cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Matching Extension

Let G be a graph with at least 2n+2 vertices, where n is a non-negative integer. The graph G is said to be n-extendable if every matching of size n in G extends to (i.e., is a subset of) a perfect matching. The study of this concept began in earnest in the 1980’s, although it was born out of the study of canonical matching decompositions carried out in the 1970’s and before. As is often the case, in retrospect it is apparent that there are roots of this topic to be found even earlier.
Erie's Constitutional Source

The constitutional rationale of Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins has remained elusive for almost seventy years. Three decades ago, Paul Mishkin argued in a brief but influential article that Erie rests on "constitutional principles which restrain the power of the federal courts to intrude upon the states' determination of substantive policy in areas which the Constitution and Congress have left to state competence." Professor Mishkin wrote his article in response to John Hart Ely's insightful analysis of Erie published earlier the same year. Mishkin understood Erie as imposing a constitutional restraint on the federal courts, but read Ely as treating "the Constitution as relevant only in terms of Congress' power to displace state substantive law" and not as an independent restriction on "the power of the federal courts to do so." Mishkin grounded his contrary understanding "on the structure established by the Constitution whereby the states, and their interests as such, are represented in the Congress but not in the federal courts." Invoking the separation of powers, Mishkin concluded that "the Constitution bears not only on congressional power but also imposes a distinctive, independently significant limit on the authority of the federal courts to displace state law." Professor Mishkin's article remains a key reference in the field because scholars continue to debate the precise contours - and even the existence - of the constitutional basis for the Supreme Court's decision in Erie. Mishkin's unique contribution was to link federalism with the constitutional separation of powers. This account of Erie's constitutional rationale is insightful and, in my view, correct. It may be fortified, however, by an additional structural argument that ties Erie directly to the Supremacy Clause. That Clause recognizes only the "Constitution," "Laws," and "Treaties" as "the supreme Law of the Land," and thus incorporates three distinct sets of federal lawmaking procedures found elsewhere in the Constitution. By design, all of these procedures safeguard federalism by requiring the participation and assent of the states or their representatives in the Senate. Accordingly, the constitutional structure strongly suggests that the Supremacy Clause establishes the exclusive basis for disregarding state law, and that more expansive judicial doctrines like Swift are unconstitutional. Reliance on these features of the constitutional structure is implicit in the Erie opinion and provides formal substantiation of Professor Mishkin's sound intuitions about Erie, the separation of powers, and federalism.
Polyacrylamide degradation and its implications in environmental systems

High molecular weight (106–3 × 107 Da) polyacrylamide (PAM) is commonly used as a flocculant in water and wastewater treatment, as a soil conditioner, and as a viscosity modifier and friction reducer in both enhanced oil recovery and high volume hydraulic fracturing. These applications of PAM can result in significant environmental challenges, both in water management and in contamination of local water supplies after accidental spills. This paper provides a short review of current applications of high molecular weight PAM, including the potential for PAM degradation by chemical, mechanical, thermal, photolytic, and biological processes. Methods for treating wastewater containing partially degraded PAM are then discussed along with issues related to the potential toxicity and mobility of PAM in the environment after disposal or accidental release.
Repeated Exposure to Perceptual Illusion Challenges Reduces Anxiety Sensitivity Cognitive Concerns: Evidence From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract Background Anxiety sensitivity cognitive concerns (ASCC), or fear of cognitive dyscontrol sensations, confers risk for anxiety and mood psychopathology. Recent work demonstrated that novel perceptual challenges generated by a head mounted display can elicit fear among those with elevated ASCC. This suggests that interoceptive exposure to perceptual challenges may offer a means to mitigate ASCC. This study was designed to evaluate whether repeated exposure to novel perceptual challenges can reduce ASCC, and if these effects are stronger among those experiencing greater negative emotionality as a proxy for individuals likely to present for treatment. Methods Participants with elevated ASCC (N = 57) were randomized to one of three experimental conditions utilizing a head-mounted display. In the rotations condition (n = 20), participants viewed themselves spinning in a circle. In the opposite directions condition (n = 20), participants turned their head while the camera moved in the opposite direction creating dissonance in their visual field. In the control condition (n = 17), participants completed a series of simple arithmetic problems. Results Participants in the rotation condition, relative to control, reported significant reductions in ASCC from pre- to post-exposure and these effects were strongest for those with elevated negative affect. The main effect of the opposite directions exposure on post-treatment ASCC was non-significant, but follow-up analyses revealed that reductions in ASCC were observed among those with elevated negative affectivity. Discussion Perceptual illusion challenges appear to have utility for reducing ASCC through repeated exposure. There was evidence for the perceptual illusion exercises, particularly the rotations condition, specifically reducing ASCC, making this challenge the first we are aware of that specifically targets ASCC-related concerns. Limitations As a proof-of-concept study, the present sample was not recruited for clinically-significant psychopathology, and only a brief follow-up was utilized. Future research should utilize a longer follow-up and test if these exposures mitigate ASCC-relevant psychopathology among clinical samples.
Clinical Differences between Methamphetamine and Non-Methamphetamine Associated Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background Methamphetamine associated cardiomyopathy (MACM) is an increasingly recognized form of dilated cardiomyopathy around the globe which remains poorly characterized. Purpose To compare the clinical characteristics of MACM to those of non-MA associated dilated CM (NMACM). Methods Consecutive patients with MACM presenting to our institution between Jun 2018 and Jan 2019 were prospectively studied and compared to an age and gender matched cohort of dilated non-ischemic CM cases. Results Seventy patients were studied (35 MACM and 35 NMACM). Mean age was similar between groups (49±9 vs. 48±10 years, p=0.465) and 97% of patients were male. Median duration of MA use prior to cardiomyopathy diagnosis was 5 years (range 0-30). Patients were predominantly Hispanic in both groups (48% vs. 62%, p=0.229), but with a greater proportion of Caucasians in the MACM group compared to NMACM (26% vs 6%,p=0.045).MACM was characterized by lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and greater left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) compared to NMACM. RV dilation was present more often in MACM cases (Table). Years of MA use was associated with greater LA volumes (R2= 0.13, p=0.048). Association with larger LVEDV and incidence of RV dilation were borderline significant (R2= 0.11, p=0.054 and p=0.058 respectively). The amount of MA used per week correlated with higher RVSP (R2=0.317, p=0.004). Polysubstance abuse was associated with greater LVEF (p=0.028), lower LVEDV (p=0.037) and lower LV mass (p=0.004). Conclusions MACM is associated with higher degree of LV and RV dilatation as well as LV systolic dysfunction when compared to matched NMACM cases. Years of MA use and amount MA consumed appear to influence severity of disease.
Clinical and radiographic course of arrested cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy

Objective To gain insight into the natural history of arrested cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) by quantifying the change in Neurologic Function Score (NFS) and Loes Score (LS) over time in patients whose cerebral lesions spontaneously stopped progressing. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a series of 22 patients with arrested CALD followed longitudinally over a median time of 2.4 years (0.7–17.0 years). Primary outcomes were change in radiographic disease burden (measured by LS) and clinical symptoms (measured by NFS) between patients who never developed a contrast-enhancing lesion (gadolinium enhancement (GdE)− subgroup) and those who did (GdE+ subgroup). Secondary analyses comparing patterns of neuroanatomic involvement and lesion number, and prevalence estimates, were performed. Results Cerebral lesions were first detected at a median age of 23.3 years (8.0–67.6 years) with an initial LS of 4 (0.5–9). NFS was 0.5 (0–6). Overall change in NFS or LS per year did not differ between subgroups. No patients who remained GdE− converted to a progressive CALD phenotype. The presence of contrast enhancement was associated with disease progression (rs = 0.559, p Conclusion Arrested CALD lesions can begin in childhood, and patients are often asymptomatic early in disease. The majority of patients remain stable. However, clinical and MRI surveillance is recommended because a minority of patients undergo step-wise progression or conversion to progressive CALD.
Thoughts on Design Education's Future.

The general design process starts with defining problems or understanding the target audience. The world is moving toward a more technology-driven society that is pushed by machine learning and artificial intelligence which is also called the 4th wave of the industrial revolution. From this, questions arise regarding how to prepare design students for this changing paradigm in their future careers. Creativity, critical thinking in decision making, and complex problem-solving skills are becoming essential in the era of the 4th wave of the industrial revolution. This paper presents personal perspectives based on the author’s experience in the graphic design process over the last 30 years, starting with questioning the design process and methods that have been used in the design disciplines. The ultimate goal of this study is to open a dialogue, through a case study, on how to prepare students in this rapidly changing world and discuss the future direction in design education.
Factors associated with long-term graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant recipients

Pediatric kidney transplant recipients generally have good outcomes post-transplantation. However, the younger age and longer life span after transplantation in the pediatric population make understanding the multifactorial nature of long-term graft survival critical. This investigation analyzes factors associated with 10-year survival to identify areas for improvement in patient care. Kaplan-Meier with log-rank test and univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to retrospectively analyze 7785 kidney transplant recipients under the age of 18 years from January 1, 1998, until March 9, 2008, using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data. Our end-point was death-censored 10-year graft survival after excluding recipients whose grafts failed within one year of transplant. Recipients aged 5-18 years had lower 10-year graft survival, which worsened as age increased: 5-9 years (OR: 0.66; CI: 0.52-0.83), 10-14 years (OR: 0.43; CI: 0.33-0.55), and 15-18 years (OR: 0.34; CI: 0.26-0.44). Recipient African American ethnicity (OR: 0.67; CI: 0.58-0.78) and Hispanic donor ethnicity (OR: 0.82; CI: 0.72-0.94) had worse outcomes than other donor and recipient ethnicities, as did patients on dialysis at the time of transplant (OR: 0.82; CI: 0.73-0.91). Recipient private insurance status (OR: 1.35; CI: 1.22-1.50) was protective for 10-year graft survival. By establishing the role of age, race, and insurance status on long-term graft survival, we hope to guide clinicians in identifying patients at high risk for graft failure. This study highlights the need for increased allocation of resources and medical care to reduce the disparity in outcomes for certain patient populations.
Discovery of TMPRSS2 Inhibitors from Virtual Screening as a Potential Treatment of COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has prompted researchers to pivot their efforts to finding antiviral compounds and vaccines. In this study, we focused on the human host cell transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which plays an important role in the viral life cycle by cleaving the spike protein to initiate membrane fusion. TMPRSS2 is an attractive target and has received attention for the development of drugs against SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome. Starting with comparative structural modeling and a binding model analysis, we developed an efficient pharmacophore-based approach and applied a large-scale in silico database screening for small-molecule inhibitors against TMPRSS2. The hits were evaluated in the TMPRSS2 biochemical assay and the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped particle entry assay. A number of novel inhibitors were identified, providing starting points for the further development of drug candidates for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.
Determining the full elastic tensor using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy in extreme environments

Elastic moduli are fundamental thermodynamic susceptibilities that connect directly to thermodynamics, electronic structure and mechanic properties. Thus, determining the changes of elastic moduli as a function of time and temperature is a powerful tool to study a variety of phenomena. The Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) technique is based on the measurement of mechanical resonance frequencies that can be made with extreme precision and used to compute the elastic moduli without corrections. In this talk, I will give show several examples of the use of RUS in different systems, ranging from magnetic phase transition, determining very small degrees of elastic anisotropy in metals as well as changes in time product of radioactive decay. I will discuss the latest advances made at Los Alamos on measuring and determination of elastic constants. This allow to track the resonance position with high precision, obtaining moduli with an absolute precision of 0.5% and relative changes smaller than part per 10 million.
Antithymocyte globulin is associated with a lower incidence of de novo donor-specific antibody detection in lung transplant recipients: A single-center experience.

PURPOSE Induction immunosuppression has improved the long-term outcomes after lung transplant. This is the first report exploring the association of induction immunosuppression with the development of de novo donor-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) in lung transplant recipients (LTR). METHODS Sixty-seven consecutive primary LTR were followed for 3 years posttransplant. A total of 41/67 (61%) LTR-received induction immunosuppression using a single dose of rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG; 1.5 mg/kg) within 24 h of transplant. All recipients had a negative flow cytometry crossmatch on the day of transplant. Serum samples at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant were assessed for the presence of de novo HLA DSA. RESULTS De novo HLA DSA were detected in 22/67 (32.8%) LTR within 1-year posttransplant. Of these, 9/41 (21.9%) occurred in the induction therapy group and 13/26 (50%) in the noninduction group. Class II DSA were detected in 3/41 (7.3%) LTR who received induction compared to 9/26 (34.6%) LTR without induction immunosuppression (p = .005). Differences in overall survival or freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction rates between the two groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Induction immunosuppression utilizing a modified regimen of single-dose rATG is associated with a significant reduction in de novo DSA production in LTR.
Behavioral recovery after a spinal deafferentation injury in monkeys does not correlate with extent of corticospinal sprouting

A long held view in the spinal cord injury field is that corticospinal terminal sprouting is needed for new connections to form, that then mediate behavioral recovery. This makes sense, but tells us little about the relationship between corticospinal sprouting extent and recovery potential. The inference has been that more extensive axonal sprouting predicts greater recovery, though there is little evidence to support this. Here we addressed this by comparing behavioral data from monkeys that had received one of two established deafferentation spinal injury models in monkeys (Darian-Smith et al., 2014, Fisher et al., 2019, 2020). Both injuries cut similar afferent pools supplying the thumb, index and middle fingers of one hand but each resulted in a very different corticospinal tract (CST) sprouting response. Following a cervical dorsal root lesion, the somatosensory CST retracted significantly, while the motor CST stayed largely intact. In contrast, when a dorsal column lesion was combined with the DRL, somatosensory and motor CSTs sprouted dramatically within the cervical cord. How these two responses relate to the behavioral outcome was not clear. Here we analyzed the behavioral outcome for the two lesions, and provide a clear example that sprouting extent does not track with behavioral recovery.
Mission and Identity: The Role of Faculty

Although Catholic universities face a number of challenges in an increasingly unsettled economy, the situation also provides significant opportunities for Catholic universities to highlight the central importance of their Catholic identity in order both to recover their deepest commitments and to realize an advantage in an increasingly competitive market. The most fundamental requirement in responding to this opportunity is a renewed focus on the role of faculty reflected in new approaches to recruitment and hiring for mission, and in the development of new faculty development programs that provide sustained opportunities for faculty to explore the implications of the Catholic university’s commitment to the unity of knowledge and the ultimate complementarity of faith and reason. These commitments will require a new institutional resolve but offer very significant rewards.
Disciplining Social Difference: Some Cultural Politics of Military Training in Public High Schools.

This article compares the sociopolitical context of the origin of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) to the period of its radical expansion during the 1990s. In its early years, military training aimed to Americanize new Southern and Eastern European immigrants while easing upper-class fears of social tensions and building support for impending military actions. In this decade, JROTC serves white, middle-class desires to “discipline” minority students and subordinate racial difference to an identification with the nation. At the same time, it quietly contributes to contemporary military manpower needs in a postconscription era. Offering one example in which extra- or noneducational interests become institutionalized in the public schools, the article recommends further interrogation of cultural beliefs buttressing claims on the educational public sphere.
Documentation of IgA1 and IgA2 antisperm antibodies within seminal fluid.

: Antisperm antibodies of the IgA class, when bound to sperm, impair the sperm's ability to penetrate cervical mucus. IgA proteases offer a potential treatment of autoimmunity to spermatozoa in infertile men by enzymatically degrading immunoglobulins on the sperm surface. As IgA1 but not IgA2 is cleaved by IgA proteases, we determined through use of IgA subclass-specific monoclonal antibodies the presence and relative proportions of antisperm IgA1 and IgA2 in seminal fluid. This ratio varies substantially between men, perhaps reflecting differences in the etiology of autoimmunity to sperm.
The Case for Cases

The Community Annual Energy Storage System (CASES) is described as a thermal utility concept which stores waste summer heat for winter use and waste winter cold for summer air conditioning. As a concept, CASES can be demonstrated only by simulation, although the equipment is available. Both warm and cooled water are available continuously for each building in the community through a network of two pipes. Short-term storage for surplus hot and cold water is provided with a central facility consisting of two impoundment basins of the same size. Either aquifer or ice storage can be used for long-term storage. The system's components consist of uninsulated pipelines and individual heat pumps, which would be rented to the building occupants. CASES proponents project an 80% saving of the energy used for heating and cooling a community and a significant leveling of peak loads. A summary of monthly cost projections and efficiency shows the greatest savings will occur during the summer months.
A Multimedia-Rich Platform to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning in an Online Environment

Utilizing multimedia tools such as videos and audio clips can be an effective way to promote student learning and engagement in online settings. This study explores the implementation of a photo-rich comprehensive counseling center environment through which students of a semester-long online graduate psychology class learned about important research methodology concepts. Student feedback is provided along with implications for student learning in future online course endeavors. This multimedia course design was the recipient of the 2013 Sloan-C Effective Practices Award.
Inelastic Design of Steel I-Girder Bridges

This paper discusses the calculations and presents the results of a detailed inelastic design of a three-span continuous plate-girder bridge, using suggested new inelastic design procedures. The characteristics of the calculations and the resulting design are compared to those of an elastic design of the same bridge by current AASHTO LRFD procedures. Various advantages, limitations, and implications of the recommended procedures are observed based on this study.
Tritium transport in lithium ceramics porous media

A random network model has been utilized to analyze the problem of tritium percolation through porous Li ceramic breeders. Local transport in each pore channel is described by a set of convection-diffusion reaction equations. Long range transport is described by a matrix technique. The heterogeneous structure of the porous medium is accounted for via Monte Carlo methods. The model was then applied to an analysis of the approach to steady state tritium release from solid breeders. Diffusion was found to be the dominant transport process. The time constant for the approach to steady state was found to obey a scaling law with respect to the size L of the network. This scaling law was found to closely approximate the scaling law obeyed by conventional diffusion process in a completely homogeneous medium.
Formation of free radicals in photo‐irradiated cellulose. IV. Effect of ferric ions

The effects of wavelength and concentration of ferric-ion photosensitizer on radical formation in cellulose irradiated with ultraviolet light were studied by means of electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Irradiations were carried out at 77°K. The absorption spectra of ferric complexes with cellulose model compounds, namely, glucose, lactose, and cellobiose, indicate that light absorption of iron-cellulose model complex takes place at 365 nm, to initiate free-radical formation. A three-line electron spin resonance spectrum with a relative signal intensity 1:1:1 was observed when the sample was treated with 0.1-mmole/l. ferric ion and irradiated with light lambda U0 3400 A. Five-line spectra with different signal intensities were observed when the sample was irradiated with light lambda U0 2800 A and lambda U0 2537 A, respectively. Further, the 1: 1:1 three-line spectrum was immediately changed to a five-line spectrum when the sample was re-irradiated with light lambda U0 2537 A. The concentration of ferric ion strikingly affected the radical formation in cellulose and caused changes of the line-shape and of the relative signal intensities of the spectra. The sample with 0. 1-mmole/l. ferric ion exhibited the 1: 1:1 three-line spectrum; however, when the concentration was increased to 20 mmoles/l., a prominant five-line spectrum with relative signal intensity 1:2:0.8:2: 1 was observed, when the sample was irradiated with light lambda U0 3400 A. On the basis of these findings, it is apparent that several kinds of radical species can be formed by employing suitable wavelengths and varying concentrations of ferric ion.
Resilience of Families Living in Poverty

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways that community social workers reflect the established literature on family resilience. This exploratory study involved semistructured group interviews with community social workers from an urban agency that serves families who are poor. The analysis was completed by comparing Walsh's “Key Processes in Family Resilience” with the responses from the participants in the group interviews. Specifically, Walsh (2002) identifies three domains of resilient families, including belief systems, organizational patterns, and communication processes. These were used as reference points for comparison. The interviews with the community social workers revealed a connection between using positive beliefs, thinking, and taking action steps that define a resilient family. This only becomes possible in the context of supportive internal family relations and external community connections. While the community social workers affirm elements of the established models of ...
Design and Fabrication of a UV-LIGA Compliant Micrograsper for Ophthalmic Surgery

A miniaturized grasping tool was designed and fabricated for use in ophthalmic procedures. The grasping travel range was optimized to have a 2–4 mm jaw spacing in the open position which is a requirement for ophthalmic surgery. Design optimization approaches were utilized to design a grasper which can tolerate large displacements without fracture. The device was fabricated using the UV-LIGA technique using SU-8 photoresist as a molding template. After the device was fabricated it was integrated with a 20-gauge cylindrical package which guides the device’s movement. The packaging tube is used to manipulate the device. In the device’s natural position the jaws remain open. As the device is pulled through the tube, the tube’s wall forces the jaws closed for a grasping motion. The pull-off force of the micrograpser during grasping motion was measured and the value is comparable value to that of a commercial micrograpser developed by Alcon Manufacturing Ltd. using traditional fabrication techniques. A microcutter was also developed by substituting the grasping jaws of the micrograsper with sharp blades. Ex vivo tests were further conducted in order to evaluate the performance of the miniaturized instruments for manipulating and cutting objects similar to those encountered during an ophthalmic procedure.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Association of cholesterol with stroke risk varies in stroke subtypes and patient subgroups

Objective: To perform a health maintenance organization–based case-control study to evaluate the association of total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol with the risk of stroke subtypes and in patient subgroups. Methods: Cases had a confirmed incident ischemic stroke (n = 1,242) or hemorrhagic stroke (n = 313). Controls (n = 6,455) were identified in a companion myocardial infarction study. Risk of stroke was modeled using logistic regression. Results: The highest total cholesterol quintile was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke compared to the lowest quintile (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.0) with the strongest subtype associations for atherosclerotic stroke (OR = 3.2) and lacunar stroke (OR = 2.4). The highest HDL cholesterol quintile was associated with a decreased risk of ischemic stroke compared to the lowest quintile (OR = 0.8, CI 0.6 to 1.0). Subgroup analyses suggested that the total cholesterol association was more important for patients Conclusions: Higher total and lower HDL cholesterol levels were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke, especially certain stroke subtypes and patient subgroups. The lowest levels of total cholesterol were associated with an increased risk of all hemorrhagic strokes.
Why photoreceptors die (and why they don't).

Light can kill the photoreceptors of the eye, not only very bright direct sunlight, but more moderate illumination if the light is present continuously. Recent experiments show that rod apoptosis can be triggered by strong and constant activation of transduction, and that death can be prevented if transduction is inhibited even though the eye is illuminated. Vitamin A deficiency and genetically inherited diseases, such as some forms of retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, appear to kill like this: transduction is activated at a high rate and continuously, and this causes the rods to die. Why does transduction kill? Our best guess is that continuous activation produces a prolonged lowering of the Ca2+ concentration, which is also thought to kill neurons in tissue culture and during the development of the nervous system. To prevent death in constant light, rods have evolved protective mechanisms including modulation of channels and ion transport to keep the Ca2+ from going too low. Prolonged light exposure also causes migration of transduction proteins from one part of the cell to another and a reversible shortening of the rod outer segments, the part of the cell that contains the pigment rhodopsin. All of these mechanisms are at work in the normal eye to reduce transduction and prevent the Ca2+ concentration from dropping too low for too long a time. That most of us retain our vision our entire lives is a testament to their effectiveness. BioEssays 28: 344–354, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacological studies on the behavioral thermoregulation in the salamander necturus maculosus

Abstract The aquatic salamander Necturus maculosus was tested as a model for investigations of behavioral thermoregulatory responses to drugs which modify thermoregulation in endotherms. Animals were acclimatized to 15°C and an LD 12:12 photoperiod and placed in linear thermal gradients (5° to 30–35°C). Drugs were given each day for two days and deep body temperature monitored with trailing thermocouples. Prostaglandin E 1 produced a pronounced long-lasting behavioral hyperthermia. Melatonin and chlorpromazine caused significant falls in mean selected temperature (MST). Oxotremorine and ethanol were without effect on MST, while scopolamine treatment resulted in decreased MST on Day 1 and a increase on Day 2. Neurotensin produced hyperthermia on Day 2, but not on Day 1, an effect opposite that found with mammals. Capsaicin caused a pronounced decreased in MST on Day 1, followed by hyperthermia on Day 2, a response similar to that observed in mammals. The use of ectothermic animal models for investigation of behavioral thermal responses to those pharmacological agents which influence thermoregulation in endotherms may lead to a better understanding of the evolution of vertebrate temperature regulation.
DFT calculations of indirect 29Si-1H spin-spin coupling constants in organoalkoxysilanes.

The performance of four basis sets (6-311+G(2d,p), IGLO-III, cc-PVTZ, and 6-31G) is evaluated in order to find a quantum mechanical technique that can be used to accurately estimate 29Si−1H spin−spin coupling constants in organoalkoxysilanes. The 6-31G basis set with the B3LYP functional is found to be an accurate, efficient, and cost-effective density functional theory method for predicting spin−spin coupling constants of organoalkoxysilanes. Knowledge of these scalar coupling constants and their dependence on structural variations is important to be able to fine-tune NMR experiments that rely on polarization transfer among nuclei, such as 29Si distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT). The effects of size and the number of unhydrolyzable alkyl groups attached to silicon and the effects of substitution of alkoxy groups with hydroxyl groups on 29Si−1H spin−spin coupling constants are investigated using this DFT method. The results show that the predicted scalar coupling between silicon an...
An analytic theory of the point-source nonuniformity correction factor for thick-walled ionisation chambers in photon beams

In exposure and air kerma measurements, axial and radial nonuniformity perturbation correction factors are used to account for the nonuniformity of the incident photon field in the vicinity of the ionisation chamber cavity. An analytic theory for calculating the point source nonuniformity correction factor for thick-walled ionisation chambers is developed. The theory developed herein is compared with Monte Carlo calculations for chambers with pancake, cylindrical and spherical geometries similar in size to the instruments employed by Standards laboratories. The perturbations, which differ from those calculated or measured by some Standards laboratories, suggest that corrections of the order of 0.3% should be applied to typical pancake geometries, smaller corrections of the order of 0.05% or less for typical Farmer-type chambers, and no correction for spherical chambers.
Mechanisms of change in extended cognitive behavioral treatment for tobacco dependence.

Aim To evaluate potential mediators of an extended cognitive behavioral smoking cessation intervention.
Sedimentary records of accelerated nutrient loading in Florida lakes

Transfer functions relating trophic state (Carlson's TSIchlorophyll-a) to present day accumulation rate of (1) nutrients, (2) cations, and (3) organic sediment, are computed using Binford's 210Pb-dilution method. As computed from surficial sediments of 27 lakes, former trophic states are reconstructed for recent (210Pb-dated) sedimentary histories of 14 lakes. Of the three kinds of models potentially available, model (3) (TSI vs. organic accumulation) is the weakest statistically, and may be unduly influenced by exceptional deposition and/or preservation of allochthonous organic matter. At present, however, it is the only model applicable to all 14 of the histories tested. Results are encouraging in that model accurately predicts observed TSI's in several mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes. Clearly significant increases (accelerations) are inferred only for a of the most eutrophic lakes of the set, while the model consistently overpredicts TSI's of the 7 most oligotrophic lakes. As Whitmore's diatom-assemblage index is a better predictor of TSI than is model (3) in the one eutrophic lake in which it has been tested, we expect more persuasive results when models (1) and (2) can be tested within a more complete set of analytical data. We were surprised to find 3 severely disturbed lakes among the 12 that show little or no acceleration in rate of eutrophication in recent decades, but we defer attempts at explanation until former nutrient loading can be tested by model (1).
Bench-to-bedside review: Clostridium difficile colitis

In recent years, the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) have increased dramatically. Beginning in 2000, widespread regional outbreaks associated with a previously uncommon hypervirulent strain of C. difficile have occurred in North America and Europe. Most likely because of increased toxin production as well as other virulence factors, this epidemic strain has caused more severe and refractory disease leading to complications, including intensive care unit admission, colectomies, and death. Worldwide increasing use of fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins has likely contributed to the proliferation of this epidemic strain, which is highly resistant to both. The elderly have been disproportionately affected by CDAD, but C. difficile has also recently emerged in populations previously considered to be at low risk, including healthy outpatients and peripartum women, although it is unknown if these cases are related to the epidemic strain. Nevertheless, transmission within hospitals is the major source of C. difficile acquisition, and previous or concurrent antimicrobial use is almost universal among cases. Applying current evidence-based strategies for management and prevention is critically important, and clinicians should maintain an awareness of the changing epidemiology of CDAD and take measures to reduce the risk of disease in patients.
Intramedullary Cannulated Headless Screw Fixation of a Comminuted Subcapital Metacarpal Fracture: Case Report

This case report describes an alternative technique for the fixation of displaced comminuted subcapital fractures of the metacarpal with limited distal bone stock. Using a cannulated headless screw as an intramedullary device placed through the articular surface, we were able to secure proximal and distal bone purchase without excessive soft tissue stripping or disruption of the fracture hematoma. This technique allows early rehabilitation, and our patient went on to uneventful healing with excellent functional results.
Estimation of Instability Flaw Lengths for Tank 6

Instability flaw lengths were estimated for high level waste Tank 6 at its current fill height of 244 inches with an average specific gravity of 1.1. The instability flaw lengths were obtained by interpolation of the results from previous stress and fracture analyses for Type I high level waste tanks.
Energy Metabolism of Dairy Cattle

Energy metabolism research during the past 25 yr has resolved many uncertainties of energy use by lactating cows. Use of metabolizable energy for milk production essentially is unaffected by milk yield but is slightly influenced by its source. Estimates of efficiency of use for milk production (60 to 64%) are lower than earlier estimates (69 to 70%) primarily because of lower maintenance costs. Efficiency of metabolizable energy for body gain is higher in lactating (75%) than nonlactating (60%) cows. Use of body tissue energy for milk production is about 82% efficient. End products of digestion contribute to variation in efficiency of fattening and in partition of energy between milk and body gain in the lactating animal. Energy use in the growing animal is influenced by composition of tissue gained and composition of the diet. Energetic efficiency of protein deposition is apparently much lower than that of fat deposition. A substantial part of the lower efficiency of protein deposition is related to energy costs of protein turnover. Incomplete digestion of mixed diets at high intake by lactating cows and methods to predict energy partition are serious practical problems. In the short term, improved methods to predict intake effects on metabolizable energy of mixed diets will increase accuracy of diet formulations. In the longer term, methods to predict quantities of nutrients absorbed from the gut will permit a more flexible and accurate method of evaluating diets and predicting animal performance.
Improving web site performance using commercially available analytical tools.

Background It is easy to accurately measure web site usage and to quantify key parameters such as page views, site visits, and more complex variables using commercially available tools that analyze web site log files and search engine use. This information can be used strategically to guide the design or redesign of a web site (templates, look-and-feel, and navigation infrastructure) to improve overall usability. The data can also be used tactically to assess the popularity and use of new pages and modules that are added and to rectify problems that surface.
Magnetooptic properties of semiconductor quantum dots in glass composites

Abstract Low dimensional systems of semiconductor quantum dots in glass composites exhibit interesting physical properties arising from spatial confinement effects; an example is the discretization of the energy spectrum. In semiconductor quantum dots, electronic wave functions experience effects of quantum confinement arising from the dot-glass interface acting as an infinite potential barrier, effectively creating an infinite potential well. This leads to electronic transitions having higher energies with decreasing dot size. The shift of the electronic energies is associated with an increase in the Faraday rotation. Magnetooptic measurements are quasi-elastic light scattering for type II–VI semiconductor quantum dots in a borosilicate glass matrix have been studied. The Faraday rotation of the quantum dot glass composite shows an increase over the bulk semiconductor crystal and the pure borosilicate glass. The Verdet constant, initially constant, demonstrates an increase to another, higher constant value, at higher magnetic fields. This kink in the slope is achieved at lower fields with smaller quantum dots, and this finding is noted to be invariant, throughout the various samples studied. This finding is felt to be likely associated with alteration of electronic energy levels, associated with quantum confinement, and may be due, specifically, to excitonic confinement. The findings of an inflection at nearly identical field strength in the unstruck doped glass and the pure borosilicate glass is felt to be due to the presence of intermediate range order in the borosilicate glass.
Kinetic investigation of electron electron scattering in nanometer-scale metal- oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors

The effects of electron–electron scattering on the electron energy distribution, as well as substrate and gate currents in short channel MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) are explored using the convective scheme, or CS, a method of characteristics. Effects of electron–electron scattering are explored for a MOSFET with uniform doping in the channel as well as for an asymmetric device structure, a focused-ion-beam (FIBMOS) transistor, for both 70 nm and 250 nm channel length devices. Effects of electron–electron scattering on a standard 35 nm channel length MOSFET are also included. The high substrate doping that is required for such short channel length devices leads to large electric fields. The purpose of the FIB implant is to improve hot-carrier reliability by reducing the electric field in the channel. Electron–electron scattering increases the amount of electrons in the tail, despite the fact that the applied potential is significantly below the threshold for injection of electrons into the gate oxide. The ratio of gate-to-substrate current, Ig/Isub, is investigated as an indicator of the level of degradation. At such short channel lengths, there are degrading and non-degrading components of gate and substrate current. The non-degrading components of gate and substrate current correlate strongly, so that the ratio of Ig/Isub is an efficient indicator of device degradation. The energy thresholds for impact ionization and for emission of electrons into the gate oxide are crucial in determining the ratio of these currents. The substrate and gate currents obtained indicate that hot-carrier effects continue to be an issue for device performance, even for nanometer-scale devices. The density of electrons is higher at very short channel lengths due to the need to have shallow junctions and leads to a greater amount of Coulomb collisions. Increased Coulomb collisions may lead to strongly reduced lifetimes in nanometer-scale devices.
SUITABILITY OF CYNOMOLOGUS MONKEYS (MACACA FASCICULARIS) FOR STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXIN BIOASSAY

Cynomologus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were tested for their sensitivity and specificity to staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). Thirty-two of 38 monkeys vomited within 5 h in response to intragastric feeding of 4.8–18 μg of crude SEA. Twenty-four of these 32 responding monkeys were subjected to specificity study by feeding crude SEA which was neutralized with specific Antiserum A. Twenty-two (92%) of the 24 demonstrated specificity by not vomiting when fed neutralized crude SEA. The remaining two (8%) monkeys showed specificity only with purified SEA neutralized with the Antiserum. The emetic dose -50 for crude SEA was 6.5 μg per monkey. These suggest that cynomologus monkeys are suitable for SE bioassay and for identification of new enterotoxins.
Vertical cloud structures of the boreal summer intraseasonal variability based on CloudSat observations and ERA-interim reanalysis

The boreal summer intraseasonal variability (BSISV), which is characterized by pronounced meridional propagation from the equatorial zone to the Indian Continent, exerts significant modulation of the active/break phases of the south Asian monsoon. This form of variability provides a primary source of subseasonal predictive skill of the Asian summer monsoon. Unfortunately, current general circulation models display large deficiencies in representing this variability. The new cloud observations made available by the CloudSat mission provide an unprecedented opportunity to advance our characterization of the BSISV. In this study, the vertical structures of cloud water content and cloud types associated with the BSISV over the Indian Ocean and subcontinent are analyzed based on CloudSat observations from 2006 to 2008. These cloud structures are also compared to their counterparts as derived from ERA-interim reanalysis. A marked vertical tilting structure in cloud water is illustrated during the northward propagation of the BSISV based on both datasets. Increased cloud liquid water content (LWC) tends to appear to the north of the rainfall maximum, while ice water content (IWC) in the upper troposphere slightly lags the convection. This northward shift of increased LWC, which is in accord with local enhanced moisture as previously documented, may play an important role in the northward propagation of the BSISV. The transition in cloud structures associated with BSISV convection is further demonstrated based on CloudSat, with shallow cumuli at the leading edge, followed by the deep convective clouds, and then upper anvil clouds. Some differences in cloud water structures between CloudSat and ERA-interim are also noted, particularly in the amplitudes of IWC and LWC fields.
Ultrasonic detection of fetal ascites and bladder dilation with resulting prune belly

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