settings are provided.
UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION AND AGING By Jake Harwood

This book is meant for new students of gerontology. As a text, it is engaging. As a book, it is hard to put down. Divided into four main sections, Understanding Communication and Aging begins with ...
Global Implications of the Middle Eastern Environment

Through a discussion of the burgeoning literature related to environmental topics in the Middle East, this article explains what both environmental historians and historians of the Middle East stand to gain from a consideration of Middle East environmental history. After an examination of the limitations and possibilities of the available source base, the article addresses three main areas of research: climate, energy, and disease. It is meant to serve as an introduction to a new field and to suggest some possible avenues for future research.
An evaluation of the Accelerated Reader program in grades 3–5 on reading vocabulary, comprehension, and attitude in an urban southeastern school district in Virginia

The purpose of this study was to study recreational reading in third, fourth, and fifth grade urban students in a school district in Southeastern Virginia. The widely-used Accelerated Reader (AR) was the tool examined in the promotion of recreational reading. The major research questions determined if recreational reading, using Accelerated Reader, influenced reading vocabulary, comprehension, and attitude when socioeconomic status was low. Using the pre experimental design, seven Title I schools in urban Southeastern Virginia participated in pre-testing in September/October 1998 and post-testing in May/June 1999. Two independent variables, each with three levels, were manipulated: Type of AR Usage i.e. low (0-20 points), average (21-74 points), high (75 and above points) and Grade Level i.e. three, four, and five. Dependent variables reading vocabulary and comprehension were measured using the Gates-MacGinitie Tests of Reading, Form L on 755 students. The dependent variable attitude was measured on 515 students who completed The Elementary Reading Attitude Scale (ERAS). Results indicated: (1) the percentage of students testing below grade level for reading vocabulary and comprehension significantly decreased; (2) significant differences existed for type of AR usage and grade level effect; (3) as participation in the AR program increased, the mean score differences also increased; (4) attitude data revealed that only "type of AR usage" was significant; and (5) 51.8% of the sample earned low AR usage status, and below-grade-level readers comprised 33% of this group. Findings suggest that recreational reading, using AR, increases reading vocabulary, comprehension, and attitude, providing it is utilized as intended. (Contains 94 references and 8 tables of data. Appendixes contain data, a list of SAS commands, and general linear models procedures.) (RS) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. AN EVALUATION OF THE ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM IN GRADES 3 5 ON READING VOCABULARY, COMPREHENSION, AND ATTITUDE IN AN URBAN SOUTHEASTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT IN VIRGINIA
Behavioral Syndromes Break Down in Urban Song Sparrow Populations

Animals in urban habitats face a number of unique stresses, including the necessity of dealing with high levels of human activity. Growing research suggests that: (1) inherent traits, as opposed to learned behavior, influence which species invade urban habitats, and (2) individuals exhibit behavioral syndromes that limit behavioral flexibility. As a result, perhaps only animals with inherently bold personalities successfully settle in areas of high human activity, and such animals may also exhibit correlated variation in other behavioral traits, such as territorial aggression. In this study, we examine boldness and aggression in several urban and rural populations of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). We found that urban birds were both bolder toward humans and also showed higher levels of aggression. We found a correlation between boldness and aggression in all populations combined, but no correlation within urban populations. Our results agree with other recent studies of song sparrow behavior, suggesting that greater boldness and aggression are general features of urban song sparrow populations, and a lack of a correlation between boldness and aggression in urban habitats is a general phenomenon as well. Urban habitats may select for bold and aggressive birds, and yet the traits can vary independently. These results add to a small number of studies which find that behavioral syndromes break down in potentially high quality habitats.
Effects of pretreatment conditions and post–pretreatment washing on ethanol production from dilute acid pretreated rice straw

Rice straw pretreatment was examined in a full factorial study at temperatures of 120 °C and 160 °C and 0% and 1% [H2SO4]. Pretreatment efficacy was assessed by measuring hydrolysate composition and reducing sugar yield after enzymatic hydrolysis. Pretreatment with 1% [H2SO4] and 160 °C yielded the highest amount of reducing sugar, 259 mg g−1 [dry matter], during enzymatic hydrolysis corresponding to 57% glucose conversion based on cellulose content of the pretreated solid. Under this pretreatment condition hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural were 0.19 and 0.68 g l−1, respectively. Rice straw pretreated with 1% [H2SO4] at 160 °C was subjected to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using either Saccharomyces cerevisiae D5A or recombinant Escherichia coli KO11. Solid and hydrolysate separation and washing techniques were evaluated for their effect on ethanol production during SSF. Pretreated rice straw without liquid–solid separation or washing had the highest 7-d ethanol yield of 0.2 g [ethanol] g−1 [dry substrate] for E. coli KO11. This finding has economic implications on the processing of rice straw to bioethanol.
The extraction of a minimum set of semantic primitives from a monolingual dictionary is NP-complete

Within the last 15 years, a variety of unsolved problems of interest primarily to operations researchers, computer scientists, and mathematicians have been demonstrated to be equivalent in the sense that a solution to any of them would yield a solution to all of them. This class of problems, known as NP-complete, contains many long-standing problems of scheduling, routing, and resource allocation. This note contains a demonstration that a problem of interest to applied linguistics also belongs to this class - namely, the process of extracting a minimum set of semantic primitives from a monolingual dictionary is NP-complete, implying that the task is currently computationally insoluble.
Regulatory initiatives and related activities in the United States

Prevention of chemical incidents is an important issue in the chemical petroleum industries. This issue is receiving focus and attention from a wide spectrum—Industry, Labor, Professional Associations, Environmental Groups Government and the Public. The purpose of this paper is to review the various regulatory initiatives and related activities regarding chemical process safety.
An Investigation of Bottleneck Position in a Multi‐Stage Job Shop

In this paper, the authors investigate the effects bottleneck machines have on the performance of a multi‐stage job shop. The operation performed by the bottleneck and its position in the product Bill of Materials is varied to determine the effects on system performance. It was found that the best place for the bottleneck machine to be located was at gateway operations located low in the Bill of Materials.
A self‐medicating applicator for control of ticks on deer

A self-medicating applicator for killing ticks on deer and domestic ungulates by passive transfer of acaricides during feeding is described. The applicator consists of a barrel divided into a food bin (above) and a sealed self-contained acaricide reservoir (below) with a vertical, centrally-located ceramic column that extends from the reservoir into the food bin. Acaricide is drawn up the column from the sealed reservoir by absorption. Animals attracted to the food in the device acquire the acaricide during feeding when they contact the uppermost portion of the column. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) readily utilize the applicator in penned and natural conditions. In a field study, examination of hunter-killed deer demonstrated that animals from a treated site were infested with many fewer Ixodes scapularis (3.4 +/- 1.1) than those from a control site (10.8 +/- 3.0). Chromatographic analysis of hair samples revealed traces of permethrin on three of the four animals examined, suggesting use of applicators by these deer. In a study using penned goats (Capra hircus) infested with Amblyomma americanum ticks, treatment efficacy reached 86.4% within 4 days of exposure to the applicators. Visual observations confirmed that all animals used the applicators. Gas chromatographic analysis of goat hair samples indicated that permethrin was detectable on all of the treated animals exposed to the device.
Influence of exogenous viral coat protein on the cotranslational disassembly of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles in vitro.

Free coat protein subunits (at 0.1-1.0 mg/ml) from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) preferentially inhibit the cotranslational disassembly of pH 8-washed virions in vitro. The inhibitory effect is greater than in incubations programmed with naked TMV RNA. Other proteins tested, e.g., bovine serum albumin, had little or no effect on the expression of either template in vitro. Recently it has been proposed that cross-protection between viruses in plants is mediated by the ability of coat protein subunits to inhibit the disassembly of closely related virus strains. If cotranslational disassembly occurs in vivo, then our observations might lend some support to this hypothesis.
Analysis of the space of search trees under the random insertion algorithm

Abstract The probability distribution of Sn, the space occupied by a search tree with branch factor m grown by the random insertion of n keys, is investigated. We sharpen the already known formula for the average of Sn and demonstrate that its variance experiences a surprising phase transition—from being asymptotically linear in n for 3 ≤ m ≤ 26, to being a superlinear function of n for m > 26. We also prove that Sn is asymptotically normal if m ≤ 15.
Endurance training effects on striatal D2 dopamine receptor binding and striatal dopamine metabolites in presenescent older rats.

Endurance training is associated with higher binding of 3H-spiperone to striatal D2 dopamine receptors of rats sacrificed 48 h following the last exercise bout (Gilliam et al. 1984). In the present study we investigated the effects of endurance training in presenescent older rats on the relationship between steady-state levels of DA and its metabolites in striatum versus the affinity and density of striatal D2 DA receptors. Citrate synthase activity of the gastrocnemius-plantaris muscle was 29.06±2.27 μmole/g wet wt in 21-month-old trained rats versus 22.88±1.13 μmole/g wet wt in 21-month-old untrained animals.
A retrospective review of liver transplant patients treated with sirolimus from a single center: an analysis of sirolimus-related complications.

Background Sirolimus (SRL) is a powerful immunosuppressant used primarily in calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-related nephrotoxicity. However, reports of drug-related side effects are increasing. The aim of our report is to review the frequency and timing of these complications within our transplant patient population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of liver-transplanted patients treated with sirolimus between November 1998 and April 2002. The data collected included SRL serum levels, frequency of reported and documented SRL-related side effects, and survival outcomes. Statistical evaluation included Pearson chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests. Results Overall, 205 patients were identified, with 30 patients removed from the analysis for different reasons. Of the remaining 175 patients, 91 (52%) patients developed a complication other than an increase in serum triglycerides and/or cholesterol. The most frequent complications were: bilateral lower extremity edema (57.1%), dermatitis (25.3%), oral ulcers (24.2%), joint pain (23.0%), pleural effusion (16.5%) and increase in abdominal girth (9.9%). Other complications included: generalized edema (5.5%), pericardial effusion (5.5%), facial edema (2.2%), and upper extremity edema (1.3%). In addition, we reported two cases of hepatic artery thrombosis, one case of wound dehiscence with evisceration that required surgical repair, and one case of skin cancer. Interestingly, we found that a previous history of myocardial ischemia correlates with the development of SRL side effects. Conclusions SRL is a powerful immunosuppressant but not devoid of side effects. These results have elevated our level of suspicion when instituting SRL and may help with early recognition and prevention of drug related complications.
Clarithromycin Therapy for Bacteremic Mycobacterium avium Complex Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Dose-Ranging Study in Patients with AIDS

OBJECTIVE To determine the antimicrobial activity and tolerability of clarithromycin for treating bacteremic Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study. SETTING Outpatient clinics. PATIENTS 154 patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and blood cultures positive for M. avium complex who had symptomatic disease. INTERVENTIONS Random assignment to clarithromycin at dosages of 500 mg, 1000 mg, or 2000 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Median number of colony-forming units of M. avium complex per milliliter of blood. RESULTS Clarithromycin decreased mycobacterial CFUs from 2.7 to 2.8 log 10/mL of blood at baseline to less than 0 log 10/mL during follow-up (P < 0.0001). After 2 weeks, patients receiving 500 mg twice daily were less likely to be culture negative than were patients receiving 1000 or 2000 mg twice daily (11% compared with 33% or 29%; P = 0.08). At 6 weeks, the median number of CFUs of M. avium complex/mL of blood was 0 or 1 for all three groups. Clarithromycin-resistant isolates of M. avium complex developed in 46% of patients at a median of 16 weeks. Median survival was longer in patients assigned to 500 mg twice daily (median, 249 days) than in patients assigned to 1000 mg or 2000 mg. Death in the first 12 weeks was lowest in the 500-mg group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Clarithromycin therapy acutely decreased M. avium complex bacteremia in patients with HIV infection by more than 99%. Clarithromycin, 500 mg twice daily, was well tolerated and associated with better survival. Emergence of clarithromycin-resistant organisms was an important problem.
Dissolving a partnership (un)fairly

In an incomplete information, common values setting with risk-neutral agents, we consider mechanisms for allocating the assets of a dissolving partnership where the mechanism designer has no information about the distribution of signals of the agents. We find that the divide and choose mechanism systematically favors the chooser and hence fails on the grounds of fairness. We also examine the fairness properties of the winning and losing bid auctions and show that they systematically favor winning (resp. losing) bidder in ex post allocation of surplus. Finally, we show that a binding arbitration mechanism implements fair allocations.
Immunology primer for neurosurgeons and neurologists part I: Basic principles of immunology

Our knowledge concerning the workings of the immune system has evolved considerably over the past 20 years, with great strides being made as regard to complex interactions and repertoire of effector reactions under a host of conditions. Many of our previous understandings have been challenged, especially concerning tumor immunology and autoimmunity. Also of critical importance is our understanding of how the immune system terminates its attacks and the mechanisms used to regulate the balance between proinflammatory and antiinflammatory mechanisms, so as to prevent excessive immune bystander damage. I will discuss in part I the basic physiology of innate immune function and the immune systems reactions to invasion by microorganisms.
CULTURE OF WAR, VIOLENCE, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY: AN ETHIC OF COMPROMISE?

The linking of sex and war is not new, rape has been used in war as an instrument to subjugate the enemy. But how do we account for the current sexual assault in the US military where warriors are turning in on themselves? Can the current conversations that seek to understand the issue as that of power and gender dynamics within patriarchal culture as proposed by some feminists adequately account for and address the challenges posed in the military culture? This paper enters into what is still ongoing conversations, and argues that the intensity and frequency as well as the numbers being reported coupled with the inability to stave it suggests that multiple layers of causality are involved. The horrors of modern warfare and its death dealing effects, not just on bodies but on psyches, may produce the psychological need of return to the body/life through the primal entrance to life— sex. In short while power dynamics are at play, to ignore the fact that it is also about “sex” and what that means, only partially addresses the problem. While this paper ultimately aims at a pastoral theological response to the situation and culminates in a proposal for caring for the victims and the perpetrators as well as the “soul of the nation,” it also demands a clarion call to formulate and articulate relevant public theology in political spaces.
Choice and control of international joint venture partners to improve corporate environmental performance

International joint ventures facilitate foreign direct investment in emerging economy markets. Research on their performance has typically focused on return-on-investment and profitability but non-financial measures such as environmental performance have gained importance, given the increasing recognition of sustainable development principles in society. This study is based on a survey of international joint ventures operating in the oil, gas and chemical sectors of the small emerging economy of Trinidad and Tobago. Of particular interest is how pre-formation partner selection and post-formation internal organizational control influence the international joint venture's overall corporate environmental responsibility. Findings suggest that liability of foreignness, degree of equity control by partners and control over leadership appointments are all statistically significant influences on corporate environmental responsibility. This study shows that choice of business partner is important, but how control is shared between partners also influences decision-making processes that ultimately impact environmental performance.
Dynamics of SU(2) lattice gauge theories

Abstract We study the dynamics of SU(2) lattice gaugee theories by concentrating on the underlying Z 2 structures of monopoles and vortices, adding a chemical potential for monopoles. The resulting abelian nature of these objects allows us to reliable computations for a wide range of couplings. In particular, by integrating over the non-abelian SO(3) degrees of freedom at strong coupling, an effective Z 2 theory emerges which at leading order is just the dual version of the Z 2 -Higgs model. The phase boundaries are predicted to a few percent, as verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Our approach provides a framework for explaining and comparing many of the recently discovered features of the theory, including the Creutz crossover and the SO(3) phase transition. Also, we speculate on the relevance of these ideas for confinement and precocious scaling.
Fixed Coefficients of Production Revisited

rT | HE EXISTENCE of fixed coefficients of production raises certain problems in marginal productivity theory, notably the demand for factors of production. In such instances it may be neither meaningful nor possible to discuss the returns to factors of production in terms of their respective marginal productivities.1 The present note discusses the reconcilement between marginal productivity theory and fixed coefficients of production proposed by Georgescu-Roegen [3] in 1935 and extends the analysis to include cases of imperfect competition. The similarity between this model and the treatment of costs in marketing theory is also discussed. It is convenient at first to review the definition of limitational and substitutable factors given by Georgescu-Roegen [3]. Given a production function q=F(a, b), we can consider two points Mi(ai, b) and Mj(aj, b) such that ai>aj. If Fi(ai, b)>Fj(aj, b), then the factor b is called substitutable. If, however, there are certain points for which Fi(ai, b)=Fj(aj, b), then the factor b is called limitational. In this case the production process is described by the system: q=f(a) =g(b). The above analysis can be extended to the case where a and b represent groups of factors rather than single factors of production. In the case where the groups must be used in a certain fixed proportion and assuming two substitutable factors in each group, we have the following system of production:
Investigation and Application of Nanoparticle Dispersions of Pigment Yellow 185 using Organic Solvents

Self-aggregation of organic pigment nanoparticles in organic solvent produces poor quality thin-film coatings. The nonuniformity of surface layers produced by dense aggregates within films of nanopigments can be detrimental for light transmission. Formulating dispersions composed of an organic pigment and an organic solvent with minimized aggregation must be achieved for use as precursors for high-performance optical thin-films. The goal of our investigation was to determine the influence of deaggregating dispersants with and without a surface-modifying synergist, as well as the influence of solvent polarity on the dispersion properties. The work was focused on establishing nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm in size, which is an area not broadly published for solvent-based systems. A working hypothesis of using an acid-functionalized synergist capable of establishing stable acid/base ionic-pair interactions was investigated. Our work demonstrated that a synergist that incorporates acid functional groups can...
A novel, sensitive method for determining benzo[a]pyrene-diones using high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column zinc reduction

Abstract A novel and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to analyze dione metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Because BaP-diones do not fluoresce, detection of low concentrations is difficult to achieve when analyzing these chemicals with a simple HPLC system. We developed a method to increase the detection sensitivities for BaP-diones using reduction by zinc after the chromatographic separation. A post-column zinc reducer was used to convert BaP-diones, in-line, to their corresponding fluorescent BaP-hydroquinones, which can be measured by fluorescence detection with high sensitivity. With 20-μL injections, the limits of detection for the BaP-diones tested (BaP-1,6-dione, BaP-3,6-dione, and BaP-6,12-dione) were all below 1.0 nM. In addition to the high detection sensitivity, this HPLC method provides a wide linear dynamic range for BaP-dione detection (1.0–220 nM). We also studied the extraction recovery of BaP-diones from recombinant human cytochrome P450 and epoxide hydrolase. To demonstrate the application of this method, the kinetics of BaP-dione formation was studied by incubating BaP with these recombinant enzymes. The present method enhances the detection sensitivity for BaP-diones by more than two orders of magnitude compared with traditional ultraviolet detection. Moreover, the method avoids the time-consuming derivatization or reduction steps required by other methods.
Application of Chitosan in Removing Algae by Dissolved Air Flotation

Using polyaluminium chloride (PAC) and chitosan as the main coagulant and coagulant-aid respectively, the high algae-laden water was treated by coagulation/flocculation/dissolved air flotation (C/F/DAF). When the doses of PAC and chitosan were both moderate (7.0~8.4 mg Al2O3/L of PAC and 0.6~1.0 mg/L of chitosan), the removal rates of turbidity, algae cells and TOC were all increased apparently compared with adding PAC alone. Especially, the residual aluminum concentration reduced significantly in treated water with the aid of chitosan. The structrue and strength of flocs formed by coagulation aid of chitosan were improved obviously, which proved that addition of chitosan could enhance the flocculation performance of PAC. So, in C/F/DAF process for removing algae, using chitosan as coagulant-aid can improve the flotation performance and reduce residual aluminum concentration in treated water.
Sorption of quaternary ammonium compounds to municipal sludge

Abstract The sorptive behavior of four quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) – hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (C 16 TMA), dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (C 12 TMA), hexadecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C 16 BDMA), and dodecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C 12 BDMA) – to municipal primary, waste activated, mesophilic digested, and thermophilic digested sludges was assessed at 22 °C. Batch adsorption of all four separately tested QACs to primary sludge reached equilibrium within 4 h. At a nominal, initial QAC concentration of 300 mg/L and a sludge volatile solids concentration of 1 g/L, the extent of adsorption was 13, 88, 67, and 89% for the C 12 TMA, C 16 TMA, C 12 BDMA, and C 16 BDMA, respectively, and correlated positively to the QAC hydrophobicity and negatively to their critical micelle concentration. Equilibrium partitioning data were described by the Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of the four sludges was very similar. In binary QAC mixtures, QACs with relatively high adsorption affinity and at relatively high aqueous concentrations decreased the adsorption of QACs with a low adsorption affinity. At pH 7, about 40% of the sludge-C 12 TMA desorbed, whereas less than 5% of the sludge-C 16 BDMA desorbed in 10 days. The effect of pH was negligible on the desorption extent of C 12 TMA at a pH range 4–10 over 10 days, whereas increasing the solution pH to 10 resulted in more than 50% desorption of C 16 BDMA. Given the fact that approximately 50% of the municipal biosolids are land-applied in the US, the data of this study would help in the assessment of the fate of QACs and their potential effect on human and environmental health.
A revisitation of the clemmensen reduction of diosgenin. characterization of byproducts and their use in the preparation of (25R)-26-hydroxysterols.

Abstract Four major byproducts of the Clemmensen reduction of diosgenin have been isolated and identified: (25R)-17 β-methyl-18-nor-17α-cholesta-5,13-diene-3 β,26-diol, dihydrodiosgenin, (22E,25R)-cholesta-5,22-diene-3 β,16β,26-triol, and its 22Z isomer. These byproducts were used to prepare deuterium- and tritium-labeled (25R)-26-hydroxycholesteroi ( 3 ) and Δ 22 analogs of 3 .
Flurothyl status epilepticus in developing rats: behavioral, electrographic histological and electrophysiological studies.

Status epilepticus and repeated seizures have age-dependent morphological and neurophysiological alterations in the hippocampus. In the present study, effects of flurothyl-induced status epilepticus were examined in awake and free moving immature (2 weeks old) and adult rats. Without exception, adult rats died of respiratory arrest before the onset of status epilepticus. We were unable to find a concentration of flurothyl that produced status epilepticus and a low mortality in adult rats. In contrast, immature rats survived flurothyl status epilepticus for up to 60 min with a very low mortality. In rat pups, behavioral manifestations correlated with electrographic seizures in both the cortex and hippocampus. Neuropathological damage (cell loss, pyknotic cells or gliosis) was not observed in the immature hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, substantia nigra or cortex at 24 h, 2 days or 2 weeks after status epilepticus. In addition, no aberrant mossy fiber reorganization or decrease in cells counts were observed in the hippocampus. Young rats did not show alterations in paired-pulse perforant path inhibition following flurothyl status epilepticus. The present findings are consistent with studies in other seizure models, indicating that immature rats are highly resistant to seizure-induced changes.
In)Direct Binding

. This paper provides a syntactic configuration for the licensing of donkey anaphors that is common to virtually all other cases of variable binding, viz. c-command. To achieve this, I am led to refine the notion of “adjunct”; in particular, the status of the if-clause in conditionals. I argue for the well-foundedness of such an attempt by establishing a detailed parallelism between donkey anaphors and parasitic gaps. It is shown that recent accounts of parasitic gaps in terms of sideward movement (Nunes 1995, 2001) can also capture the core properties of donkey anaphora. If correct, the arguments presented here strengthen the derivational approach to syntactic relations pursued in much recent work, and the recent attempts to capture rules of construal via movement operations (Hornstein 2000, Kayne 2002, Boeckx 2001).
Analogs of Tetrahydrofolic Acid XXXII: Hydrophobic Bonding to Dihydrofolic Reductase IV. Inhibition by p-Substituted Benzoic and Benzoyl-l-glutamic Acids

A series of p -substituted benzoic acids and benzoyl- l -glutamic acids were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of dihydrofolic reductase in order to gain information on the position of the hydrophobic bonding region of the enzyme with respect to the position of the substrate, dihydrofolate, when the latter is complexed to the enzyme. Hydrophobic bonding by the p -substituted benzoyl- l -glutamic acids was reached 4–8 atoms from the p -position, thus indicating that the hydrophobic bonding region was not between the pyrimidyl and p -aminobenzoyl moieties of the substrate, dihydrofolate; in contrast, hydrophobic bonding with p -substituted benzoic acids was reached 1–4 atoms from the p -position, thus indicating that the p -substituted benzoic acids were complexed in a different region of the enzyme than the p- substituted benzoyl- l -glutamic acids.
Compile-time program restructuring in multiprogrammed virtual memory systems

An evaluation is made of a way to reduce the cost of program restructuring by having a compiler determine the program's packing in virtual address space from an analysis of its source code. Two features of this method are the duplication of code modules in virtual address space and the inline substitution of the code for a called procedure. This compile-time restructuring algorithm is evaluated using the instruction-only address traces from a collection of programs. In a simulation of a virtual memory system using disks as secondary storage devices, the method is not successful, since it leads to a higher optimum space-time execution cost than that of the unrestructured program. The algorithm did reduce program space-time execution cost for some arbitrarily chosen memory allocations smaller than the optimum. This could be useful in a multiuser, multiprogrammed environment. >
The evolution of information systems: their impact on organizations and structures

Information systems and organization structures have been highly interconnected with each other. Over the years, information systems architectures as well as organization structures have evolved from centralized to more decentralized forms. This research looks at the evolution of both information systems and organization structures. In the process, it looks into the impact of computers on organizations, and examines the ways organization structures have changed, in association with changes in information system architectures. It also suggests logical linkages between information system architectures and their “fit” with certain organization structures and strategies. It concludes with some implications for emerging and future organizational forms, and provides a quick review of the effect of the Internet on small businesses traditionally using stand‐alone computers.
Urinary excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine in asthmatic children.

Abstract Urinary excretion rates of free epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured in children with chronic asthma: (1) during asymptomatic periods, (2) during the stress of asthmatic symptoms, and (3) in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Epinephrine excretion was significantly higher in asymptomatic asthmatic children than in normal children whose urines were collected at home under minimum stress. Urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion rates did not change significantly when children were symptomatic with asthma. Conversely, there was a seven- to tenfold increase in epinephrine excretion after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In conjunction with the mobilization of endogenous hormones (cortisol and epinephrine), children who were moderately symptomatic with asthma at the beginning of the insulin test had spontaneous relief of asthma. It was concluded that children with asthma are capable of responding normally to certain stresses, but during episodes of mild or moderately severe asthma they do not mobilize sufficient quantities of the endogenous hormones which might help to relieve symptoms.
Accessing Romani Women Study Participants: Collaborating with Their Gatekeepers and Other NGO Entrepreneurs

I recently spent twenty-two weeks in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, for the purpose of establishing a Romani women's empowerment program2. My objectives were to help invigorate Croatian Romani women's lives, and to bring their lived experiences into public view. Given the demanding nature of my research agenda and preferred ethnographic approach, I had relatively little time to achieve those objectives.
Effects of chronic dietary lithium on activity and regulation of (Na+,K+)-adenosine triphosphatase in rat brain

Abstract Chronic dietary administration of lithium appeared to reduce (Na + ,K + )-adenosine triphosphatase in rat brain by at least two mechanisms. Selective inhibition of the enzyme form with high affinity for ouabain occurred in hippocampus. Nonselective inhibition, manifested by decreased V max for activation by Na + . occurred in hippocampus, cortex and corpus striatum. There was no effect on Na + affinity. Because lithium administration decreased shock-elicited fighting behavior in the presence of moderate tissue lithium levels and in the absence of changes in weight or gross appearance or behavior, the effects on adenosine triphosphatase were pharmacologic rather than toxic.
Role of serotoninergic receptors in gonadotropin secretion in male rats.

Experimental data concerning the role of serotonin (5-HT) in the control of gonadotropins secretion remain controversial: different receptors subtypes should mediate the serotoninergic action. In the present work we analyzed in prepubertal and adult male rats the FSH and LH responses after administration of the following drugs: 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP), precursor of 5-HT synthesis, the 5-HT1 receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), the 5-HT2 receptor agonists α-methylserotonin maleate (α-CH3 -HT) and (±)-DOI hydrochloride (DOI), the 5-HT3 agonists, quipazine-N-methyldimaleate (QUIP), 2 methyl-serotonin maleate (2-CH3-HT), trimethylserotonin iodide (5-HTQ) and 1-phenylbiguanide (PHE). We found that: a) FSH secretion in adult males was stimulated by 5-HTP, inhibited by 5-HT2 agonists and unaffected by 5-HT3 agonists; b) LH secretion in adult males was stimulated by 5-HTP and α-CH3-HT, while DOI and 5-HT3 agonists were ineffective; c) in prepubertal males, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 agonists inhibited LH release. All these results taken together suggest that: (1) 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors are involved in the control of gonadotropin secretion; (2) FSH and LH secretion are differently modulated by agonists of 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors; (3) the 5-HT2 agonists α-CH3-HT and DOI elicit different responses; and (4) the responses obtained vary with animal age, since the inhibitory effect of 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 agonists on LH secretion was observed only in prepubertal males.
Changes in Protein Composition of Saliva from Radiation-induced Xerostomia Patients and Its Effect on Growth of Oral Streptococci

Clarified and dialyzed mixed saliva-water rinses, obtained from patients receiving radiation treatment of the major salivary glands, exhibited quantitative reductions in total protein content and qualitative changes in protein composition. Radiation or post-radiation saliva preparations supported enhanced growth of Streptococcus mutans, but reduced growth of Streptococcus sanguis relative to growth on pretreatment saliva.
Detection of structural changes upon oxidation in multinuclear Mn–oxo–carboxylate assemblies by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: relationship to photosystem II

Abstract The FT-IR difference spectra of isostructural multinuclear manganese carboxylate complexes which differ in manganese oxidation levels are described and compared against similar spectra which accompany the S-state transitions of the photosynthetic Mn. Analysis of the spectra indicate that a knowledge of the Mn oxidation states is essential for the proper assignment of the coordination mode of carboxylate ligands and that previous attempts to identify coordination modes of carboxylate ligands to the photosynthetic Mn are premature.
CD8(+)Foxp3(+) T cells in peripheral blood of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients

A defect of CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Besides Treg, CD8(+) T cells also can suppress the immune response. Forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) is known to program the acquisition of suppressive capacities in CD4(+) T cells and recent studies showed that in vitro antigen activation leads to Foxp3 expression in CD8(+) T cells, gaining of suppressive activity. By flow cytometry we found a lower percentage of circulating CD8(+)Foxp3(+) T cells in relapsing than in remitting patients with MS and in controls. No significant differences were observed in CD8(+)Foxp3(+) T cell percentage between healthy subjects and patients in remission. Our data suggest that peripheral CD8(+)Foxp3(+) T cells may play a role in the maintenance of tolerance in MS.
Science Literacy and Lifelong Learning in the Classroom: A Measure of Attitudes among University Students

ABSTRACT An important goal for educators, especially those in postsecondary education, is teaching students essential skills that will allow them to become lifelong learners. The Association of College and Research Libraries's Information Literacy Competency Standards for Science and Engineering/Technology address this issue in Standard Five. Library instructors who teach information literacy courses that focus on the natural sciences can use this standard to develop performance indicators and outcomes for their courses. This article reports on the results of a survey administered to the students in information literacy classes taught by the author. The survey examined students’ attitudes toward science literacy and lifelong learning as addressed in Standard Five.
Characterization of high explosives by observing growth to detonation

Abstract Growth to detonation was observed in EBW-initiated PETN, using optical fibers and high-speed detection and recording equipment. The distance-time profiles generated have been found to fit the empirical equation S = V C , exp − C(t − t 0 ) + V(t − t 0 ) − V C + S 0′ where S is distance, t is time, V, C, S0 and t0 are adjustable parameters which are descriptive of the profile. The integral of the accelerative portion of the distance-time curve was found to correlate with the EBW sensitivity of the samples.
Automated MALDI Matrix Coating System for Multiple Tissue Samples for Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Uniform matrix deposition on tissue samples for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is key for reproducible analyte ion signals. Current methods often result in nonhomogenous matrix deposition, and take time and effort to produce acceptable ion signals. Here we describe a fully-automated method for matrix deposition using an enclosed spray chamber and spray nozzle for matrix solution delivery. A commercial air-atomizing spray nozzle was modified and combined with solenoid controlled valves and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to control and deliver the matrix solution. A spray chamber was employed to contain the nozzle, sample, and atomized matrix solution stream, and to prevent any interference from outside conditions as well as allow complete control of the sample environment. A gravity cup was filled with MALDI matrix solutions, including DHB in chloroform/methanol (50:50) at concentrations up to 60 mg/mL. Various samples (including rat brain tissue sections) were prepared using two deposition methods (spray chamber, inkjet). A linear ion trap equipped with an intermediate-pressure MALDI source was used for analyses. Optical microscopic examination showed a uniform coating of matrix crystals across the sample. Overall, the mass spectral images gathered from tissues coated using the spray chamber system were of better quality and more reproducible than from tissue specimens prepared by the inkjet deposition method.