cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Religion and self-efficacy: a multilevel approach

ABSTRACTCan the religious values of an entire geographic area affect the self-efficacy of emerging adults living in that area? Although prior research has demonstrated that individual religious characteristics are associated with self-efficacy, less is known about how the overall religious context influences self-efficacy. Using multilevel analyses on two waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) merged with county-level variables, this study finds that a county’s higher conservative Protestant population share is associated with lower self-efficacy even after controlling for various variables. Surprisingly, this conservative Protestant contextual effect also applies to residents who are not conservative Protestants but live in a conservative Protestant county. In contrast, county-level Catholic population share is linked with higher self-efficacy. However, this Catholic contextual effect is explained when controlling for county-level variables.
Blending project goals and performance goals in ecological planning: Ian McHarg’s contributions to landscape performance evaluation

Ian McHarg’s ecological planning method has been influential since the publication of Design with Nature in 1969. However, less is known about McHarg’s pioneering contributions to landscape performance evaluation, which are critical in today’s practice. After a review of McHarg’s theoretical foundation and interdisciplinary design process, we suggest that McHarg’s method facilitates the function of environmental performance, because planning goals, including performance benchmarks, are integral parts of the design process. In addition, we respond to the misconception of McHarg’s disinterest in social and economic factors, through a review of three exemplary projects—Interstate 95 in New Jersey, Medford Township, and The Woodlands—all of which illustrated salient, multifaceted benefits. Last, we synthesize the policy and practical implications of landscape performance evaluation (e.g., environmental impact assessment) that enrich McHarg’s theory and actionable planning process toward sustainability. We conclude that McHarg is a forerunner in landscape performance evaluation. Through blending project goals and performance goals, McHarg’s method improves project performance and increases the validity of ecological planning.
An Architecture for Metadata-driven Integration of Heterogeneous Sensor and Health Data for Translational Exposomic Research

Exposomic research requires the generation of comprehensive spatio-temporal records of exposures along with capturing associated metadata describing limitations and uncertainties associated with the data. We describe the architecture of a metadata-driven Big Data integration platform for integration of sensor and health data to support diverse translational exposomic research.
Native-valve Enterococcus hirae endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature.

Enterococcus hirae is rarely identified in humans and may be a commensal pathogen in psittacine birds. We present the fifth known case of E. hirae endocarditis. A 64-year-old Caucasian female presented with fever, hypotension, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, and a two-week history of lightheadedness. Her previous medical history included COPD, recurrent DVT, atrial fibrillation (on warfarin), hypertension, hypothyroidism, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Physical exam was notable for expiratory wheezes and a 2/6 systolic ejection murmur at the right sternal border. 2D echocardiogram revealed severe aortic stenosis. The patient underwent right and left heart catheterization, where she was found to have severe aortic stenosis and mild pulmonary hypertension. She subsequently underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with a bovine pericardial valve, bilateral atrial cryoablation, and clipping of the left atrial appendage. Her aortic valve was found to have a bicuspid, thickened appearance with calcifications, multiple small vegetations, and a root abscess beneath the right coronary cusp. With a new suspicion of infective endocarditis, the patient was placed on broad-spectrum IV antibiotics. Intra-operative blood cultures were negative. A tissue culture from the aortic valve vegetations identified Enterococcus hirae susceptible to ampicillin through MALDI-TOF. Antibiotic treatment was then switched to IV ampicillin and ceftriaxone; she declined aminoglycoside treatment due to toxicity concerns. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged with 6 weeks of antibiotics. To date, she continues to be followed with no signs of relapsing disease. To our knowledge, this case constitutes the fifth known case of E. hirae endocarditis, and the second case to have been identified with MALDI-TOF and treated with ampicillin and ceftriaxone. This case reinforces the efficacy of ampicillin and ceftriaxone for the treatment of E. hirae endocarditis.
Regional Gene Therapy for Cancer

Two successful regional gene therapies have emerged in recent years: chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and oncolytic virus therapy. Coupled with the recent advances in the understanding of solid tumor immunology, the success of these therapies illustrates how regional therapy can be combined with efficient gene transfer and immune stimulation to treat solid tumors. CAR T cells and oncolytic viruses leverage the fundamental advantages of regional delivery to accomplish the following three objectives: 1. Enhance delivery of therapeutics to the tumor. Cancer-targeted gene therapy can be inefficient when infused intravenously, owing to the increased volume of distribution, sequestration in other organs, and poor or altered vascularity, which limit drug perfusion into tumor tissue. Regional CAR T-cell administration can bypass these limitations. Oncolytic viruses can be regionally infused or intralesionally injected. 2. Enhance targeting of cancer cells, thereby limiting normal-tissue toxicity. CAR T cells and oncolytic viruses are genetically modified to optimize cancer-specific targeting. The flexibility afforded by genetic engineering allows preferential targeting, infection of cancer cells, and sparing of normal tissues. 3. Generate both a local and a systemic immune response that can target metastatic disease and prevent tumor recurrence. Perhaps, the most impressive feature of these local therapies is their ability to generate an immune response that extends beyond the primary tumor to establish systemic immune surveillance. This immune response follows the tenets of the adaptive immune system: it establishes circulating immune memory that is capable of self-renewal and is long-lasting. Regional delivery of CAR T cells elicits a robust local immune response and establishes systemic immunity. Oncolytic viruses not only target tumors via local cancer cell destruction but also generate a local and systemic immune response. The regression of metastatic lesions following local delivery of oncolytic virus exemplifies the potential to generate systemic immune responses.
Class C CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Immunomodulatory Response in Aged Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri Boliviensis Boliviensis)

One means of stimulating the mammalian innate immune system is via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) being exposed to unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) DNA, also known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of microbial origin. Synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with defined CpG motifs possess broad immunostimulatory properties that make CpG ODNs suitable as therapeutic interventions in a variety of human disease conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Rodent models are often used to preclinically test the effectiveness of CpG ODN therapeutic agents for AD and other disorders. However, the translatability of findings in such models is limited due to the significant difference of the expression of TLR9 between primates and rodents. The squirrel monkey (SQM), a New World non-human primate (NHP), is known to be phylogenetically proximate to humans, and develops extensive age-dependent cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a key pathological feature of AD. Hence, this model is currently being used to test AD therapeutics. In the present study, we conducted the first examination of Class C CpG ODN's immunomodulatory role in elderly SQMs. We documented the effectiveness of CpG ODN to trigger an immune response in an aged cohort whose immune system is senescent. The specific immune response patterns detected here closely resembled CpG ODN-induced immunostimulatory patterns observed in prior human studies. Overall, our findings provide critical data regarding the immunomodulatory potential of CpG ODN in this NHP model, allowing for future translational studies of innate immunity stimulation via TLR9 agonists for diverse indications, including AD therapeutics.
Chapter 45 – Vitamin D

: Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin, and it helps to facilitate intestinal Ca++ absorption. Ergosterol, which occurs in plants, is a vitamin D precursor. The active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) is a steroid hormone. Renal activation of vitamin D is regulated by several endocrine factors. Liver and/or kidney disease can result in a 1,25(OH)2D deficiency. Parathyroid hormone deficiency can be treated through vitamin D supplementation. Cholecalciferol rodenticide poisoning can cause symptoms of vitamin D toxicity. Glucocorticoids and calcitonin can be used to reverse symptoms of vitamin D toxicity.
Machine Learning in Aging: An Example of Developing Prediction Models for Serious Fall Injury in Older Adults.

Background Advances in computational algorithms and the availability of large datasets with clinically relevant characteristics provide an opportunity to develop machine learning prediction models to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of older adults. Some studies have employed machine learning methods for prediction modeling, but skepticism of these methods remains due to lack of reproducibility and difficulty in understanding the complex algorithms that underlie models. We aim to provide an overview of two common machine learning methods: decision tree and random forest. We focus on these methods because they provide a high degree of interpretability. Method We discuss the underlying algorithms of decision tree and random forest methods and present a tutorial for developing prediction models for serious fall injury using data from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) study. Results Decision tree is a machine learning method that produces a model resembling a flow chart. Random forest consists of a collection of many decision trees whose results are aggregated. In the tutorial example, we discuss evaluation metrics and interpretation for these models. Illustrated using data from the LIFE study, prediction models for serious fall injury were moderate at best (area under the receiver operating curve of 0.54 for decision tree and 0.66 for random forest). Conclusions Machine learning methods offer an alternative to traditional approaches for modeling outcomes in aging, but their use should be justified and output should be carefully described. Models should be assessed by clinical experts to ensure compatibility with clinical practice.
Abstract 2415: H2A monoubiquitination links glucose availability to epigenetic regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress induced cell death in cancer

Introduction Epigenetic regulation of gene transcription coordinates with nutrient availability, although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Histone 2A monoubiquitination at lysine 119 (H2Aub), catalyzed mainly by its writer polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), is a histone modification that has been associated with transcriptional repression. Initially, we found glucose withdrawal dramatically decreased H2Aub levels in multiple cancer cell lines. Next, we sought to study the role of H2Aub and H2Aub-associated transcriptional network in tumor cells while modulating glucose availability. Experimental design To determine the genes regulated by H2Aub upon glucose deprivation, H2Aub ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses were performed in UMRC6 kidney cancer cells with or without glucose. To identify the biological processes associated with the genes identified in our genome-wide analyses, we used Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Results We found that glucose starvation suppresses histone 2A K119 monoubiquitination (H2Aub), a histone modification that correlates with gene repression. Mechanistically, glucose starvation suppressed H2Aub levels independently of energy stress-mediated AMPK activation and likely acts through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated inhibition of BMI1, an integral component of polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) that catalyzes H2Aub on chromatin. Integrated transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses linked glucose starvation-mediated H2Aub repression to the activation of genes involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. We further showed that this epigenetic mechanism has a role in glucose starvation-induced cell death. In addition, pharmacologic inhibition of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and PRC1 synergistically promoted ER stress and suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Our study suggests a model in which glucose starvation inhibits PRC1 function potentially through glucose starvation-induced BMI phosphorylation and thereby decreases H2Aub levels, which leads to the de-repression of ER stress gene expression and contributes to the ER stress response and glucose starvation-induced cell death. Together, our results reveal a hitherto unrecognized epigenetic mechanism coupling glucose availability to the ER stress response. Citation Format: Yilei Zhang, Jiejun Shi, Zhenna Xiao, Guang Lei, Xiaoguang Liu, Hyemin Lee, Pranavi Koppula, Weijie Cheng, Chao Mao, Li Zhuang, Li Ma, Wei Li, Boyi Gan. H2A monoubiquitination links glucose availability to epigenetic regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress induced cell death in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2415.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Moderate and Acute Suicidal Ideation among a National Sample of Tribal College and University Students 2015-2016.

Objectives We examined the relationship between suicide risk and disability status, as well as risk and protective factors, adjusting for demographic characteristics, among students attending 22 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU; 20 rural and 2 urban) across the United States in fall 2015 and 2016. Methods Tribal college students (N = 3,239) participated in a cross‐sectional online or paper survey assessing alcohol use patterns and mental health outcomes, yielding a response rate of 31.3%. Results Of the students surveyed, 8.8% indicated moderate or high suicide risk. Hearing impairment was significantly associated with moderate/high suicide risk (OR = 2.11; 1.24‐3.61, P = .006), as was vision impairment (OR = 3.03; 1.92‐4.77, P < .001), having a physical/mental/or emotional condition (OR = 2.12; 1.75‐2.57, P < .001), experiencing critical appraisal (OR = 1.30; 1.24‐1.36, P < .001), and experiencing critical isolation (OR = 1.83; 1.66‐2.01, P < .001). Scoring high on resilience (OR = 0.93; 0.92‐0.95, P < .001), reporting higher emotional social support (OR = 0.75; 0.70‐0.79, P < .001), and reporting higher levels of instrumental social support (OR = 0.69, 0.62‐0.76, P < .001) were significantly associated with lower suicide risk. Conclusions Students attending tribal colleges who experience hearing impairment, sight impairment, or a physical/emotional/mental condition have a greater risk of suicidality. Students experiencing critical appraisal and critical isolation may benefit from behavioral health interventions to reframe these experiences and develop resiliency skills. Developing avenues of emotional and instrumental social support within TCU settings offers key protective factors to buffer the risk of suicidality. Examining additional ways to build resiliency may also offer protection from suicide risk in this population.
Cricket (Acheta domesticus) protein hydrolysates’ impact on the physicochemical, structural and sensory properties of tortillas and tortilla chips

Consumer interest towards consumption of more sustainable protein sources has led way towards the adoption of insect protein for human food applications. Research shows that insect proteins utilise...
Evaluation of Laser Releasable Temporary Bonding Adhesives for the Thinned Wafer Integration

Laser release technology is considered as a convenient method in advanced packaging applications, due to its high throughput, low stress, force-free during the release process. In this report, we evaluated two kinds of developed laser releasable temporary bonding adhesives to bond a device wafer onto a glass carrier. We demonstrated the coating uniformity, backgrinding, thermal stability, PECVD SiO 2 deposition, high vacuum survivability, and PVD Ti/Cu deposition to investigate the performance of these temporary bonding adhesives for advanced packaging integration processes. Material B was failed to survive the thermal simulation test, emerging a gas pocket in the bond line. In contrast to Material B, the Material A presented completely excellent properties to satisfy all the simulation tests even under the high temperature and high vacuum conditions. Material A has successfully undergone laser ablation and cleaned with organic solvent without residues on the thinned wafer. Hence, Material A is recommended as a candidate for system-in-packaging (SiP), package-on-package (PoP), and heterogeneous integration applications.
720 MHz Pulse EPR Imager with Arbitrary Waveform Generator-Based Bridge and Direct Sampling

A pulse 720 MHz EPR imager with a permanent magnet, arbitrary waveform generator based excitation, and detection system operating in the direct sampling and signal down-conversion modes is presented. This flexible instrument allowed testing various acquisition modes and demonstrating its signal to noise ratio advantage over the previously used 250 MHz instrument.
Acupuncture and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 425 million people worldwide have diabetes...
Spatio-temporal evolution of uranium emission in laser-produced plasmas

Abstract Laser-induced plasma spectroscopy provides much impetus as a nuclear forensics tool because of its capability of standoff detection and real-time analysis. However, special nuclear materials like U, Pu, etc. provide very crowded spectra and, when combined with shifts and broadening of spectral lines caused by ambient atmospheric operation, generate a complex plasma spectroscopy system. We explored the spatio-temporal evolution of excited U species in a laser ablation plume under various ambient pressure conditions. Plasmas were generated using 1064 nm, 6 ns pulses from a Nd:YAG laser on a U containing glass matrix target. The role of air ambient pressure on U line intensities, signal-to-background ratios, and linewidths were investigated. Spatially and temporally resolved optical time-of-flight emission spectroscopy of excited uranium atoms were used for studying the expansion hydrodynamics and the persistence of U species in the plume. Our results showed that U emission linewidths increased with pressure due to increased Stark broadening; however, the broadening was less than that for Ca. A comparison with U emission features in the presence of an inert gas showed the persistence of U species in plasmas in ambient air is significantly reduced; this could be due to oxide and other reactive species formation.
Reclaiming Lost Territory: The Response of Owyhee Harvester Ants to Forager Intrusions by Neighboring Colonies

Neighboring colonies of the Owyhee harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex salinus, often share non-overlapping foraging boundaries in the areas between their nests. We found that interactions between neighbors along these foraging boundaries were infrequent but peaceful, and usually resulted in one or both individuals becoming agitated and scurrying away in opposite directions. Interactions between neighbors were necessary to maintain the foraging ranges of their respective colonies. An exclusion experiment showed that when one colony of a pair situated 5–7 m apart was denied access to its foraging range, individuals from the other colony would usually (i.e., in 7 out of 10 cases) enter the unoccupied space within 1 day. In 6 of 7 of those cases the occupiers set up foraging trails in the newly acquired area in 5 to 39 days (median = 13 days). When foragers from the excluded colony were subsequently allowed access to their original foraging area, they reclaimed the entire area within 11 days but did not extend their advances beyond the original foraging boundaries. In contrast to the earlier encounters between neighbors, encounters during the reacquisition period were always aggressive, and in 14 of 57 encounters one or both of the individual combatants was killed. Non-lethal contests were shorter duration than lethal contests (19 ± 2 s versus 422 ± 65 s, respectively). Our results show that competition for foraging space in Owyhee harvester ants is intense despite the seemingly peaceful relationship between neighboring colonies prior to perturbation of their foraging boundaries.
Auge y crisis: la pesquería de la concha de abanico ( Argopecten purpuratus) en la región Pisco-Paracas, costa sur del Perú

This paper examines scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) booms experienced in the Pisco-Paracas Region of southern Peru, triggered by the 1982-1983 and the 1997-1998 mega-El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The quiet fishing ports have been transformed by these booms, which have attracted outside stakeholders transforming the local society. Government institutions in their role as resource managers and environmental stewards have attempted to control access to a region that until recently contained the only marine protected area of Peru. This situation has led to rapid growth in the scallop industry, the overexploitation and depletion of the shellfish, creating a sustainability crisis. Furthermore, this paper examines contradictions and relationships across local, regional, national, and international scales.
Regulation of CO2 assimilation in oxygenic photosynthesis: the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system. Perspective on its discovery, present status, and future development.

Abstract It is well established that light functions in photosynthesis by providing the assimilatory power (ATP and NADPH) for the “dark” reactions, historically known as the synthesis of carbohydrate from carbon dioxide. Research during the past two and a half decades has revealed that light makes yet another contribution to the overall photosynthetic process: to provide specific regulatory agents that enable the dark reactions to function more effectively (Fig. 1). The purpose of this article is to give a brief account of this regulatory function, emphasizing the ferredoxin/thioredoxin system. The discussion includes a brief description of the history of the system, its current status, and how knowledge of the system may be used in the future.
Answering some phenomenal challenges to the prediction error model of delusions

Delusions are a challenge; a menagerie of odd beliefs with a diverse set of differential diagnoses and candidate pathologies (1). Their phenomenology has led many to deem them un-understandable (2). On the other hand, their susceptibility to treatment with D2 receptor antagonists has led many clinicians and scientists to consider them understood.
Pragmatism and the untenable dualism of means and ends: Why rational choice theory does not deserve paradigmatic privilege

Selon l'A., on ne peut operer une critique adequate de la theorie du choix rationnel que si l'on remet en cause le modele d'acteur qui lui est attache (modele qualifie de portfolio). L'A. puise son argumentation dans la tradition philosophique pragmatiste americaine, et plus particulierement chez John Dewey, pour montrer le caractere intenable du dualisme de la fin et des moyens
With Equalized Mass, its Density of Matter can Affect Radial Gravitational Interactions TOO

It is shown that if all stars and planets were made out of the same material substance, such as water, for example, then their density of matter, which is conventionally defined as the ratio of their actual mass to an equivalent mass of water, must be taken into account also in the usual radial Newtonian law of gravitation. The idea of equalized mass supports the concept of quantity of matter involving density of matter as well as the bulk/mass that Newton envisaged. It has been proved necessary to explain formerly unexplained experimental results, including discrepancies between predictions based on general theory of relativity (GTR) and actually recorded data. The equalized mass is not meant to turn us back and embrace post-Newtonian theories of gravitation, but to complement the (radial-only by design) GTR for the phenomena that are only partly radial and partly nonradial. A certain new pull-and-twist equation of orbital gravitational interactions is proposed.
An unusual presentation of a rare benign tumor in the head and neck: A review of hibernomas.

Hibernomas are rare benign tumors that may present in the head and neck in an unusual manner similar to more common malignant tumors such as lymphoma. Our case report describes several characteristics of a patient and benign tumor presentation that is atypical for the usual presentation of hibernomas as reviewed in the literature. Although hibernomas are rare, our report and review of the literature highlights a particular patient population and important key findings that should make one consider these benign tumors in the differential diagnosis of a young patient presenting with a neck mass. Laryngoscope, 125:1656–1659, 2015
Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the retroperitoneum.

Magnetic resonance imaging techniques have made it possible to delineate a variety of pathologic processes in the retroperitoneum, including lymphadenopathy, athersclerotic and aneurysmal disease of the aorta, congenital venous anomalies, and primary and secondary retroperitoneal neoplasms. The availability of multiplanar image display, the excellent soft tissue contrast resolution, and the fact that exogenous contrast materials are not needed are valuable assets of this imaging modality.
Improvement in survival associated with adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation.

Background & Aims: More than 2000 adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantations (LDLT) have been performed in the United States, yet the potential benefit to liver transplant candidates of undergoing LDLT compared with waiting for deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a survival benefit of adult LDLT. Methods: Adults with chronic liver disease who had a potential living donor evaluated from January 1998 to February 2003 at 9 university-based hospitals were analyzed. Starting at the time of a potential donor's evaluation, we compared mortality after LDLT to mortality among those who remained on the waiting list or received DDLT. Median follow-up was 4.4 years. Comparisons were made by hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for LDLT candidate characteristics at the time of donor evaluation. Results: Among 807 potential living donor recipients, 389 underwent LDLT, 249 underwent DDLT, 99 died without transplantation, and 70 were awaiting transplantation at last follow-up. Receipt of LDLT was associated with an adjusted mortality HR of 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42–0.74; P 20 LDLT), LDLT benefit was magnified, with a mortality HR of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.23–0.53; P
Normalized Coprime Robust Stability and Performance Guarantees for Reduced-Order Controllers

Constructing a reduced-order controller from a high-dimensional plant is commonly necessary. The “reduce-then-design” approach constructs the controller from a reduced-order plant; “design-then-reduce” reduces a full-order controller. In both cases, we present sufficient conditions for the full-order plant and reduced-order controller to achieve closed-loop stability or performance. These conditions, motivated primarily by the ν-gap metric, reveal model reduction orders that guarantee stability or performance. The control of the linearized Ginzburg-Landau system provides validation.
Interdiffusion in amorphous metallic artificial multilayers

Abstract Recent progress in the study of diffusion in amorphous metals using the artificial multilayer technique is reviewed. Two new preparation methods have been reported: in situ amorphization during deposition of elemental metals, and dual bath electrodeposition. Simultaneous measurements of densification and diffusivity have shown that diffusion is governed by density fluctuations that depend exponentially on the free volume. Diffusion is 30 to 150 times faster than is predicted from the Stokes-Einstein scaling of the viscosity. This can be explained if critical density fluctuations persist for many diffusional jumps before they collapse elastically.
Effective-medium theory of long-wavelength spin waves in magnetic superlattices.

We explore the theory of long-wavelength spin waves in superlattices which incorporate magnetically ordered films that interact either through dipolar fields generated by spin motions or exchange couplings at interfaces or those mediated by an intervening nonmagnetic film. We show that for long wavelengths one may replace the superlattice by an effective medium described by a permeability tensor composed of those of the constituent films. Our treatment applied to a semi-infinite lattice of ferromagnetic films reproduces results obtained earlier in a full theory by Camley, Rahman, and Mills. We also develop an effective medium theory of Y-Gd superlattices in the anti-phase-domain configuration, with transverse field applied. We obtain a rich spectrum of surface spin waves in this case. We also obtain Green's functions for the average medium description of the Y-Gd system and use these to discuss surface-mode contributions to the spectral densities explored by Brillouin scattering.
Selective Pyramidal Cell Reduction of GABAA Receptor α1 Subunit Messenger RNA Expression in Schizophrenia

Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for the α1 subunit of the GABAA receptor, which is present in 60% of cortical GABAA receptors, have been reported to be lower in layer 3 of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in subjects with schizophrenia. This subunit is expressed in both pyramidal cells and interneurons, and thus lower α1 subunit levels in each cell population would have opposite effects on net cortical excitation. We used dual-label in situ hybridization to quantify GABAA α1 subunit mRNA expression in calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II α (CaMKIIα)-containing pyramidal cells and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kDa (GAD65)-containing interneurons in layer 3 of the PFC from matched schizophrenia and healthy comparison subjects. In subjects with schizophrenia, mean GABAA α1 subunit mRNA expression was significantly 40% lower in pyramidal cells, but was not altered in interneurons. Lower α1 subunit mRNA expression in pyramidal cells was not attributable to potential confounding factors, and thus appeared to reflect the disease process of schizophrenia. These results suggest that pyramidal cell inhibition is reduced in schizophrenia, whereas inhibition of GABA neurons is maintained. The cell type specificity of these findings may reflect a compensatory response to enhance layer 3 pyramidal cell activity in the face of the diminished excitatory drive associated with the lower dendritic spine density on these neurons.
Intracoronary echo-contrast agents: abnormalities in myocardial function in a normal and reduced coronary perfusion model in dogs.

Abstract Two-dimensional echocardiography using echo-contrast enhancing agents is a promising technique for evaluating myocardial perfusion. However, the potential deleterious effects of injection of echo-enhancing agents into the coronary circulation have not been well evaluated. We utilized two experimental canine models in which the left anterior descending coronary artery was cannulated and perfused continuously by the left common carotid at normal and reduced coronary flows. Analysis of myocardial function included regional left ventricular systolic function by ultrasonic crystals, subendocardial ST segment shifts, left ventricular d P /t analysis and measurements of coronary blood flow. One ml of each echo-contrast agent was injected into the left anterior descending coronary artery during normal coronary flow. Echo-enhancing agents included: sonicated 70% sorbitol, 50% dextrose, and 6% dextran, hand-agitated Renografin-saline, and unagitated 0.15% hydrogen peroxide, 20% fat emulsion and oxygenated Oxypherol, a perfluorocarbon compound. Two-dimensional echocardiography determined that all echo-enhancing agents except for 20% fat emulsion and Oxypherol produced good myocardial enhancement. All echo-enhancing agents which produced a good contrast effect did so at the expense of significant reversible contractile abnormalities. Each produced more than a 50% reduction in percent segment shortening. Sorbitol and hydrogen peroxide produced the most severe contractile disturbances. In the normal flow model, sorbitol produced systolic bulging and hydrogen peroxide an 83% reduction in percent segment shortening. Hydrogen peroxide induced systolic bulging in the reduced coronary flow model. Other abnormalities induced by echo-enhancing agents included ST segment shifts and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Six percent dextran produced a good contrast effect with the least harmful myocardial consequences.
Total algebras and weak independence. I

The theory of primal algebras has recently been generalized in several ways. In particular the concept has been extended on the one hand by the admission of subalgebras and internal isomorphisms to the successively larger classes of semi-primal, infra-primal and quasi-primal algebras [1, 3, 8], and on the other hand by the admission of proper congruences to the hemi-primal algebras [-23. In [53 the authors introduced the concept of "total" algebras: finite algebras in which all mappings which preserve all subalgebras, automorphisms and congruences are representable by polynomials. So defined, this class of algebras was shown to comprehend both the infra-primal and hemi-primal algebras, but, on the other hand, it is easy to see that the quasi-primal algebras (since they may possess non-identical isomorphic subalgebras) are not always total. In the present paper we enlarge the class of total algebras to include the quasi-primals as well as the semi-, infra-, and hemi-primals. Our principal focus is on systems of weakly independent quasi-primal algebras, their products, and the varieties generated by them.
Preliminary Design Considerations and Characteristics of an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer

Abstract Multielement analysis by means of plasma source mass spectrometry has evolved over the past decade primarily through the use of the quadrupole mass analyzer. In the present research a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) has been designed, built, and tested with an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) supported with argon. The TOEMS offers higher speed, higher ion transmission, and measurement of all masses in one cycle of mass analysis. This paper outlines the considerations that were used to devise an appropriate geometry for the TOFMS, considering the known characteristics of the ICP ion source and the expected behavior of an ICP-MS interface. When linear and right-angle geometries are compared, the right-angle TOFMS seems far more appropriate as a mass analyzer in an LCP-MS instrument. The right-angle TOFMS was interfaced to an ICP and its preliminary characteristics have been evaluated. The mass spectrometer exhibits excellent speed and unit-mass resolution for the elements. However, the initial sensitivity is lower than originally estimated, probably because of poor ion transport from the ICP into the TOFMS. In addition, the ions produced from the plasma gas (argon) saturate the microchannelplate detector, prompting the implementation of a deflection scheme to remove much of the Ar + . These initial observations as well as future endeavors are presented.
Identification of the limiting resource within a semi-arid plant association

Abstract Our objective was to determine the resource most limiting to plant growth within a semi-arid plant association. We hypothesized that the addition of nitrogen (N) would elicit an increase in biomass more than additions of water, light, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), or sulfur (S). Treatments included the addition of water, N, P, K, or S, or reduction of ambient light on two sites in southwestern Montana within the Festuca idahoensis / Agropyron spicatum plant association. Nitrogen was the only treatment that increased plant community biomass, specifically native grass biomass (about 50% greater than the control). The addition of water decreased above-ground plant community biomass. Our results suggest that N is the primary limiting resource for the dominant functional group within the F. idahoensis / A. spicatum plant association.
Type 1 copper site synthetic model complexes with increased redox potentials

Reactions of NaSCPh3 with (R3tacn)Cu(OTf)2 (R is Me, iPr; tacn is 1,4,7-triazacyclononane; OTf is CF3SO3 −) yield blue complexes identified as ((R3tacn)CuSCPh3)(OTf) on the basis of UV–vis, resonance Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These complexes exhibit spectroscopic properties typical of type 1 copper sites in proteins, including diagnostic Sπ → Cu $$ (d_{{x^{2} - y^{2} }} ) $$ ligand-to-metal charge transfer transitions at approximately 610–630 nm and small A || values in EPR spectra of less than 100 × 10−4 cm−1. Cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed redox potentials for the complexes similar to those of several low-potential type 1 copper proteins (e.g., azurin, stellacyanin) and approximately 0.5 V higher than those of previously reported model compounds. Thus, the new complexes mimic key aspects of both the structure and the function of type 1 copper sites.
Research without consent: exception from and waiver of informed consent in resuscitation research.

The ethical concept of Informed Consent provides individuals with the right and the opportunity to approve of events that will occur regarding his or her own person. In medicine, informed consent is obtained for treatment and for research participation. However, under some circumstances, prospective informed consent cannot be obtained because of the devastating clinical condition of the patient. In emergency circumstances, treatment is never withheld if obtaining informed consent from a critically ill person is not possible or if a delay while seeking surrogates would further endanger life. In emergency research circumstances, waiving informed consent for study participation is fraught with additional ethical considerations. This article will review a presentation given at the June 2, 2006 conference entitled “The Ethics of Research in Emergency Medicine”.
Chemistry of hydrogen on diamond (100)

Abstract Hydrogen plays a crucial role in diamond film growth by chemical vapor deposition and is likely to be similarly critical to atomic layer epitaxy, yet the surface chemistry of hydrogen on diamond is only beginning to be understood. We investigated the adsorption of hydrogen and deuterium on diamond (100) by temperature-programmed desorption and by IR multiple-internal-reflection spectroscopy using a natural type IIa diamond internal reflection element. Complementary theoretical studies were carried out using the empirical MM3 molecular mechanics force field, which has a demonstrated high degree of accuracy for many molecules despite computational simplicity. H 2 desorption was observed with a peak temperature of approximately 1250 K and a peak shape suggestive of first-order kinetics, and is assigned to the monohydride surface structure, with one hydrogen atom per surface carbon atom. Assuming a pre-exponential factor of 10 13 s −1 , the activation energy for desorption is estimated as approximately 80 kcal/mol -1 . IR evidence was seen for the monohydride surface structure, with one hydrogen atom per surface carbon atom (δ CD mode at 901 cm −1 ), for the first time on diamond (100). The MM3 calculations predict that the (2 × 1):H monohydride phase is the most stable thermodynamically and the dominant phase under typical chemical vapor deposition conditions.
Pond‐to‐pond variability in post‐larval shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, survival and growth in inland low‐salinity waters of west Alabama

Despite the recent success of Alabama shrimp farmers in culturing the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, in inland low-salinity waters there is large variability in growth and survival among ponds. Farmers suspect that high mortality occurs during the first weeks of culture following stocking of postlarvae (PL). In order to determine the effect of pond ionic composition on PL growth and survival, three trials were carried out at a shrimp farm. Trials 1 and 2 evaluated PL growth and survival over 21- and 28-day periods, respectively, using static water from different production ponds. Trial 3 evaluated growth and survival over 7, 14, 21 and 28 days using water from one production pond. Results suggest that initial mortality (8–10%) is attributed to the acclimation process and occurs immediately following stocking. Pond-to-pond variations in ionic profiles could be a contributing factor but are not likely the major reason for variable ‘survival’. Mortalities after stocking appear to occur quickly as there were no differences in survival from 7 to 28 days post stock. Variable survival is likely due to a combination of reasons including environmental factors, but is largely due to poor handling of PL and stocking errors that produce perceived reductions in survival.
Local control of auricular, periauricular, and external canal cutaneous malignancies with Mohs surgery.

Three hundred ninety-seven patients with 407 cutaneous malignancies of the auricle, periauricular region, and cartilaginous external ear canal were reviewed. Tumors were most commonly located in the preauricular and postauricu-lar regions, followed by the helix, concha, antihelix, and ear canal. All lesions were excised with Mohs microscopic control of margins. For lesions requiring lateral temporal bone resection, an adaptation of fresh-tissue microscopic control was used to analyze deep and anterior margins suspected of harboring residual tumor. Two-year minimum follow-up of 229 patients with periauricular and auricular tumors (N = 231 tumors) and 14 patients with cartilaginous ear canal tumors (N = 14 tumors) revealed recurrence rates of 6.9% and 14.3%, respectively. Recurrences were most common in cases of large tumors (>2.5 cm), basal cell carcinomas with morphea elements, and multiply recurrent lesions. We conclude that Mohs surgery is comparatively effective, though not uniformly curative, and can be adapted to supplement excision of large tumors in these regions.
A Monte Carlo study of radiation transport through multileaf collimators

Due to the significant increase in the number of monitor units used to deliver a dynamic IMRT treatment, the total MLC leakage ~transmission plus scatter! can exceed 10% of the maximum in-field dose. To avoid dosimetric errors, this leakage must be accurately accounted for in the dose calculation and conversion of optimized intensity patterns to MLC trajectories used for treatment delivery. In this study, we characterized the leaf end transmission and leakage radiation for Varian 80- and 120-leaf MLCs using Monte Carlo simulations. The complex geometry of the MLC, including the rounded leaf end, leaf edges ~tongue-and-groove and offset notch!, mounting slots, and holes was modeled using MCNP4b. Studies were undertaken to determine the leakage as a function of field size, components of the leakage, electron contamination, beam hardening and leaf tip effects. The leakage radiation with the MLC configured to fully block the field was determined. Dose for 6 and 18 MV beams was calculated at 5 cm depth in a water phantom located at 95 cm SSD, and normalized to the dose for an open field. Dose components were scored separately for radiation transmitted through and scattered from the MLC. For the 80-leaf MLC at 6 MV, the average leakage dose is 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, and 1.9% for 535, 10310, 15315, and 20320 cm 2 fields, respectively. For the 120-leaf MLC at 6 MV, the average leakage dose is 1.6%, 1.6%, 1.7%, and 1.9% for the same field sizes. Measured leakage values for the 120-leaf MLC agreed with calculated values to within 0.1% of the open field dose. The increased leakage with field size is attributed to MLC scattered radiation. The fractional electron contamination for a blocked MLC field is greater than that for an open field. The MLC attenuation significantly affects the photon spectrum, resulting in an increase in percent depth dose at 6 MV, however, little effect is observed at 18 MV. Both phantom scatter and the finite source size contribute to the leaf tip profile observed in phantom. The results of this paper can be applied to fluence-to-trajectory and trajectory-tofluence calculations for IMRT. © 2001 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. @DOI: 10.1118/1.1420734#
Experimental simulation of the gaseous divertor concept in PISCES-A

Abstract The concept of the reentrant divertor (or gaseous divertor) has been suggested as a possible solution to the divertor heat load problem in next generation tokamaks. The idea of the reentrant divertor is to redistribute the divertor heat flux over a large surface area by radiation and/or elastic and inelastic collisions with neutral particles. Simulation experiments are performed in the PISCES-A linear plasma device to test the basic concept and to evaluate the axial and radial particle and heat transport. To date, data have been obtained in steady state hydrogen and argon plasmas at densities of up to 2 × 10 13 cm −3 and electron temperatures of 5–30 eV. With moderate gas feed (10 mTorr) to a simulated divertor slot (length 90 cm) we have observed the electron temperature to decrease axially from 25 eV to 3 eV. At higher neutral pressure (> 25 mTorr) a neutralizer regime is found, where the plasma density at the simulated divertor target can be reduced by more than two orders of magnitude. Radial plasma loss is proportional to the neutral pressure and greatly enhanced as compared to the Bohm rate and the classical diffusion rate. The axial plasma heat flux to the divertor target is reduced by a factor of up to 2 × 10 3 .