cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Contingent Medical Librarians to Address Workforce Staffing Dilemmas

AbstractExperienced medical librarians have been recruited by Mayo Clinic to provide contingency staffing. Functioning as just-in-time librarians, a nontraditional staffing plan was introduced in 2...
Muscle Atrophy and the Sestrins.

Sussing out the Sestrins Two recent scientific reports implicate the sestrin proteins in protecting against muscle atrophy, which occurs in old age and with disuse, denervation, and systemic inflam...
Stimulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt independent of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide production in rabbit alveolar macrophages during phagocytosis.

Phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and rabbit alveolar macrophages (AM) were studied. Human PMN ingested a mean of 12 polyvinyl toluene latex particles (2 micrometer in diameter) per cell. There was stimulation of O2- and H2O2 production, light emission, and activation of the hexose monophosphate shunt during phagocytosis by human PMN. Rabbit AM ingested 51 latex particles (2 micrometer in diameter) per cell. There was no stimulation of the production of O2- and H2O2 or light emission associated with phagocytosis by rabbit AM, while the hexose monophosphate shunt was activated. Similar metabolic changes were obtained in both cell types when opsonized zymosan was used as phagocytic particles. 1-14C- glucoseoxidation was stimulated by H2O2 and methylene blue in both resting human PMN and rabbit AM. It is concluded that activation of the hexose monophosphate shunt in rabbit AM during phagocytosis is independent of O2- and H2O2 production.
Management of complex infected postoperative Caesarean section wound with negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) : a multidisciplinary team approach

Caesarean sections represent 76.9% of births in the population covered by medical aids in South Africa, which is one of the highest in the world. The authors present a case of a patient with a complex, infected Caesarean section wound, which was successfully treated by a multidisciplinary team using surgical debridement, various types of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and definitive closure. This combined treatment allowed the patient to be managed as an outpatient, able to care for her newborn twins, with a positive impact on her emotional, psychological and social well-being. A 37-year-old female underwent a Caesarean section for a twin pregnancy. She had no comorbidities and her previous pregnancy, which was also via Caesarean section, was uncomplicated.
Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment for Civil Protection Early Response

This paper presents a series of severe landslide disasters occurred in Italy, during which the local scientific community supported civil protection authorities in the management of the emergency responses. Depending on the event characteristics, scientific support focused on landslide mapping, damage assessment, monitoring, early warning, and designing of countermeasures. Relevant studies, published after the disasters and describing these activities, highlight that, in case of major events, the scientific community can provide a significant support in decision-making processes and intervention strategies, by means of multi-disciplinary skills, experience and resources. The Italian example of cooperation between the scientific community and civil protection authorities here described highlights as a knowledge transfer from theoretical frameworks to practical applications can optimize the disaster response operations. Even if this study focuses on the Italian situation, it may represents a starting point to evaluate the real contribution provided by landslide experts in disaster responses worldwide, for understanding weaknesses and strengths. In many countries, in fact, local authorities are not able to provide timely and effective responses also because of a lacking or insufficient support of scientists.
Tricuspid bullet embolism: lessons learnt from a rare firearm sequelae.

This is a case of a patient in his 20s who presented with seven gunshot wounds to his extremities and abdomen. On arrival, the patient was intubated, and the massive transfusion protocol was initiated. Focused abdominal sonogram for trauma (FAST) demonstrated questionable pericardial fluid and positive intraperitoneal fluid. Chest radiography (chest X-ray; CXR) demonstrated a right hemopneumothorax, right lateral fifth rib fracture, right anterior fifth costal cartilage fracture and bullet shrapnel overlying right hemithorax (figure 1). Figure 1 Chest X-ray taken in the trauma bay showing bullet shrapnel overlying right hemithorax and mid-chest with large right-sided hydropneumothorax and opacification of right lung. Cardiomediastinal silhouette is partially obscured by the right lung. Right-sided rib fracture is also noted. The patient was taken emergently for an exploratory laparotomy. He was found to have ballistic injuries to his liver (caudate and dome), diaphragm, stomach and colon. He underwent posterior stomach wedge resection, resection of distal colon and was left in discontinuity. Due to the possible pericardial effusion seen on FAST, an intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed by the cardiac anesthesiology team, which was determined to be normal. At the end of the case, a temporary abdominal closure was placed, and he was transferred to the surgical intensive care unit. Postoperatively, completion CT …
Evaluation of Streptococcus uberis Surface Proteins as Vaccine Antigens to Control S. uberis Mastitis in Dairy Cows

There is no effective vaccine against Streptococcus uberis mastitis in dairy cows. Objectives of this study were (1) to extract S. uberis surface proteins (SUSP) and determine immunoreactivity in vitro and (2) immunogenicity and efficacy in vivo. SUSP was extracted from S. uberis, and their immunoreactivity was tested by western blot. In total, 26 Jersey dairy cows were randomly divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were vaccinated subcutaneously with 4 mg, 1 mg, and 100 μg of SUSP, respectively, with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant. Group 4 (control) was injected with placebo. S. uberis UT888 was infused into two contralateral quarters of each cow during early lactation. Somatic cell count (SCC), bacteria count in milk, and mastitis were monitored. Our results show that SUSP contains multiple protein bands, that ranged from 10 to 100 kDa. All vaccinates showed an increased anti-SUSP IgG antibody. The SCC of all experimentally infected quarters increased after challenge but slightly decreased after day 3 with no significant difference among groups. Milk bacterial count was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in high and medium doses vaccinated groups than low and control groups. In conclusion, SUSP vaccine is immunogenic and showed a promising efficacy to control bovine S. uberis mastitis.
Best practices for design and fabrication of biomicrofluidic devices by resin 3D printing

Stereolithographic (SL) 3D printing, especially digital light processing (DLP) printing, is a promising rapid fabrication method for bio-microfluidic applications such as clinical tests, lab-on-a-chip devices, and sensor integrated devices. The benefits of 3D printing lead many to believe this fabrication method will accelerate the use of bioanalytical microfluidics, but there are major obstacles to overcome to fully utilize this technology. For commercially available printing materials, this includes challenges in producing prints with the print resolution and mechanical stability required for a particular design, along with cytotoxic components within many SL resins and low optical compatibility for imaging experiments. Potential solutions to these problems are scattered throughout the literature and rarely available in head-to-head comparisons. Therefore, we present here principles for navigation of 3D printing techniques and systematic tests to inform resin selection and optimization of the design and fabrication of SL 3D printed bio-microfluidic devices.
Control of adverse wind near buildings

The characteristics of basic flow modules associated with an isolated building, a fence and building combination, and a building with various canopies in a simulated atmospheric boundary layer are documented. The rolled-up horseshoe-shaped vortex at the windward base of the building, the shear layer originating at the leading edges of the roof and sides of the building, the stagnation region on the face of the building, and the tornado-like vortices in the recirculating region in the lee of the building are several of the flow modules that exist around an isolated building. The installation of a porous fence in open areas produces effective protection for pedestrians, while its presence in front of the building worsens the condition there. The fence solidity does not have any appreciable effects on the flow field. The presence of a canopy generally improves the severe conditions existing near the ground in front of a single building. The best position for attaching the canopy is at one-quarter height of the building.
Three Ways of Engaging Theologically with Modernity

The paper discusses three theological ways of responding to modernity, all of which rely in some way upon the analogy of the church as a culture. First, Friedrich Schleiermacher represents the turn to the subject and the turn to the church. Second, Stanley Hauerwas's rejection of the turn to the subject is shown to require a sharper turn to the church. Third, David Kelsey's recent work is used to present a modification of that turn substantial enough to constitute a third way. Kelsey's analysis of various theological logics and how they are often conflated in modern theology, together with his account of church practices, is used to integrate a more traditional theocentric theological approach with a more contemporary focus on the church's practices. Some conclusions are then drawn for critical congregational study of enactments of church practices.
The Role of Exonuclease and β Protein of Phage λ in Genetic Recombination: II. SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITY AND THE MODE OF ACTION OF λ EXONUCLEASE

Abstract Information on the role of λ exonuclease in genetic recombination has been sought by testing the enzymic activity on certain internal sites in DNA as well as termini. Large excesses of λ exonuclease failed to release 32P from 5'-phosphoryl-labeled nicks or to attack the hydrogen-bonded circular form of λ DNA (Hershey circle) which contains two intrinsic nicks. This was true at pH 7.5 or 9.6, and was unaffected by the addition of β protein. λ exonuclease did not readily reinitiate digestion at a terminal gap produced by prior digestion of phage P22 DNA by the same enzyme. At pH 7.5, λ exonuclease did not detach from a molecule of DNA until the susceptible portion of that molecule was largely degraded.
Transmutation of Massive Loadings of Cesium-137 in the Blanket of a Controlled Thermonuclear Reactor

From joint meeting of the American Nuclear Society and the Atomic lndustrial Forum and Nuclear Energy Exhibition; San Francisco, California, USA (11 Nov 1973). Calculations have been performed that indicate the possibility of reducing below ten years the effective half-life for transmutation of massive loadings of /sup 137/Cs placed in a CTR blanket. The blanket studied is a modification of the cylindrical standard blanket'' calculational benchmark, having 1 cm of Nb wall material followed by a 20 cm target zone, 70 cm of moderator and a 6 cm absorber of Li. The standard blanket'' source yielding a wall loading of 10 MW/m/sup 2/ of 14 MeV neutrons is assumed. Neutron production by (n,2n) reactions in a Be moderator is used to increase the thermal flux. For an 80% target zone loading of /sup 137/Cs, a transmutation rate of 290 kg per year per meter of CTR length is obtained, with a half-life (including radioactive decay) of 9.9 years. At this loading, the transmutation rate is roughly one percent of the length of a CTR blanket would balance the production rate in a fission reactor of the same power. (auth)
Dual-wavelength spectrophotometry: Part VI. Qualitative and quantitative analysis by means of first-derivative spectra

Abstract Derivative spectrophotometry has many important applications, e.g. detecting trace chemicals in mixture and analyzing isomers or turbid samples, but such measurements have been difficult instrumentally. The first-derivative spectrum can be recorded easily by using dual-wavelength measurements, if the two wavelengths λ 3 and λ 2 are set very close to each other (usually 1–2 nm apart) and scanned simultaneously. Practical applications of derivative spectra in the analysis of rare earths and phenol mixtures are described.
Multicore Constraint-Based Automated Stabilization

Given the non-determinism and race conditions in distributed programs, the ability to provide assurance about them is crucial. Our work focuses on incremental synthesis where we modify a distributed programs to add self-stabilization. We concentrate on reducing the time complexity of such synthesis using parallelism. We apply these techniques in the context of constraint satisfaction. In particular, incremental synthesis of self-stabilizing programs requires adding recovery actions to satisfy the constraint that are true in the legitimate states. We consider two approaches to speedup the synthesis algorithm: first, the use of the multiple constraints that have to be satisfied during synthesis; second, the use of the distributed nature of the programs being synthesized. We show that our approaches provide significant reductions in the synthesis time.
Public Sphere: Nineteenth- and Twentieth-century History

The development of institutions and practices of open communication concerning affairs of common interest is basic to democracy. This is analyzed as involving transformations of public space from the Athenian agora to the metaphorical space of electronic communications. These spaces provide for communication among strangers as well as those joined by bonds of community; they are arenas for the expression of individual and collective identities as well as for the making of collective decisions. Analytic attention focuses largely on questions of access to publics, which is often restricted on bases such as gender, ethnicity, or citizenship. It focuses also on institutional supports for public communication, on the relationship between rational-critical communication and other forms of action in public, and on the differentiation of public communication into multiple partial publics.
Application of entropy-constrained RVQ to coding image subbands

A recent study on the application of entropy constrained residual vector quantization (EC-RVQ) to subband image coding is discussed. The newly introduced EC-RVQ has produced excellent performance results when applied directly to coding images, and is also more cost efficient than competing vector quantization (VQ) methods which have so far been reported in the literature. Experimental results show that subband coding with EC-RVQ performs very well, and place it among the best techniques presently available in terms of performance. A discussion of the new system is given, and some performance comparisons are presented. >
Placement of bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a fracture of the greater tubercle of the humerus

Summary A mature Thoroughbred gelding that was used as a high level jumper presented for evaluation of a nonweightbearing forelimb lameness following a fall. Radiographs revealed a complete, noncomminuted, minimally displaced sagittal fracture of the greater tubercle. Supporting limb laminitis was a major concern in the short term based on the severe lameness at presentation. Open reduction with internal fixation was chosen over stall rest in an attempt to more rapidly return the weightbearing function to the limb. The procedure was performed standing and 3 bone screws were placed standing in an attempt to avoid implant or catastrophic bone failure that can accompany recovery from general anaesthesia. The day following surgery the lameness was significantly improved as the horse was able to bear some weight on the heel. The gelding was discharged 5 days following surgery and was fully weightbearing at the walk. Six months following surgery the horse was free of lameness and resumed training. This report describes our experience and rationale in placing bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a greater tubercle fracture.
Working Hard or Hardly Working? Comparing Relationship Self-Regulation Levels of Cohabiting, Married, and Remarried Individuals

The concept of relationship self-regulation (RSR) has been shown to be related to relationship satisfaction, yet the differences in RSR ability based on couple type have yet to be examined. This study compared first married, remarried, and cohabiting individuals on their self-reported ability to implement RSR in their relationship, along with their report of satisfaction, positive communication, and negative communication in their relationships. Data were derived from 6,565 participants who were part of the Relationship Evaluation (RELATE) questionnaire data set. Results showed that although mean differences in RSR were small across couple types, remarrieds reported significantly lower RSR levels than any other group, whereas first marrieds reported significantly higher RSR levels than any other group. Implications for relationship education programs and couple therapy are discussed.
A prospective evaluation of the continuous infusion of cis-atracurium for neuromuscular blockade in the pediatric intensive care unit patient: efficacy and dosage requirements.

Purpose To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and dosage requirements of cis-atracurium administered by continuous infusion for neuromuscular blockade in a pediatric intensive care unit population. Methods Neuromuscular function was monitored by a train-of-four (TOF) over the ulnar or peroneal nerve. cis-Atracurium was administered as a bolus dose (0.2 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion starting at 3 microg/kg/min. The infusion was increased or decreased by 1 mIcrog/kg/min to maintain one twitch of the TOF. All patients also received a benzodiazepine infusion. Results The study population included 15 children ranging in age from 10 months to 11 years and in weight from 4-28 kg. The duration of the infusion varied from 18-224 hours for a total of 1088 hours in the 15 patients. The cis-atracurium infusion requirements varied from 2.1 to 3.8 microg/kg/min (3.1 +/- 0.6) on day 1, to 1.4 to 6.4 microg/kg/min (3.4 +/- 1.4) on day 2, to 2.9 to 8.1 microg/kg/min (4. 5 +/- 1.6) on day 3. Overall, the infusion requirements varied from 1.4-22.7 microg/kg/min. The highest infusion requirements (22.7 and 10.2 microg/kg/min) were noted in patients who received cis-atracurium for prolonged periods of time (150 and 224 hours, respectively). The lowest infusion requirement occurred with the use of hypothermia to treat increased intracranial pressure. Conclusions cis-Atracurium can be used by continuous infusion to provide neuromuscular blockade in the pediatric intensive care unit patient. Because of the variability in infusion requirements, monitoring of neuromuscular function is suggested.
An empirical investigation of the long-run behavior of real exchange rates comment on the huizinga paper

Like the curate's egg, Huizinga's paper is good in parts. Sections II and III provide interesting univariate characterizations of real exchangerate behavior. The conclusions about the presence of mean-reverting behavior for the real exchange rate and about important departures from random-walk behavior are, however, directly contradicted by the evidence presented by the author. Section IV which relates the univariate time series evidence on the real exchange rate to the overshooting hypothesis is misconceived. Sections V and VI approach the real exchange rate through interesting multivariate data descriptions. The absence of any explicit theoretical framework for the joint determination of this vector of variables means, of course, that no interpretation can be attempted of any empirical regularities that may be established.
Nontricyclic Antidepressants: Current Trends in Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objectives First, to review the extant data on the safety and efficacy of the use of nontricyclic antidepressants in children and adolescents; second, to identify the main limitations of our current knowledge in this area; and third, to point to future research directions. Method A Medline search and a review of previous scientific meetings were conducted; all available reports on the efficacy and safety of nontricyclic antidepressants in children and adolescents were critically reviewed. Results As in adults, also in children nontricyclic antidepressants are potentially useful in treating a variety of psychiatric disorders. The data supporting their efficacy, however, are quite limited. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is the only psychiatric diagnosis for which pediatric use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has been approved. One placebo-controlled study in children and adolescents with major depression supports the efficacy of fluoxetine. Other clinical trials of nontricyclic antidepressants in depressed adolescents are in progress. Available data indicate that the safety of these medications is good, at least in the short term. Conclusions The potential usefulness of nontricyclic antidepressants for children and adolescents suffering from a range of disorders is considerable. While information from adults can suggest potential areas of possible efficacy in pediatric patients suffering from similar psychopathology, further research is essential to provide the necessary information on the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of these medications in children and adolescents.
The Hybrid Literacy Practices of Young Immigrant Children: Lessons Learned from an English-Only Preschool Classroom

Abstract This qualitative case study examines the literacy practices of an emerging bilingual child in a preschool classroom comprised mostly of recent Mexican immigrant students. It describes how political pressures after the passage of Proposition 203 in Arizona alter the language of instruction in the classroom, even when preschools do not have to conform to this mandate. Data collection included video and audio recordings of students' literacy practices during one school year, field notes, students' work samples, and interviews with students, teachers, and parents. Findings reveal that despite school-sanctioned English literacy practices, emerging bilingual children find ways to draw on hybrid practices and multiple literacies across two languages in student-centered social spaces. The paper concludes with the implications of the study on the education of young immigrant children.
A hybrid social-acoustic recommendation system for popular music

Recommendation systems leverage several types of information relating to a recommendable item. The recommendation methods are often based on the analysis of how a set of users associate or rate a given set of items, but they can also focus on the analysis of how the content of the items is related. This paper discusses a hybrid recommendation system for music - a system that leverages both spectral graph properties of an item-based collaborative filtering association network as well as acoustic features of the underlying music signal. Both features are balanced appropriately and used to disambiguate the music-seeking intentions of a user.
Gene therapy in interventional pulmonology: Interferon gene delivery with focus on thoracic malignancies

Gene therapy is a promising treatment for a variety of human diseases—particularly for malignancies—but has not been implemented into routine clinical use because sufficient delivering of therapeutic genes to effectively kill large numbers of cancer cells has proved daunting. Recently, researchers have been focusing on a method called immunogene therapy, which transfers genetic material—such as genes encoding for interferons—to trigger the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer. Mesothelioma is a particularly good target for gene therapy, because no individual treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) has proven efficacious, and because mesothelioma tends to remain localized until the late stages of the disease. Even immuno-gene therapy is limited in its ability to destroy large tumors, which is why researchers are investigating combination approaches that combine traditional therapies such as surgery and chemotherapy with immunotherapy.
The Bilayer Enhances Rhodopsin Kinetic Stability in Bovine Rod Outer Segment Disk Membranes

Rhodopsin is a kinetically stable protein constituting >90% of rod outer segment disk membrane protein. To investigate the bilayer contribution to rhodopsin kinetic stability, disk membranes were systematically disrupted by octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside. Rhodopsin kinetic stability was examined under subsolubilizing (rhodopsin in a bilayer environment perturbed by octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) and under fully solubilizing conditions (rhodopsin in a micelle with cosolubilized phospholipids). As determined by DSC, rhodopsin exhibited a scan-rate-dependent irreversible endothermic transition at all stages of solubilization. The transition temperature (Tm) decreased in the subsolubilizing stage. However, once the rhodopsin was in a micelle environment there was little change of the Tm as the phospholipid/rhodopsin ratio in the mixed micelles decreased during the fully solubilized stage. Rhodopsin thermal denaturation is consistent with the two-state irreversible model at all stages of solubilization. The activation energy of denaturation (Eact) was calculated from the scan rate dependence of the Tm and from the rate of rhodopsin thermal bleaching at all stages of solubilization. The Eact as determined by both techniques decreased in the subsolubilizing stage, but remained constant once fully solubilized. These results indicate the bilayer structure increases the Eact to rhodopsin denaturation.
Continuous‐flow electrodialysis of acetate, butyrate, and chloride: A correlating equation

An experimental investigation is presented of the electrodialysis of acetate or butyrate with chloride, in a continuous-flow unit with a membrane area of 50 cm.2 separating a test cell pair. The effects on the transport of the individual anions are established of several independent variables, including membrane type, organic specie, mole fraction of organic in the feed, and current density. Polarization is evident at a current density of 8 ma./cm.2 A semi-empirical equation is developed and, utilizing the experimental data, the equation yields the cell constant and the ratio of the diffusivity of each anion to the film thickness. The equation, relating the purification factor (ratio of feed and effluent concentrations) and the key independent variables, may be utilized to correlate and extend a rather limited number of data points for other chemical systems in other continuous-flow units. For both membranes, both organic species, and over a wide range of feed mole fractions and current densities, the mole fraction of an anion transported across the membrane can be related to the feed mole fraction by a simple power relation, indicating a convenient way of expressing membrane selectivity. On presente les resultats d'nne etude experimentale de l'electrodialyse d'un acetate ou butyrate avec un chlorure dans un dispositif a debit continu dans lequel une surface de membrane de 50 cm3 separe deux piles d'essai. On a determine les effets qu'exercent sur le transport d'anions individuels plusieurs variables independantes telles que le genre de membrane, la nature du produit organique et sa fraction moleculaire dans l'alimentation, et la densite du courant. La polarisation apparait nettement lorsque la densite du courant est 8 ma./cm2. On a mis au point une equation semi-empirique et, en utilisant les resultats experimentaux, cette equation fournit des precisions sur la constante des piles et le rapport de diffusivite entre chaque anion et l'epaisseur de la pellicule. On peut utiliser l'equation, qui etablit une correlation entre le facteur de purification (rapport entre l'alimentation et les concentrations de l'effluent) et les principales variables independantes, pour etablir des correlations et fournir un nombre plutot limite de points de repere dans le cas d'autres systemes chimiques dans des dispositifs a debit continu. Pour les deux membranes et genres de produit organique et dans le cas d'une gamme considerable de fractions moleculaires d'alimentation et de densites de courant, on peut etablir une correlation entre la fraction moleculaire d'une anion transporte par la membrane et la fraction moleculaire d'alimentation. grâce a une simple relation d'energie qui indique un moyen convenable d'exprimer la selectivite des membranes.
Coeditors' Introduction: Native and Second Language Proficiency: Keys to the Social and Academic Success of English Language Learners

Supporting students' social and academic language development is a critical responsibility of teachers who work with English Language Learners (ELLs). However, meeting this responsibility can be di...
Evidence for the retention of genetic variation in Erodium seed dormancy by variable rainfall.

The periodic occurrence of summer/early autumn precipitation in the California annual grassland can result in the formation of early and late emerging cohorts of Erodium botrys and E. brachycarpum. The occurrence of early rainfall and the timing of such rainfall are highly variable from year to year. A series of field watering experiments in 1980-81 were used to simulate early emergence conditions that would result from significant rainfall (1 cm) occurring in mid-July, late August, and mid-September. Net reproduction was used to estimate fitness differentials between Erodium cohorts emerging in response to a watering treatment (early emerging cohorts) and Erodium cohorts emerging with the onset of winter rains in mid-October (late emerging cohorts). Survival was lower and gross reproduction was higher among early emerging cohorts than late emerging cohorts. For both species, net reproduction of the early cohort was lower than that of the late cohort under the July watering treatment and higher than that of the late cohort under the August watering treatment.Early cohorts, formed in response to rainfall in mid-September, 1982, were also compared demographically to later cohorts emerging in October. Compared to late cohorts, net reproduction, gross reproduction and survival were higher for the early cohorts.Common garden experiments indicate that differences in the duration of seed dormancy between the progenies of early and late emerging plants reflect a significant genetic component. Progency produced by early cohorts of E. brachycarpum from all three watering treatments possessed more extended seed dormancy than progeny of late cohorts. In E. botrys, progeny from early cohorts emerging in response to the July watering treatment were also more dormant than late progeny. In contrast, early cohorts of E. botrys emerging in response to the September watering treatment produced seed less dormant than seed produced by late cohorts. When combined with demographic data, indicating that fitness differentials between early and late cohorts varied with changes in the date of early emergence, genetic results suggest that year to year variation in early rainfall may act to retain genetic variation in the duration of seed dormancy.
Agricultural tractor overturn deaths: Assessment of trends and risk factors

Background Tractor overturn deaths have been recognized as a public health concern for decades. Studies have reported on the hazards associated with tractor overturns, but none have reported on trends in tractor overturn fatality rates in the United States (US). Methods Tractor overturn fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were used in Poisson regression models to: identify risk factors associated with overturn fatalities; examine trends in tractor overturn fatality rates between 1992 and 2007; and assess trends in overturn fatality rates for specific risk factors. Results Characteristics found to be associated with tractor overturn fatality rates were age, type of farm, region, and the victim's relationship to the farm (P < 0.0001). Older age groups, crop farms, farms in the Midwest and Northeast, and family workers all had higher fatal tractor overturn risks. Overall, tractor overturn fatality rates declined 28.5% between 1992 and 2007. Significant decreases in tractor overturn fatality rates were found for the Northeast and South regions, hired workers, crop farms, and in every age group except those less than 25 years of age. Conclusions Tractor overturn fatality rates decreased between 1992 and 2007. These decreases were not consistent between different categories of the agricultural workforce or regions of the US. Changes in tractor overturn fatality rates may be partially explained by increases in the prevalence of ROPS on farm tractors in the US. ROPS promotion programs are needed to reduce tractor overturn fatalities, especially among those subpopulations at highest risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polymerization of an Escherichia coli Elongation Factor Tu

Abstract Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) from Escherichia coli is shown here to polymerize under conditions of low ionic strength and slightly acidic pH. Several factors, such as decreasing pH, decreasing ionic strength, increasing temperature, and increasing protein concentration (up to 2.5 μM) enhance the rate of polymerization. Both EF-Tu · GTP and EF-Tu · GDP polymerized equally well under the conditions studied. A lag time was observed between the lowering of the pH and the onset of measurable polymerization, which was not overcome by addition of preformed polymer "seeds." Finally, addition of unpolymerized EF-Tu · GDP to a solution of polymerized EF-Tu · GDP appears to lead to formation of new polymers instead of addition to preexisting ones, which may suggest a size limit for polymers of EF-Tu · GDP.
Mating of Virgin Queen Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera L.) following Mandibular Gland Extirpation

MANDIBULAR glands have been suggested as a possible source of an odour that attracts drones to virgin queens for mating1. The experiments in this report concern attempts to determine if virgin queens without mandibular glands can mate. Data discussed here are made more significant by the discovery, made after these experiments were conducted, that the mandibular glands are indeed the primary source of mating attractant odours2.
A brief introduction to ceramic capacitors

A century of diligent R&D has resulted in a wide range of ceramic dielectrics and processing technologies. The technology used to manufacture an MLCC (multilayer ceramic capacitors) that costs pennies was unimaginable 30 years ago. The present trends of enhanced mobility, connectivity, and reliability in consumer, industrial, and military electronics will continue to drive future innovations in ceramic capacitor technology. In addition, power electronics applications are an emerging market in which ceramic capacitors will play an increasing role through improved breakdown strength, enhanced dielectric stability in harsh environments, and innovative packaging. The investment made by the US government to develop high energy density and high temperature capacitor technology will also contribute to the advancement of dielectric materials technology for pulse and power electronic capacitors.
Predictive index for tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for locally advanced intrahepatic and hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background Current criteria for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remain restricted to early stage and small hilar tumors, excluding patients with locally advanced intrahepatic and hilar CCA for potential cure. The present study was undertaken to define a prognostic scoring system for risk stratification of patients with intrahepatic and hilar CCA who might benefit from OLT and to allow expansion of current OLT criteria. Study Design We conducted a retrospective review of 40 patients who underwent OLT for locally advanced intrahepatic and hilar CCA at our center between February 1985 and June 2010. Median follow-up was 3 years. Independent risk factors for tumor recurrence after OLT were identified using the Cox model and were assigned risk score points. Points were summed and assigned to predictive index categories: 0 to 3 for low risk, 4 to 7 for intermediate risk, and 8 to 15 for high risk. Results Seven multivariate factors predictive for tumor recurrence included multifocal tumor, perineural invasion, infiltrative growth pattern, lack of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, history of primary sclerosing cholangitis, hilar tumors, and lymphovascular invasion. The 5-year tumor recurrence–free patient survival was significantly higher in low-risk (78%) compared with intermediate- (19%) and high-risk (0%) groups (p Conclusions This model was highly predictive of long-term outcomes after OLT for locally advanced intrahepatic and hilar CCA and can be applied clinically for risk stratification of patients considered for OLT. Long-term disease recurrence–free survival was excellent in low-risk and acceptable in intermediate-risk groups, justifying the expansion of liver transplant criteria for treatment of this challenging malignancy.
CONGENITAL CMV INFECTION PRESENTING AS TYROSINEMIA

An infant male born at 28 weeks gestation to unrelated caucasian parents was found at 8 weeks to have hepatosplenomegaly and a bilirubin of 8.1/4.6 mg/dl. The SGOT was 226 I.U., and the alkaline phosphatase was 1700 I.U. At 12 weeks, 2+ urinary reducing substance prompted referral for metabolic studies, and the plasma tyrosine was found to be 7.09 mg/dl (nl 0.5-1.3 mg/dl). The infant was small (2280 g. at 15 weeks), deeply jaundiced, and had a liver palpable 3cm below the RCM. The bilirubin was 7.0/2.7 mg/dl, SGOT 166 I.U., SGPT 48 I.U., alkaline ph phatase 1780 I.U., NH3 79 mg/dl, and BUN 3. Titers for rubella, herpes and CMV were all <1:8. A quantitative VDRL was negative. On a protein restricted diet (1 g/kg/day), the plasma tyrosine became normal. Oral phenylalanine loading tests (100 mg/kg) both off and on Vit. C (100 mg/day) showed markedly high and prolonged elevations of the plasma concentration of tyrosine, approximately 5.0 mg/dl at 8 hours. This pattern is the one classically reported in hereditary tyrosinemia. Plasma methionine and urinary δ-amino-levulinic acid were not elevated and a fructose tolerance test was normal. Three urine cultures were positive for CMV. Liver function tests have returned to normal and at 6 months the infant is gaining weight. These observations indicate that perinatal infection with this virus can produce a clinical and chemical picture that must be added to the differential diagnosis of heredity tyrosinemia.
Comparison of single and multiple releases of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) for control of Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Apionidae)

Abstract Single and multiple releases of the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (= H. heliothidis Khan, Brooks, and Hirschmann) (HP88 strain), were evaluated for controlling populations and damage of the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius), during two consecutive growing seasons in southern Florida. Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., plants were treated with one, two, or three applications of H. bacteriophora in a Krome very gravelly loam soil. Weevil population reduction and damage in nematode-treated sweet potato plots were compared with that in plots treated with monthly applications of chemical insecticides and in nontreated plots. Persistence of nematodes in soil was assessed at various times after release by baiting soil samples with greater wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella (L.). Applications of H. bacteriophora did not consistently reduce weevil abundance, but did consistently reduce damage to sweet potato storage roots compared with nontreated plants. Weevil densities and damage did not differ between plants treated with one, two, or three applications of H. bacteriophora , suggesting that a single, early season release of this nematode was adequate for managing this weevil. Weevil damage on plants treated with chemical insecticides was intermediate to that on nematodetreated and nontreated plants. H. bacteriophora persisted in soil for over 130 and 250 days after application in the first and second experiment, respectively.
Sequence‐Specific Spin Labeling of Oligothymidylates by Phosphotriester Chemistry

Oligothymidylates (oligo(dT)'s) with the sequence-specifically-incorporated one-atom-tethered C(5)-nitio-xide-labeled nucleoside 1 were synthesized by the phosphotriester method. Some modifications of the protocol were required to account for the chemical reactivity of the nitroxide, the stability of which was monitored during the synthesis by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The EPR specific activity (AEPR) of the FPLC-purified nitroxide-labeled oligomers was determined and found to be in agreement with enzymatically prepared spin-labeled nucleic acids. Annealing the nitroxide-labeled oligo(dT)'s to (dA)n or oligo(dA) resulted in different EPR-lineshape changes suggesting a strong coupling of the short-tethered nitroxide to global macro-molecular motion.
Poly(styrene-b-vinylphenyldimethylsilanol) and Its Blends with Homopolymers

Block copolymers of vinylphenyldimethylsilanol (VPDMS) and styrene were synthesized by living anionic polymerization of vinylphenyldimethylsilane and styrene with sec-butyllithium as initiator in THF at −78 °C, followed by an oxygen insertion reaction via oxyfunctionalization, in part or all, with dimethyldioxirane. The resulting silanol group (⋮Si−OH) at the 4-position of the styrene copolymer acts as a hydrogen bond donor, thus enhancing miscibility with polymers containing hydrogen bond accepting groups. The block copolymers containing varying amounts of silanol groups and their blends with poly(n-butylmethylmethylacrylate) (PBMA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPr), and poly(vinylpyridine) (P4VPy) were characterized by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In blends with PBMA, the PVPDMS block is miscible with PBMA when it contains about 11−33% silanol groups, and the polystyrene blocks retain their identity as separate domains. T...
Classical lissencephaly and double cortex (subcortical band heterotopia): LIS1 and doublecortin.

Classical lissencephaly and double cortex are genetic neuronal migration disorders associated with mental retardation and epilepsy. In classical lissencephaly, the six-layered cortex is replaced by a four layered structure lacking normal gyri or sulci. In double cortex, a second layer of cortical ne
Why are men prone to deadly violence

It is common knowledge that deadly violence, whether within or among small groups, tribes, cities or countries, pervades human history. Throughout written history, technology has improved the ability to kill: spears, bows and arrows, guns, tanks, airplanes, atomic bombs and intercontinental missiles have been important contributors. About 60 years ago the Rand Corporation devised the Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) strategy for avoiding atomic holocaust between the two atomic powers. The strategy is extremely simple: the US should bury large numbers of atomic missiles in hardened sites, invulnerable to any attack other than a direct hit by an atomic missile. It could announce to all, including the Russians, what it had done, but of course not locations of the hardened sites. The great advantages of the MAD strategy are that it is conceptually simple and can be advantageously implemented by either side without agreement with the other. It certainly provides hope that less violent strategies can be found and adopted even in situations with the most devastating first strike advantage. At a more mundane level, societies employ many strategies to mitigate violence. Laws and honest enforcement are intended to abate domestic violence. Restricting gun ownership helps to reduce guns' enormous first-strike advantage. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
An Estimate of the Daily Variation of Cloudiness Over the GATE A/B Area

Abstract The daily variation of cloudiness, as measured by the Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS-1), was studied for the GATE A/B area (outer hexagon). The amplitude of the diurnal variation was found to be more pronounced on convectively enhanced days than undisturbed days. A primary maximum in both upper and total cloudiness was observed at 1800 GMT (about 1630 local time) and a secondary maximum at 0900 GMT (0730 local time) was observed in the total cloudiness. The existence of a semidiurnal oscillation in cloudiness suggests the influence of the semidiurnal solar atmospheric tide on the cloudiness. The lack of a nighttime maximum in cloudiness implies no nighttime maximum in precipitation, in contrast to other observations of maritime precipitation.
TCP with delayed ack for wireless networks

This paper studies the TCP performance with delayed ack in wireless networks (including ad hoc and WLANs) which use IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol as the underlying medium access control. Our analysis and simulations show that TCP throughput does not always benefit from an unrestricted delay policy. In fact, for a given topology and flow pattern, there exists an optimal delay window size at the receiver that produces best TCP throughput. If the window is set too small, the receiver generates too many acks and causes channel contention; on the other hand, if the window is set too high, the bursty transmission at the sender triggered by large cumulative acks will induce interference and packet losses, thus degrading the throughout. In wireless networks, packet losses are also related to the length of TCP path; when traveling through a longer path, a packet is more likely to suffer interference. Therefore, path length is an important factor to consider when choosing appropriate delay window sizes. In this paper, we first propose an adaptive delayed ack mechanism which is suitable for ad hoc networks, then we propose a more general adaptive delayed ack scheme for ad hoc and hybrid networks. The simulation results show that our schemes can effectively improve TCP throughput by up to 25% in static networks, and provide more significant gain in mobile networks. The proposed schemes are simple and easy to deploy. The real testbed experiments are also presented to verify our approaches. Furthermore, a simple and effective receiver-side probe and detection is proposed to improve friendliness between the standard TCP and our proposed TCP with adaptive delayed ack.
DETERMINATION OF IRON IN GLASS SAND

The 0-phenanthroline method for the colorimetric determination of iron has been adapted to the analysis of glass sand. The sample taken for analysis was decomposed by treatment with HF and H2SO4, followed by fusions of any insoluble material with Na2CO3 and finally with K2S2O7. An aliquot was then adjusted to the proper pH by a simple procedure, the iron reduced by hydroxylamine hydrochloride, the 0-phenanthroline complex formed, and the transmittancy of the solution measured spectrophotometrically. The method is simple and rapid, and compares favorably in precision and accuracy with other available methods.