cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of a systematic vocabulary intervention on adolescent language minority students with varying levels of English proficiency

The purpose of this study was to understand the reading performance of subgroups of language minority students and examine whether a research-based academic vocabulary intervention, Word Generation, has differential effects on these students’ academic vocabulary knowledge. Thirteen middle schools, propensity-score matched based on their achievement and demographic data, were randomly assigned to either treatment (n = 3,539) or control (n = 2,630) conditions. Students in both conditions were classified as either English-only (EO) or language minority students. The language minority students were further grouped as either being initially fluent English proficient (IFEP), redesignated fluent English proficient (RFEP), or limited English proficient (LEP). Multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical linear models revealed three important findings. First, while LEP students’ scores on reading measures were significantly below those of the EO students, RFEP students’ scores were comparable to EO students’ scores. In addition, IFEP students’ scores were higher than those of the EO students. Second, there were variations within the RFEP students when they were disaggregated by time since redesignation; RFEP students’ reading scores were positively correlated with time since redesignation. Third, the treatment effect emerged only as an interaction with RFEP status. This study suggests that the benefits of a research-based intervention may vary according tostudents’ level of English proficiency.
Comparative study of attenuation of the pain caused by propofol intravenous injection, by granisetron, magnesium sulfate and nitroglycerine.

Background: Propofol has the disadvantage of causing pain or discomfort on injection. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of pretreatment with various drugs to alleviate the propofol injection pain. Methods: One hundred American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) I and II adults, scheduled for various elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia (GA), were included in the study. They were randomly divided into four groups having 25 patients in each group. Group A received pretreatment with intravenous (i.v.) magnesium sulfate, group B received i.v. granisetron, group C received i.v. nitroglycerine and group D was the control group. One-fourth of the total calculated induction dose of propofol was administered over a period of 5 seconds. The patients were asked about the pain on injection. The intensity of pain was assessed using verbal response. A score of 0-3 which corresponds to no, mild, moderate and severe pain was recorded. Results: All the three drugs reduced the incidence and intensity of pain on propofol injection but the order of efficacy in attenuation of pain on the propofol injection was granisetron > nitroglycerine > magnesium sulfate > control. Conclusion: Granisetron was the most effective followed by nitroglycerine and magnesium sulfate in attenuating pain on propofol intravenous injection.
Loading of the San Andreas fault by flood-induced rupture of faults beneath the Salton Sea

The southern San Andreas fault terminates in a stepover zone — several small faults that separate major fault segments — beneath the Salton Sea. Analysis of movements on the stepover zone faults indicates that periodic flooding of the palaeo-Salton Sea during the late Holocene could have triggered earthquakes on the San Andreas fault.
Mechanical Bowel Preparation for Gynecologic Laparoscopy: A Prospective Randomized Trial of Oral Sodium Phosphate Solution vs Single Sodium Phosphate Enema

Abstract Study Objective To compare the effect of mechanical bowel preparation using oral sodium phosphate (NaP) solution vs single NaP enema on the quality of the surgical field in patients undergoing advanced gynecologic laparoscopic procedures. Design Single-blind randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting Academic teaching hospital. Patients Women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. Interventions Administration of either oral NaP solution or single NaP enema for preoperative bowel preparation. Measurements and Main Results One hundred fifty-six women were enrolled, and 145 were randomized to receive either oral NaP solution (n = 72) or NaP enema (n = 73). Sixty-eight women in the oral solution group and 65 in the enema group completed the study. Assessment of the quality of the surgical field and bowel characteristics was performed using a surgeon questionnaire using Likert and visual analog scales. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in evaluation of the surgical field, bowel handling, degree of bowel preparation, or surgical difficulty. Surgical field quality was graded as excellent or good in 85% of women in the oral solution group and 91% of women in the enema group (p = .43). When surgeons were asked to guess the type of preparation used, they were correct only 52% of the time (κ = 0.04). Assessment of patient quality of life in the preoperative period was performed using a self-administered questionnaire using a visual analog scale. Severity of abdominal bloating and swelling, weakness, thirst, dizziness, nausea, fecal incontinence, and overall discomfort were significantly greater in the oral solution group. Women in the oral solution group also rated the preparation as significantly more difficult to administer, and were significantly less willing to try the same preparation in the future. Conclusion Quality of the surgical field in patients undergoing advanced gynecologic laparoscopic procedures is similar after mechanical bowel preparation using either oral NaP solution and NaP enema. Adverse effects are more severe with oral NaP solution compared with NaP enema administration.
A DNA insertion in the apolipoprotein A-I gene of patients with premature atherosclerosis

Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is the major protein constituent of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)1. The study of the apo A-I gene is of interest because plasma levels of HDL have been inversely correlated with the development of coronary artery disease2 and because polymorphisms related to this gene have been associated with hypertriglyceridaemia3 and premature atherosclerosis4,5. We have recently isolated and characterized the human apo A-I gene6 and have shown that apo A-I and apoliprotein C-III (apo C-III) genes are physically linked7 and that a polymorphism (of unknown frequency in the general population) of the apo A-I gene is inherited as a mendelian trait linked to premature atherosclerosis in an affected family5 (not the same polymorphism as has previously been reported to be associated with hypertriglyceridaemia). Here we report that this polymorphism is due an at least 6.5-kilobase (kb) DNA insertion in the coding region of the apo A-I gene and that there is no detectable alteration (as determined by limited genomic blotting analysis) of the apo C-III gene of these patients.
Surviving Kyoto's 'do or die' summit

This article sets out the importance of the Kyoto Protocol process to be decided at the Copenhagen COP XV Conference of December 2009. It clarifies the latest aspects of the clean development mechanism. It explains in practical terms, the relative negotiating positions adopted by developing and developed countries and possible impacts on world poverty. It presents two proposals that are win-win solutions and modest extensions of existing law. One is a financial mechanism that can help resolve the current impasse between China and the US - a conflict that is reminiscent to the Cold War in the last century. The second is a technological solution that is a small modification of the existing clean development mechanism to allow negative carbon technologies. This would allow poor nations to build power plants that reduce carbon in the atmosphere well beyond what they emit, encouraging economic progress while helping avert global warming risks. The funding can thus come from the Kyoto Protocol process - while increasing export revenues and technological employment in industrial nations - a win-win solution for the world economy. The paper warns about the costs of failure and the importance of the success of the Copenhagen process.
Near Real-Time Agricultural Simulations on the Web

Easy access to the Internet allows farmers to search for site-specific information and applications. The agricultural scientific community has developed computer simulation models and decision support systems during the last 20 years in order to transfer scientific knowledge to farmers. We describe an at tempt to create an Interrzet-based decision support system for delivering weather data and executing near real-time weather applications and crop simu lation models on the Web. A user accesses an easy- to-use interface to select management scenarios and run crop simulation models remotely. The weather data inputs are linked to data collected by the Geor gia Automated Environmental Monitoring Net work. A user defines a scenario by selecting a crop, cultivar, planting date, plant density and spacing, irrigation schedules and fertilizer inputs. After de fining all inputs associated with the scenario, the simulation model runs remotely on the server. The proposed distributed processes scheme can be imple ment...
Procedures for testing the homogeneity of relative difference in sparse data

To quantify the excess effect of an experimental treatment over a placebo group in clinical trials, we often consider use of the relative difference, defined as the proportion of patients who would respond to the experimental treatment among those who would not otherwise if they were assigned to the placebo group. To control the effects due to confounders on the response of interest, we frequently employ stratified analysis in practice. Before obtaining a summary estimate of the relative difference, it is desirable to assess whether this measure is constant across strata. Based on the beta-binomial model, we develop simple procedures for testing the homogeneity of relative difference for sparse data in which we have many strata but few patients per stratum. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed test procedures can generally perform well with respect to type I error in a variety of situations. We further evaluate and study the power of these test procedures. Finally, we note some robustness in using the test procedures proposed here.
Quantum-defect and distorted-wave theory applied to the resonance contribution of inelastic electron scattering

The importance of the resonance contributions to inelastic scattering of electrons from atoms and ions has been appreciated for quite some time. We have used an approximate method to compute the resonance contributions to selected inelastic transitions in O VI and S IV and compare our results with other theoretical calculations. We find that our total resonance-enhanced collision strengths are in very good agreement with other calculations. We also can accurately compute the positions of individual resonances but can sometimes be in error by a factor of 2 on individual resonance widths.
Financial reporting for employee stock options: liabilities or equity?

This study seeks to determine whether employee stock options share key characteristics of liabilities or equity. Consistent with warrant pricing theory, we find that common equity risk and expected return are negatively associated with the extent to which a firm has outstanding employee stock options, which is opposite to the association for liabilities. We also find the following. (1) The association is positive for firms that reprice options and less negative for firms that have options with longer remaining terms to maturity, which indicates that some employee stock options have characteristics that make them more similar to liabilities. (2) Leverage measured based on treating options as equity has a stronger positive relation with common equity risk than leverage measured based on treating options as liabilities. (3) The sensitivity of employee stock option value to changes in asset value mirrors that of common equity value and is opposite to that of liability value. Also, we find that, unlike liabilities, employee stock options have substantially higher risk and expected return than common equity. Our findings are not consistent with classifying employee stock options as liabilities for financial reporting if classification were based on the directional association of a claim with common equity risk and expected return. Rather, our findings suggest the options act more like another type of equity.
Facilitating Authentic Conversation: an intervention employing principles of constructivism and conversation analysis

Background: The progressive interest in social activities within the life and clinical efforts of persons with aphasia makes it necessary to focus more clinical attention on conversation as a site for therapy and as a goal for intervention. A number of innovative approaches have been designed, but most fall sort when authentic conversation is considered.Aims: This article provides one alternative to those intervention approaches. It aims to improve the interactional abilities of persons with aphasia by addressing authentic conversation. The intervention approach, Facilitating Authentic Conversation (FAC), is described in detail by providing its theoretical basis, the practical guidelines for its organisation and design, and its implementation procedure. Additionally, a case study is provided that addresses two questions: does this approach reduce targeted problematic behaviours in conversations and does this approach increase the utilisation of effective strategies during conversations.Methods & Procedure...
Differential Effects of Tamoxifen and Anastrozole on Optic Cup Size in Breast Cancer Survivors

Introduction The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the optic cups of tamoxifen users and anastrozole users differ in size, with the cups of the tamoxifen users being smaller.
Calibration and Test Time Reduction Techniques for Digitally-Calibrated Designs: an ADC Case Study

Modern mixed-signal/RF circuits with a digital calibration capability could achieve significant performance improvement through calibration. However, the calibration process often takes a long time--in the order of hundreds of milliseconds or even minutes. As testing such devices would require completion of the calibration process first, lengthy calibration would result in unacceptably long testing time. In this paper, we propose techniques to reduce the calibration time in a production testing environment, thereby reduce the overall testing time for the digitally-calibrated designs. In particular, we propose DfT modifications to accelerate the underlying adaptation algorithms and to terminate the calibration process as soon as it reaches convergence. We discuss the applicability of our techniques to general digitally-calibrated designs and illustrate the details using a case study of a digitally-calibrated pipelined ADC. Simulation results show that, for the target ADC, the proposed technique can achieve, on average, 99.5% reduction in the calibration time, which, in turn, results in a 75% reduction in production test time assuming a typical 300-millisecond testing time for testing the specifications of a calibrated ADC.
Atrazine leaching from biochar-amended soils

Abstract The herbicide atrazine is used extensively throughout the United States, and is a widespread groundwater and surface water contaminant. Biochar has been shown to strongly sorb organic compounds and could be used to reduce atrazine leaching. We used lab and field experiments to determine biochar impacts on atrazine leaching under increasingly heterogeneous soil conditions. Application of pine chip biochar (commercially pyrolyzed between 300 and 550 °C) reduced cumulative atrazine leaching by 52% in homogenized (packed) soil columns ( p = 0.0298). Biochar additions in undisturbed soil columns did not significantly ( p > 0.05) reduce atrazine leaching. Mean peak groundwater atrazine concentrations were 53% lower in a field experiment after additions of 10 t ha −1 acidified biochar ( p = 0.0056) relative to no biochar additions. Equivalent peat applications by dry mass had no effect on atrazine leaching. Plots receiving a peat-biochar mixture showed no reduction, suggesting that the peat organic matter may compete with atrazine for biochar sorption sites. Several individual measurement values outside the 99% confidence interval in perched groundwater concentrations indicate that macropore structure could contribute to rare, large leaching events that are not effectively reduced by biochar. We conclude that biochar application has the potential to decrease peak atrazine leaching, but heterogeneous soil conditions, especially preferential flow paths, may reduce this impact. Long-term atrazine leaching reductions are also uncertain.
Superconducting properties of Ce-substituted HgBa2CuO4+δ

Abstract The influence of the substitution of Ce for Hg on the structural and superconducting properties of the mercury-based high-temperature superconducting compound HgBa 2 CuO 4+δ (Hg-1201) was investigated for samples subjected to various annealing procedures. As-prepared Hg 1− x Ce x Ba 2 CuO 4+δ samples appear to be in an overdoped state, with post-annealing in argon inducing an increase of the superconducting transition temperature, T c , whereas oxygen annealing leads to a decrease in T c . This behavior is opposite to the increase (decrease) in T c under oxygenation (reduction) observed in undoped Hg-1201 and similar to the annealing effects for Pb-doped Hg-1201. The introduction of Ce into the Hg-1201 system results in a systematic change of the tetragonal lattice parameters as well as in an increase of T c .
De novo identification of tumor-specific internalizing human antibody-receptor pairs by phage-display methods.

Abstract Three tumor-specific, internalizing human single-chain Fvs (scFvs) were obtained by direct selection against tumor cells from a large, nonimmune scFv-phage library pre-subtracted with various normal human cells. After scFv selection and characterization for cell binding and internalization, the scFvs were also employed in immunoprecipitations to identify putative receptors. In the case of a prostate tumor-cell specific scFv PR5, the receptor that mediated endocytosis was shown to be the transferrin receptor. For two pancreatic adenocarcinoma specific scFvs SW1 and PAN10, the α 3 β 1 integrin was identified. The scFv SW1 was studied in further detail and found to induce functional effects as a ligand-mimetic by mediating cell adhesion and migration. The results demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing enhanced phage-display methods as a rapid and general approach for not only direct isolation of human internalizing scFvs, but also for identifying tumor cell-surface receptors from various classes. The use of scFv constructs that target tumor cells and undergo internalization could have significant impact on the future of cancer and gene therapy.
HCFA and the States: Politics and Intergovernmental Leverage

In this article, we seek to explain variations in the Health Care Financing Administration's (HCFA) relationship to state governments. After reviewing several alternative models of the policy-making process, we argue that the utility of each model depends on certain issue characteristics, especially salience and conflict. We further argue that HCFA's choice of intergovernmental tools, rooted in a political setting, depends on the same issue characteristics. We illustrate our arguments by examining HCFA's behavior during the Clinton administration and by focusing on four cases: HMO performance measurement, nursing home regulation, lead screening for children, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Distributed Coordination Strategies for Wide-Area Patrol

This paper addresses the problem of enabling a group of autonomous vehicles to effectively patrol an environment significantly larger than their communication and sensing radii. The environment is divided into smaller areas and special coordinator vehicles are designated to control the transfer of the other vehicles from one area to another. Our past work showed that by organizing the areas and coordinators into a ring topology, we could design a control algorithm that globally balanced the number of vehicles in all areas within a bounded length of time. This paper extends those results to a much broader class of area-coordinator topologies and this added flexibility can be used in implementation to reduce the time it takes to attain the globally balanced state.
Rare earth geochemistry of fused ophiolitic and alpine lherzolites—I. Othris, Lanzo and Troodos

Abstract Lherzolites from two Mediterranean peridotite masses have major and trace element data compatible with an origin as a fragment of relatively undepleted mantle. Field observations indicate a close association with in situ basaltic melt (gabbroic dikes and segregations) and a barren refractory residue (harzburgite) produced by the removal of the melt fraction. Two lherzolites Othris (ophiolite) and Lanzo (alpine ∗ periodotite) have approximately chondritic rare earth abundances with a slight depletion in light rare earths. The refractory material is moderately to heavily depleted in light REE dependent on the efficiency of removal of basaltic melt. Lherzolite xenoliths from the Massif Central probably contain an interstitial light REE enriched fraction as the recalculated lherzolite is depleted and not light REE enriched like the actual whole rock. These basaltic xenoliths are similar in major, trace and REE profile to the Lanzo and Othris mantle lherzolites, giving some indication of source homogeneity in the Mediterranean area. Partial fusion calculations on the Othris and Lanzo peridotites reveal that tholeiitic liquids could be generated by 10–30% partial melting. Such tholeiitic liquids separated from the Othris mantle section and probably formed early sea floor in a small ocean basin. Alkalic basalts are also associated with the Othris ophiolite as an early rifting sequence, and such liquids could have been generated from the source Iherzolite but difficulties would occur in removing such a liquid from the refractory residue.
Interdependent SMAD and JNK Signaling in Transforming Growth Factor-β-mediated Transcription

SMAD and JNK cascades are essential components of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling machinery and are implicated in common transcriptional responses. However, the relationship of these pathways to one another downstream of the TGF-β receptor complex is unknown. We show that JNK is rapidly activated by TGF-β in a SMAD-independent manner and phosphorylates Smad3 outside its -SSXS motif. Smad3 phosphorylation by JNK facilitates both its activation by the TGF-β receptor complex and its nuclear accumulation. JNK regulates SMAD- and TGF-β-mediated transcriptional responses, yet JNK activators only partially stimulate transcriptional responses characteristic of TGF-β without coincident SMAD pathway activation. These results suggest an interdependent relationship between the JNK and SMAD pathways in TGF-β-mediated transcription.
IgG1 is the predominant subclass of in vivo- and in vitro- produced anti-tetanus toxoid antibodies and also serves as the membrane IgG molecule for delivering inhibitory signals to anti-tetanus toxoid antibody-producing B cells.

Peripheral blood leukocytes from individuals immunized with tetanus toxoid can be stimulated by pokeweed mitogen to produce IgG anti-tetanus toxoid antibody (IgG-Tet)in vitro. Previous studies have shown that treatment of these cells with tetanus toxoid or anti-human IgG reagents can inhibit thisin vitro antibody synthesis. We have examined the four IgG subclasses on the surface of B cells for their relative contributions in the anti-IgG antibody-induced inhibition of IgG-Tet production. With all donors, the inclusion of anti-IgG1, but not anti-IgG2,-IgG3, or -IgG4, antiserum resulted in thein vitro inhibition of IgG-Tet synthesis. The magnitude of this inhibition was similar to that induced by treatment of the B cells with tetanus toxoid antigen. When the supernatants from normalin vitro cultures were assayed for IgG-Tet of the various IgG subclasses, it was observed that the IgG-Tet were almost exclusively IgG1. Similar results were obtained when serum IgG-Tet were measured. Thus, IgG1 appears to be the major subclass for (1) thein vivo-produced IgG-Tet, (2) thein vitro-produced IgG-Tet, and (3) the membrane receptor which can selectively convey an inhibitory signal to the IgG-Tet B cell.
Solanum berthaultii Hawkes affects the digestive system, fat body and ovaries of the Colorado potato beetle

Ovarian development and fecundity of Colorado potato beetles reared on the resistant potato species,Solanum berthaultii were reduced compared to females reared on the susceptible potato,S. tuberosum. Striking changes in the appearance of the digestive tract and large quantities of undigested plant material in the midgut of females reared onS. berthaultii suggest that ovarian development might be impaired by poor nutritional quality ofS. berthaultii foliage. Alternatively, enlargement of the midgut by undigested plant material might physically limit ovarian development and subsequent fecundity. These results suggest that a major impact ofS. berthaultii on CPB performance occurs in the physiology of digestion and reproduction.
Note on a rank test of cronholm and revusky

A rank testR n has been proposed by Cronholm and Revusky which in effect increases the number of observations per subject by the device of randomly assigning a subject to a treated group in each of a series of sub-experiments. In this note further results on the asymptotic normality of theR n test are discussed both under the null hypothesisH 0 of randomness and under a class of alternatives toH 0. The limiting power of the test is also discussed.
A quantum mechanical investigation of the annealing energy for phosphodiester, formacetal, and thioformacetal backbones

The changes in the annealing properties of a DNA duplex upon replacement of one phosphodiester linker by a formacetal or thioformacetal linker have been investigated using ab initio quantum mechanics. Potential energy as a function of torsional angle was evaluated using the 6-;31G* basis set. The detrimental effect of the formacetal linker on the Tm of the duplex (−3°C) is attributed primarily to a much stronger stereoelectronic effect for a COCO torsion than that for a COPO torsion. The effects of the thioformacetal linkers on Tm can be rationalized based on torsion angle potential and steric interactions. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A theoretical study of the spectroscopy of MgH2O+ and MgCH3OH+

Abstract The structures, binding energies, and vibrational frequencies have been determined for the ground and excited states of MgCH 3 OH + . The vibrational frequencies are also reported for the four lowest electronic states of MgH 2 O + to supplement our previous vertical excitation energies.
Application of Prony's Method to the Modeling of Spectral-band Transmittance

An application of the well-known Prony's method is made in the representation of the mean molecular transmittance over a spectral band in the infrared region, with a summation of exponential terms. The method was found to be reliable, direct, and accurate when it was used with computer-simulated transmittance spectra, for six temperature-retrieval channels of the Nimbus-5 spectrometer in the 15 μm CO2 band. The results indicate that for typical atmospheric absorber concentrations, only two, five, and six terms are generally needed for modeling O3, CO2, and H2O vapor with a transmittance accuracy of one in the fourth decimal place. This accuracy is compatible with the limitations imposed by uncertainties in the present knowledge of line parameters and is of the order obtained with polynomial-type band models having a much higher number of terms.
Alkali atom core charges from the Faddeev equations

Abstract Using recently calculated ground state energies of Lie + , Nae + , Ke + , Rbe + and Cse + , the effective charges on the respective cores are calculated using the Faddeev equations in the 1s state approximation.
Common oxidant lesion of mitochondrial redox state produced by nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and high oxygen in alveolar macrophages.

SUMMARY (1) Relatively low levels of three inhalable oxidants, NO 2, ozone and hyperoxia over short periods, produce changes in redox states within the alveolar macrophage. (2) With NO 2 there were alterations of both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial NAD + /NADH ratios without gross histologic changes. (3) Ozone and oxygen produced ratios. (4) TPGS, a water-soluble derivative of α-tocopherol, protected the mitochondrial compartment of the cells from the effects of NO 2 and O 2 . (5) These studies suggest a common oxident lesion involving the mitochondrial redox state.
In Vitro Characterization of Monoaspartyl Chlorin e6 and Diaspartyl Chlorin e6 for Photodynamic Therapy

The characteristics of two new chlorin photosensitizers were studied in cell culture by determining phototoxicity, subcellular localization, and photophysical properties. Monoaspartyl chlorin e6 (MACE) and diaspartyl chlorin e6 (DACE) are new photosensitizers that show promise for use in photodynamic therapy. These chlorins are pure, monomeric compounds as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Both compounds absorb substantially at a longer wavelength (664 nm) than does dihematoporphyrin ether-ester (DHE). Tumor diagnosis with the use of fluorescence should be facilitated due to the purity of the compounds and the single fluorescence emission peak. Phototoxicity dose-response curves of the sensitizers were completed using a standard clonogenic assay to determine cell viability. The chlorins showed good sensitizing capabilities with light. In addition, subcellular localization of MACE, DACE, and DHE was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Whereas DHE was located throughout the cytoplasm, the primary site of localization of the chlorins appeared to be in the lysosome. The results demonstrate that MACE and DACE are effective photosensitizing agents in vitro and compare favorably to DHE.
Assembling Social Space

Theories of social space and place have become problematic in light of the imbrication of places within regional and global networks; the disembedding, distantiation, and technological mediation of social relations; the expansion of global media and information networks; and the mobility of people, things and resources. This article draws on assemblage theory to develop a non-Euclidean model of the production of social space and applies the model in an analysis of three case studies from ethnographic fieldwork and interviews conducted in Concepcion, Chile. Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of The Communication Review for the following free supplemental resource: A Conceptual Model of Social Space. Source: Wiley, S., Sutko, M., Moreno Becerra, T. (2010).
Neutron Activation of Iron Tablets to Evaluate the Effects of Glycine on Iron Absorption

Neutron bombardment (neutron flux, 3 X 10(12) neutrons/cm2/s) of prepared iron tablets containing glycine-iron or iron alone was performed to prepare radioactive tablets to assess the effects of glycine on iron absorption from tableted formulations. No interfering isotopes of sufficient quantity were generated during neutron activation of the iron tablets. Cobalt-60 was the major trace mineral detected and accounted for only 1.3% of the total activity. There may have been trace amounts of zinc-65 or chromium-51 present, but they were not detectable above background radioactivity in the final tablet produced. Iron-59 represented greater than 98% of the radioactivity present in the tablets used in the study. Glycine-containing iron tablets produced dramatically higher amounts of iron in blood and tissues of rabbits (p less than 0.05) than did the same tablet formulations without glycine. The area under the iron blood concentration-time curve over 4 h increased by 67% with glycine added to the formulation over control iron tablets. Iron concentrations in tissues 4 h after iron administration was in the order of blood greater than liver greater than heart greater than kidney greater than muscle.
Synchrotron-Based Imaging of Chromium and γ-H2AX Immunostaining in the Duodenum Following Repeated Exposure to Cr(VI) in Drinking Water

Current drinking water standards for chromium are for the combined total of both hexavalent and trivalent chromium (Cr(VI) and Cr(III)). However, recent studies have shown that Cr(III) is not carcinogenic to rodents, whereas mice chronically exposed to high levels of Cr(VI) developed duodenal tumors. These findings may suggest the need for environmental standards specific for Cr(VI). Whether the intestinal tumors arose through a mutagenic or non-mutagenic mode of action (MOA) greatly impacts how drinking water standards for Cr(VI) are derived. Herein, X-ray fluorescence (spectro)microscopy (m-XRF) was used to image the Cr content in the villus and crypt regions of duodena from B6C3F1 mice exposed to 180 mg/l Cr(VI) in drinking water for 13 weeks. DNA damage was also assessed by c-H2AX immunostaining. Exposure to Cr(VI) induced villus blunting and crypt hyperplasia in the duodenum—the latter evidenced by lengthening of the crypt compartment by � 2-fold with a concomitant 1.5-fold increase in the number of crypt enterocytes. c-H2AX immunostaining was elevated in villi, but not in the crypt compartment. m-XRF maps revealed mean Cr levels >30 times higher in duodenal villi than crypt regions; mean Cr levels in crypt regions were only slightly above background signal. Despite the presence of Cr and elevated c-H2AX immunoreactivity in villi, no aberrant foci indicative of transformation were evident. These findings do not support a MOA for intestinal carcinogenesis involving direct Cr-DNA interaction in intestinal stem cells, but rather support a non-mutagenic MOA involving chronic wounding of intestinal villi and crypt cell hyperplasia.
Identification of an alcohol binding site in the first cysteine-rich domain of protein kinase C δ

Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important signal transduction protein whose cysteine-rich regulatory domain C1 has been proposed to interact with general anesthetics in both of its diacylglycerol/phorbol ester–binding subdomains, the tandem repeats C1A and C1B. Previously, we identified an allosteric binding site on one of the two cysteine-rich domains, PKCδ C1B. To test the hypothesis that there is an additional anesthetic site on the other cysteine-rich subdomain, C1A, we subcloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized mouse PKCδ C1A. Octanol and butanol both quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of PKCδ C1A in a saturable manner, suggesting the presence of a binding site. To locate this site, PKCδ C1A was photolabeled with three diazirine-containing alkanols, 3-azioctanol, 7-azioctanol, and 3-azibutanol. Mass spectrometry revealed that at low concentrations all three photoincorporated into PKCδ C1A with a stoichiometry of 1:1 in the labeled fraction, but higher stoichiometries occurred at higher concentrations, particularly with azibutanol. Photocomplexes of PKCδ C1A with azioctanols were separated from the unlabeled protein by HPLC, reduced, alkylated, digested with trypsin, and sequenced by mass spectrometry. All the azioctanols photolabeled PKCδ C1A at residue Tyr-29, corresponding to Tyr-187 of the full-length PKCδ, and at a neighboring residue, Lys-40, suggesting there is an alcohol site in this vicinity. In addition, Glu-2 was photolabeled more efficiently by 3-azibutanol than by the azioctanols, suggesting the existence of a second, smaller site.
Airway obstruction after lingual frenulectomy in two infants with Pierre-Robin Sequence

Pierre-Robin Sequence (PRS) is defined as the triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and cleft palate and affects approximately 1/8500 births. Airway obstruction is common in infants with PRS and results from glossoptosis leading to pharyngeal obstruction. Any procedure that increases the severity of glossoptosis, such as lingual frenulectomy, may increase the risk of obstruction or aggravate existing obstruction. This report discusses two cases of significant airway decompensation after lingual frenulectomy requiring surgical intervention in infants with PRS. We suggest that lingual frenulectomy be contraindicated in infants with PRS or suspected PRS due to the possible increased risk of airway obstruction.
Sites of action of tripamide.

Tripamide is a new diuretic derived from a sulfonamide nucleus that has both antihypertensive and natriuretic properties. We assessed its renal site of effect with standard clearance techniques. Studies during water loading indicated a 47% increase in fractional free water clearance (an effect opposite that of thiazide diuretics) and a simultaneous 75% increase in fractional delivery of solute to the diluting segment. Consequently, when free water clearance was assessed relative to delivery of solute, tripamide induced a decrease from 0.86 ± 0.03 to 0.75 ± 0.01. This indicated an inhibitory effect on solute reabsorption at the cortical segment of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Studies during hydropenia indicated increased free water reabsorption. When factored for delivery of solute, however, free water reabsorption decreased from 0.66 ± 0.02 to 0.61 ± 0.02, indicating a site of effect of tripamide at the medullary segment of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Tripamide also increased calcium excretion. No effects on renal hemodynamics or indices of effect at the proximal tubule were observed. The data indicate that tripamide is a loop diuretic that may also affect more proximal nephron sites. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 34, 79–85; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.133
Solid-state amorphization in al-pt thin-films

Solid-state amorphization is reported to occur in aluminum-platinum thin films. A uniform amorphous alloy layer was observed at the interface between aluminum and platinum layers for electron beam evaporated samples in an as-deposited state. For a pure aluminum overlayer deposited on top of a coevaporated Al–Pt amorphous alloy, the aluminum dissolves into the amorphous phase leading to a fully amorphous sample. In this last case the amorphization is nonuniform upon low-temperature anneals (T < ≃2 200 °C) and gives rise to hole formation in the aluminum overlayer. Direct observations of this phenomenon during in situ annealing of the thin films in a transmission electron microscope were carried out.
Uric acid decreases NO production and increases arginase activity in cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Elevated levels of serum uric acid (UA) are commonly associated with primary pulmonary hypertension but have generally not been thought to have any causal role. Recent experimental studies, however...
Operatory Ventilation and Scavenger Evacuation Rate Influence on Ambient Nitrous Oxide Levels

Investigations have shown that greater than Federally-recommended levels of ambient nitrous oxide often exist in the dental workplace. The purposes of this investigation were to examine the influences of (1) operatory ventilation rate and (2) scavenger evacuation rate on ambient nitrous oxide concentrations within a closed dental operatory. This laboratory investigation utilized a scavenging nasal mask assembly (Porter/Brown) to deliver 40% nitrous oxide in oxygen, at a total flow rate of 5 L/min, to a mannequin positioned supinely in a dental chair. Eight experimental groups were assigned based on combinations of operatory air exchange rates (0, 5, 10, or 15 room air changes per hour) and scavenger evacuation rates (18.8 L/min and 21.4 L/min). Ambient nitrous oxide levels were monitored at four locations (0, 15.3, 30.7, and 61.4 cm) from the nasal mask by means of an infrared spectrophotometer (Miran 1B). The operatory air exchange rate was measured with a flow hood (Short Ridge) and manipulated to one of the desired ventilation rates. Time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of ambient nitrous oxide (ppm) were continuously recorded at 15-second intervals with a microprocessor (DL332F Datalogger) connected directly to a microcomputer. The results demonstrated that significantly reduced (p < 0.05) ambient nitrous oxide levels were achieved with increasing room air exchange rates and the high scavenger evacuation rate. It was concluded that operatory ventilation and scavenger evacuation rates were significant control measures available for reduction of ambient nitrous oxide to Federally recommended levels.
Parallel fabrication of photonic crystals (PC) using interference lithography for integrated waveguide-PC devices

Multiple exposure interference lithography is a promising way to fabricate areas of photonic crystals areas lithographically mapped for easy integration with conventional waveguides or optical devices. Preliminary results on fabrication of square PCs are reported.
Design of AC–DC Charge Pump

This chapter discusses circuit theory of AC–DC charge pump circuits. The input is a continuous wave with a single frequency or a multi-sine wave with multiple frequencies. An analytical, closed-form AC–DC charge pump voltage multiplier model is described to show the dependency of output current and input power on circuit and device parameters for continuous wave AC–DC charge pump. Then, it is expanded for multi-sine wave AC–DC charge pump. Analysis enables circuit designers to estimate circuit parameters, such as the number of stages and capacitance per stage, and device parameters such as saturation current (in the case of diodes) or transconductance (in the case of MOSFETs). In addition, design optimizations and the impact of AC power source impedance on output power are investigated.
Implementation of a Voice Messaging System is Associated With Improved Time-to-Treatment and Overall Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a continuum, with multiple steps and interfaces between patients and providers allowing for potential delays in cancer recognition and subsequent treatment. The diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is especially prone to missteps along the continuum, leading to treatment delays due to non-tissue-based diagnosis and multiprovider treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome measures after implementation of a voice messaging system (VMS) designed to streamline patient referrals to downstream treatment physicians and ultimately reduce delays in HCC treatment, thereby improving outcome measures. Methods A retrospective study of outpatients with HCC was conducted in a safety net hospital between February 2008 and January 2012. In February 2010, VMS notification of HCC to the ordering physician and downstream treating physicians was implemented. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) preintervention: diagnosis 2 years before implementation or failure of notification following implementation, and (2) postintervention: diagnosis 2 years after implementation. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival were compared. Results This study included 96 patients diagnosed with HCC: 51 in the preintervention group and 45 in the postintervention group. The main cause of chronic liver disease was HCV infection, and no differences in symptoms, liver dysfunction, tumor characteristics, or treatment were observed between groups. The time from diagnosis to clinic contact (0.5 vs 2.9 months; P=.003) and time from detection to treatment (2.2 vs 5.5 months; P=.005) was significantly shorter after implementation of the VMS. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A status (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1; 95% CI, 2, 6), treatment (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1, 4), and VMS (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1, 3) were independently associated with overall survival. Patients diagnosed after implementation of the VMS had a median survival of 28.5 versus 15.7 months (P=.02). Conclusions Implementation of VMS reduces time to treatment and time to clinic visit. Reduction in time to treatment is associated with improved outcome independent of tumor stage, underlying liver function, and treatment.
Pharmacokinetics of Muscle Relaxants in Children

Several studies in the early 1980’s improved our understanding of relationship of the physiologic changes with maturation to the pharmacokinetics of three nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, d-tubocurarine (dTc) (1), vecuronium (2), and atracurium (3). Because these muscle relaxants are polar, water-soluble molecules, their distribution should be limited to the extracellular fluid space (ECF). In fact, volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) of the three drugs correlates with ECF; its values are of the same order of magnitude as ECF (20–40% of body weight) and age-related changes parallel those of ECF. A second finding was that the neuromuscular junction of the neonate was sensitive (as defined by a lower steady state plasma concentration, Css, producing paralysis), consistent with the electromyographic findings of decreased prejunctional acetylcholine stores observed in neonates and infants (4,5).
Dimorphism in the African Oecophylla Worker Nd an Anomaly (Hym.: Formicidae)

The genus Oecophylla comprises the species of ants whose larvae produce silk and are used by the workers as shuttles in weaving their nests (fig. 1). Two species are recognized, longinoda (Latreille) of the Ethiopian Region and smaragdina (Fabricius) of the Indomalayan and Papuan Regions. Each has several described varieties and subspecies. The worker is formally characterized as slightly polymorphic.
The affective control of thought: Malleable, not fixed.

Despite decades of research demonstrating a dedicated link between positive and negative affect and specific cognitive processes, not all research is consistent with this view. We present a new overarching theoretical account as an alternative-one that can simultaneously account for prior findings, generate new predictions, and encompass a wide range of phenomena. According to our proposed affect-as-cognitive-feedback account, affective reactions confer value on accessible information processing strategies (e.g., global vs. local processing) and other responses, goals, concepts, and thoughts that happen to be accessible at the time. This view underscores that the relationship between affect and cognition is not fixed but, instead, is highly malleable. That is, the relationship between affect and cognitive processing can be altered, and often reversed, by varying the mental context in which it is experienced. We present evidence that supports this account, along with implications for specific affective states and other subjective experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).