cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RESOURCE CONGRUENCE AND FOREST REGENERATION FOLLOWING AN EXPERIMENTAL HURRICANE BLOWDOWN

Catastrophic uprooting of forest canopy trees creates mounds, pits, and other microsites that provide opportunities for regeneration of particular species. We measured environmental factors on five types of microsites created by simulated blowdown of a mixed deciduous forest in central New England, United States. We then estimated spatial variation in resource levels and quantified congruence among different resources at each site. Effects of simulated blowdown on light levels and CO2 concentrations were more pronounced after three years than effects on nitrogen availability and other soil resources. Spatial heterogeneity in light levels and net nitrification rates was greater in the blowdown, but heterogeneities of soil organic matter concentration and net mineralization rates were greater in the undisturbed forest. Availability of nitrate, a limiting resource in most New England forests, was low on mounds and in pits, but high on the vertical portion of forest floor resulting from uprooting of canopy trees. At a spatial scale relevant to seedlings, resource congruence was greater in the undisturbed forest than in the experimental blowdown, primarily because of the effects of blowdown on light levels. Congruence in the blowdown increased with an increase in spatial scale, but congruence in the undisturbed forest was similar at both spatial scales. Seedling growth of two birch species was correlated with light levels and with congruence among soil resources. This study shows that immediate disturbance effects on microtopography and light levels determine recruitment patterns of colonizing species, with changes in soil resource levels influencing later community development. Furthermore, some species appear to respond to resource congruence, which may provide an additional dimension to the regeneration niche.
Group psychotherapy for youth: Experiencing in the here and now

The project method by W. H. Kilpatrick (1921) and Life Space Interview developed by Fritz Redl (1959) will give child and adolescent therapists methods to create here and now experiences in the treatment group. Experiencing, according to John Dewey, is the foundation for psychosocial change and development in childhood. Furthermore, the bonds that form as youth participate in verbal and nonverbal activities in the group enable the group object to become introjected into the child's self object representation.
Social class, race, and juvenile delinquency: A review of the literature

Though delinquency is a universal problem, standards for delinquent behavior vary, both intra- and cross-culturally. The urban juvenile, typically black and of low socioeconomic status, is at highest risk of participating in delinquent acts for which he will be adjudicated. A number of theories are reviewed in the light of recent research into the nature of the urban Negro family, the resurgence of delinquent gang activities, cultural conflict, and varieties of identity-corrective experiences sought by adolescent males.
In vitro activity of pyrvinium pamoate against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis using radiolabelled thymidine incorporation and an SYBR Green I-based fluorescence assay

Objectives: To assess the in vitro activity of the FDA-approved antihelminthic drug pyrvinium pamoate against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis. Methods: A head-to-head comparison of a standard radiolabelled thymidine incorporation assay and the SYBR Green I-based fluorescence assay for determination of in vitro inhibition by pyrvinium and metronidazole was performed. Results: The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for treatment of E. histolytica with pyrvinium was 4‐5mM for both assays compared with 1‐2 mM for metronidazole. For pyrvinium treatment of G. intestinalis ,a n IC50 of 12 mM was determined by the radiolabelled thymidine assay alone, with maximum inhibition around 60%. In contrast, the IC50 for metronidazole treatment using this assay was 2 mM.
Evaluation of the Cognitive Effects of Travel Technique in Complex Real and Virtual Environments

We report a series of experiments conducted to investigate the effects of travel technique on information gathering and cognition in complex virtual environments. In the first experiment, participants completed a non-branching multilevel 3D maze at their own pace using either real walking or one of two virtual travel techniques. In the second experiment, we constructed a real-world maze with branching pathways and modeled an identical virtual environment. Participants explored either the real or virtual maze for a predetermined amount of time using real walking or a virtual travel technique. Our results across experiments suggest that for complex environments requiring a large number of turns, virtual travel is an acceptable substitute for real walking if the goal of the application involves learning or reasoning based on information presented in the virtual world. However, for applications that require fast, efficient navigation or travel that closely resembles real-world behavior, real walking has advantages over common joystick-based virtual travel techniques.
Testing models for post-glacial 'cap dolostone' deposition: Nuccaleena Formation, South Australia

Sedimentologically and geochemically distinctive carbonate sequences consistently drape the glacial deposits associated with the younger Cryogenian ice age. The presence of ice-rafted debris in the basal dolostone implies that at least the lower portion of the cap sequence records deglaciation. An isochronous model proposes that cap dolostones were deposited synchronously around the world regardless of water depth, whilst a diachronous model proposes that deposition tracked glacioeustatic flooding during deglaciation. The Nuccaleena Formation of the Adelaide Rift Complex (ARC), South Australia, exhibits many of the unique sedimentary features observed in other younger Cryogenian cap dolostones around the world. Some bedforms are the product of wind-driven oscillatory flow, thus constraining post-glacial dolostone deposition to < 400 m. These sedimentary features are absent in the deepest basinal facies in the northern ARC, suggesting that this region was below storm wave base even at the glacial sea level lowstand. In the north Flinders Ranges, there is a distinct relationship between lateral facies variability in the pre-, syn- and post-glacial sediments and the axes of 50 km scale structural folds. The northern fold limbs are characterised by basinal facies, whilst the southern limbs are associated with upper-slope facies. We interpret the abrupt facies transitions to reflect lower slope to upper slope/shelf breaks across a series of linked, south-facing half-grabens. The majority of cap dolostone carbon isotope records show monotonic declines in δ13C of < 2‰, with starting points between − 0.5 and − 3.5‰. An isochronous model implies a ∼ 3.0‰ lateral gradient from platform to lower slope that varies dramatically on a short spatial scale and non-systematically with palaeobathymetry. If pre- and syn-glacial facies are used to infer palaeobathymetry, and cap dolostones are deposited diachronously as sea level rises during deglaciation, then δ13C values becomes progressively lighter with time, implying that cap dolostone deposition tracked the glacioeustatic sea-level rise over a series of half-grabens that deepened to the north. The carbon isotope dataset cannot rule out uniquely isochronous or diachronous models. Given the high frequency spatial variability of δ13C values, temperature cannot be the dominant control on the isotopic variability of the cap dolostone.
What does the Ashworth scale really measure and are instrumented measures more valid and precise

This study aimed to explore the limitations of the Ashworth scale for measuring spasticity. An isokinetic dynamometer to quantify resistance to passive stretch and surface EMG was used to verify if a stretch response occurred and, if so, at what joint angle. The authors sought to determine which components of passive resistance (magnitude, rate of change, onset angle of stretch, or velocity dependence) were most related to Ashworth scores and which were related to motor function in cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-two individuals with spastic CP (11 males, 11 females; mean age 11.9 years, SD 4.3) and a comparison group of nine children without CP (four males, five females; mean age 11.3 years, SD 2.5) participated in the study. The group with CP included those with a diagnosis of spastic diplegia, hemiplegia, or quadriplegia, distributed across Gross Motor Functional Classification Levels. Procedures included: (1) clinical assessment at the knee joint, (2) functional assessments, and (3) isokinetic assessment of passive resistance torque in hamstrings and quadriceps at three velocities. EMG data were recorded simultaneously to identify stretch responses. Detecting stretch responses using the Ashworth scale compared with instrumented measures showed near complete agreement at extremes of the scale, with marked inconsistencies in mid-range values. Ashworth scores were correlated with instrumented measures, particularly for the quadriceps, with higher correlations to the rate of change in resistance (stiffness) and onset angle of stretch than to peak resistance torque. Those with greater resistance tended to have poorer function with isokinetic relations typically stronger.
Rapid Freeze-quench Trapping Of Intermediates In The Reaction Of Cytochrome c Oxidase With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide treatment of Cytochrome c Oxidase (CcO) at low and high pH is commonly used to form the “P” and “F” oxygen-intermediates. The structure and function of intermediates formed in the reaction of bovine CcO with H2O2 are studied using a custom rapid freeze-quench device designed to trap fast biochemical intermediates on the 50 to 500 μsec time scale. Oxidized bovine CcO was mixed with H2O2 at pH 6 and pH 8 at room temperature. Reaction intermediates were freeze-quenched at 77 K and examined by optical absorption and EPR spectroscopy. A new carbon-based radical signature arises, which is distinct from the “broad” and “narrow” species trapped via manual mixing of H2O2 and bCcO at low and high pH. A comparison between the new radical, the narrow, and the broad species was conducted at X-band (9 GHz) and D-band (130 GHz) EPR. Assignment to oxygen-intermediates was made by low-temperature optical absorption. The reaction mechanism is reassessed based on these results.
Is it all relative? Effects of prosodic boundaries on the comprehension and production of attachment ambiguities

While there is ample evidence that prosody and syntax mutually constrain each other, there is considerable uncertainty about the nature of this interface. Here, we explore this issue with prepositional phrase attachment ambiguities (You can feelA the catB with the feather). Prior research has been motivated by two hypotheses: (1) the absolute boundary hypothesis (ABH) posits that attachment preferences depend on the size of the prosodic boundary before the ambiguous phrase (boundary B) and (2) the relative boundary hypothesis (RBH) links attachment to the relative size of boundary B and any boundary between the high and low attachment site (boundary A). However, few experiments test the unique predictions of either theory. Study 1 examines how syntax influences prosodic production. The results provide modest support for RBH and stronger support for ABH. In Study 2, we systematically vary the size of both boundaries in an offline comprehension task. We find that absolute boundary strength influences interp...
A New Species of Reichenbachia Leach (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT Reichenbachia parkeri Carlton, new species is described based on three male specimens from a single Malaise trap in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The species differs from all other North American members of the genus in the form of the aedeagus. It is found sympatrically with Reichenbachia hardyi Park in an area where habitats favorable to members of the genus occur.
Dual-adaptive feedforward control for raster tracking with applications to AFMs

We evaluate the performance of a dual-adaptive feedforward control architecture applied to the raster scan of a piezo-based positioning system. In previous work [1], we introduced the adaptive-delay algorithm that improved the tracking performance of the feedforward plant-injection architecture. The key benefit of the adaptive-delay algorithm is the adaptation calculation that does not require knowledge of plant parameters. In [1], the algorithm uses model-inverse-based feedforward control to increase raster-tracking bandwidth. It is well known that model-inverse-based feedforward control designs can perform poorly in the presence of large model variation or uncertainty. System identification methods reveal that the frequency response of our piezoscanner includes a large amount of variation as the user requests various operating points within the stage's range. As a result, tracking performance degrades as we vary from the conditions with which the model was identified. To correct for this, we combined the adaptive-delay algorithm with partial-parameter adaptation that updates critically variant parameters. This partnership of adaptive feedforward controllers improved experimental tracking results and robustness to model uncertainties.
Nonprofits as Civic Intermediaries The Role of Community-Based Organizations in Promoting Political Participation

Nonprofit organizations have a long-standing tradition of advocacy on behalf of their clients, particularly those that comprise underrepresented groups. However, much less is known about the roles ...
A database on water quality of the mississippi river

A water quality GIS/database has been developed for the Mississippi River within the state of Louisiana. Existing ambient water quality data (1.3 million records) and records of river stage and discharge for the river and its tributaries have been acquired from government agencies, industry, and research projects. Data were initially reviewed to validate information quality. They have been incorporated into an Oracle® database created to provide rapid data searches and retrieval of information through a menu-format user interface. Descriptive information about sample collection and analysis methods are included, as well as government advisory criteria which provide ecological and human health perspectives to assist in data interpretation. GIS software utilizes electronic base maps which have been developed in Arc/Info® and Arc View® data formats to generate geographic displays and graphical representations of the data. Examples of the capabilities of the system are included for data on mercury, phosphates, and nitrates. The temporal trends in the concentrations of representative water quality parameters are tabulated for a selected segment of the river.
Changes in Students' Understanding of Evolution Resulting from Different Curricular and Instructional Strategies.

This study assessed students' learning of evolution by natural selection within four different sections of an introductory biology course. Each section used a different combination of curricular materials (either traditional or historically rich materials) and instruction (either paired problem solving or traditional lecture). Students in the study completed pre- and postintervention evolution tests. Students' responses were analyzed to create variables for both correct and alternative conceptions of evolution. Pretest and posttest data were used to create difference scores that were compared both within and between teaching sections. Pre-to-post gains were expected in the correct (Darwinian Conception) scores, while pre-to-post losses were expected in the Alternative Conception scores. Also, students in the experimental sections were expected to perform better than those in the traditional sections. Pretest-to-posttest differences within each section showed gains in correct conceptions but few reductions in alternative conceptions. Comparisons between sections support the use of the paired problem-solving instructional strategy in conjunction with the historically rich curriculum. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effective citizenship training

Student at Univeristy of Toledo are using the laboratory method to learn “the great gams of politics,” participating actively in local political campaigns.
Analysis of rainfall impacts on platooned vehicle spacing and speed

This paper investigates the impact of rainfall on the behavior of drivers in a car-following state by analyzing the differences in time gap, speed, and following distance of platooned vehicles between no-rain and rainy weather conditions on a two-lane rural state highway. Time gap, following distance, and individual vehicle speed were observed. Platooned vehicles were identified by a maximum time gap threshold of 4 s, allowing for interactions between vehicles beyond perception-reaction time. Rainfall intensity was utilized as the measure of local precipitation conditions and was categorized according to American Meteorological Society standards. The analysis showed that rainy weather conditions were strongly correlated with greater spread in speed distributions when compared to dry conditions. Further, the shift from no-rain to rain showed an increase in time gap and a reduction in speed. No statistically significant differences were observed between following distances in any weather conditions - suggesting that drivers tend to maintain following distance irrespective of weather conditions and speed reduction causes the observed time gap increase. This is supported by the observed 5.6% decrease in mean time gap - from 1.97 s to 2.1 s and the 3.7% decrease in mean speed - from 47 mph (75.6 km/h) to 45.3 mph (72.9 km/h).
Aspergillus niger absorbs copper and zinc from swine wastewater

Wastewater from swine confined-housing operations contains elevated levels of copper and zinc due to their abundance in feed. These metals may accumulate to phytotoxic levels in some agricultural soils of North Carolina due to land application of treated swine effluent. We evaluated fungi for their ability to remove these metals from wastewater and found Aspergillus niger best suited for this purpose. A. niger was able to grow on plates amended with copper at a level five times that inhibitory to the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We also found evidence for internal absorption as the mechanism used by A. niger to detoxify its environment of copper, a property of the fungus that has not been previously exploited for metal bioremediation. In this report, we show that A. niger is capable of removing 91% of the copper and 70% of the zinc from treated swine effluent.
Examination of Sex Differences and Type of Violence Exposure in a Mediation Model of Family Violence

Violence in the home predisposes children to behavioral and emotional difficulties. Since depression is implicated as a consequence of exposure to home violence and as a cause of aggression, this study examined depression as a mediator between experiencing family violence and aggression for males and females. College students (n = 360) reported on experiencing family violence, including exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and parent-to-child aggression prior to age 18. Results indicated the relationship between experiencing family violence and aggression was partially mediated by depressive symptoms for females only. Additionally, experiencing both types of violence showed higher levels of depressive symptoms and aggression than those who had only witnessed IPV and who had neither witnessed nor experienced aggression.
Maximum-likelihood approach for signal estimation in direct detection experiments for Dark Matter

Abstract We develop a maximum-likelihood method for estimating the signal in direct Dark Matter detection experiments which rely on one or more parameters for discriminating against background. We demonstrate that the method performs better than the traditional “cut” approach, at least in the limit of large number of events. We apply the method to the CDMS II data acquired at the shallow underground site, and we show that the method could improve the sensitivity of the experiment by 15–20%, as compared to the sensitivity relying on the cut in the discriminating parameter.
The Impact of Dropwindsonde Data on GFDL Hurricane Model Forecasts Using Global Analyses

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the Hurricane Research Division (HRD) of NOAA have collaborated to postprocess Omega dropwindsonde (ODW) data into the NCEP operational global analysis system for a series of 14 cases of Atlantic hurricanes (or tropical storms) from 1982 to 1989. Objective analyses were constructed with and without ingested ODW data by the NCEP operational global system. These analyses were then used as initial conditions by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) highresolution regional forecast model. This series of 14 experiments with and without ODWs indicated the positive impacts of ODWs on track forecasts using the GFDL model. The mean forecast track improvement at various forecast periods ranged from 12% to 30% relative to control cases without ODWs: approximately the same magnitude as those of the NCEP global model and higher than those of the VICBAR barotropic model for the same 14 cases. Mean track errors were reduced by 12 km at 12 h, by ;50 km for 24‐60 h, and by 127 km at 72 h (nine cases). Track improvements were realized with ODWs at ;75% of the verifying times for the entire 14-case ensemble. With the improved analysis using ODWs, the GFDL model was able to forecast the interaction of Hurricane Floyd (1987) with an approaching midlatitude trough and the storm’s associated movement from the western Caribbean north, then northeastward from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic east of Florida. In addition, the GFDL model with ODWs accurately forecasted the rapid approach and landfall of Hurricane Hugo (1989) onto the U.S. mainland. An assessment of the differences between analyses indicates that the impact of ODWs can be attributable in part to differences of ; 1ms 2 1 in steering flow of the initial state. In addition to track error, the skill of intensity prediction using the ODW dataset was also investigated. Results indicate a positive impact on intensity forecasts with ODW analyses. However, the overall skill relative to the National Hurricane Center statistical model SHIFOR is shown only after 2 or 3 days. It is speculated that with increased data coverage such as ODWs both track and intensity error can be further reduced provided that data sampling can be optimized and objective analysis techniques utilizing asynoptic data can be developed and improved.
Toward a United, But Plural, West

The Inevitable Alliance: Europe and the United States beyond Iraq. By Vittorio Emanuele Parsi. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave MacMillan, 2006. 216 pp., $69.95 (ISBN: 1-4039-7022-X). Vittorio Emanuele Parsi is perhaps the best known scholar of international relations in Italy today. He is a professor at the Catholic University of Milan, a regular columnist on foreign policy for the Catholic newspaper Avvenire , and a frequent participant on television talk shows in which he engages Italy's leading politicians. His latest book, The Inevitable Alliance, deals with US–European relations in the wake of the Iraq invasion. The original Italian version, although published in 2003, was not simply an “instant book” on current politics. It reflected Parsi's thoughtful engagement with the philosophical and pragmatic issues that divide the United States from its main European allies and was guided by a subtle understanding of the alliance's history. The Inevitable Alliance is composed of three chapters. The first one, “From the End of History to the End of the World,” reviews the changes that distinguish the Cold War era from the …
The effect of extroversion and differentiation on listener‐adapted communication

It was hypothesized that listener‐adapted communication is proportional to the extroversion of the communicator. This hypothesis was tested by including another known predictor of listener‐adapted communication (differentiation). The results of regression analysis are consistent with this prediction. The failure of differentiation to exert a substantial impact on listener‐adapted communication may have resulted from the lack of complexity of the communication task.
Adipocytokines in obesity and metabolic disease

The current global obesity pandemic is the leading cause for the soaring rates of metabolic diseases, especially diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis. Efforts devoted to find cures for obesity and associated disorders in the past two decades have prompted intensive interest in adipocyte biology, and have led to major advances in the mechanistic understanding of adipose tissue as an essential endocrine organ. Adipose tissue secretes an array of hormones (adipokines) that signal key organs to maintain metabolic homeostasis, and their dysfunction has been causally linked to a wide range of metabolic diseases. In addition, obesity induces production of inflammatory cytokines (often referred to together with adipokines as adipocytokines) and infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue, which creates a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Metabolic inflammation has been increasingly recognized as a unifying mechanism linking obesity to a broad spectrum of pathological conditions. This review focuses on classic examples of adipocytokines that have helped to form the basis of the endocrine and inflammatory roles of adipose tissue, and it also details a few newly characterized adipocytokines that provide fresh insights into adipose biology. Studies of adipocytokines in clinical settings and their therapeutic potential are also discussed.
Evolution of gas saturation and relative permeability during gas production from hydrate-bearing sediments: Gas invasion vs. gas nucleation

Capillarity and both gas and water permeabilities change as a function of gas saturation. Typical trends established in the discipline of unsaturated soil behavior are used when simulating gas production from hydrate-bearing sediments. However, the evolution of gas saturation and water drainage in gas invasion (i.e., classical soil behavior) and gas nucleation (i.e., gas production) is inherently different: micromodel experimental results show that gas invasion forms a continuous flow path while gas nucleation forms isolated gas clusters. Complementary simulations conducted using tube networks explore the implications of the two different desaturation processes. In spite of their distinct morphological differences in fluid displacement, numerical results show that the computed capillarity-saturation curves are very similar in gas invasion and nucleation (the gas-water interface confronts similar pore throat size distribution in both cases); the relative water permeability trends are similar (the mean free path for water flow is not affected by the topology of the gas phase); and the relative gas permeability is slightly lower in nucleation (delayed percolation of initially isolated gas-filled pores that do not contribute to gas conductivity). Models developed for unsaturated sediments can be used for reservoir simulation in the context of gas production from hydrate-bearing sediments, with minor adjustments to accommodate a lower gas invasion pressure Po and a higher gas percolation threshold.
Outcome of hemiepiphyseal stapling for late-onset tibia vara.

Background The results of hemiepiphysiodesis for the treatment of late-onset tibia vara have been reported to be favorable, but the technique requires careful timing and an accurate estimation of skeletal age. Hemiepiphyseal stapling does not require a careful estimation of skeletal age, and it has been reported to yield good results with low morbidity. However, we are not aware of any study evaluating the intermediate-term radiographic results or complications of this procedure. Methods Twenty-six patients with thirty-three extremities with late-onset tibia vara were treated with proximal tibial hemiepiphyseal stapling. Fourteen extremities had substantial concomitant distal femoral varus and also had hemiepiphyseal stapling of the distal part of the femur. Eighteen patients (twenty-three involved extremities) had juvenileonset tibia vara and eight patients (ten involved extremities) had adolescent-onset tibia vara. The mean age at the time of stapling was 11.8 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.8 years. We reviewed standardized standing radiographs to determine the mechanical axis deviation, the medial proximal tibial angle, the lateral distal femoral angle, and the zone of the knee through which the mechanical axis passed. Results The mean mechanical axis deviation improved from 58 mm (range, 27 to 157 mm) preoperatively to 22 mm (range, -33 to 117 mm) at the time of the last follow-up, and the mean medial proximal tibial angle improved from 77 degrees (range, 50 degrees to 85 degrees ) to 85 degrees (range, 48 degrees to 95 degrees ). In the fourteen lower extremities in which distal femoral hemiepiphyseal stapling was performed, the mean lateral distal femoral angle improved from 96 degrees (range, 92 degrees to 100 degrees ) to 86 degrees (range, 79 degrees to 97 degrees ). At the time of the final follow-up, seven extremities were considered to be in moderate varus; four, in mild varus; twenty, in normal alignment; and two, in valgus. No differences in radiographic outcome were noted between the juvenile and adolescent forms of tibia vara. Only one of the four extremities with severe preoperative varus was corrected to normal alignment; the remaining three were left with moderate varus. Conclusions Hemiepiphyseal stapling of the lateral aspect of the proximal tibial physis and, as needed, the lateral aspect of the distal femoral physis is safe and effective in children with late-onset tibia vara if the physes are sufficiently open and the varus deformity is mild to moderate. Hemiepiphyseal stapling is particularly effective in patients who are ten years of age or younger. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV.
Immunization of pregnant women: Future of early infant protection

Children in early infancy do not mount effective antibody responses to many vaccines against commons infectious pathogens, which results in a window of increased susceptibility or severity infections. In addition, vaccine-preventable infections are among the leading causes of morbidity in pregnant women. Immunization during pregnancy can generate maternal immune protection as well as elicit the production and transfer of antibodies cross the placenta and via breastfeeding to provide early infant protection. Several successful vaccines are now recommended to all pregnant women worldwide. However, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the efficacy and safety of other vaccines and in women with conditions associated with increased susceptible to high-risk pregnancies. Public acceptance of maternal immunization remained to be improved. Broader success of maternal immunization will rely on the integration of advances in basic science in vaccine design and evaluation and carefully planned clinical trials that are inclusive to pregnant women.
The alternative sigma factor σE controls antioxidant defences required for Salmonella virulence and stationary-phase survival

Bacteria must contend with conditions of nutrient limitation in all natural environments. Complex programmes of gene expression, controlled in part by the alternative sigma factors sigmaS (sigma38, RpoS) and sigmaH (sigma32, RpoH), allow a number of bacterial species to survive conditions of partial or complete starvation. We show here that the alternative sigma factor sigmaE (sigma24, RpoE) also facilitates the survival of Salmonella typhimurium under conditions of nutrient deprivation. Expression of the sigmaE regulon is strongly induced upon entry of Salmonella into stationary phase. A Salmonella mutant lacking sigmaE has reduced survival during stationary phase as well as increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. A Salmonella strain lacking both sigmaE and sigmaS is non-viable after just 24 h in stationary phase, but survival of these mutants is completely preserved under anaerobic stationary-phase conditions, suggesting that oxidative injury is one of the major mechanisms of reduced microbial viability during periods of nutrient deprivation. Moreover, the attenuated virulence of sigmaE-deficient Salmonella for mice can be largely restored by genetic abrogation of the host phagocyte respiratory burst, suggesting that the sigmaE regulon plays an important antioxidant role during Salmonella infection of mammalian hosts.
The effects of added nanoparticles on aqueous kaolinite suspensions. I. Structural effects.

Abstract The results of an experimental study focused on the effect of added silica nanospheres on the structure of an aqueous suspension of disc-shaped kaolinite particles are presented. In the absence of any additives, kaolinite particles rapidly aggregate and settle. When only nanoparticles were added to a 14% vol. kaolinite suspension, some stabilization was observed, although a thick, fluid-like sediment still formed. Adding both nanoparticles and salt (NaCl or KCl), however, caused the entire suspension to transition into a solid material that was strong enough to actually be sliced. A phase diagram was constructed showing the concentration of salt and nanoparticles needed to produce this transition. With smaller nanoparticles, the transition occurred at much lower nanoparticle volume fractions. Scanning electron micrographs of both the sediment and solid-like material, obtained by cryogenic drying, showed that the latter consisted of a porous, ‘sponge-like’ structure. The characteristic size of the pores decreased as the number density of the added nanoparticles increased. Although the nanoparticles were not visible in the SEM images, it is believed that they had separated into the pores of the solid-like material. While a similar type of transition could be produced in suspensions containing only the silica nanospheres, the structure and flow behavior of this material were markedly different from that obtained with the added clay.
The Wealth Elasticity of Political Contributions by the Forbes 400

Inequality in campaign contributions in the American plutocracy has grown hand in hand with the growth in economic inequality. We report on the campaign contributions of the Forbes 400 wealthiest individuals from 1983 to 2012. We find that the wealth elasticity of individual contributions is around 1.0 without statistical controls but remains around 0.6 even with fixed effects for individuals and election cycles. The results suggest that the inequality in campaign contributions is largely driven by the increase in economic inequality. The sensitivity of contributions to individual wealth mainly benefits Republicans. In contrast, turnover in membership in the 400 has favored the Democrats.
Tibial condylar fractures.

A review of tibial condylar fractures has been presented. The principles of treatment, the classification of fractures, and the factors responsible for permanent disability have been delineated. The role of soft-tissue injuries in the production of permanent disability has been discussed. Recommendations for the management of each fracture type are discussed. It is concluded that effective treatment of tibial condylar fractures requires repair of the soft-tissue injuries and restoration of a smooth and stable articular surface. Early mobilization of the knee and late resumption of the weight-bearing are among the means of lessening permanent disability.
In vitro evidence for an inhibitor of lipogenesis in serum from overfed obese rats

Involvement of a humoral agent in regulation of energy balance has been demonstrated by parabiosis experiments. Overfed obese rats produce a blood-borne factor that inhibits adipose fatty acid synthesis in their partners, resulting in loss of body fat without significant inhibition of food intake. An in vitro bioassay was developed to test small serum samples for antilipogenic activity. Epididymal adipocytes from ad libitum-fed rats were preincubated for 12 h with 2% serum. Basal adipocyte fatty acid synthesis, measured in a subsequent serum-free incubation, was inhibited by obese serum. Insulin response was not changed. Characterization studies indicated that the factor was probably a protein, larger than 30 kDa, but not a protease or a low-density lipoprotein and was not associated with serum albumin. Physiological experiments demonstrated that the agent was produced when body weight was raised substantially above "set-point." Inhibitory activity was neither species specific nor pituitary dependent. Structure, origin, and physiological significance of the factor are unknown, but it may be involved in the control of body fat content.
Transferable State Income Tax Credits: Are They 'Property' or 'Tax Items' for Federal Tax Purposes?

The author considers whether transferable state income tax credits such as the Louisiana motion picture investor credit are property or tax items for federal tax purposes. If Louisiana insists on giving away state revenues to encourage taxpayer investments, it should enhance the value of the credit to investors by making the tax credits refundable to the taxpayer rather than transferable, the author writes.
Corrected model for "predicting the relative performance of CPU"

In the era of cloud computing and virtualization it is ever more important to model performance of computing systems. An algorithm for finding functions to describe relative performance using sample CPU rating system from www.spec.org was proposed by Debbie Sheetz, Lying Song and Anatoliy Rikun. A major error in the primary model equation of the algorithm, proposed by Sheetz et al. is reported here. The fundamental cause of the error and its implication is explained. The validity of the data presented in several tables were analyzed against the error in the main theory. Correct form of the equation is presented. The corrected model is applied to a new set of performance data and the results are validated by comparing some predictions with measured data.
An open-label pilot study of icariin for co-morbid bipolar and alcohol use disorder.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Bipolar disorder is associated with a very high prevalence of alcohol-related disorders. However, few studies have examined treatment in this population. Preclinical research suggests a role for the flavonoid icariin in mood and addictive disorders. In this open-label pilot study, we investigated the feasibility and safety of using icariin for persons with bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse or dependence. Methods: Ten participants with bipolar I or bipolar II disorders, currently depressed, and with active alcohol abuse or dependence were given open-label icariin of up to 300 mg/day for 8 weeks using a flexible dosing strategy. Participants were assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Standard drinks, heavy drinking days, and drinking days were also quantified. Baseline and exit data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon S...
Predictors of Radiation Induced Skin Toxicity in a Prospective Study of Triracial/Ethnic Breast Cancer Patient Population

patients with higher education levels and longer travel distance for treatment. Overall, this is consistent with dissemination of data from the invasive breast cancer paradigm, and recognition of similar efficacy and improved convenience of HF-WBI relative to standard fractionation. Author Disclosure: Y. An: None. C.E. Rutter: Employee; Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. H.S. Park: Employee; Yale-New Haven Hospital. C.D. Corso: None. B.R. Mancini: Employee; The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. N.H. Lester-Coll: None. D.N. Yeboa: None. S.B. Evans: None.
Amorphous Ni-Zr Phase Formation in Self-Supporting Thin-Film Lateral-Diffusion Couples

The formation of an amorphous Ni-Zr alloy, by heating to cause interdiffusion in the temperature range 250°C to 325°C, was demonstrated in a self-supporting lateral-diffusion couple. Micro-area diffraction in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) indicates that microcrystalline ordering in the amorphous phase must be on a scale less than 5 nm. The samples were heated in a vacuum furnace to form the amorphous phase and later heated in the STEM for in situ observation of crystalline compound formation. The amorphous to crystalline transformation occurs first in the Zr-rich regions at 370°C. A crystalline phase begins to consume the Ni rich amorphous material, at 450° C; but at 325° C, the amorphous phase is stable up to 20.5 hours, even in the presence of crystalline compounds.
THE PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF POSITIVE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY FINDINGS WITH NORMAL EXERCISE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Although exercise stress echocardiography has been used for over 20 years, uncertainty remains regarding discordant electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiogram (echo) results in patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD). In particular, the prognostic significance of positive ECG in the
An Existential-Phenomenological Investigation of Women’s Experience of Becoming Less Obsessed with their Bodily Appearance

This study investigated women’s lived experience of becoming less obsessed with their bodily appearance. Written narrative accounts were collected from seven women co-participants and a phenomenological analysis of these descriptive protocols was then performed in order to reveal the prereflective structure of the focal phenomenon, seven essential constituents of which emerged. A major goal of this research was to contribute to the undernourished area of phenomenological research regarding the experience of body image.
Incorporating husband influences into a model of physical activity among older women.

Background Health behaviour models focus primarily on intrapersonal constructs (e.g., self-efficacy) which are good predictors of intention but less so of actual behaviour. Influences from the social environment, namely from close others, may improve prediction of engagement in ongoing behaviour. Objectives This study sought to broadly assess husband influence on physical activity and to determine whether a multidimensional assessment of husband influence would improve prediction of wives’ physical activity. Design A two-wave (separated by 4 months) observational study of married women was employed. Method Women (n = 160, Mage = 63 years) reported intention, planning, and self-efficacy for physical activity as well as previous month physical activity through Wave 1 mailed surveys. In Wave 2 telephone interviews conducted 4 months later, women reported on their perception of husband influences and their own physical activity in the previous month. Results Psychometric analyses supported five components of social support along with social control, injunctive norms, and descriptive norms as a broad assessment of husband social influence on physical activity. Husband influences significantly improved prediction of wives’ physical activity, over and above intrapersonal predictors (ΔR2 = .09). Social control related negatively to behaviour; moderation analyses revealed a strong negative association when women's intentions were low. Conclusions This work highlights the interpersonal social context and post-intentional influences on daily health behaviour and offers guidance on the expansion of models of health behaviour as well as potential targets for intervention. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Behavioural intentions are the best predictors of behaviour; however, much variability in actual behaviour remains to be explained. Romantic partners are frequent providers of health-related social support and social control. What does this study add? Provides multidimensional assessment of husband influence. Improves prediction of behaviour using husband influences. Demonstrates moderator of social control on behaviour.
Changes of rice bran glutelin functional properties caused by rancidity during storage

Fresh rice bran which stored in a condition of 25 ℃ and85% of relative humidity for different period were used to prepare different rancid extent of rice bran.Rice bran glutelin were prepared after defatting of rice bran,and effects of rice bran rancidity on the functional properties of rice bran glutelin were investigated.The results indicated that rice bran glutelin carbonyl content increased as storage time increased,which indicated that storage of rice bran lead to oxidation of rice bran glutelin.Solubility of rice bran glutelin decreased by 40% as storage time increased.As storage time increased,water holding capacity,oil holding capacity,foaming capacity,foaming stability,emulsion activity,and emulsion stability of rice bran glutelin firstly increased,and then decreased.Water holding capacity and oil holding capacity reached maximum value of212.61% and 657.25%after storage of 3days and 1day,respectively.Foaming capacity and emulsion activity reached maximum value of 75.06%and 76.27m2/g after storage of 1day,respectively.Foaming stability and emulsion stability reached maximum value of69.30% and 20.60 min after storage of 3days,respectively.The results indicated that short-term storage of rice bran had a positive effect on the functional properties,and long-term storage of rice bran had a negative effect on the functional properties of rice bran glutelin.
Materials and Energy Recovery

Solid waste management has through the years consisted of collection and disposal. Technological advances have for the most part been in collection equipment design, incinerator efficiency, and landfill operation. In short, the objective has been to “pick it up and put it down,” at the lowest possible cost.
A Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Indoor Tanning Motivations in Adolescents: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Youthful indoor tanning as few as ten sessions can increase the risk of melanoma by two to four times with each additional session adding another 2 % to the risk. Recent research estimates that indoor tanning can be linked to approximately 450,000 cases of skin cancer annually in the USA, Europe, and Australia. Despite these risks, indoor tanning remains popular with adolescents. This study tested the efficacy of a web-based skin cancer prevention intervention designed to reduce indoor tanning motivations in adolescent females. A nationally representative sample of 443 female teens was enrolled from an online panel into a two-arm, parallel group design, randomized controlled trial. Treatment participants received an appearance-focused intervention grounded in established health behavior change models. Controls viewed a teen alcohol prevention website. Outcome variables included willingness and intentions to indoor tan, willingness to sunless tan, and measures of indoor tanning attitudes and beliefs. The intervention decreased willingness and intentions to indoor tan and increased sunless tanning willingness relative to controls. We also examined indirect mechanisms of change through intervening variables (e.g., indoor tanning attitudes, norms, positive and negative expectancies) using the product of coefficient approach. The web-based intervention demonstrated efficacy in changing adolescent indoor tanning motivations and improving their orientation toward healthier alternatives. Results from the intervening variable analyses give guidance to future adolescent skin cancer prevention interventions.