cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF GREATER SAGE-GROUSE TO EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH WEST NILE VIRUS

Populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined 45-80% in North America since 1950. Although much of this decline has been attributed to habitat loss, recent field studies have indicated that West Nile virus (WNV) has had a significant negative impact on local populations of grouse. We confirm the susceptibility of greater sage-grouse to WNV infection in laboratory experimental studies. Grouse were challenged by subcutaneous injection of WNV (10(3.2) plaque-forming units [PFUs]). All grouse died within 6 days of infection. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for 50% survival was 4.5 days. Mean peak viremia for nonvaccinated birds was 10(6.4) PFUs/ml (+/-10(0.2) PFUs/ml, standard error of the mean [SEM]). Virus was shed cloacally and orally. Four of the five vaccinated grouse died, but survival time was increased (50% survival=9.5 days), with 1 grouse surviving to the end-point of the experiment (14 days) with no signs of illness. Mean peak viremia for the vaccinated birds was 10(2.3) PFUs/ml (+/-10(0.6) PFUs/ml, SEM). Two birds cleared the virus from their blood before death or euthanasia. These data emphasize the high susceptibility of greater sage-grouse to infection with WNV.
A SIMPLE RELATION BETWEEN BULK AND SURFACE PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR MATTER

Abstract Starting from a previously derived relation between the derivatives of the bulk nucleon energy e ( n c ) and the surface tension σ ( n c ) with respect to the central density n c we obtain a simple model-independent relation between the values of n c , σ ( n c ), the surface parameter t and the bulk modulus K ∞ at saturation. This relation is checked for values obtained in ETF calculations. K ∞ =230 MeV is calculated from the well-known experimental values of n 0 , σ 0 and t 0 .
Strontium isotopic and selected trace element variations between two Aleutian volcanic centers (Adak and Atka): implications for the development of arc volcanic plumbing systems

Major and trace element concentrations and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of lavas from the Aleutian volcanic centers of Adak and Atka have been used to study the evolution of their respective lithospheric plumbing systems. The centers are within 150 km of one another and show similar overall silica ranges (47–67%), but Adak (∼40 km3) is smaller than Atka (∼200 km3). Adak's lavas are chemically and isotopically heterogeneous (87Sr/86Sr:0.70285–0.70330) and two units contain lithospheric xenoliths. The lavas of the much larger Atka, on the other hand, have much less variability in major and trace elements as well as 87Sr/86Sr (0.70320–0.70345). We suggest that these characteristics are a measure of the relative maturity and “cleanliness” of the lithospheric plumbing systems that supply magma to these centers. Because Aleutian volcanic centers often remain fixed for relatively long periods of time (∼5 m.y.), once established, magmatic passageways are repeatedly used. Young plumbing systems are relatively cool and contain large amounts of wallrock contaminant, and ascending magmas undergo contamination as well as concurrent crystallization and fractionation. With time, however, heat and mass transfer between ascending magmas and wallrock produce thermal and chemical boundary layers that insulate subsequent magmas. In effect, the plumbing system matures. The chemical heterogeneity displayed by young, “dirty” systems (like Adak) reflects not only the magma source but also the wallrock encountered during ascent and possibly the effects of extensive crystal fractionation. Thus, it is the petrologic data of mature, clean systems, like Atka, that yield the most direct and unambiguous information on the ultimate origin of the lavas and their near surface evolution.
Polynomial Indexing of integer Lattice-Points I. General Concepts and Quadratic Polynomials*

Abstract Denoting the nonnegative integers by N and the signed integers by Z, we let S be a subset of Zm for m = 1, 2,… and f be a mapping from S into N. We call f a storing function on S if it is injective into N, and a packing function on S if it is bijective onto N. Motivation for these concepts includes extendible storage schemes for multidimensional arrays, pairing functions from recursive function theory, and, historically earliest, diagonal enumeration of Cartesian products. Indeed, Cantor's 1878 denumerability proof for the product N2 exhibits the equivalent packing functions f Cantor (x, y) = { either x or y} + (x + y)(x + y + 1) 2 on the domain N2, and a 1923 Fueter-Polya result, in our terminology, shows fCantor the only quadratic packing function on N2. This paper extends the preceding result. For any real-valued function f on S we define a density S ÷ f = lim n→∞ ( 1 n )#{S ⋔ f −1 ([−n, +n])} , and for any packing function f on S we observe the fact S ÷ f = 1. Using properties of this density, and invoking Davenport's lemma from geometric number theory, we find all polynomial storing functions with unit density on N, and exclude any polynomials with these properties on Z, then find all quadratic storing functions with unit density on N2, and exclude any quadratics with these properties on Z × N, Z2. The admissible quadratics on N2 are all nonnegative translates of fCantor. An immediate sequel to this paper excludes some higher-degree polynomials on subsets of Z2.
Early Clinical Experience With the Baerveldt Implant in Complicated Glaucomas

Purpose To evaluate our early experience with the Baerveldt implant in patients with complicated glaucoma. Methods We reviewed the charts of all patients with more than six months of follow-up after placement of a Baerveldt implant at LSU Eye Center. Surgery was considered a success if intraocular pressure was 21 mm Hg or less (with or without antiglaucoma medications) at the last postoperative visit, except when further glaucoma surgery had been performed or when loss of light perception occurred. Results Fifty eyes (50 patients) were divided into six diagnostic groups, with mean follow-up times of 16.1 to 19.2 months. Success was achieved in 36 of 50 patients (72%): 26 of 35 (74%) patients with aphakia or pseudophakia, nine of 12 (75%) patients with previously failed filtering surgery, three of seven patients with neovascular glaucoma, all three patients under the age of 13 years, nine of 13 (69%) patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty, and four of five phakic patients. Overall, visual acuity improved or remained within one line of the preoperative acuity in 32 (64%) patients. The most frequently observed short- and long-term complications were serous choroidal effusion associated with hypotony in 13 (26%) patients and corneal graft failure in six of 13 (46%) corneal transplant patients, respectively. Conclusion Within the study follow-up time, the Baerveldt implant appeared to be safe and effective, with success rates for intraocular pressure control similar to those reported in a recent retrospective study of the Molteno implant.
Structural and functional relations of the white sturgeon alimentary canal (Acipenser transmontanus).

The anatomy and histology of the white sturgeon digestive system is described for the adult stage and the first 36 days of posthatch development. Although the adult gut is only 87% of standard length, absorptive surface area is effectively increased by the thick mucosa of the postgastric gut and by lengthening of the gut due to the presence of the spiral valve and the pyloric caecum. Modifications of the gut of this species, relative to that of other chondrosteans, are consistent with its durophagous feeding habits. The arrangement of the intestinal epithelium differs from that of most fish and is organized so that absorptive activities occur in deeper regions, whereas goblet cells dominate the lumenally exposed epithelium. The gut develops from an intraembryonic yolk endoderm. At conclusion of the endogenous nutrition phase the alimentary canal is similar to the adult form and a functional gastric region is present. The anatomical characteristics coincide with physiological data collected throughout the life history of this species.
Hydroxymethylphenylnaphthoie acid lactones

Reduction of 1-phenylnaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (I) with zinc and acetic acid or lithium aluminium hydride yields a mixture of 1-phenyl-3-hydroxymethyl-2-naphthoie acid lactone (II) and 1-phonyl-2-hydroxymethyl-3-naphthoie acid lactone (III). Catalytic hydrogenation of (I) gave the tetrahydronaphthalene dicarboxylic anhydride (IV). Oxidation of the phenyldihydronaphthofuran (X), prepared by base-catalyzed cyclization of the ether (IX), also yielded lactones (II) and (III). The phenyltetrahydronaphthofuran (XII) was similarly prepared by cyclization of the phenylpropargyl cinnamyl ether (XI).
Electrolytic formation of insulating oxide films on zirconium—II. Electrode kinetics at constant voltage

Abstract The kinetics of formation of insulating oxide films on zirconium was studied working at a constant voltage of 72,9 V. The results obtained were used to test two theoretical expressions for metal-oxide film formation kinetics. A value of 1·24 eV was obtained for the interfacial barrier height using the Mott-Cabrera theory and assuming a fixed half-jump distance of 2·5 A and a limiting, saturation value for the concentration of active sites for oxide growth at the metal surface. With the Dewald theory, values of 1·58 and 1·73 eV were obtained for the interfacial and internal barrier heights, respectively, and 2·9 and 4·6 A for the corresponding half-jump distances. Some evidence is presented for variation of the concentration of metal surface active sites with film formation rate.
Synaptic transmission regulated by a presynaptic MALS/Liprin-α protein complex

Neurotransmission requires proper organization of synaptic vesicle pools and rapid release of vesicle contents upon presynaptic depolarization. Genetic studies have begun to reveal a critical role for scaffolding proteins in such processes. Mutations in genes encoding components of the highly conserved MALS/CASK/Mint-1 complex cause presynaptic defects. In all three mutants, neurotransmitter release is reduced in a manner consistent with aberrant vesicle cycling to the readily releasable pool. Recently, liprin-α proteins, which define active zone size and morphology, were found to associate with MALS/CASK, suggesting that this complex links the presynaptic release machinery to the active zone, thereby regulating neurotransmitter release.
Thermodynamic and statistical mechanical descriptions of non-uniform fluids

Abstract It is shown that the external field methods of equilibrium statistical mechanics have the same structure as thermodynamics. This means that thermodynamic definitions of physical properties can be converted directly into molecular descriptions. This is illustrated by identifying the local pressure in a non-uniform fluid. This means that molecular constraints on thermodynamics can be found by giving a thermodynamic interpretation to molecular results. This is illustrated by providing a molecular picture of van der Waals' density gradient expansion.
An Efficient Intracavity Laser Raman Spectrometer

The design of an optimized intracavity laser Raman spectrometer is described, and representative Raman scattering data are presented. An intracavity laser power of 160 W was attained with an argon ion laser whose normal output power was 1 W.
THE LINEAR QUADRATIC INVENTORY MODEL AS A MICRO FOUNDATION FOR KEYNESIAN THEORIES OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE

Abstract Aggregate inventory investment is invariably procyclical. This suggests that inventories play a destabilizing role in the economy as predicted by early Keynesian models of the business cycle. However, this behavior is believed to be inconsistent with the most prominent micro theory of inventories – the linear quadratic model. This is not the case. The linear quadratic model, when placed in a simple macro framework, can account for the procyclical behavior of inventory investment, even when the only shocks are independent demand shocks, inventory targets are independent of sales and individual firms adjust inventories slowly towards their target levels.
Reactions of Mo(NAr)(CH-t-Bu)(CH2-t-Bu)2 with Alcohols To Give Metathesis Catalysts of the Type Mo(NAr)(CH-t-Bu)(CH2-t-Bu)(OR)

The reaction between Mo(NAr)(CH-t-Bu)(CH2-t-Bu)2 and 1 equiv of an alcohol yields either Mo(NAr)(CH-t-Bu)(CH2-t-Bu)(OR) complexes or Mo(NAr)(CH2-t-Bu)3(OR) complexes, which evolve neopentane to yield the former. Preliminary experiments have shown that Mo(NAr)(CH-t-Bu)(CH2-t-Bu)2(OR) complexes are active for metathesis conversion of diallyl ether to dihydrofuran and ethylene.
Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through activation of a novel EGR1/β-catenin signaling axis

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is a key enzyme that couples with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for the production of PGE(2). Although COX-2 is known to mediate the growth and progression of several human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of mPGES-1 in hepatocarcinogenesis is not well established. This study provides novel evidence for a key role of mPGES-1 in HCC growth and progression. Forced overexpression of mPGES-1 in two HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Huh7) increased tumor cell growth, clonogenic formation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of mPGES-1 inhibited these parameters, in vitro. In a mouse tumor xenograft model, mPGES-1-overexpressed cells formed palpable tumors at earlier time points and developed larger tumors when compared with the control (P<0.01); in contrast, mPGES-1 knockdown delayed tumor development and reduced tumor size (P<0.01). Mechanistically, mPGES-1-induced HCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration involve PGE(2) production and activation of early growth response 1 (EGR1) and β-catenin. Specifically, mPGES-1-derived PGE(2) induces the formation of EGR1-β-catenin complex, which interacts with T-cell factor 4/lymphoid enhancer factor 1 transcription factors and activates the expression of β-catenin downstream genes. Our findings depict a novel crosstalk between mPGES-1/PGE(2) and EGR1/β-catenin signaling that is critical for hepatocarcinogenesis.
Prompt Control of an Outbreak Caused by Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of a set of multidisciplinary interventions aimed at limiting patient-to-patient transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) during a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) outbreak, and to identify risk factors associated with ESBL-KP colonization and disease in this setting. Study design A 61-infant cohort present in the NICU during an outbreak of ESBL-KP from April 26, 2011, to May 16, 2011, was studied. Clinical characteristics were compared in infected/colonized infants and unaffected infants. A multidisciplinary team formulated an outbreak control plan that included (1) staff reeducation on recommended infection prevention measures; (2) auditing of hand hygiene and environmental services practices; (3) contact precautions; (4) cohorting of infants and staff; (5) alleviation of overcrowding; and (6) frequent NICU-wide screening cultures. Neither closure of the NICU nor culturing of health care personnel was instituted. Results Eleven infants in this level III NICU were infected/colonized with ESBL-KP. The index case was an 18-day-old infant born at 25 weeks' gestation who developed septicemia from ESBL-KP. Two other infants in the same room developed sepsis from ESBL-KP within 48 hours; both expired. Implementation of various infection prevention strategies resulted in prompt control of the outbreak within 3 weeks. The ESBL-KP isolates presented a single clone that was distinct from ESBL-KP identified previously in other units. Being housed in the same room as the index infant was the only risk factor identified by logistic regression analysis ( P = .002). Conclusion This outbreak of ESBL-KP affected 11 infants and was associated with 2 deaths. Prompt control with eradication of the infecting strain from the NICU was achieved with multidisciplinary interventions based on standard infection prevention practices.
Frequency response characteristics of primary and secondary neurons in the electrosensory system of the thornback ray

Abstract 1. 1. Recordings were made from primary afferent and secondary neurons in the electrosensory system of the thornback ray. 2. 2. The frequency response characteristics of these neurons were determined during sinusoidal modulation of uniform external fields. 3. 3. The form or the filter curves was similar in all primary and secondary cells, with a maximum amplitude of response occurring at a modulation frequency of 4 Hz. 4. 4. Secondary neurons showed an increased gain at low stimulus amplitude, and saturated at a much lower level than primary afferents.
Micromanipulation of human gametes and embryos: ooplasmic donation at fertilization VIDEO

It is well known that human embryos may from anomalies both in vitro and in vivo. Progress through the preimplantation stages can be marked by multiple nuclei in some or all blastomeres, the formation of numerous fragments of varying size and organized in different patterns, and by arrests in development at virtually any stage. Various parameters have been offered as markers of the success of embryo growth and its culmination in implantation. Some of these involve characteristics in the follicles such as size, steroid output, properties of cumulus cells and others. Most involve studies on embryos in vitro, analysing timing of cleavage, blastomere structure, chromosome complement and timing of blastulation. More recently, characteristics in the structure of the pronuclei or of the ooplasm have been introduced. Certain dysmorphisms in the oocyte may predict implantation failure (Van Blerkom et al., 1995), whereas other characteristics hint at polarity in the pronucleate egg to make a detailed forecast of the likelihood of particular embryos achieving implantation (Scott and Smith, 1998). Cytogenetic studies using fluorescence in-situ hybridization of all cells from whole embryos have shown that certain morphological markers such as pronuclear and blastomere size can predict anomalies with high accuracy (S.Munne and J.Cohen, manuscript submitted). Such studies may ultimately help embryologists to assist in selecting embryos for replacement of cryopreservation. Virtually all of these issues remain to be proven in large-scale prospective controlled trials, yet there is much optimism that some of these parameters will be applied, and some of them demand no more than examining the eggs in vitro. Another approach to improving the growth of human embryos is to interfere physically or embryologically with them in order to avert an impending problem or to set them on the correct pathway to full-term development. In a sense, changing culture medium is one form of manipulation. More relevant to the present video, intrusive methods such as assisted hatching, zona removal, excising cytoplasmic fragments, and ooplasmic donation (Cohen et al.,
Modeling human distributed decision-making with individual objectives

A mathematical model for studying human distributed decision-making with individual objectives is presented. The model is developed based on game theory and formulated as a nonzero-sum dynamic Nash game. Incorporating cognitive psychology findings, the model considers human decision-makers' perceived game trees with a small number of stages supplemented by the attractive measures of future decisions. By combining the Nash solution concept with relevant descriptive factors, this study provides a simple and realistic way to model humans' decision-making process. >
Boom Minimization Framework for Supersonic Aircraft Using CFD Analysis

A new framework is presented for shape optimization using analytical shape functions and high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) via Cart3D. The focus of the paper is the system-level integration of several key enabling analysis tools and automation methods to perform shape optimization and reduce sonic boom footprint. A boom mitigation case study subject to performance, stability and geometrical requirements is presented to demonstrate a subset of the capabilities of the framework. Lastly, a design space exploration is carried out to assess the key parameters and constraints driving the design.
Changing university culture through promotion policies

Just as the competitive advantage of Japanese industry prompted leaders of American businesses to examine the effect of Japanese culture on its workers/associates, academic leaders need to examine the effect of university culture and its effect on the professoriate. This paper describes university culture, notes the importance of senior faculty leadership in that culture, outlines the promotion policy format in most universities, and details the distinctive aspects of promotion documents in the School of Technology at Purdue University.
Effect of different background lighting conditions on diagnostic performance of digital and film images

Objective: To compare the performance of a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) imaging system with radiographic film for the detection of approximal lesions under two background lighting conditions. Methods: Bitewing exposures were made of the extracted human teeth with artificial approximal lesions using D-speed and E-speed radiographic film and a PSP imaging plate. Eight dentists rated 12 approximal surfaces in each image on a 5-point scale. Images were viewed with overhead fluorescent room lighting on and oA. ROC curves were generated for each image receptor and lighting condition. Repeated measures analysis of variance ANOVA tested diAerences between observers, lesion size, image receptor, lighting condition. Results: Mean ROC curve areas for D-speed film viewed in full ambient light scored highest (0.8030) followed by E-speed film using dark conditions (0.7386). The lowest mean curve area was found when PSP (enhanced mode) images were viewed in a dark room (0.6726). Significant diAerences were found between observers, lesion size, image receptor and image receptor-lesion size interaction. No significant diAerence was found with background lighting. Conclusions: Background lighting does not appear to eAect the ability to detect artificial approximal lesions.
Evaluation of Community Dental Health Curricula By Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene Graduates

Three groups of University of Iowa dental hygiene graduates, designed as the Traditional, Transitional, and Experimental Groups, who experienced three types of curricula with increasingly greater emphasis on community dental health were surveyed. The purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between curricular emphasis in community dental health and graduate's perceptions of the adequacy of their educational preparation for public health employment, the percentage employed in public health programs, and their interest in pursuing public health employment in the future. 1. The results of the survey indicated that curricular emphasis was associated with graduates' perceptions of adequacy for public health roles. Specific findings of the study included: a. a greater percentage of the Experimental Group perceived that their education prepared them for state, county, and local public health employment. b. a greater percentage of the Transitional and Experimental Groups perceived and that their education prepared them for employment in elementary and secondary schools. 2. Curricular emphasis did not appear to affect employment patterns of this group of graduates. Public health employment experiences were not significantly different among groups. 3. Interest in future public health employment was affected by curricular emphasis. Findings indicated that a significantly greater percentage of Experimental subjects were interested in future employment positions in state, county, and local public health systems, hospitals, and dental hygiene programs.
A Functional Relationship between NuMA and Kid Is Involved in Both Spindle Organization and Chromosome Alignment in Vertebrate Cells

We examined spindle morphology and chromosome alignment in vertebrate cells after simultaneous perturbation of the chromokinesin Kid and either NuMA, CENP-E, or HSET. Spindle morphology and chromosome alignment after simultaneous perturbation of Kid and either HSET or CENP-E were no different from when either HSET or CENP-E was perturbed alone. However, short bipolar spindles with organized poles formed after perturbation of both Kid and NuMA in stark contrast to splayed spindle poles observed after perturbation of NuMA alone. Spindles were disorganized if Kid, NuMA, and HSET were perturbed, indicating that HSET is sufficient for spindle organization in the absence of Kid and NuMA function. In addition, chromosomes failed to align efficiently at the spindle equator after simultaneous perturbation of Kid and NuMA despite appropriate kinetochore-microtubule interactions that generated chromosome movement at normal velocities. These data indicate that a functional relationship between the chromokinesin Kid and the spindle pole organizing protein NuMA influences spindle morphology, and we propose that this occurs because NuMA forms functional linkages between kinetochore and nonkinetochore microtubules at spindle poles. In addition, these data show that both Kid and NuMA contribute to chromosome alignment in mammalian cells.
Modelling of power electronic loads in AC distribution systems using the generalized state space averaging method

Most of the loads in AC distribution systems have positive incremental impedance characteristic. However, power electronic loads, when tightly regulated, sink constant power from the system. Therefore, they have negative incremental impedance characteristic. This can even cause negative impedance instability. Power electronic loads usually have a controlled or uncontrolled rectifier at the front end. In this paper, these loads are modelled using the generalized state space averaging method. An assessment of their effects in AC distribution systems is also presented.
Subsisting H1N1 influenza memory responses are insufficient to protect from pandemic H1N1 influenza challenge in C57BL/6 mice

The 2009 swine-origin pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus transmitted and caused disease in many individuals immune to pre-2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Whilst extensive studies on antibody-mediated pH1N1 cross-reactivity have been described, few studies have focused on influenza-specific memory T-cells. To address this, the immune response in pre-2009 H1N1 influenza-immune mice was evaluated after pH1N1 challenge and disease pathogenesis was determined. The results show that despite homology shared between pre-2009 H1N1 and pH1N1 strains, the effector memory T-cell response to pre-2009 H1N1 was generally ineffective, a finding that correlated with lung virus persistence. Additionally, pH1N1 challenge generated T-cells reactive to new pH1N1 epitopes. These studies highlight the importance of vaccinating against immunodominant T-cell epitopes to provide for a more effective strategy to control influenza virus through heterosubtypic immunity.
Gelling process differences in reverse emulsion, in situ gelling polymeric materials for intracranial aneurysm embolization, formulated with injectable contrast agents

The use of liquid-to-solid curing materials for brain aneurysm embolization has become increasingly attractive, as liquid embolics can be delivered noninvasively and can potentially achieve a higher degree of aneurysm volume occlusion. This study was aimed at characterizing differences in the gelling process of a reverse emulsion, crosslinking polymer system formulated with different types of injectable contrast agents. The polymeric system consists of poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate (PPODA) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) (QT). These monomers undergo Michael-type addition upon initiation by a basic, aqueous solution. Conray™ and Omnipaque™ 300, commercially available contrast agents, were pH-adjusted to basic conditions and used as initiating solutions with the PPODA-QT system. Material characteristics were identified through rheology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that Conray- and Omnipaque-formulated materials progress through the gelling process uniquely, evidenced by distinctly different viscosity profiles and droplet distributions. These results indicate that Conray is more miscible with the PPODA-QT organic phase. Greater solubility in the organic phase allows Conray-formulated gels to have faster and more widespread reaction initiation kinetics when Conray and Omnipaque have the same pH. Omnipaque-formulated gels require a higher pH for the material to solidify in a time frame comparable to Conray-formulated gels. This discrepancy arises because the majority of reaction initiation sites in Omnipaque-formulated gels occur at phase boundaries via hydroxide ion flux from emulsified droplets rather than from hydroxide ions that are solubilized and integrated within the PPODA-QT organic phase. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
The potential of water power in the fight against global warming in the US

The leading cause of climate change today is the burning of fossil fuels related to energy production. One approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, therefore, is to more actively switch to renewable technologies in the production of electricity, and reduce the use of fossil fuels in electricity production. This is the goal of renewable portfolio standard (RPS) legislation, currently in effect in 28 states across the country. In this paper we discuss the potential for water power development as one method to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions. We look at the potential from (1) new small/micro hydropower dams, (2) uprating facilities at existing large hydropower dams, (3) new generating facilities at existing non-hydropower dams, and (4) hydrokinetics. We analyze this potential by type, by state, and by its ability to satisfy current RPS goals. Finally, we consider the cost-effectiveness of developing these sources of water-based energy. We find that while water power will never be the complete answer to emissions-free energy production, a strong case can be made that it can be a useful part of the answer.
Saving Renaissance and Reformation: History, Grammar, and Disagreements with the Dead

Renaissance and Reformation used to serve historians as the main terms with which to refer to European history from roughly 1300-1600. Today those terms are commonly replaced with early modern history, and the periodization of European history into ancient, medieval, and modern periods itself is looking increasingly suspect. There are good reasons for those changes. But they obscure both the significance of disagreements dividing the living from the dead and the significance of grammar, in the fundamental sense of grammar advanced by Wittgenstein, for treating such disagreements. Renaissance and Reformation have the advantage of doing just the opposite: they confront us with both those disagreements and the significance of grammar. That makes them very much worth keeping.
Bilateral brachial plexus home going catheters after digital amputation for patient with upper extremity digital gangrene.

Peripheral nerve catheter placement is used to control surgical pain. Performing bilateral brachial plexus block with catheters is not frequently performed; and in our case sending patient home with bilateral brachial plexus catheters has not been reported up to our knowledge. Our patient is a 57 years old male patient presented with bilateral upper extremity digital gangrene on digits 2 through 4 on both sides with no thumb involvement. The plan was to do the surgery under sequential axillary blocks. On the day of surgery a right axillary brachial plexus block was performed under ultrasound guidance using 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine. Patient was taken to the OR and the right fingers amputation was carried out under mild sedation without problems. Left axillary brachial plexus block was then done as the surgeon was closing the right side, two hours after the first block was performed. The left axillary block was done also under ultrasound using 20 ml of 2% mepivacaine. The brachial plexus blocks were performed in a sequential manner. Surgery was unremarkable, and patient was transferred to post anesthetic care unit in stable condition. Over that first postoperative night, the patient complained of severe pain at the surgical sites with minimal pain relief with parentral opioids. We placed bilateral brachial plexus catheters (right axillary and left infra-clavicular brachial plexus catheters). Ropivacaine 0.2% infusion was started at 7 ml per hour basal rate only with no boluses on each side. The patient was discharged home with the catheters in place after receiving the appropriate education. On discharge both catheters were connected to a single ON-Q (I-flow Corporation, Lake Forest, CA) ball pump with a 750 ml reservoir using a Y connection and were set to deliver a fixed rate of 7 ml for each catheter. The brachial plexus catheters were removed by the patient on day 5 after surgery without any difficulty. Patient's postoperative course was otherwise unremarkable. We concluded that home going catheters are very effective in pain control postoperatively and they shorten the period of hospital stay. Keywords Brachial plexus; Home going catheters; Post-operative pain
HABITAT FRAGMENTATION AND ARTHROPOD COMMUNITY CHANGE: CARRION BEETLES, PHORETIC MITES, AND FLIES

Little is known about the effects of habitat fragmentation on forest insect communities. We studied relationships among carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae), an insect guild important to decomposition processes in forests, the beetles' phoretic mites, and the beetles' primary competitors, muscoid flies, along an urban–rural gradient of forest fragmentation in central New York State, USA. Species richness of carrion beetle communities was reduced by one-third and beetle abundance by two-thirds in fragmented forests whereas flies were 1.5× more abundant in forest fragments than in contiguous forests. The commensal relationship between carrion beetles and their phoretic mites was more variable in heavily fragmented sites, with beetles typically having unusually low or high mite loads. The beetles thriving in fragmented forests were generally small-bodied habitat generalists. This study indicates that forest fragmentation has a profound impact on carrion beetle communities, although the mechanisms underlyi...
A recessed-gap capacitive-gate GaAs CCD

A MESFET-compatible structure for GaAs capacitive-gate CCDs that eliminates the necessity for submicrometer interelectrode gaps and simplifies device fabrication is presented. This recessed-gap structure solves problems of low gate-channel-gate breakdown and large parasitic gate-to-gate capacitance associated with ultrasmall gaps. Dark current is also reduced. Modeling and experimental results are reported. >
Tomato growth and mineral composition as influenced by nitrogen form and light intensity

Abstract Tomato plants were grown in sand culture with NH+ 4, and NO− 3, forms of N and three levels of light. Plants supplied with NH+ 4, nutrition under high light intensity had symptoms of stunting, leaf roll, wilting, interveinal chlorosis of the older leaves, and one third the dry weight of N03‐fed plants. In contrast, growth of plants receiving NH+ 4, nutrition under shade appeared normal although dry weight was reduced. NH4‐N nutrition suppressed K, Ca and Mg accumulation in tissues and increased P contents as compared to NO3‐N nutrition.
Local Flaps: Cheek and Lip Reconstruction

ImportanceThe reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the cheek and lip is a foundational topic for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Facial defects have a significant impact on patient qu...
An embedding method for improving interannual variability simulations in a hybrid coupled model of the tropical Pacific ocean-atmosphere system

An embedding approach is developed and tested to improve El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) simulations in a hybrid coupled model (HCM), focusing on the ocean thermocline effects on sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific. The NOAA/GFDL Modular Ocean Model (MOM 3) is coupled to a statistical atmospheric model that estimates wind stress anomalies based on a singular value decomposition (SVD) of the covariance between observed wind stress and SST anomalies. Analogous to the Cane-Zebiak (CZ) coupled model, a separate SST anomaly model is explicitly embedded into the z-coordinate ocean general circulation model (OGCM). The three components exchange predicted anomalies within the coupled system: The OGCM provides anomalies of ocean currents in the surface mixed layer and the thermocline depth, which are used to calculate SST anomalies from the embedded SST model; wind anomalies are then determined according to the statistical atmospheric model, which in turn force the OGCM. Results from uncoupled and coupled runs with and without the embedding are compared. With the standard coupling, the system exhibits similar behavior to previous HCMs, including interannual variability with a dominant quasi-biennial oscillation and a westward propagation of SST anomalies on the equator. These characteristics suggest that the horizontal advection is playing a more important role than the vertical advection in determining SST changes over the eastern equatorial Pacific. Incorporating the embedded SST anomaly model, with which the thermocline effects on SST can be enhanced in the eastern equatorial Pacific, has a significant impact on performance of the HCM. The embedded HCM exhibits more realistic SST variability and coupled behavior, characterized by 3-4-yr oscillations and a more standing SST pattern along the equator. The results support the hypothesis that current physical parameterizations in the OGCM provide insufficient thermal linkage between the thermocline and the sea surface in the eastern equatorial Pacific. It is demonstrated that the long-known deficiency of some OGCMs in their depiction of the thermocline and its interactions with SST may contribute to unrealistic coupled variability in HCMs of ENSO. The embedding approach not only provides a diagnosis for parameterization deficiencies in current OGCMs but, pending progress on this difficult problem, provides a straightforward means to bypass it and improve coupled model performance.
Influence of Occupational Therapy Curricula on Students’ Attitudes Toward Persons With Disabilities

The influence of occupational therapy curricula on students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities was studied. Twenty-six female students in either their first or fourth (i.e, final) semester of the occupational therapy curriculum were assessed with the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP) (Yukor, Block, & Younng, 1966). A comparison group, 26 female students in either their first or fourth semester of the medical technology program, was also assessed with this scale. As hypothesized, the fourth-semester occupational therapy students showed significantly higher scores than did the other three groups of subjects. Also as predicted, this same group showed significantly higher scores than their first-semester counterparts and the fourth-semester medical technology students. No significant difference was found between first-semester and fourth-semester medical technology students. The occupational therapy curriculum appears to positively influence students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities.
Natural History of Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy: Risk Assessment for Secondary Therapy

Abstract Purpose A persistently elevated or rising serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after radical prostatectomy is indicative of recurrent prostate cancer. The natural history of PSA-defined biochemical recurrence (BCR) is highly variable. While a rising PSA level universally antedates metastatic progression and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), it is not a surrogate for these endpoints. Thus, the management of patients with BCR is controversial. Methods A literature review was conducted to determine the incidence and natural history of BCR, prognostic factors for clinical progression (CP), and the available evidence supporting local or systemic salvage therapy for these patients. Results BCR is best defined as two successive PSA levels ≥0.4ng/ml, as this correlates most accurately with CP. PSA doubling time (PSA-DT) and prostatectomy Gleason score are the variables that best predict the development of distant metastasis and PCSM. Prognostic models based on these and other variables are useful for assessing the need for salvage therapy and the anticipated outcome following local salvage therapy. A treatment algorithm for managing patients with post-prostatectomy BCR was devised. Conclusions Management of patients with BCR after prostatectomy continues to be a complex and challenging issue. Improved methods for risk stratification allow for identification of patients who require treatment. Furthermore, these methods aid in determination of the pattern of disease recurrence, thereby guiding treatment modality. Randomized trials are essential to determine the value of local or systemic salvage therapy strategies in this patient population.
Costimulating aberrant T cell responses by B7-H1 autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

A pathogenic hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is persistent activation of self-reactive CD4(+) T cells. The cause of this aberrant activity remains elusive. We report here detection of autoantibodies against B7-H1, a recently described member of the B7 family, in 29% of patients with RA versus 4% of healthy donors. High-level expression of cell surface B7-H1 are found on activated human CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD45RO(+) T cells. Immobilized autoantibodies to B7-H1 are capable of costimulating the proliferation of CD4(+) T cells in vitro, and the presence of these autoantibodies correlates with active disease status. Using immobilized B7-H1 mAb's and programmed death 1Ig, we demonstrate that engagement of B7-H1 on CD4(+) T cells costimulates proliferation and secretion of IL-10, and subsequently leads to programmed cell death, accompanied with upregulated expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and activation of caspase-3. Taken together with our previous findings, these data indicate a bidirectional signaling role of B7-H1 in T cell costimulation and apoptosis and implicate B7-H1 autoantibodies as contributing to the progression of RA by inducing aberrant T cell responses.
Cultural and Socioeconomic Determinants of Invention: A Multicountry, Multiperiod Analysis

This article examines the influence of culture and socioeconomic variables on national invention.
Pre-Service Foreign Language Teachers' Awareness of White Privilege.

Over the last several years teacher preparation programs have strived to adequately prepare pre-service teachers for more diverse populations in the classroom. However, little research has been done to examine the attitudes of pre-service teachers related to white privilege. This is the qualitative report from a mixed-methods study which examined those attitudes, the quantitative report has previously been published. The quantitative portion employed a pre/post-test survey surrounding interactive activities and found a significant change in participants‟ attitudes regarding social issues of privilege, such as racism and sexism (McGowan & Kern, 2014). This paper reports the ways pre-service foreign language teachers examined their understandings of white privilege. Students in a language methods course (N=19) participated in specific activities to explore how they relate privilege and oppression to their own lives and futures as teachers. A grounded theory approach was utilized to analyze the students‟ responses to questions regarding the activities. From the analysis, six major themes were discovered. Three themes indicated the affordances pre-service teachers gained from the activities regarding privilege. Whereas, the other three themes indicated possible challenges in regards to privileged thinking. Suggestions for further research include determining the long-term effects of the intervention and extending the instructional intervention length.
What are Slugs Good for? Ecosystem Services and the Conservation of Biodiversity

The concept of ecosystem services was conceived as a tool for conserving biodiversity. Ecosystems, the argument goes, provide services that would be far more costly if we sought to provide them through engineered approaches; valuing the benefits that nature confers will help society more consciously evaluate the environmental tradeoffs between alternative actions. Given this objective, ecosystem services can be characterized as a surrogate for biodiversity -- a step that makes explicit the assumption that, if we conserve ecosystem services, we will conserve biodiversity. It is this assumption that is the focus of this article. Surrogates are employed when it is difficult, expensive, or impossible to measure something. An examination of the concept of biodiversity demonstrates that it is such a something. Is ecosystem services a suitable surrogate for biodiversity? A preliminary review suggests two problems. First, the spatial and temporal scales of biodiversity and ecosystem services differ substantially. Second, the utilitarian valuation that is implicit in the term services and explicit in the attempt to monetize that value also undercuts the usefulness of ecosystem services as a surrogate because it appears likely that there will always be a more efficient way to provide any specific service. Ultimately, whether ecosystem services is a suitable surrogate for biodiversity depends upon whether biodiversity has value beyond utility.
Increased in vitro pituitary response to LH-RH after in vivo estrogen treatment.

SummaryPeripheral LH levels are initially depressed and then elevated in ovariectomized heifers after injections of estrogen. The sites of the estrogen induction of this biphasic response were investigated. Plasma and pituitary LH levels, hypothalamic LH-RH levels and the in vitro response of pituitary tissue to hypothalamic extract (HE) were measured 3 and 18 hr after estrogen injection into ovariectomized heifers. LH levels were significantly depressed 3 hr after estrogen treatment. However, none of the other parameters were different from corresponding control group data at this time. Plasma LH was elevated, pituitary LH was depressed and the in vitro pituitary response to HE was significantly enhanced 18 hr after estrogen treatment. These data suggest that the initial, suppressive effect of estrogen is exerted at the hypothalamic or higher levels and that the LH-releasing effect of estrogen is at the pituitary level. The positive feedback effect of estrogen on the pituitary is exerted only after sever...