cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The wet oxidation of bone: Digestion with 100 per cent sulphuric acid followed by the addition of dioxonium perchlorate

Abstract Organic materials rich in fat, such as bone and bone marrow, introduce complications in wet ashing by previously described procedures. In the accompanying detailed procedure, 100% sulphuric acid and 73.60% perchloric acid serve as oxidants with vanadium as catalyst. Reagent preparation, apparatus design, and illustrative reactions are described.
A strain-rate dependent 3-D micromechanical model for finite element simulations of plain weave composite structures

Abstract A new 3-D constitutive model is developed for finite element simulations of plain weave composites (PWC) structures and implemented in the explicit finite element software DYNA3D. The aim of this work is to develop a material model for PWC which incorporates their significant deformation characteristics like strain rate sensitivity, progressive failure phenomena, and nonlinearity in shear and yet is computationally efficient. The constitutive relations are obtained using micromechanical analysis of a simple representative unit cell developed earlier in [1] to predict the mechanical properties of PWC. The matrix is modeled as a viscoplastic strain-rate dependent material, thereby incorporating strain-rate sensitivity in the composite model. Nonlinearity in shear is modeled using an explicit strain dependent relation for shear moduli of the constituents. A set of strain based failure criteria and corresponding stiffness degradations is used to model the progressive failure behavior. The constituents are checked for various modes of failure at each time step and if found to have failed, their moduli are reduced based on the mode. Only fiber breakage is assumed as ultimate failure of the composite. Initially, the yarns and the matrix are assumed to be transversely isotropic and isotropic materials respectively. They become orthotropic with the advent of initial failure. Experimental results available in the literature are used to verify the model’s predictions.
New Materials Technology For Improving The Efficiency Of Photovoltaic Solar Cells

Current materials technology provides methods for reducing solar cell panel temperatures aboard spacecraft by passive heat dissipation technicues. Technology is available for the replacement of conventional solar cell panel substrates with materials which combine the advantages of lighter weight, improved structural strength, and increased thermal conductivity. This study demonstrates how the application of such methods can significantly improve the photovoltaic efficiency of solar cell panels.
The Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems: Update on Current Issues Since the 1999 Consensus Development Conference

This review was prepared in advance of the Second Consensus Development Conference on the Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems that was held at Hotel Sofitel in Rosemont, Illinois, from Augu...
Effect of Undernutrition During the Perinatal Period on Caries Development in the Rat: III. Effects of Undernutrition on Biochemical Parameters in the Developing Submandibular Salivary Gland

Undernutrition imposed on rats during the suckling period led to diminished levels of the biologic compounds associated with protein biosynthetic pathways in the submandibular salivary gland. DNA, RNA, protein concentration, and total wet weight in undernourished rats did not return to control amounts after intubation with a supplement containing no protein. However, supplements of a solution containing 10% protein during early development completely restored control amounts.
A restaurant field experiment in charitable contributions

Abstract The issue of how to best elicit charitable contributions has long been an important one for charitable organizations. Some recent studies have examined different schemes for eliciting contributions for public radio and maximizing revenue for commercial purposes. Our study is a pure field experiment that was conducted in a restaurant. We varied the level of suggested contribution on the jar at the cashier to see if this had an effect on the revenue received; in one condition, did not make any suggestion. We do find differences in revenue depending on the suggested amount, showing that there is scope for strategy in choosing how to appeal to the potential donors. The amount requested does affect revenue, but it is not a monotonic relationship. We also find that not naming a suggested amount fares poorly in terms of generating revenue.
Open-lung biopsy guides therapy in children.

Abstract Background . Open-lung biopsy is uncommon in children. Modern indications and outcomes are unknown. Methods . This is a retrospective review of 64 open-lung biopsies (58 patients) from 1976 to 1996. Open-lung biopsies were used to grade vasculopathy in 8 patients (12% of 64) with pulmonary hypertension and in 10 patients (16% of 64) with combined pulmonary hypertension and lung parenchymal disease. Forty-six biopsies (72%) were obtained to diagnose parenchymal disease. Comparisons were made between biopsies performed from 1976 to 1989 and from 1990 to 1996. Results . In the period 1990 to 1996, there were significantly more infants ( p = 0.03), comorbid disease ( p = 0.009), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support ( p −4 ), and ventilator dependence ( p = 0.05) and significantly less immunocompromise ( p = 0.04). A definitive diagnosis was made in 43 of 64 cases (67%) and altered workup in 63 of 64 cases (98%). No correlation existed between Heath-Edwards grade of microangiopathy and catheterization data. Definitive diagnosis was most strongly associated with a nonimmunocompromised patient ( p −4 ). Although only one death (1.5%) was related to open-lung biopsy, the procedure was associated with a 30% inhospital mortality rate and an 11% morbidity rate. Of the 19 deaths, 1 patient died from the procedure, 13 died from their diseases, and 5 had support withdrawn. Death was associated with preoperative ventilator dependence ( p −4 ) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( p = 0.007). Conclusions . Pediatric open-lung biopsy commonly alters the diagnostic workup (98%). It is recommended for children who have been supported for 2 weeks by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and for those with combined pulmonary hypertension and parenchymal lung disease. It is less useful in immunocompromised children.
Chemistry as a function of the fine-structure constant and the electron-proton mass ratio

In standard computations in theoretical quantum chemistry the accepted values of the fundamental physical constants are assumed. Alternatively, the tools of computational quantum chemistry can be used to investigate hypothetical chemistry that would result from different values of these constants, given the same physical laws. In this work, the dependence of a variety of basic chemical quantities on the values of the fine-structure constant and the electron-proton mass ratio is explored. In chemistry, the accepted values of both constants may be considered small, in the sense that their increase must be substantial to seriously impact bond energies. It is found that if the fine-structure constant were larger, covalent bonds between light atoms would be weaker, and the dipole moment and hydrogen-bonding ability of water would be reduced. Conversely, an increase in the value of the electron-proton mass ratio increases dissociation energies in molecules such as ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and CO${}_{2}$. Specifically, a sevenfold increase in the fine-structure constant decreases the strength of the O--H bond in the water molecule by 7 kcal mol${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ while reducing its dipole moment by at least $10%$, whereas a 100-fold increase in the electron-proton mass ratio increases the same bond energy by 11 kcal mol${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Wortmannin Retards the Movement of the Mannose 6-Phosphate/Insulin-like Growth Factor II Receptor and Its Ligand out of Endosomes

The effect of wortmannin on the trafficking of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor) and its ligand β-glucuronidase has been determined in murine L cells and normal rat kidney cells. The drug induced a 90% decrease in the steady-state level of the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor at the plasma membrane without affecting the rate of internalization, indicating that the return of receptor from endosomes to the plasma membrane is retarded. Wortmannin also slowed the movement of receptor from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network by about 60%. Such a kinetic block would dramatically reduce the number of Man-6-P/IGF-II receptors in the trans-Golgi network, which could account for the previously described hypersecretion of procathepsin D induced by wortmannin. In addition, the drug slowed delivery of endocytosed β-glucuronidase from endosomes to dense lysosomes. These data, taken together with the published reports of others, indicate that wortmannin inhibits membrane trafficking out of multiple compartments of the endosomal system and suggest a role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in regulating these processes.
A perspective on the ecology of trematode communities in snails

This paper presents a perspective on the ecology of trematodes in snail hosts based on recent evidence. Because flukes use snails almost obligatorily as first intermediate hosts, we highlight the role of gastropods as keystone species for trematodes and their communities. After reviewing recent developments in the transmission of trematodes to and from snails, we discuss trematode communities within individual snails (infracommunities) and in snail populations (component communities). Results garnered using various protocols at the infracommunity level are reviewed. The few data available, all from marine systems, indicate that low colonization rates characterize infracommunities, suggesting that trematode infracommunities tend to be isolationist in character rather than interactive. The variety of trematode species present in a component community seems to be determined by spatial overlap of definitive hosts. Relative abundance of species in a component community shows little dependence on negative interspecific interactions at the level of the infracommunity. Temporal aspects of trematode communities are related to the life history of the host snail. The component communities of long-lived snails (mostly marine) integrate many infection episodes whereas shorter-lived snails (mostly freshwater) acquire new component communities each time host cohorts turnover.
Relation of pulse and systolic and mean blood pressure to severe renal artery stenosis in patients undergoing concurrent coronary and renal angiography.

Abrupt onset of renal ischemia is associated with increased blood pressure (BP), but it is unknown whether BP remains elevated in patients with chronic severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS). Patients undergoing coronary angiography who had concurrent renal angiography were divided into 3 groups: severe (stenosis ≥70% diameter reduction), moderate (10%–69%), and minimal RAS. Aortic BP was measured at the time of angiography. Renal angiography was performed in 762 (5.4%) of 14,181 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The mean age was 62 ± 12 years, 52% were women, 93% had hypertension, and 42% had diabetes mellitus. Minimal, moderate, or severe RAS was found in 62%, 30%, and 9% of patients. Patients with minimal RAS were younger, less likely to have hypercholesterolemia or coronary artery disease, and had a lower creatinine than patients with severe RAS. Severe RAS was associated with a lower diastolic BP and mean BP and a higher pulse pressure (PP), but there was no difference in systolic BP or the number of antihypertensive medications between the 3 groups. The degree of RAS had a weak positive correlation with PP, a weak negative correlation with diastolic BP, and almost no correlation with systolic BP or mean BP. In multivariate linear regression analysis, there was an association between severity of RAS and PP but not with mean BP or systolic BP. In conclusion, PP, but not systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean BP, or number of antihypertensive medications, was elevated in patients with severe RAS.
A study of grinding damage in magnesium oxide single crystals

The sub-surface and surface damage produced by alumina and diamond grinding wheels has been studied as a function of material removal rate. Sub-surface damage is characterised in all cases by a discrete, dense layer of dislocations adjacent to the machined surface. The depth of the layer increases with material removal rate. The nature of the surface damage depends on the mechanism of material removal. As long as the cutting points are unloaded and the residue can escape the material is removed in a brittle manner. This is always the case for the diamond wheel and occurs for low rates of material removal with the alumina wheel. When the cutting surface is loaded with residue, the tool-workpiece interface temperature becomes so high that the material is removed by plastic flow. The finished surface is burnished. Unfortunately as the burnished surface cools down thermal quenching produces a network of surface cracks.
High power optically pumped far infrared lasers

Abstract A review of operating principles and achieved characteristics of high power methyl fluoride lasers at λ = 496 μm is presented. In addition, a novel linear pumping scheme is described which allows direct amplification of radiation from a narrow bandwidth (
Principles for software environments

A large number of software development support environments have been developed during the last few years. Many more are being developed now. This paper presents some principles which should be followed in the development and evolution of such an environment. Stress is placed on the idea that an environment evolves and that the ultimate success or failure of the environment depends on its evolution more than on its initial appearance.
Use of liposomes as carriers for radiation synovectomy.

Abstract Using [ 99m Tc]pertechnetate as an aqueous space marker, the permeability of liposomes composed of seven different mixtures of distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and sphingomyelin (SM) was determined. Liposomes containing 20–33% SM were the least permeable in the presence of rheumatoid synovial fluid. Following injection of 99m Tc-containing liposomes into the knee joints of rabbits, retention of 99m Tc in the knee was more than 200 times greater than following injection of nonencapsulated [ 99m Tc]pertechnetate. The knee clearance biologic half time of 99m Te with DSPC/SM (4:1) liposomes was 64 h. Most of the activity that had leaked from the knee was not found in extra-articular tissues, suggesting rapid excretion. When DSPC/SM (4:1) liposomes were labeled with 111 In(oxine), a knee clearance biologic half time of greater than 1200 h was observed.
Attention to Issues in a System of Separated Powers: The Macrodynamics of American Policy Agendas

Theories of agenda setting ignore the macrodynamics of shifts in attention to policy issues in the American system of separated powers. Changes in attention to issues emerge from interactions between the three branches of government, as well as interactions between the government and the public. To map these complexities, we use vector autoregression methods to sort out the causal sequences and macrodynamics of issue attention over time between systemic and institutional agendas for three broad issue areas. The analyses reveal significant interactions among the institutional agendas and between the systemic and institutional agendas, but provide more support for a top-down pattern of issue attention than for the bottom-up pattern suggested by most past literature. Reductionist theories positing either a linear, unidirectional sequence of issue movement or randomness should be viewed cautiously in light of these findings, which point to the need for more holistic views of agenda setting.
Three-Color Passive-Matrix Pixels Using Dye-Diffusion-Patterned Tri-Layer Polymer-Based LED

Dry dye-printing and solvent-enhanced dye diffusion were used to locally dope a previously spin-coated poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) polymer film with different dyes to fabricate side-by-side RGB OLED pixels. To reduce reverse leakage current and raise efficiency, a blanket tris-8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq) electron transport layer (ETL) was deposited over the polymer layer after the dye diffusion step, along with a 2,9-dimethyl-4,7diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP) hole/exciton blocking layer between the Alq and the PVK to ensure all light emission occurred from the doped polymer and not from the Alq. Devices with this tri-layer structure have an extremely low reverse leakage current (rectification ratio of 10 6 at +/- 10V) and a higher external quantum efficiency (~1%) than single layer devices. A three-color passive-matrix test array with 300µm x 1mm RGB subpixels was demonstrated with this structure.
Watching a Synapse Grow: Noninvasive Confocal Imaging of Synaptic Growth in Drosophila

The glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in Drosophila adds new boutons and branches during larval development. We generated transgenic fruit flies that express a novel green fluorescent membrane protein at the postsynaptic specialization, allowing for repeated noninvasive confocal imaging of synapses in live, developing larvae. As synapses grow, existing synaptic boutons stretch apart and new boutons insert between them; in addition, new boutons are added at the ends of existing strings of boutons. Some boutons are added de novo, while others bud from existing boutons. New branches form as multiple boutons bud from existing boutons. Nascent boutons contain active zones, T bars, and synaptic vesicles; we observe no specialized growth structures. Some new boutons exhibit a lower level of Fasciclin II, suggesting that the levels of this synaptic cell adhesion molecule vary locally during synaptic growth.
Cost utility of substituting enoxaparin for unfractionated heparin for prophylaxis of venous thrombosis in the hospitalized medical patient

BACKGROUND Both heparin and enoxaparin are effective for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical patients. On the basis of price, heparin appears preferable because it is less expensive. However, choosing enoxaparin may have greater cost utility when the outcomes of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) are considered. OBJECTIVE To determine the cost utility of substituting enoxaparin for heparin from payer and institutional perspectives. DESIGN A decision analysis model was used. Cost data were based on Medicare reimbursement and the medication and laboratory costs for a multi-institutional healthcare system. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) saved by preventing HIT/HITT through the use of enoxaparin were based on published data. Costs are expressed on a per-day basis, and the incremental cost of enoxaparin over that of heparin was used in the calculation of cost/QALY. A sensitivity analysis also was performed. SETTING Inpatient medicine. PATIENTS All medical patients for whom VTE prophylaxis was appropriate. INTERVENTIONS Substitution of enoxaparin for heparin. MEASUREMENT Cost/QALY. RESULTS From a payer perspective, using enoxaparin resulted in a decrease in cost of $28.61 over that of heparin and saved 0.00629 QALYs in the base case, resulting in a savings of $4550.17/QALY. The sensitivity analysis showed this finding of decreased cost and increased effectiveness to be consistent. From an institutional perspective, the use of heparin generally appeared less costly but was dependent on medication price, length of stay required, and bed utilization. CONCLUSIONS From a payer and, by extrapolation, a societal perspective, cost-utility analysis supports the use of enoxaparin in place of heparin for the prevention of VTE in medical inpatients. From an institutional perspective, the decision is more complicated, but in most cases, the use of enoxaparin also is supported. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2006;3:168–176. © 2006 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Changes in glomerular thromboxane A2 receptor expression and ligand binding following immune injury

Changes in glomerular thromboxane A 2 receptor expression and ligand binding following immune injury. Background Thromboxane (Tx) A 2 is a potent vasoconstrictor eicosanoid that attains high levels within nephritic glomeruli and mediates a drop in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In the course of nephritis, however, GFR recovers despite high intraglomerular TxA 2 levels. We hypothesized that this recovery indicates a reduced responsiveness of the glomerular vasculature to TxA 2 , and explored whether changes in TxA 2 receptor protein expression and receptor-ligand binding are underlying mechanisms. Methods Glomerulonephritis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using an antibody raised in rabbits against rat particulate glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Changes in Tx receptor levels were assessed in protein lysates of glomeruli on days 3 and 7 after a single intravenous injection of the anti-GBM antibody. Ligand-binding studies were performed at the same time points using isolated glomeruli and the TxA 2 receptor ligand [ 3 H]-SQ-29,548. GFR was measured as the clearance of endogenous creatinine. Results There was a marked increase in Tx receptor protein in the lysates of nephritic glomeruli on days 3 and 7. In contrast, binding sites (B max ) of [ 3 H]–SQ-29,548 decreased, indicating that the excess receptor became either inaccessible to its ligand (sequestered) or desensitized. Daily administration of the Tx synthase inhibitor Furegrelate starting prior to injection of anti-GBM antibody prevented the decrease in [ 3 H]–SQ-29,548 binding. Furegrelate treatment starting in an established stage of nephritis had no effect. In these animals, GFR was lower than nephritic controls not treated with Furegrelate. Conclusions These observations indicate that in the course of glomerulonephritis, there is a marked increase in glomerular Tx receptor expression. The enhanced intraglomerular TxA 2 synthesis causes either a sequestration or desensitization of its receptor. As a result, access of unbound TxA 2 to efferent arterioles may become facilitated, and constriction of these arterioles may preserve GFR.
SU‐GG‐T‐91: Decreasing IMRT Delivery Time by Accounting for Secondary Jaw Movement

Purpose: With direct aperture optimization (DAO), the process of leaf sequencing can be completely removed from the optimization process for intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT). However, a sequencing algorithm is still needed to efficiently deliver a series of DAO apertures or segments. This study investigates the effect of optimizing the delivery order of DAO segments on the delivery time of IMRTtreatments.Method and Materials: Six clinical IMRT plans for head and neck cancer and six plans for treatment of prostate cancer with concurrent lymph node boost were used in this study. Two computer programs were written to find the delivery order for DAO segments which minimized the time required to move MLC leaves and secondary jaws. The first used an exhaustive search to find the optimum sequence, while the second used an evolutionary algorithm. The theoretical improvement in delivery time was determined for each plan using jaw and MLC leaf speeds of 1.5 cm/s and 2.0 cm/s, respectively. The actual change in delivery times were measured by delivering the plans to a phantom. Results: The collimator movement time decreased by 60±19 seconds (22±6%) and 19±5 seconds (10±2%) for head and neck cancer and prostate cancer cases, respectively. The expected time savings increases for slower moving jaws. Time savings are greater for plans with more segments and/or larger field sizes. For beams with nine or fewer segments, the evolutionary algorithm converged to the global optimum 99% of the time. Conclusion: Properly accounting for secondary jaw motion in the leaf sequencing algorithm can decrease the delivery time required for IMRT.
Curriculum Alignment as a Means for Improving Institution Effectiveness.

All educational and training institutions are concerned with the improvement of instruction which in turn should result in improved institutional effectiveness. If the curriculum of an institution ...
Effect of chronic caloric restriction: Physiological and behavioral response to alternate day feeding in old female B 6 C 3 F 1 mice

Physiological and behavioral performance was monitored in old (24 month) female B6C3F1 hybrid mice that were fed either a caloric restricted (CR) diet (60% of ad libitum) or fed ad libitum (AL). The CR group was fed (CR1) and then fasted (CR2) on alternate days starting at 12–14 weeks of age. The main objective of the study was to determine if the effects of intermittent feeding were different from those for daily CR feeding. The average daily body weight, body temperature, oxygen consumption per gram of lean body mass (LBM), and respiratory quotient were higher on the feed day (CR1) than on the fast day (CR2), whereas the average daily body weight, temperature, activity, and oxygen metabolism per gram of LBM were lower on CR1 than in AL. The daily range in temperature, oxygen metabolism per gram of LBM, and RQ was greater on CR1 and CR2 than in AL; the exception was RQ on CR1. No food was eaten on CR2, and water consumption was reduced by 60% compared to CR1. Average food consumption per meal, and average time eating and drinking per meal was greater in CR mice than in AL mice. The results of this study indicated that mice responded to alternate day CR by changing average daily metabolic output per gram of LBM in direct response to food consumption, whereas when CR mice were fed daily, no change was seen in average metabolism per gram of LBM. The fact that a significant reduction in energy output and temperature occurred in CR mice when metabolic pathways shifted from carbohydrate to fat metabolism may indicate that decreased glucose utilization may have triggered these CR-induced effects.
Living Polymerization of Carbodiimides Initiated by Copper(I) and Copper(II) Amidinate Complexes

Various catalysts for the polymerization of carbodiimide have been investigated. In early studies, anionic polymerization techniques were employed, but the products obtained were low molecular weight oligomers. More recently, a living route using titanium(IV) complexes as initiators has been employed and the high molecular weight polymers obtained exhibit a well-ordered helical, extended-chain conformation. However, the titanium complexes are sensitive to high temperatures and the presence of oxygen or water. Herein, we report that more robust catalysts based on copper(I) and copper(II) complexes also initiate living carbodiimide polymerizations. The tolerance of these complexes to impurities is illustrated by the fact that they cleanly initiate the polymerization of carbodiimides under air and oxygen. They are even active in the presence of water, but both molecular weights and yields tend to be lower than in dry solvents. It has been shown that the catalytic activity of a copper(II) amidinato complex is...
The present status of therapy for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas include some of the malignancies most frequently cured with chemotherapy. However, not all patients are cured, and the best treatment approach remains uncertain. The most common aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are diffuse large-cell lymphoma and immunoblastic lymphoma. Most recent studies suggest no useful difference between these two groups. When these lymphomas are localized at presentation they are highly curable. Earlier studies showed that radiotherapy alone had a high relapse rate. Chemotherapy alone has been found to have an excellent cure rate, but when followed by radiotherapy, the amount of chemotherapy can be reduced with the same good result. A number of chemotherapy regimens have been shown to cure approximately 50% of patients with disseminated large-cell lymphoma. It appears that a number of regimens including m-BACOD, MACOP-B, LNH-84, ProMACE-CytaBOM, CAP-BOP, COP-BLAM, F-MACHOP, and perhaps full-dose CHOP achieve similar results when prognostic factors are taken into account. Currently the most important area for therapeutic research (unless new drugs are found) is in identifying those patients likely to be cured with our present treatments and those patients for whom alternative therapies such as bone marrow transplantation need to be considered as part of the primary treatment. This is true not only for large-cell lymphoma but also for the less common aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas such as lymphoblastic lymphoma, small noncleaved-cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
Associations among progesterone, estradiol-17β, oxytocin and prostaglandin in cattle treated with hCG during diestrus to extend corpus luteum function

Treatment of cattle during the middle of the luteal phase with appropriate doses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) causes a 5 d extension of the estrous cycle. Three experiments were conducted to determine how treatment with hCG affected the pattern of secretion of prostaglandin F2 alpha, as indicated by blood levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM). In experiment 1, Holstein cows were given saline (Sal) or hCG (10,000 IU, im) on d 10 of the estrous cycle and blood samples were collected over a 6 h period on d 14 and 18 during which oxytocin (10 and 100 IU, iv) was given at 2 and 4 h. Concentrations of PGFM before and after oxytocin were similar between Sal and hCG-cycles, but PGFM was higher on d 18 than d 14 (P less than 0.05). In experiment 2, episodic PGFM was measured from d 16 to 20 in cows given Sal or hCG on d 10. There was tendency for hCG to reduce PGFM baseline and pulse amplitude (P = 0.22). In experiments 1 and 2, estradiol increased during d 16 to 20 of Sal-cycles, but did not change during this period of hCG-cycles. Therefore, in experiment 3, Holstein heifers were given Sal or hCG (5000 IU, im) on d 10, followed by corn oil (Oil) or estradiol benzoate (EB; 200 micrograms, im, 2X/day) on d 15 to 18. No difference in progesterone secretion was observed between Sal-Oil and Sal-EB heifers; however, EB hastened luteolysis in hCG-treated heifers (P less than 0.05), without causing an increase in PGFM. Although subtle differences were seen in pulsatile PGFM, we conclude that hCG altered the pattern of estrogen secretion, and this led to delayed luteolysis.
In situ nanostructure generation and evolution within a bulk thermoelectric material to reduce lattice thermal conductivity.

We show experimentally the direct reduction in lattice thermal conductivity as a result of in situ nanostructure generation within a thermoelectric material. Solid solution alloys of the high-performance thermoelectric PbTe−PbS 8% can be synthesized through rapid cooling and subsequent high-temperature activation that induces a spontaneous nucleation and growth of PbS nanocrystals. The emergence of coherent PbS nanostructures reduces the lattice thermal conductivity from ∼1 to ∼0.4 W/mK between 400 and 500 K.
MRI features of cellular angiomyofibroma with pathologic correlation

Within the spectrum of extratesticular mesenchymal tumors in the scrotum and perineum lies cellular angiofibroma, also known as angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor, a rare lesion originally described to almost exclusively occur in the vulva, perineum, and pelvis of women. We report a case of this tumor, with an adjacent scrotal lipoma, occurring in a 60-year-old male who presented to our department with a firm palpable scrotal mass. To our knowledge, the MRI findings of this entity have yet to be described in the radiological literature. We present the MRI features of cellular angiofibroma that are consistent with the pathological characteristics of this entity-a benign cellular and fibrous tumor with prominent vascularity.
Preschool Depression The Importance of Identification of Depression Early in Development

The empirical finding that school-aged children could suffer clinical depression refuted the widely held assumption that this age group would be too developmentally immature to experience depressive symptoms. Currently childhood depression is a well-recognized and widely treated clinical disorder. Following more recent developmental findings emphasizing the emotional sophistication of very young children, scientific studies have demonstrated that depression can arise early in life, during the preschool period of development. Preschool depression is characterized by typical symptoms of depression such as anhedonia; changes in sleep, appetite, and activity level; and excessive guilt. Further, longitudinal continuity of preschool depression into school age has been established, suggesting that preschool depression is an early manifestation of the later childhood disorder. Based on the known efficacy of early developmental intervention in a number of domains and disorders related to the greater neuroplasticity of the brain earlier rather than later in childhood, it is important to identify depression at the earliest possible point. Early intervention strategies for preschool depression that focus on enhancing emotional development are currently being tested.
Communal nesting and communal nursing in house mice, Mus musculus domesticus

Abstract The functional significance of communal nesting and nursing is poorly understood. Female house mice often communally nest, and within these communal nests females appear to indiscriminately nurse all pups, a rare trait for any mammal. In this study, the hypothesis that communal nesting provides protection from conspecific infanticide was tested and supported in semi-natural populations of house mice. Conspecific infanticide in single-mother nests (69%, N = 412) was twice that in communal nests (33%, N = 508). Because this major benefit of communal nesting does not require communal nursing, direct benefits to communal nursing itself were tested. Most proposed benefits should result in heavier weaning weights, but no differences were found between communal and single nests in the semi-natural populations. If communal nursing is to be avoided in communal nests, dams must recognize their own pups. Retrieval tests conducted in the laboratory produced equivocal results. Dams discriminated between pups that differed in age, but not between their own and other age-matched pups. The major survival advantage of communal nesting, coupled with the failure to find nutritional advantages for communally nursed pups, supports a recent suggestion that communal nursing is an unavoidable consequence of communal nesting. This hypothesis is further strengthened by data indicating that communal nesting partners tend to be kin, thereby providing inclusive fitness benefits to communal nursing. Although costs of communal nursing were proposed and tested, no such costs were found. We also show from 15 observations of infanticide that all classes of adults (territorial and non-territorial males, pregnant and non-pregnant females) are infanticidal. These observations are in conflict with previous laboratory studies.
Cooling through optimal control of quantum evolution

Nonadiabatic unitary evolution with tailored time-dependent Hamiltonians can prepare systems of cold-atomic gases with various desired properties such as low excess energies. For a system of two one-dimensional quasicondensates coupled with a time-varying tunneling amplitude, we show that the optimal protocol, for maximizing any figure of merit in a given time, is bang-bang, i.e., the coupling alternates between only two values through a sequence of sudden quenches. Minimizing the energy of one of the quasicondensates with such a nonadiabatic protocol, and then decoupling it at the end of the process, can result in effective cooling beyond the current state of the art. Our cooling method can be potentially applied to arbitrary systems through an integration of the experiment with simulated annealing computations.
Electronic Raman Scattering and Antiresonance Behavior in Highly Stressed Photoexcited Silicon.

Inelastic light scattering from photoproduced carriers is observed in stressed high-purity silicon at low temperatures. The two electronic Raman structures observed correspond to transitions between stress-split valence bands at the zone center. These transitions can be stress-tuned to the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-point phonon energy, thereby exhibiting Fano-type interference between competing scattering amplitudes.
Acetal-Derivatized Dextran: An Acid-Responsive Biodegradable Material for Therapeutic Applications

Dextran, a biocompatible, water-soluble polysaccharide, was modified at its hydroxyls with acetal moieties such that it became insoluble in water but freely soluble in common organic solvents enabling its use in the facile preparation of acid-sensitive microparticles. These particles degrade in a pH-dependent manner: FITC-dextran was released with a half-life at 37 °C of 10 h at pH 5.0 compared to a half-life of approximately 15 days at pH 7.4. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic cargoes were successfully loaded into these particles using single and double emulsion techniques, respectively. When used in a model vaccine application, particles loaded with the protein ovalbumin (OVA) increased the presentation of OVA-derived peptides to CD8+ T-cells 16-fold relative to OVA alone. Additionally, this dextran derivative was found to be nontoxic in preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Owing to its ease of preparation, processability, pH-sensitivity, and biocompatibility, this type of modified dextran should fi...
Components of the Signaling Pathway Linking the 1-Methyladenine Receptor to MPF Activation and Maturation in Starfish Oocytes

Abstract Starfish oocytes are arrested at the G2/M-phase border of meiosis I. Exposure to their natural mitogen, 1-methyladenine (1-MA), leads to the activation of MPF and MAP kinase, resumption of the meiotic cell cycle, and fertilization competency. The 1-MA receptor has not yet been identified, but it is known to be linked functionally to a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. Gβγ appears to be the major effector of the 1-MA receptor, since injection of Gβγ, but not activated Gαi, leads to the activation of MPF, entry into meiosis, and oocyte maturation. The components that connect Gβγ to MPF and MAP kinase activation in oocytes are unknown. In mammalian cells, a novel phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PI-3 kinase-γ, links Gβγ to the MAP kinase activation pathway. Here we show that PI-3 kinase is required for starfish oocyte maturation. LY294002 and wortmannin, inhibitors of PI-3 kinase, block MPF and MAP kinase activation and entry into meiosis. Inhibition by LY294002 is reversible and limited to the hormone-dependent period. Neither inhibitor, however, blocks the earliest hormone-induced event, formation of actin spikes at the cell membrane. By contrast, pertussis toxin blocks both actin spiking and later events, arguing that PI-3 kinase functions downstream of Gβγ. Finally, we show that unlike the well-studied case inXenopusoocytes, where MAP kinase is an essential component of the MPF activation pathway, MAP kinase is not required for either MPF activation or subsequent oocyte maturation in starfish. Instead, its major role appears to be suppression of DNA synthesis in unfertilized, haploid eggs.
Microbiology and Management of Decubitus Ulcers in Children

The recent increased recovery of anaerobic bacteria from children has led to greater appreciation of the role anaerobes play in pediatric infections at all body sites, including decubitus ulcers. In studies that employed adequate method for recovery of anaerobes polymicrobial, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria were isolated from about half of the children with decubitus ulcers. A correlation between the site of the ulcer and the microbial flora of the ulcer was found. The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Peptostreptococcus spp., Bacteroides fragilis group, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most of the S. aureus isolates were recovered from ulcers of the hand and the leg. Organisms that resided in the mucous membranes close to the ulcer predominated in the wound next to these areas. Enteric gram-negative rods, Group D enterococcus, and B. fragilis group predominated in ulcers of the buttocks. Group A streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp., and Fusobacterium spp. were most frequently recovered in ulcers of the skull. Management of decubitus ulcers should include administration of antimicrobials effective against the polymicrobial bacterial flora according to the anatomic site of the ulcer.
Nietzsche’s Place in Nineteenth Century German Philosophy

The standard view is that Nietzsche made a radical break with nineteenth‐century philosophical traditions. Recently, however, a new historical school of English‐language Nietzsche scholarship has e...
Patterned protein films on poly(lipid) bilayers by microcontact printing

The use of polymerized lipid bilayers as substrates for microcontact printing (muCP) of protein films was investigated. We have previously shown that vesicle fusion of bis-SorbPC, a dienoate lipid, on glass and silica substrates, followed by redox-initiated radical polymerization, produces a planar supported lipid bilayer (PSLB) that is ultrastable(1a) [Ross, E. E.; Rozanski, L. J.; Spratt, T.; Liu, S.; O'Brien, D. F.; Saavedra, S. S. Langmuir 2003, 19, 1752] and highly resistant to nonspecific adsorption of dissolved proteins [Ross, E. E.; Spratt, T.; Liu, S.; Rozanski, L. J.; O'Brien, D. F.; Saavedra, S. S. Langmuir 2003, 19, 1766].(1b) Here we demonstrate that muCP of bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto a dried poly(bis-SorbPC) PSLB from a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp produces a layer of strongly adsorbed protein, comparable in surface coverage to films printed on glass surfaces. Immobilization of proteins on poly(PSLB)s has potential applications in biosensing, and this work shows that direct muCP of proteins is a technically simple approach to create immobilized monolayers, as well as multilayers of different proteins.
Plasma Cortisol and Secondary Stress Responses of Red Drum to Handling, Transport, Rearing Density, and a Disease Outbreak

Abstract The effects of some common fish culture procedures on the biochemical stress responses of juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were examined in the present study. Plasma cortisol, glucose, and osmolality were measured in cultured red drum subjected to capture and handling, transportation, an outbreak of disease, and different rearing densities. Capture and handling elicited rapid, marked elevations of plasma cortisol and glucose in the fish. The responses were transient, however, and the plasma concentrations returned to initial values 1 d after handling. Similarly, transportation of red drum induced rapid but transient plasma cortisol, glucose, and osmolality responses and caused no mortality. An outbreak of disease evoked cortisol, glucose, and osmolality stress responses in red drum. As the disease progressed, the plasma cortisol and osmolality responses became more pronounced. Fish reared at different densities had similar plasma glucose levels. Cortisol titers were temporarily elevated in...
Reliability of amino acid racemisation dating and palaeotemperature analysis on bones (Reply)

DR BADA REPLIES—Bender's review of my work is both inaccurate and incomplete. He has not cited two of my publications dealing with aspartic acid racemisation dating1,2. (Although one paper was only recently published, I sent Bender a preprint the first of this year when he informed me he was writing a review.) In those articles I show that after ‘calibrating’ the amino acid racemisation reactions using a radiocarbon dated bone, it is then possible to date other bones from the same site, which are either too old or too small for radiocarbon dating. The only assumption in this approach is that the average temperature experienced by the calibration sample is representative of the average temperature experienced by the other sample. Ages thus deduced are in good agreement with radiocarbon ages determined on the same samples2.
A Signal for the Caspase-1 Inflammasome Free of TLR

Summary Secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β requires caspase-1 and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. However, Kanneganti et al. (2007) find that bacteria can use pore-forming mechanisms to activate caspase-1 for the production of IL-1β precursor independently of TLRs.
Availability of phosphorus to algae from eroded soil fractions

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the concentrations of algal-available P (P aa ) in unfractionated samples and size-classified separates of soil eroded from wheat stubble plots during a simulated rainfall experiment conducted in Warren County, Indiana, U.S.A. Run-off samples were collected, concentrated, dispersed by sonification, separated according to size and incubated with algal cells ( Selanastrum capricornutum ) in P-free nutrient medium for 2 weeks. Algal-available P in soil separates was determined by decreases in sediment inorganic P (P i ) over the incubation period. The initial concentrations of dissolved molybdate-reactive P i (DMRP), P i extractable with NaOH (NaOH-P i ), P i extractable with HCl (HCl-P i ), organic P (P o , and total P increased with decreasing particle size. A higher proportion of P i was HCl-extractable in fractions > 2 μ m than in clay-size separates. The level of P aa in samples increased with decreasing particle size. Available P concentrations in separates 50 μ m and unfractionated samples averaged 447, 282, 113, 26 and 261 μg g −1 , respectively. From 42 to 69% of the P i and 20–37% of the total P in unfractioned samples was P aa . A lower proportion of P i in the > 50 μ m fraction was P aa than in the other size fractions (34 vs. 50%). There was no relationship between particle size and the proportion of total P that was available. The majority (> 84%) of P aa originated in the P i fraction extractable with NaOH, whereas HCl-P i only contributed small amounts of P aa . The proportion of initial NaOH-P i assimilated by algae in 2 weeks ranged between 43 and 77%, whereas an average of 16% of HCl-P i in separates was P aa . On average, a greater proportion of NaOH-P i was assimilated by algae in samples from no-till plots as compared to those from chisel-plowed plots.
Comparability of the social skills rating system to the social skills improvement system :content and psychometric comparisons across elementary and secondary age levels

University of WashingtonThis study compared the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS; Gresham & Elliott, 1990)with the revision of the SSRS, now called the Social Skills Improvement System-Rating Scales (SSIS-RS; Gresham & Elliott, 2008), across three raters (teacher, parent,and student) for elementary- and secondary-aged students. A detailed comparison ofthese two instruments comparability has not been previously reported and was con-sidered important because of the frequent use of the SSRS in many externally fundedresearch studies and school districts across the country. Comparisons between the twoinstruments focused on key reliability and validity estimates across the rating scales forthree raters (teacher, parent, and student) using forms for elementary- and secondary-aged students. As hypothesized, the two instruments had high internal consistencyestimates and moderately high validity indices for total scores for both social skills andproblem behavior scales. The reliability comparisons revealed the SSIS-RS was supe-rior to the SSRS with regard to internal consistency estimates. The validity estimatesrevealed expected convergent relationships with the strongest relationships consistentlyfound among the various common subscales across all forms of the two instruments.The authors concluded that the SSIS-RS offers researchers and practitioners assessingsocial behavior of children and youth a broader conceptualization of key socialbehaviors and psychometrically superior assessment results when using the SSIS-RSover the SSRS. Future research on the SSIS-RS is also identi ed and contextualizedwithin a multitiered intervention system.Keywords: