cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RLIP76 in defense of radiation poisoning.

Purpose To determine the role of RLIP76 in providing protection from radiation and chemotherapy. In the present report, we used RLIP76 to refer to both the mouse (Ralbp1) and the human (RLIP76) 76-kDa splice variant proteins (RLIP76) for convenience and to avoid confusion. In other reports, Ralbp1 refers to the mouse enzyme (encoded by the Ralbp1 gene), which is structurally and functionally homologous to RLIP76, the human protein encoded by the human RALBP1 gene. Methods and Materials Median lethal dose studies were performed in RLIP76 −/− and RLIP76 +/+ C57B mice after treatment with a single dose of RLIP76 liposomes 14 h after whole body radiation. The radiosensitivity of the cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts and the effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), amifostine, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (Akt), and MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) were determined by colony-forming assays. Glutathione-linked enzyme activities were measured by spectrophotometric assays, glutathione by dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB), lipid hydroperoxides by iodometric titration, and aldehydes and metabolites by thiobarbitauric acid reactive substances and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Results RLIP76 −/− mice were significantly more sensitive to radiation than were the wild-type, and RLIP76 liposomes prolonged survival in a dose-dependent manner in both genotypes. The levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and glutathione-conjugate of 4-hydroxynonenal were significantly increased in RLIP76 −/− tissues compared with RLIP76 +/+ . RLIP76 −/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts were markedly more radiosensitive than RLIP76 +/+ mouse embryonic fibroblasts, despite increased glutathione levels in the former. RLIP76 augmentation had a remarkably greater protective effect compared with amifostine. The magnitude of effects of RLIP76 loss on radiation sensitivity was greater than those caused by perturbations of JNK, MEK, or Akt, and the effects of RLIP76 loss could not be completely compensated for by modulating the levels of these signaling proteins. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that RLIP76 plays a central role in radiation resistance.
Comparison of Accuracy on DNA Quantitation Determined by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and UV Spectrometry

ABSTRACT Although the UV absorbance of DNA at 260 nm has been recognized as a standard method for DNA quantitation, there are limitations of using UV spectrometry to determine the purity and identity of DNA. Recently, MALDI-TOF MS has proven to be an accurate technique for qualitative DNA analysis. In this study, the accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for determining the concentration of DNA is evaluated and compared with that of the standard UV method. The results indicated that the accuracy of quantitative MALDI-TOF MS was comparable to that of the standard UV method and that measured DNA concentrations correlated well with those determined by the standard UV method.
Investing in the future: Building an academic hospitalist faculty development program

Background: Academic hospital medicine (AHM) groups continue to grow rapidly, driven largely by clinical demands. While new hospitalist faculty usually have strong backgrounds in clinical medicine, they often lack the tools needed to achieve excellence in the other aspects of a faculty career, including teaching, research, quality improvement, and leadership skills. Objective: To develop and implement a Faculty Development (FD) Program that improves the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and scholarly output of first-year faculty. Intervention: We created a vision and framework for FD that targeted our new faculty but also engaged our entire Division of Hospital Medicine. New faculty participated in a dedicated coaching relationship with a more senior faculty member, a core curriculum, a teaching course, and activities to meet a set of stated scholarly expectations. All faculty participated in newly established divisional Grand Rounds, a lunch seminar series, and venues to share scholarship and works in progress. Results: Our FD programmatic offerings were rated highly overall on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 highest): Core Seminars 4.83 ± 0.41, Coaching Program 4.5 ± 0.84, Teaching Course 4.5 ± 0.55, Grand Rounds 4.83 ± 0.41, and Lunch Seminars 4.5 ± 0.84. Compared to faculty hired in the 2 years prior to our FD program implementation, new faculty reported greater degrees of work satisfaction, increased comfort with their skills in a variety of areas, and improved academic output. Conclusion: Building FD programs can be effective to foster the development and satisfaction of new faculty while also creating a shared commitment towards an academic mission. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Novel topologically knotted DNA from bacteriophage P4 capsids: studies with DNA topoisomerases

DNA molecules isolated from bacteriophage P4 are mostly linear with cohesive ends capable of forming circular and concatemeric structures. In contrast, almost all DNA molecules isolated form P4 tailless capsids (heads) are monomeric DNA circles with their cohesive ends hydrogen-bonded. Different form simple DNA circles, such P4 head DNA circles contain topological knots. Gel electrophoretic and electronmicroscopic analyses of P4 head DNA indicate that the topological knots are highly complex and heterogeneous. Resolution of such complex knots has been studied with various DNA topoisomerases. The conversion of highly knotted P4 DNA to its simple circular form is demonstrated by type II DNA topoisomerases which catalyze the topological passing of two crossing double-stranded DNA segments [Liu, L. F., Liu, C. C. & Alberts, B. M. (1980) Cell, 19, 697-707]. The knotted P4 head DNA can be used in a sensitive assay for the detection of a type II DNA topoisomerase even in the presence of excess type I DNA topoisomerases.
High resolution photoemission studies of untwinned YBa2Cu3O6.9

Abstract In this contribution we will report high energy and angle resolution photoemission studies of high quality, untwinned crystals of x=6.9 YBCO. We will emphasize results related to the role of chain derived states in the region near the Fermi surface. Valence band states near 1 eV will be discussed since these features are sensitive indicators of sample quality. In spite of the high resolution and the high quality samples, the expected large super-conducting gap is not seen. Possible reasons will be discussed.
Elementary particles as elementary particles

Abstract The Z = 0 rule is investigated within a general field theoretic formulation. It is shown that the equivalence of a system with an elementary particle of vanishing wave function renormalization to a direct interaction theory is intimately related to the divergence of the bare mass and the consequent degeneration of the equations of motion. The results obtained are fully illustrated in terms of appropriately generalized versions of Zachariasen's model. It is argued that any field theoretic approach which treats all particles as being equally elementary is subject to severe criticism and can derive no support whatever from the Z = 0 rule.
Effects of Arterial Pco2 and Cerebrospinal Fluid Volume Flow Rate Changes on Choroid Plexus and Cerebral Blood Flow in Normal and Experimental Hydrocephalic Cats

The effect of changes in brain blood flow on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume flow rates, and that of changes in CSF volume flow rates on brain blood flow were determined in both normal and kaolin-induced hydrocephalic cats. In both groups of cats, blood flow in grey and white matter, cerebral cortex, and choroid plexus was measured with 105Ru microspheres during normocapnia, and again with 141Ce microspheres after arterial Pco2 was either increased by 300% or decreased by 50%. Blood flow measurements were also made during perfusion of the ventricular system with mock CSF and repeated during perfusion with anisosmotic mannitol solutions to alter CSF volume flow rate. In 30 normal and 26 hydrocephalic cats, blood flow to the cerebral cortex, white matter, and choroid plexus was similar; only blood flow to the caudate nucleus was greater in normal cats. The weight of the choroid plexus from hydrocephalic cats decreased by 17%. Blood flow in the choroid plexus of all cats decreased by almost 50% following hy...
Synthesis, Electron Microscopy and Photocatalytic Activity Studies of Hierarchical TiO2 Based Nanofiber Catalysts for Photocatalysis and Hydrogen-Generation Applications

A newly developed, focused-jet, vertical style electrospinning process was employed to synthesize nanofibers of TiO2 doped with 2% and 2.5% w/v Ag nanoparticles. The as-spun nanofibers were calcined at 510 °C for 24 h in a tube furnace, with a ramp-rate of 5 °C/min, to yield polycrystalline nanofibers. Structural characterization of the prepared nanofibers was done using HR-TEM operated at 200 kV. High-resolution lattice-fringe measurements showed the presence of a mixed-phase anatase and rutile TiO2 nanostructure along with elemental Ag nanoparticles. BET analysis showed an average specific surface-area of 18.31 m2/g for the catalyst nanofibers. To measure the photocatalytic activity, a model compound, rhodamine-B dye, was used. Experimental results showed decay rates of 10.64 x 10-3 min-1 and 12.32 x 10-3 min-1 for the decay of rhodamine-B dye by TiO2/2% Ag and TiO2/2.5% Ag nanoparticles respectively.
Topical ketorolac in vitreoretinal surgery: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked trial.

Objective To evaluate the effects of topical ketorolac in patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. Methods One hundred nine patients undergoing vitrectomies were randomized to receive either topical ketorolac tromethamine, 0.4%, or placebo. Patients were instructed to begin taking the study medication 3 days preoperatively (4 times daily) and to continue taking it 4 weeks postoperatively. Main Outcome Measures Intraoperative pupil diameter, postoperative day 1 pain and inflammation, 1-month postoperative retinal thickness, and preoperative and 1-month postoperative best-corrected visual acuities. Results The difference in mean pupil diameters between patients using ketorolac and those taking placebo was 0.06 mm ( P = .39). Patients taking ketorolac and those taking placebo had mean pain scores (scale, 1-10) of 0.24 (SD, 0.6) and 1.06 (SD, 2) ( P = .03) and mean inflammation grades (grade, 0-4) of 0.59 (SD, 0.7) and 1.16 (SD, 0.9) ( P +2 ; SD, 0.60 logMAR units) at baseline and to 0.67 logMAR units (20/100 +1 ; SD, 0.46 logMAR units) in the placebo group from 0.92 logMAR units (20/150 −2 ; SD, 0.62 logMAR units) at baseline ( P = .001). Conclusions Topical ketorolac was well tolerated and safe, reduced postoperative pain and inflammation, and improved visual recovery in this prospective, double-masked trial. Application to Clinical Practice Topical ketorolac may benefit patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00576329
Learning to Program with Personal Robots: Influences on Student Motivation

One of the goals of using robots in introductory programming courses is to increase motivation among learners. There have been several types of robots that have been used extensively in the classroom to teach a variety of computer science concepts. A more recently introduced robot designed to teach programming to novice students is the Institute for Personal Robots in Education (IPRE) robot. The author chose to use this robot and study its motivational effects on non-computer science students in a CS0 course. The purpose of this study was to determine whether using the IPRE robots motivates students to learn programming in a CS0 course. After considering various motivational theories and instruments designed to measure motivation, the author used Keller’s Instructional Materials Motivation Survey to measure four components of motivation: attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction. Additional items were added to the survey, including a set of open-ended questions. The results of this study indicate that the use of these robots had a positive influence on participants’ attitudes towards learning to program in a CS0 course, but little or no effect on relevance, confidence, or satisfaction. Results also indicate that although gender and students interests may affect individual components of motivation, gender, technical self-perception, and interest in software development have no bearing on the overall motivational levels of students.
Aggressive teaching reconsidered

A teacher ponders the positive and negative effects of maintaining an aggressive teaching style.
Nutritional disorders of vegetable crops: A review

Abstract Disorders of vegetable crops caused by deficiencies or toxicities of the elements essential for higher plants are described. The soil and environmental conditions affecting the availability of plant nutrients in soils are discussed in reference to the potential for occurrence of nutritional disorders. Alterations of crop management and fertilizer practices to provide nutritional‐stress‐free cultural conditions, as well as procedures for correction of stress conditions are suggested. Genetic manipulation of vegetable crop species to reduce vulnerability and increase tolerance to nutritional stress is presented as an alternative to the chemical correction of nutritional disorders. The use of visual recognition, fertilizer trial applications, soil analyses, and plant analyses as diagnostic aids for confirming nutritional disorders are considered.
A detailed analysis of nonideal effects on high precision bandgap voltage references

Until recently a closed-form expression for the output voltage of the most basic bandgap references was not available making it difficult to analytically and systematically determine the effects of the temperature dependence of non-ideal components on the magnitude of the output voltage, on the inflection point location, and on the curvature of these bandgap circuits. In this paper several non-ideal components that can adversely affect the performance of bandgap references are identified. A systematic approach is proposed to analytically determine the effects of the temperature dependence of non-ideal components. Analytical expressions for the effects of two of the most common non-ideal components, the temperature-dependent gain-determining resistors and the amplifier offset voltage, on the temperature characteristics of basic band-gap circuits are developed. The effectiveness of the analytical expression is validated by comparing analytical results with simulation results obtained from Spectre.
Application of the UML in modeling SCORM-conformant contents

Up to date, there is no standardized notation scheme for modeling SCORM-conformant contents. It is a time-consuming process to build up a new and widely-acceptable notation scheme for SCORM-conformant contents rather than using the existing and standardized UML. This paper presents how standard and extended UML diagrams were applied in representing various artifacts that are created during the course of developing the SCORM-conformant contents.
Anti-Christian Polemic in the Apocalypse of Abraham: Jesus as a Pseudo-Messiah in Apoc. Ab. 29.3–14:

The Apocalypse of Abraham describes a man from the heathen who is alternately shamed, struck, and worshiped by Gentiles and by some of Abraham's descendants (29.3–14). Most scholars have identified the man as Jesus of Nazareth but then excised the passage as a Christian interpolation. This article proposes that the passage is integral to the work and that it allusively depicts Jesus as a false messiah—a foil to the true messiah from Abraham's line. The passage coheres with the entire work's overriding concern to juxtapose false worship with true worship of the one God. Its polemic against veneration of Jesus is achieved through a deliberate distortion of New Testament traditions, a phenomenon not without parallel in roughly contemporaneous literature.
Molecular Analysis of Phr Peptide Processing in Bacillus subtilis

In Bacillus subtilis, an export-import pathway regulates production of the Phr pentapeptide inhibitors of Rap proteins. Processing of the Phr precursor proteins into the active pentapeptide form is a key event in the initiation of sporulation and competence development. The PhrA (ARNQT) and PhrE (SRNVT) peptides inhibit the RapA and RapE phosphatases, respectively, whose activity is directed toward the Spo0F approximately P intermediate response regulator of the sporulation phosphorelay. The PhrC (ERGMT) peptide inhibits the RapC protein acting on the ComA response regulator for competence with regard to DNA transformation. The structural organization of PhrA, PhrE, and PhrC suggested a role for type I signal peptidases in the processing of the Phr preinhibitor, encoded by the phr genes, into the proinhibitor form. The proinhibitor was then postulated to be cleaved to the active pentapeptide inhibitor by an additional enzyme. In this report, we provide evidence that Phr preinhibitor proteins are subject to only one processing event at the peptide bond on the amino-terminal end of the pentapeptide. This processing event is most likely independent of type I signal peptidase activity. In vivo and in vitro analyses indicate that none of the five signal peptidases of B. subtilis (SipS, SipT, SipU, SipV, and SipW) are indispensable for Phr processing. However, we show that SipV and SipT have a previously undescribed role in sporulation, competence, and cell growth.
Direct evidence of enhanced chlorine segregation at grain boundaries in polycrystalline CdTe thin films via three-dimensional TOF-SIMS imaging

For more than 25 years, the CdTe photovoltaic research and manufacturing communities have been subjecting CdTe materials to a CdCl2 treatment or activation step to improve performance. However, little work has been carried out using imaging to elucidate the spatial distribution of chlorine in the CdTe devices after this treatment. This work addresses fundamental questions about the spatial distribution of chlorine in the CdTe absorber material after a CdCl2 treatment comparable to industrial practices. We used a state-of-the-art, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ION-TOF GmbH) (Muenster, Germany) with a lateral resolution of about 80 nm to complete three-dimensional depth-profiling and imaging of two CdTe devices. The results clearly demonstrate enhanced chlorine concentration along grain boundaries, supporting the hypothesis that chlorine plays an important role in passivating grain boundaries in CdTe solar cells. The results are discussed in terms of possible passivation mechanisms, and the effect of chlorine on grain interiors and grain boundaries. The data are also used to estimate the free energy of segregation of chlorine to grain boundaries in CdTe. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Canine Transmissible Venereal Sarcoma: Tumor Cell and Infiltrating Leukocyte Ultrastructure at Different Growth Stages

Electron microscopic study of the canine transmissible venereal sarcoma (N = 26) at different stages of growth showed that tumors in a progressive phase of growth (N = 12) were comprised mostly of large, round cells with prominent nuclei and nucleoli, a few spindle-shaped cells and collagen fibers, focal areas of necrosis, and lymphocyte infiltrates. Regressing tumors (N = 9) had the fewest viable round cells, greater numbers of infiltrating leukocytes, and were comprised almost entirely of connective tissue (collagen bundles) in the latest stages of regression. The infiltrating leukocytes consisted primarily of lymphocytes, some eosinophils, and neutrophils, but very few macrophages. Round-cell nuclei contained numerous perichromatin and interchromatin granules. Their cytoplasm often had annulate lamellae complexes and large deposits of glycogen. Loosely packed tumor cells had extensive proliferation and elongation of cytoplasmic extensions (filopodia). Evidence for cell-mediated tumor cell lysis was demonstrated by degenerative changes in tumor cells which were closely apposed to lymphocytes. Spindle-shaped cells in regressing tumors had intravacuolar collagen fragments, suggesting a possible degradative capacity by these cells. Canine transmissible venereal sarcoma, also called transmissible venereal tumor of dog and Sticker's sar- coma, is a naturally occumng round cell neoplasm of the genital tracts of male and female dogs. Although normally transmitted through coitus, tumors may be induced experimentally by inoculation of viable tumor cells into normal, non-preconditioned dogs. In either neonatal or immunosuppressed dogs, this sarcoma usu- ally grows vigorously and meta~tasizes,~.~~ but the his-
Hydrogen peroxide decomposition in supercritical water

This work determines the rate constant of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in supercritical water. Experiments were conducted at pressures ranging from 5.0 to 34.0 MPa and for temperatures up to 450°C. The rate of the homogeneous decomposition reaction is distinguished from the rate of the catalytic decomposition on the reactor surface by conducting experiments at different surface-to-volume ratios. The rate constant of H2O2 decomposition follows the expression k(s−1) = 1013.4 ± 1.2 exp[(− 180 ± 16 kJ/mol)/RT], providing a higher value than that derived from RRKM calculations. Comparison between experiments at supercritical conditions (P = 24.5 and 34.0 MPa) and experiments in high-pressure steam (P = 5.0 and 10.0 MPa) show that the efficiency of the catalytic surface reactions decreases significantly under supercritical conditions. The rate constant just mentioned was incorporated into a methanol oxidation model and the new prediction is compared with the experimental data of Rice et al. (1996), showing a distinct improvement compared to the original prediction.
The Permeability of Chloride Ions in Fly Ash-Cement Pastes, Mortars and Concrete

Fly ash-cement pastes are known to develop fine pore structures that may retard the transport of ionic species. The rapid chloride permeability technique for studying the C1− ion diffusion in hydrated fly ash/cement pastes, mortars and concrete was used. The technique applies an electrical potential across a cylindrical sample and measures the charge passed in a certain period of time. The results obtained on pastes and mortars cured for 28 days were reported previously and contrasted with those of neat cement pastes and mortars. The present paper reports more extensive studies made to examine the chloride permeabilities of pastes and mortars cured for up to 90 days. In addition, the effect of variable fly ash contents was examined. Concrete samples were included in the test scheme and the data were compared with pastes and mortars. Two important factors controlling the test results are discussed: first the mix design and curing conditions; second the experimental conditions during C1− permeability measurements. In the second factor, the amount and rate of heat build up and the chloride ion concentrations are compared with the current passed. In addition, measuring current versus resistivity are critically discussed in terms of the voltage-current varistic characteristics of cement matrices.
Acute Severe Hypercalcemia After Traumatic Fractures and Immobilization in Hypophosphatasia Complicated by Chronic Renal Failure

Context: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) features deficient activity of the “tissue-nonspecific” isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) due to loss-of-function mutation(s) within the TNSALP gene. Consequently, inorganic pyrophosphate, a TNSALP substrate and inhibitor of mineralization, accumulates extracellularly. This can cause rickets or osteomalacia. Objective: We report a 55-year-old man with HPP and chronic renal failure (CRF) requiring hemodialysis who developed severe hypercalcemia acutely after traumatic fractures and immobilization. He manifested HPP in childhood and in middle age received hemodialysis for CRF attributed to hypertension and anti-inflammatory medication. He took 2 g of calcium carbonate orally each day to bind dietary phosphorus, but never aluminum hydroxide or any form of vitamin D. Pretrauma serum levels of calcium spanned 8.4–10.7 mg/dL (normal [Nl], 8.6–10.3), inorganic phosphate 5.8–6.4 mg/dL (Nl, 2.5–4.5), and PTH 63–75 pg/mL (Nl, 10–55). Results: Rapid succession falls fractured...
Appropriateness of testing for serious bacterial infection in children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate provider practice patterns for evaluation of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in patients hospitalized with bronchiolitis and to assess the association of SBI testing with length of stay and antibiotic use. Design: This was a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients Results: A total of 1233 charts met inclusion criteria. The incidence of urinary tract infections in patients who underwent urine testing was 2.3%. Of the 367 patients undergoing blood culture testing, all 13 positive-result blood cultures were contaminated specimens. There were no cases of meningitis. In total, 64.5% of patients tested for SBI had a blood culture obtained, 45.0% had an urinalysis or urine culture, and 16.3% had a cerebral spinal fluid culture obtained. Of those patients who underwent SBI testing, 53.8% received antibiotics versus 19.1% who did not (P Conclusions: SBI is uncommon in children hospitalized for bronchiolitis, and urinary tract infection is the most common diagnosis. In the evaluation of SBI in bronchiolitis, providers more frequently obtain blood cultures than urinalysis and/or urine cultures. Evaluation for SBI is associated with increased antibiotic use and increased LOS.
Impact of nesiritide on health care resource utilization and complications in patients with decompensated heart failure.

Study Objective. To determine the impact of nesiritide on health care resource utilization and complications in patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure. Design. Retrospective case-control study. Setting. United States hospitals. Patients. Two hundred sixteen patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure. Measurements and Main Results. One hundred eight patients who received a nesiritide infusion for a minimum of 12 hours during the first 48 hours after hospital admission were matched with 108 patients not receiving nesiritide. Health care resource utilization, consisting of hospital length of stay (LOS), rate of rehospitalization within 90 days, concomitant drugs administered, and laboratory and diagnostic tests, was determined for each hospital admission. Rates of adverse events also were recorded. Patients receiving nesiritide had a significantly shorter LOS in a critical care unit (p=0.03). General medical ward or step-down unit LOS was not different between the treatment groups. A favorable trend toward a lower rate of rehospitalization over the 90-day follow-up period was observed with nesiritide (p=0.07). The number of patients who developed life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and hypotension was similar for both treatment groups. However, in patients receiving nesiritide, significantly less atrial fibrillation (p=0.03) and renal dysfunction (p=0.04) occurred compared with patients not receiving nesiritide. Conclusion. Nesiritide therapy is associated with significant reductions in both health care resource utilization and complications in patients with decompensated heart failure.
Measured partitioning coefficients for parent and alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 114 historically contaminated sediments: Part 1. KOC values

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) partitioning coefficients between sediment organic carbon and water (KOC) values were determined using 114 historically contaminated and background sediments collected from eight different rural and urban waterways in the northeastern United States. More than 2,100 individual KC values were measured in quadruplicate for PAHs ranging from two to six rings, along with the first reported KOC values for alkyl PAHs included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) sediment narcosis model for the prediction of PAH toxicity to benthic organisms. Sediment PAH concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 8,600 μg/g (U.S. EPA 16 parent PAHs), but no observable trends in KOC values with concentration were observed for any of the individual PAHs. Literature KOC values that are commonly used for environmental modeling are similar to the lowest measured values for a particular PAH, with actual measured values typically ranging up to two orders of magnitude higher for both background and contaminated sediments. For example, the median log KOC values we determined for naphthalene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene were 4.3, 5.8, and 6.7, respectively, compared to typical literature KOC values for the same PAHs of 2.9, 4.8, and 5.8, respectively. Our results clearly demonstrate that the common practice of using PAH KOC values derived from spiked sediments and modeled values based on n-octanol–water coefficients can greatly overestimate the actual partitioning of PAHs into water from field sediments.
Nanotechnology: Toxicologic Pathology:

Nanotechnology involves technology, science, and engineering in dimensions less than 100 nm. A virtually infinite number of potential nanoscale products can be produced from many different molecules and their combinations. The exponentially increasing number of nanoscale products will solve critical needs in engineering, science, and medicine. However, the virtually infinite number of potential nanotechnology products is a challenge for toxicologic pathologists. Because of their size, nanoparticulates can have therapeutic and toxic effects distinct from micron-sized particulates of the same composition. In the nanoscale, distinct intercellular and intracellular translocation pathways may provide a different distribution than that obtained by micron-sized particulates. Nanoparticulates interact with subcellular structures including microtubules, actin filaments, centrosomes, and chromatin; interactions that may be facilitated in the nanoscale. Features that distinguish nanoparticulates from fine particulates include increased surface area per unit mass and quantum effects. In addition, some nanotechnology products, including the fullerenes, have a novel and reactive surface. Augmented microscopic procedures including enhanced dark-field imaging, immunofluorescence, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy are useful when evaluating nanoparticulate toxicologic pathology. Thus, the pathology assessment is facilitated by understanding the unique features at the nanoscale and the tools that can assist in evaluating nanotoxicology studies.
Role of Services in Regional Economy Growth

Although the final demand-oriented export base paradigm dominates economic development theory and practice, its usefulness is increasingly questioned because of the changing structure of modern economies, empirical critiques of export-led growth strategies, and studies that decompose the actual sources of growth. The importance of service industries, especially local services and their role in inducing economic growth, requires a measure that includes both forward and backward linkages to empirically account for the complete role of an industry. Using data for New York State, we demonstrate how the input-output-based method of hypothetical extraction can more appropriately measure the economic linkage of a broader range of contemporary economic sectors (including services) than traditional, final demand-induced, backward-linkage multipliers. Our analysis provides empirical support for greater economic development attention to be directed toward local services.
The Impact Of Design Characteristics And Support Services On The Effectiveness Of Marketing Information Systems: An Empirical Investigation

Based on empirical data, the impact of five specific variables, namely: a) system quality; b) information quality, c) quality of the Marketing Information System (MrKIS) technical support, d) the MrkIS compatibility, and lastly (e) the MrkIS flexibility, on the effectiveness of MrkIS were investigated. The effectiveness measurement is based on the Competing Value Model (CVM) model which allows the definition of effectiveness on four basic dimensions. The results define the positive impact of these factors on the several dimensions of the effectiveness. Implications for practice, study limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Microstructure and Elution of Tetracycline from Block Copolymer Coatings

ABSTRACT A critical metrology issue for pharmaceutical industries is the application of analytical techniques for the characterization of drug delivery systems to address interrelationships between processing, structure, and drug release. In this study, cast coatings were formed from solutions of poly(styrene- b -isobutylene- b -styrene) (SIBS) and tetracycline in tetrahydrofuran (THF). These coatings were characterized by several imaging modalities, including time- of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) for chemical imaging and analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) for determination of surface structure and morphology, and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), which was used to characterize the three-dimensional structure beneath the surface. The results showed phase separation between the drug and copolymer regions. The size of the tetracycline phase in the polymer matrix ranged from hundreds of nanometers to tens of microns, depending on coating composition. The mass of drug released was not found to be proportional to drug loading, because the size and spatial distribution of the drug phase varied with drug loading and solvent evaporation rate, which in turn affected the amount of drug released.
Name-aware speech recognition for interactive question answering

In this work we show how interactivity in a voice-enabled question answering application may improve speech recognition. We allow the user to provide a target named entity before asking the question. Then we build a named entity specific language model using the documents containing the named entity. The question-specific model is obtained by merging the named entity specific model with the model built on a set of questions. We present a set of experiments using the TREC question set on the AQUAINT corpus. The question-specific language model is compared with the baseline model built by merging a model of the AQUAINT corpus and past TREC questions. The question-specific model achieves 32.2% reduction in word error rate from the baseline using the questions where pronominal references are resolved.
Inequivalent representations of geometric relation algebras

It is shown that the automorphism group of a relation algebra constructed from a projective geometry P is isomorphic to the collineation group of P. Also, the base automorphism group of a representation of over an affine geometry D is isomorphic to the quotient of the collineation group of D by the dilatation subgroup. Consequently, the total number of inequivalent representations of , for finite geometries P, is the sum of the numberswhere D ranges over a list of the non-isomorphic affine geometries having P as their geometry at infinity. This formula is used to compute the number of inequivalent representations of relation algebras constructed over projective lines of order at most 10. For instance, the relation algebra constructed over the projective line of order 9 has 56,700 mutually inequivalent representations.
Prediction of Indian Monsoon Rainfall: Further Exploration.

Abstract This study expands recent research into the predictability of Indian monsoon rainfall anomalies. In addition to the April latitude position of the 500 mb ridge over India, and Darwin pressure tendency, the May surface resultant wind speed in a strategic area of the jet axis over the western equatorial Indian Ocean (0–10°S, 45°–50°E) is used as predictor. Regression models developed on 20-yr portions of the 1939–83 record are employed to predict the summer monsoon rainfall anomalies of the 25 yr 1959–83. Correlation, root-mean-square error, bias, and absolute error are presented as measures of forecast performance on the “independent” dataset. It is found that the model constraint optimal for predictive purposes is to be ascertained empirically. “Updating” is not necessarily superior to the use of a fixed regression base period. Relationships between preseason indicators and monsoon rainfall were, strongest in the early and late portions of the 1939–83 record, and weakest in the 1950s and 1960s. A...
Multifactorial regulation of the corticotroph axis: animal models

The search for Corticotropin Releasing Factors (CRFs) has been a long term endeavor mainly due to the assumed crucial role of glucocorticoid for life. Hypothalamic regulation of pituitary POMC expression resulting in ACTH secretion has been mainly attributed to CRH. With the increased use of transgenic animals, overexpression or targeted disruption of specific factors has helped elucidate the contribution of putative “CRFs” on the regulation of ACTH secretion. These experiments have provided further support for the notion that factors other than ACTH may act as adrenal secretagogues. Corticotropin Releasing Factors can be divided in two major categories: those involved in circadian regulation of ACTH secretion and those involved in the stress-induced ACTH secretion. These factors can also be categorized according to their tissue of origin, i.e those of hypothalamic origin, those derived from the immune system, in addition to the receptors mediating the effects of the above factors.
College Costs and Financial Constraints: Student Borrowing at For-Profit Institutions

This paper assesses trends in student borrowing in for-profit institutions. Drawing on data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), we document the high and rising debt levels of for-profit students relative to students in other sectors. We explore several reasons for the increase in student debt over the last decade. Our results suggest that relatively high and rising tuition, but relatively low student financial resources in the for-profit sector are likely the key factors contributing to increased borrowing in the for-profit sector. Although costs and borrowing patterns in the for-profit sector are similar to the patterns found in four-year non-profit institutions, unlike the non-profit sector, tuition hikes were not offset by increases in institutional grants. While there is clear evidence that student demographics, resources, or work behavior differ from other sectors in important ways, we find little evidence that changes in these elements can explain rising borrowing in the for-profit sector over time.
Low-noise parametric frequency comb

New parametric mixer designs are now capable of multiband (100nm+) frequency comb generation with tone quality comparable to the state-of-the-art narrow-linewidth lasers. This paper reviews the physics of and applications enabled by parametric frequency combs.
Job Strain and the Cortisol Diurnal Cycle in MESA: Accounting for Between- and Within-Day Variability

Evidence of the link between job strain and cortisol levels has been inconsistent. This could be due to failure to account for cortisol variability leading to underestimated standard errors. Our objective was to model the relationship between job strain and the whole cortisol curve, accounting for sources of cortisol variability. Our functional mixed-model approach incorporated all available data-18 samples over 3 days-and uncertainty in estimated relationships. We used employed participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Stress I Study and data collected between 2002 and 2006. We used propensity score matching on an extensive set of variables to control for sources of confounding. We found that job strain was associated with lower salivary cortisol levels and lower total area under the curve. We found no relationship between job strain and the cortisol awakening response. Our findings differed from those of several previous studies. It is plausible that our results were unique to middle- to older-aged racially, ethnically, and occupationally diverse adults and were therefore not inconsistent with previous research among younger, mostly white samples. However, it is also plausible that previous findings were influenced by residual confounding and failure to propagate uncertainty (i.e., account for the multiple sources of variability) in estimating cortisol features.
Social attraction in nesting least terns: effects of numbers, spacing, and pair bonds

These experiments examined the role of colony numbers, spacing pattern, and mating status on the social attraction of Least Terns (Sterna antillarum). Decoys were used to simulate different social conditions. Least Terns were more attracted to larger rather than smaller groups of terns, to terns spaced out at 1.5 m intervals rather than at 0.5 m intervals, to solitary rather than paired terns, and to plots containing single birds together with paired terns rather than to either alone. Taken together, these experiments suggest that colony size, spacing patterns, and mating status contribute to the relative social attraction of conspecific Least Tern groups. The specific choice of larger groups, larger interbird distances, and pairs plus singles allows (1) males to establish territories within the center of a colony, (2) both sexes to court unmated birds, and (3) both sexes to obtain maximum vigilance and antipredatory benefits from being in a larger group.
Heterologous Transplantation of Two Tissue Culture Lines of Glioblastoma Multiforme (TC 178 and TC 224).

SummaryTwo tissue culture lines of human glioblastoma multiforme (TC 178 and TC 224) growing in continuous cultivation have been successfully transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye and into the brain of untreated guinea pigs after a preliminary passage through X–rayed hamsters treated with cortisone. Once heterotrans–plantability is established, the produced tumors can be transferred from untreated host to untreated host. Histologically the tumors are epithelial–like rather than glioblastoma–tous.
The penetration of radioactive sodium intoValonia andHalicystis

In comparing the uptake of Na* byValonia and that byHalicystis, it was found that the greater proportion was taken up by the protoplasm in the former case, and by the sap in the latter case.
Corrections to the standard model of cosmology

In this note, which is a first step in authors’ longer calculation, we present a system of equations for computing the p = 0 evolution of corrections to the Standard Model of Cosmology consistent with corrections produced by spherical self-similar perturbations of the Standard Model known to exist during the radiation phase of the Big Bang. We record here that the asymptotic equations close at leading order, creating a subsystem which contains a stable rest point which does not correspond to the unperturbed critical zero pressure Friedmann spacetime. Corrections to the Standard Model lying within the domain of attraction of this stable rest point would produce, time-asymptotically, quadratic corrections to redshift vs luminosity, i.e., quadratic corrections to the Hubble constant going out from the center, that would be independent of initial conditions, and different from the predictions of the Standard Model. In future investigations authors will characterize the parameter values associated with self-similar waves from the radiation era that would give rise to corrections that lie within this domain of attraction. The results in this paper arose as a step in the authors’ program to compute the corrections to redshift vs luminosity produced by self-similar waves from the radiation epoch, interpreting this as a baseline mechanism for the creation of anomalous accelerations that does not require extraneous fields like Dark Energy. Details will appear in their forthcoming paper.
Investigation and analysis of current situation of health literacy and its influencing factors of railway station server

Objective To investigate the factors of health literacy of passenger server and its effects,for the future to provide basis for health related work.Methods The questionnaire was designed on the basis of "Chinese citizens' health literacy questionnaire".The survey includes literacy,basic knowledge and healthy concept,healthy lifestyle and behavior and health skills.Results The practiced rate of Changsha railway workers who have health care knowledge was 6.49%.The basic knowledge and healthy concept,healthy lifestyle and behavior,and health skills have the rates were 40.54%、70%、89.19%.The cadres have more health care knowledge than other positions(χ2=5.29,P0.05).The workers who obtained college degree knew more about health care than College degree the following staffs(χ2=5.27,P 0.05).Conclusions The overall level of health literacy of passenger station is the same as various provinces and cities' survey results.The health literacy level influenced by sex,age,marriage and education level,training can rapidly improve the increase of health skills,but the concept of health,healthy lifestyle and behavior changes may take a long time.
Analysis on Key Technologies of UWB Wireless Communication and its Application

At present,UWB is the best low-power,high-bandwide,short-range wireless communication technology.This paper mainly analyzes the key technologies of UWB wireless communication and presents its advantages and limitations.At last,the application of UWB technology in the military and the civilian is shown.
Diagnosis and Management of Intrapartum Reflex Fetal Heart Rate Changes

Aberrations in the fetal heart rate are the most common patterns observed with intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring. The assessment of the observed alterations in heart rate requires an understanding of the physiologic mechanisms present that allow adaptation of the fetus to changes in the environment. An understanding of the control of the fetal heart rate and the relationship of the regulatory mechanisms to the condition is essential to allow individual cases to be appropriately managed and to avoid unnecessary intervention.
Action Effects and Task Knowledge: The Influence of Anticipatory Priming on the Identification of Task-Related Stimuli in Experts

The purpose of the present study was to examine the extent to which anticipation of an action’s perceptual effect primes identification of task-related stimuli. Specifically, skilled (n = 16) and novice (n = 24) tennis players performed a choice-reaction time (CRT) test in which they identified whether the presented stimulus was a picture of a baseball bat or tennis racket. Following their response, auditory feedback associated with either baseball or tennis was presented. The CRT test was performed in blocks in which participants predictably received the baseball sound or tennis sound irrespective of which stimulus picture was displayed. Results indicated that skilled tennis players responded quicker to tennis stimuli when the response was predictably followed by the tennis auditory effect compared to the baseball auditory effect. These findings imply that, within an individual’s area of expertise, domain-relevant knowledge is primed by anticipation of an action’s perceptual effect, thus allowing the cognitive system to more quickly identify environmental information. This finding provides a more complete picture of the influence that anticipation can have on the cognitive-motor system. No differences existed for novices.