cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatality From Status Epilepticus After Myelography.

OBJECTIVE. Myelography is a commonly used procedure to evaluate the spinal canal. However, the procedure is not without risk, chiefly risk of seizure after intrathecal administration of iodinated c...
Ten Legal Lessons for Special Educators

The purpose of this article is to provide special educators with significant and perhaps surprising recent lessons in special education law. These lessons under the Individuals with Disabilities Ed...
The Gini Index of an Integer Partition

The Gini index is a number that attempts to measure how equitably a resource is distributed throughout a population, and is commonly used in economics as a measurement of inequality of wealth or income. The Gini index is often defined as the area between the Lorenz curve of a distribution and the line of equality, normalized to be between zero and one. In this fashion, we define a Gini index on the set of integer partitions and show that it is closely related to the second elementary symmetric polynomial, and the dominance order on partitions. We conclude with a generating function for the Gini index, and discuss how it can be used to find lower bounds on the width of the dominance lattice.
Structure of an infectious mammalian prion

ABSTRACT Classical mammalian prions are assemblies of prion protein molecules that are extraordinarily transmissible, with a microgram of protein containing up to 108 lethal doses of infectivity1,2. Unlike most other pathogenic and amyloidogenic proteins, prions typically contain glycolipid anchors 3 and abundant asparagine-linked glycans4-6. The infectious nature, complexity, and biophysical properties of prions have complicated structural analyses and stymied any prior elucidation of 3D conformation at the polypeptide backbone level7. Here we have determined the structure of the core of a fully infectious, brain-derived prion by cryo-electron microscopy with ∼3.1 A resolution. The purified prions are amyloid fibrils comprised of monomers assembled with parallel in-register intermolecular beta sheets and connecting chains. Residues ∼95-227 of each monomer provide one rung of the ordered fibril core, with the glycans and glycolipid anchor projecting from the lateral surfaces of the fibril. The fibril ends, where prion growth occurs, are formed by single monomers in an extended serpentine combination of β- arches, a Greek key, and loops that presumably template the refolding of incoming monomers. Our results describe an atomic model to underpin detailed molecular hypotheses of how pathologic prion proteins can propagate as infectious agents, and how such propagation and associated pathogenesis might be impeded.
Phase Diagram of Active Brownian Spheres: Crystallization and the Metastability of Motility-Induced Phase Separation

Motility-induced phase separation (MIPS), the phenomenon in which purely repulsive active particles undergo a liquid-gas phase separation, is among the simplest and most widely studied examples of a nonequilibrium phase transition. Here, we show that states of MIPS coexistence are in fact only metastable for three-dimensional active Brownian particles over a very broad range of conditions, decaying at long times through an ordering transition we call active crystallization. At an activity just above the MIPS critical point, the liquid-gas binodal is superseded by the crystal-fluid coexistence curve, with solid, liquid, and gas all coexisting at the triple point where the two curves intersect. Nucleating an active crystal from a disordered fluid, however, requires a rare fluctuation that exhibits the nearly close-packed density of the solid phase. The corresponding barrier to crystallization is surmountable on a feasible timescale only at high activity, and only at fluid densities near maximal packing. The glassiness expected for such dense liquids at equilibrium is strongly mitigated by active forces, so that the lifetime of liquid-gas coexistence declines steadily with increasing activity, manifesting in simulations as a facile spontaneous crystallization at extremely high activity.
Submillimeter Polarization of Galactic Clouds: A Comparison of 350 μm and 850 μm Data

The Hertz and SCUBA polarimeters, working at 350 μm and 850 μm, respectively, have measured the polarized emission in scores of Galactic clouds. Of the clouds in each data set, 17 were mapped by both instruments with good polarization signal-to-noise ratios. We present maps of each of these 17 clouds comparing the dual-wavelength polarization amplitudes and position angles at the same spatial locations. In total number of clouds compared, this is a four-fold increase over previous work. Across the entire data set real position angle differences are seen between wavelengths. While the distribution of (850)-(350) is centered near zero (near-equal angles), 64% of data points with high polarization signal-to-noise (P ≥ 3σ p ) have |(850)-(350)| > 10°. Of those data with small changes in position angle (≤10°) the median ratio of the polarization amplitudes is P(850)/P(350) = 1.7 ± 0.6. This value is consistent with previous work performed on smaller samples and models that require mixtures of different grain properties and polarization efficiencies. Along with the polarization data we have also compiled the intensity data at both wavelengths; we find a trend of decreasing polarization with increasing 850-to-350 μm intensity ratio. All the polarization and intensity data presented here (1699 points in total) are available in electronic format.
TRANSPLANTING AN ADR-CENTRIC MODEL OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION FROM THE ANGLO-AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM TO THE CIVIL LAW SYSTEM: CHALLENGES, LIMITATIONS, AND PROPOSALS

The ADR movement, as we know it today, developed from the United States in the 1960s - 1970s and expanded first in countries that share the same Anglo-American legal tradition, mainly England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the ADR model developed by this movement has been embraced worldwide by both Common Law and Civil law countries. The success of this model in Civil Law countries remains, however, a challenge. Comparing the development of ADR in countries of the Anglo-American legal tradition and those of civil law tradition, this article identifies and studies four sources of these challenges: (1) lack of overall assessment of the civil law system to identify which problems could be addressed by legal and procedural reforms and which ones could be solved by the introduction of ADR, (2) introducing ADR in isolation rather than approaching it as one of the solutions in a broader, coherent and complementary reforms of the entire legal system, (3) transplanting ADR mechanisms without reshaping and adapting them to fit specific legal and procedural problems of the country; and (4) failure to identify and strengthen elements of the civil law system that can support ADR mechanisms. It also proposes some solutions to address these challenges and build effective ADR mechanisms in civil law countries.
On-Road Evaluation of Driver Capability: A Medical Record Review of the Adaptive Driving Program

a) The purpose of the present study was to illustrate how driver capability could be measured based on the presence of assistance during on-road evaluation. As an objective, this study explored the potential of a new method to measure declines in driver independence (steering/braking assistance) and safety (driving cues) for driver fitness determinations. b) A study at the Adaptive Driving Program (ADP) was conducted through a medical record review of 132 clients served in 2009. Following creation of an enumerated list of unique errors committed in baseline driving sessions, follow-up analysis focused on the association between assistance during on-road evaluation and case outcomes. The analysis also involved associations between assistance and five classes of errors reported among all clients. c) Findings showed that the proposed measures of driver independence and safety were associated with 90% of clients that did not pass on-road evaluation and a majority of errors related to tracking vehicle position within a lane. Though documented assistance showed low association to four out of five classes of errors, the potential for detection of these assistedevents may be 60-80% of all errors in each class except for lane changes.
Health Systems and Policy Space for Health in the Context of European Union Trade Policies

European Union trade policies have been evolving towards more emphasis on bilateral agreements and addressing non-tariff barriers to trade with an increasing number of trade negotiations with focus on services, government procurement and investment. Maintaining national policy space is a challenge for governments due to negotiation focus, practices and priorities. This is further affected by the changing relationship between national health systems and European Union law. While national health systems have become commercialised, this has not been recognised as part of trade negotiations. The variety of health systems within the European Union also creates challenges for Member States wishing to maintain full policy space for cost-containment and regulation, and return to public provision of services. This paper explores emerging concerns regarding maintaining policy space from a Member State perspective in the context of evolving European Union law, and priorities and practice in trade negotiations.
Norepinephrine Protects against Amyloid-β Toxicity via TrkB

The locus coeruleus (LC), the brainstem noradrenergic nucleus that is the sole source of norepinephrine (NE) in the forebrain, is one of the first structures affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experimental ablation of the LC exacerbates, while increasing NE abates, AD-like neuropathology and cognitive deficits in animal models of the disease. Some neuroprotective effects of NE appear to be mediated by tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), the canonical receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here, we report that NE dose-dependently protected primary cortical and LC neurons from amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity. The neuroprotective effects of NE were fully prevented by the Trk receptor antagonist K252a but only partially attenuated by adrenergic receptor antagonists and not mimicked by adrenergic agonists. Activation of TrkB by NE in cortical and LC neurons was confirmed by immunoblot and immunocytochemistry for phospho-TrkB. These results indicate that NE can activate TrkB and protect against Aβ toxicity, at least in part, via adrenergic receptor-independent mechanisms, and have implications for the consequences of LC degeneration in AD and potential therapies for the disease.
Modeling the effect of swirl on turbulence intensity and burn rate in S. I. engines and comparison with experiment

An Engine Simulation Model was used to study the effect of in-cylinder swirl level on turbulence intensity and burn rate while holding the inducted kinetic energy constant. Experimental measurements of burn rate for three different swirl levels were obtained and compared with model predictions. The turbulence model used previously did not include wall shear effects and showed little enhancement of turbulence due to swirl, causing small changes in predicted burn rate when the swirl level was changed. An improved turbulence model is proposed which includes production of turbulence due to wall shear effects. Turbulence intensity predictions from the improved model resulted in excellent agreement between the measured and predicted burn rates as swirl level was changed. In addition, the model was used to predict the effect of swirl levels on ISFC. Results showed that ISFC changes were overall small for the range of swirl levels considered.
Lipid-dependent proliferation of breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines (605.7)

Cancer cells rely heavily on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production, and have the capacity to synthesize their own sup¬ply of biologically active compounds of predominantly lipid origin. We hyp...
Computer Aided Design and Analysis of Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes

Abstract Dynamic flowsheet modeling and simulation is a pre-requisite for the design, analysis, control and optimization of an integrated process. Whilst several integrated modeling and simulation tools (commercial and non-commercial) have proven to be effective for fluids processes, their use has been fairly limited for solids processes. The objective of this study is to build a dynamic flowsheet simulation of an integrated continuous downstream pharmaceutical process, using a combination of fundamental and empirical models. Using two cases,the results elucidate (i) the evolution of key particle properties during the transient state (start-up and shutdown), (ii) the effect of changes in process parameters and/or material properties which typically can vary during continuous manufacturing and (iii) the dynamic response and recycle dynamics of an integrated blender and a recirculation tank. Simulation results lend credence to developing a dynamic flowsheet simulation of a fully integrated downstream pharmaceutical process which can be further extended to the general class of solids processes.
Studies on the internal defense mechanisms of sponges: III. Cellular reactions in Terpios zeteki to implanted heterologous biological materials☆

Abstract Cellular responses in Terpios zeteki to implanted heterologous biological materials consisting of human erythrocytes, trematode rediae and cercariae, and molluscau muscles, were examined at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr postimplantation. It was determined that erythrocytes were either phagocytized or encapsulated by sponge archaeocytes and were gradually eliminated from the mesoglea via the migration of host cells into excurrent canals. The mesoglea was essentially free of implanted erythrocytes by the 48th hr. Implants of rediae only evoked slight encapsulation involving archaeocytes and collencytes, with some of the latter forming syncytia. Freed cercariae were enveloped by a relatively thick syncytial capsule of archaeocytes and collencytes. This capsule, however, disintegrated by the 48th hr when the cercarial tissues decomposed. Simultaneously, a large number of archaeocytes including amorphous materials, most probably fragments of disintegrated implanted tissues, were found in the lumina of excurrent canals. Response to muscle implants consisted primarily of an irregular distribution of collencytes and archaeocytes on the surfaces, but with no evidence of true capsule formation. Thus, incomplete or complete encapsulation of heterografts has been demonstrated in sponges for the first time. Incision sites in sponges of the control series revealed a gradual concentration of parenchymal cells along the cut surfaces. No fusion of these surfaces was observed.
Design and operation specifications of an active monitoring system for detecting southern resident killer whales

Before final approval is given to the Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 for deploying the first tidal power devices in the United States in an open water environment, a system to manage the potential risk of injury to killer whales due to collision with moving turbine blades must be demonstrated. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is tasked with establishing the performance requirements for, constructing, and testing a prototype marine animal alert system for triggering temporary turbine shutdown when there is risk of collision with a killer whale. To develop a system that relies on active sonar two critical areas must be investigated-the target strength of killer whales and the frequency content of commercially available active sonar units. PNNL studied three target strength models: a simple model, the Fourier matching model, and the Kirchoff-ray mode model. Using target strength measurements of bottlenose dolphins obtained by previous researchers and assuming killer whales share similar morphology and structure, PNNL extrapolated the target strength of an adult killer whale 7.5 m in length at a frequency of 67 kHz. To study the frequency content of a commercially available sonar unit, direct measurements of the signal transmitted by the sonar head were obtained by using a hydrophone connected to a data acquisition system in both laboratory and field conditions. The measurements revealed a secondary frequency component at 90 kHz in addition to the primary frequency of 200 kHz. Preliminary results show that the amplitude of the 90-kHz frequency component is above the hearing threshold of killer whales but below the threshold for potential injuries.
Long-term changes in willow spatial distribution on the elk winter range of Rocky Mountain National Park (USA)

We determined changes in willow (Salixspp.) cover in two valleys of the eastern slope of Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado, USA, and related these changes to suspected causative factors. Changes in vegetation were inferred from digital maps generated from aerial photo-interpretation and field surveys conducted with a global positioning system. The decrease in riparian shrub cover was approximately 20% in both valleys over the period between 1937/46 and 1996, while the decline in tall willow (> 2 m tall) cover was estimated to be approximately 55%in both valleys. Suppressed willows (< 1.5 m tall) were predominantly located in areas affected by flooding and in areas where major river reductions were observed. Both valleys had sites that were being colonized by willows in wet meadows, and open areas created by flood disturbance. The potential causes of willow decline are many. Willow decline was associated with simplification of river spatial pattern, i.e., less complex branching and channelization, and a large flood disturbance. The causes of the reduction in river meanders were not determined, but are likely related to a decline in beavers, an increase in elk, and, possibly climate change. An increase in elk placed increased browsing pressure on willow during the period of the willow decline. Other factors such as climate changes and human activities could have also contributed to the willow decline. The persistence of these riparian ecosystems depends in large part on biotic interactions, particularly between willow, beaver, and elk.
Spallation Radiation Damage and Dosimetry for Accelerator Transmutation of Waste Applications

Proposals are currently being made for systems to treat radioactive waste based on the use of accelerator-driven neutron sources. A linear proton accelerator with energies as high as 1600 MeV and currents up to 250 ma are anticipated for the driver. The neutron fluxes may reach up to 10{sup 20} neutrons/m{sup 2}s as generated by the spallation reactions that occur when the protons strike target materials. Calculations are described to determine radiation fluxes and flux spectra inherent in such systems and to estimate likely radiation effects on system components. The calculations use LAHET, a Monte Carlo high-energy transport code, and MCNP, a generalized-geometry, coupled neutron-photon Monte Carlo transport code. Cross sections for displacement and helium production are presented for spallation neutrons of energies from 21 MeV to 1600 MeV for Inconel 718 (Ni plus 18.5, 18.5, 5.1, and 3 wt % of Cr, Fe, Nb, and Mo, respectively), an alloy that is used for the proton beam entry window in several accelerators. In addition, results for this alloy are presented for the primary knocked-on atom (PKA) spectrum and the transmutation yield for 1600 MeV incident neutrons.
Time-of-flight’s influence on PET/CT’s spatial resolution and current protocols

2739 Objectives The purpose of this research is to review current literature on technology used in PET instrumentation; specifically information on Time of Flight’s (TOF) ability to reduce scan times, improve image quality (especially in obese patients), and reduce administered dose. Also, a comparison of image quality produced from two PET systems, TOF and non-TOF, was performed utilizing a Jaszczak Phantom for comparison. This was performed to support research that suggests TOF produces superior diagnostic images in comparison to non-TOF systems. Methods A literature review was performed using peer-reviewed articles based on TOF research, effects of obesity in PET imaging, obesity trends in the United States, and artifacts related to PET imaging. Data was collected comparing the spatial resolution and contrast of a General Electric Discovery Volume Computed Tomography (non-TOF) and Siemens Biograph TruePoint (TOF), utilizing a Jaszczak Phantom, following the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) official performance monitoring standards on PET imaging. Results Based on data collected from the two PET systems contrast values were comparable; however the resolution of the non-TOF compared to the TOF identified a rod size of 9.5mm to a rod size of 7.5mm, respectively. Through literature research the concept of TOF is discussed, showing that with 2 iterations TOF PET produces an image contrast of 4.32:1 compared to 2.91:1 with non-TOF PET. Also, TOF provides shorter scan times with improved signal-to-noise ratio, especially, in obese patients with a BMI of 30 or greater. Lastly, the possibility of reducing patient and technologist total radiation exposure is discussed based on lowering the administered dose, which is made possible by improved intrinsic resolution and higher true counts collected in TOF instrumentation. Conclusions Implementing TOF into PET instrumentation provides the most accurate scans in the shortest amount of time, while reducing radiation exposure to patient and technologists. Also, this suggests that a change in current PET protocols would be beneficial due to the diversity of patients being imaged
Reductions in urinary collection frequency for assessment of reproductive hormones provide physiologically representative exposure and mean concentrations when compared with daily collection.

Objective To determine if reducing the frequency of urinary sample collection from daily to 5, 3, or 2 days per week during a menstrual cycle or 28-day amenorrheic monitoring period provide accurate representations of the reproductive hormone metabolites estrone-1-glucuronide (E1G) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) exposure and mean concentrations. Methods Exercising women presenting with eumenorrhea or exercise-associated menstrual disturbances collected daily urine samples for the assessment of E1G and PdG concentrations. After enzyme immunoassay analysis of the daily samples, E1G and PdG data were systematically removed from each menstrual cycle or amenorrheic monitoring period to mimic three reduced collection frequencies, representing 5, 3, and 2 days per week. Exposure and mean concentration were calculated for both hormones and all four urinary collection frequencies. Results E1G and PdG exposure and mean cycle concentrations derived from reduced collection frequencies were not different from daily collection (P > 0.05), independent of whether menstrual cycles and monitoring periods were analyzed together or separately. Bland-Altman analysis indicated acceptable agreement between each reduced collection frequency and daily collection. Conclusions Compared with daily urinary collection, a reduced collection frequency of 5, 3, or 2 days each week provides accurate E1G and PdG profiles of collection periods of various lengths and types of menstrual function. Reduction of urinary sample collection frequency may enable researchers to reduce participant burden and costs, increase compliance, and study a wider range of study populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:358–371, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the effect of fatty acids on prostate carcinogenesis in humans: does self-reported dietary intake rank prostatic exposure correctly?

Background: Dietary fatty acids may influence prostate carcinogenesis. Although the standard for assessing dietary effects in humans is the semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire, the extent to which self-reported intake correctly ranks prostatic exposure is unknown. Objective: The objective was to examine the correlation between reported intakes of different fatty acids and their concentrations in prostate tissue. Design: This was a cross-sectional study of 52 men undergoing surgical resection of the prostate gland. Usual dietary intake of saturated, total unsaturated, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids over the previous year was estimated with use of a 122-item version of the Health Habits and History Questionnaire. Concentrations in prostate tissue were measured directly by use of gas chromatography in healthy tissue collected at the time of surgery and were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Correlations with 4 measures of dietary intake [g/d, g/d adjusted for total daily energy intake, % of total fat (as g/d), and % of total energy] were evaluated by Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients. Results: Linoleic acid concentrations in prostate tissue were significantly correlated with dietary intake expressed as g/d adjusted for total energy [r = 0.29 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.49), P = 0.04], % of total fat [r = 0.36 (0.14, 0.550), P = 0.008], and % of total energy [r = 0.28 (0.04, 0.49), P = 0.042], but not as g/d. Although mean concentrations of saturated, total unsaturated, and oleic fatty acids in prostate tissue resembled mean intakes for the group, prostatic concentrations did not correlate with individual intakes. Conclusion: Self-reported intake of fatty acids is a satisfactory marker of prostatic exposure at the group level, but, with the exception of linoleic acid, does not correctly rank individuals with respect to intensity of exposure.
Constitutive behavior of tantalum and tantalum-tungsten alloys

The effects of strain rate, temperature, and tungsten alloying on the yield stress and the strainhardening behavior of tantalum were investigated. The yield and flow stresses of unalloyed Ta and tantalum-tungsten alloys were found to exhibit very high rate sensitivities, while the hardening rates in Ta and Ta-W alloys were found to be insensitive to strain rate and temperature at lower temperatures or at higher strain rates. This behavior is consistent with the observation that overcoming the intrinsic Peierls stress is shown to be the rate-controlling mechanism in these materials at low temperatures. The dependence of yield stress on temperature and strain rate was found to decrease, while the strain-hardening rate increased with tungsten alloying content. The mechanical threshold stress (MTS) model was adopted to model the stress-strain behavior of unalloyed Ta and the Ta-W alloys. Parameters for the constitutive relations for Ta and the Ta-W alloys were derived for the MTS model, the Johnson—Cook (JC), and the Zerilli-Armstrong (ZA) models. The results of this study substantiate the applicability of these models for describing the high strain-rate deformation of Ta and Ta-W alloys. The JC and ZA models, however, due to their use of a power strain-hardening law, were found to yield constitutive relations for Ta and Ta-W alloys that are strongly dependent on the range of strains for which the models were optimized.
Changing Nuclear Landscape and Unique PML Structures During Early Epigenetic Transitions of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

The complex nuclear structure of somatic cells is important to epigenomic regulation, yet little is known about nuclear organization of human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Here we surveyed several nuclear structures in pluripotent and transitioning hESC. Observations of centromeres, telomeres, SC35 speckles, Cajal Bodies, lamin A/C and emerin, nuclear shape and size demonstrate a very different "nuclear landscape" in hESC. This landscape is remodeled during a brief transitional window, concomitant with or just prior to differentiation onset. Notably, hESC initially contain abundant signal for spliceosome assembly factor, SC35, but lack discrete SC35 domains; these form as cells begin to specialize, likely reflecting cell-type specific genomic organization. Concomitantly, nuclear size increases and shape changes as lamin A/C and emerin incorporate into the lamina. During this brief window, hESC exhibit dramatically different PML-defined structures, which in somatic cells are linked to gene regulation and cancer. Unlike the numerous, spherical somatic PML bodies, hES cells often display approximately 1-3 large PML structures of two morphological types: long linear "rods" or elaborate "rosettes", which lack substantial SUMO-1, Daxx, and Sp100. These occur primarily between Day 0-2 of differentiation and become rare thereafter. PML rods may be "taut" between other structures, such as centromeres, but clearly show some relationship with the lamina, where PML often abuts or fills a "gap" in early lamin A/C staining. Findings demonstrate that pluripotent hES cells have a markedly different overall nuclear architecture, remodeling of which is linked to early epigenomic programming and involves formation of unique PML-defined structures.
Small-cell variant of ALK+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with a leukemic phase

![Figure][1] This peripheral blood (PB) smear from a 24-year-old man with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and a white blood cell count of 77 × 109 cells/L (66% lymphocytes) showed variably-sized atypical lymphocytes with irregular nuclear contours and basophilic vacuolated cytoplasm
Fusarium Root and Crown Rot: A Disease of Container-Grown Hostas.

A previously unreported disease was observed on 11 cultivars of container-grown hosta plants at five wholesale nurseries in South Carolina between 1997 and 1999. Symptoms included leaf yellowing, plant stunting, rotting of and vascular discoloration in roots, and necrosis in the crowns. Fusarium spp. consistently were isolated from symptomatic hosta plants. Four species were recovered: F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, and an undescribed species designated Fusarium sp.; F. solani and Fusarium sp. were recovered most frequently. To demonstrate pathogenicity, four methods were used to inoculate hosta plants with representative isolates of F. solani, F. oxysporum, and Fusarium sp. Two types of inoculum, colonized oat seeds and conidium suspensions, were used to inoculate wounded and nonwounded plants. Disease symptoms occurred consistently only on hosta plants inoculated by dipping wounded roots and crowns into suspensions of conidia. Symptoms were most severe on plants inoculated with Fusarium sp. and much less severe on plants inoculated with F. solani or F. oxysporum. Disease severity increased and fresh weight of inoculated plants decreased when the concentration of inoculum of Fusarium sp. was increased over the range of 1 × 103 to 1 × 107 conidia per ml. Isolates of Fusarium sp., F. solani, and F. oxysporum varied in virulence when Hosta 'Francee' plants were inoculated. This study demonstrated that Fusarium root and crown rot of container-grown hostas is caused primarily by Fusarium sp. but that it also can be caused by F. solani and F. oxysporum. Fusarium sp. appears to be taxonomically distinct from other species, and its identity currently is under investigation.
R-curve behavior and toughening mechanisms of resin-based dental composites: Effects of hydration and post-cure heat treatment

Abstract Objectives To test the hypothesis that the fracture resistance of two different particulate resin composites degrade after water hydration and improve after post-cure heat treatment, and to correlate those changes with salient failure micromechanisms. Methods Two composites with different filler morphology were selected, denoted microhybrid (Filtek™ Z250) and nanofill (Filtek™ Supreme plus). Following initial light curing, hydrated samples were aged in water for 60 days at room temperature while post-cured samples were heat treated at 120 °C for 90 min. Fracture resistance was assessed using fracture resistance curves ( R -curves) utilizing pre-cracked compact tension, C(T), specimens. The flexural strength of the hydrated composites also was evaluated in four-point bending using unnotched beams. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of crack paths and fracture surfaces was performed to determine the micromechanisms of fracture and toughening. The results were compared by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test ( p ≤ 0.05). Results SEM observations revealed a predominantly interparticle matrix crack path for all cases except the hydrated nanofill composite, which showed evidence of particle matrix debonding. Hydration lowered the strength for both composites and the peak toughness for the nanofill composite. The strength decrease was attributed to resin matrix plasticization and hydrolytic degradation in both cases, with additional interfacial degradation causing a larger strength decline and concomitant peak toughness decrease in the nanofill composite. The post-cure heat treatment noticeably changed the R -curve shape causing the peak toughness to be reached after shorter amounts of crack extension. Such changes help explain the increases in strength reported in other studies and is attributed to improved resin matrix properties. Significance Results from this study provide new insight into the micromechanisms of fracture in resin-based dental composites which should aid the future development and improvement of these materials.
VALUES†: a national multicenter study of regional and gender differences in frontotemporal disease in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

SUMMARY Aims: To investigate regional and gender differences in prevalence rates and the pattern of cognitive and behavioral impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Materials & methods: One hundred and ten subjects (55 male) from 14 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinics were cross-sectionally evaluated with the Penn State Brief Exam of frontal and temporal dysfunction syndromes. Results: Prevalence rates of cognitive impairment and behavioral impairment were statistically equivalent among rural, suburban and urban subgroups. Females evidenced significant strengths in fluency and limitations in configurational processing. Patterns of regional findings suggested greater frontal cortical involvement in the rural sample. Females demonstrated more bihemispheric involvement in comparison to more left hemispheric involvement for males. Conclusions: Regional prevalence differences in frontotemporal disease prodrome appear insignificant and multifactorial, while being consistent with the toxicity model implic...
A GRID CODE FOR RWANDA

Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa (PB) in association with ACE Energy and PPA Energy was contracted by the Government of Rwanda (GOR) through the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) in Rwanda to formulate a National Electricity Grid Code (`Grid Code') for Rwanda. The Grid Code was successfully delivered to the client encompassing the requirements of the revised Electricity Law in Rwanda to allow private entities a bigger role in the Electrical Supply Industry (ESI) in Rwanda. (2 pages)
Are mothers of stutterers different? An investigation of social-communicative integration

Abstract Many speech-language pathologists assume that parent-child communicative interactions are critical precipitating or maintaining factors in the onset and development of stuttering. Although parents are frequently counseled to alter their attitudes or behaviors, no studies have pinpointed specific parental behaviors as increasing children's disfluency. The purpose of this study was to analyze differences between 12 mothers of stutterers and 12 mothers of nonstutterers in their social-communicative interactions with their own child, an unfamiliar stutterer, and an unfamiliar nonstutterer. Ten minutes of free-play interaction between each mother and child were video recorded from behind a one-way mirror. Results indicate that the two groups of mothers differed significantly only in their use of routine statements. Other findings indicate that stuttering children used significantly more positive and imperative statements than nonstuttering children. All children asked significantly more questions of their own mothers than of unfamiliar mothers.
CVD of Poly(α,α′‐dimethyl‐p‐xylylene) and Poly(α,α,α′,α′‐tetramethyl‐p‐xylylene)‐co‐poly(p‐xylylene) from Alkoxide Precursors II: Thermal Oxidative Stability

The Achilles heel of the parylene polymers is their oxidative stability at room temperature with UV exposure and at elevated temperature >115 °C in air. This weakness is attributed to the aliphatic carbon-carbon single bond in the main-chain backbone. Fluorinating this chemistry helps the oxidation substantially, but the precursor then becomes nearly prohibitive to use due to cost of the precursor and the processing cost. Another option is to explore the methylation of this benzyl position. Poly(α,α′-dimethyl-p-xylylene) and poly(α,α,α′,α′-tetramethyl-p-xylylene)-co-poly(p-xylylene) are deposited on the parylene platform via alkoxy precursors. Their oxidation as a function of temperature to 300 °C; and time at 150 °C is explored via variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) and infrared spectroscopy (IRS). Results show very little difference between the two polymers as a function of oxidation temperature, and better results compared to what was previously observed with the poly(p-xylylene) homopolymer, however the oxidation of poly(α,α′-dimethyl-p-xylylene) at 150 °C as a function of time is less positive with 16% thickness loss over 1000 h with the post-deposition annealed sample.
Planar bilayer lipid membranes supported on mesoporous aerogels, xerogels, and Vycor® glass: an epifluorescence microscopy study

Abstract We report the deposition and characterization of fluid synthetic biomembranes on various mesoporous materials. Planar phospholipid bilayers consisting of 97 mol% l -α-phosphatidylcholine (egg PC) and 3 mol% fluorescently labeled lipid N -(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-1,2-dihexadecanoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (NBD-PE) were formed by fusion of ∼30 nm diameter unilamellar vesicles on four different silica-based substrates: aerogels, xerogels, Vycor ® glass, and microscope cover glass. Epifluorescence microscopy was used to examine the micrometer-scale homogeneity of the resulting planar membranes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis was used to determine the lateral mobility retained in the membranes. Diffusion coefficients of 0.6 ± 0.2, 2 ± 1, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 2.5 ± 0.4 μm 2 s −1 were obtained for membranes supported on aerogels, xerogels, Vycor ® , and glass, respectively. In the same order, the average immobile lipid fractions, defined by the normalized magnitudes of recovery, were ∼75%, 81%, 94%, and 100%. Both lateral mobility and immobile fraction exhibited ranges of standard variations, especially pronounced for xerogels and Vycor ® , suggesting that the long-range translational dynamics of lipids in the supported membranes are sensitive to local defects and geometry of the underlying surface. Micrometer-scale clefts on the aerogel and xerogel surfaces limited the lipid lateral exchange, as shown by the reduced diffusivity and recovery.
Dacryodes patrona, a new and endangered species, and new generic record for Central America. Studies in neotropical Burseraceae XIX

Dacryodes patrona is described and illustrated. This new species, which should be considered endangered, is the first species of Dacryodes to be described from Central America.
Cell division and gibberellic acid.

Abstract In two rosette plants, Hyoscyamus niger and Samolus parviflorus , gibberellic acid causes a substantial increase in cell division in the tissues immediately underlying the apex. As the treatment continues an elongate stem is produced and, for at least 72 hours, the period considered in this study, the subapical zone of cell division expands commensurate with the growth in length. Since there was no cell elongation during the 72-hour interval, the entire increase in length was due to the production of new cells. Hence, it was possible to determine the number of cells produced in a certain time interval and compare this to the observed mitotic activity (number of mitotic figures counted). In the pith region of Samolus , peaks in mitotic activity at 24 and 48 hours were observed and ascribed to a partial synchronization of cell division initiated by the application of GA. The 24-hour interval between the two peaks probably reflects the average pith cell-generation time. Based on the above information additional calculations were made to determine the total number of cells dividing in the first 24 hours after application of GA and the karyokinesis time for pith cells.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate Dihydrogen/Hydride Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium

Protonation of TpM(PR3)H2 (M = Rh, Ir) complexes with HBF4·Et2O or [H(Et2O)2][B(Ar)4] (Ar = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) affords cationic complexes which exhibit a single hydride resonance at all accessible temperatures in the 1H NMR spectrum. Formulation as fluxional dihydrogen/hydride complexes is indicated by short T1(min) values of ca. 22 ms (Ir) and 7 ms (Rh). The relaxation times are consistent with H−H bond lengths of 0.88−1.11 A in the iridium complexes and 0.73−0.92 A in the rhodium complexes depending on the relative rate of the dihydrogen rotational motion. In the case of the iridium complexes, partial substitution of the hydride positions with deuterium or tritium results in large temperature-dependent isotope shifts and resolvable JH-D or JH-T coupling constants. Analysis of the chemical shift and coupling constant data as a function of temperature is consistent with a preference for the heavy hydrogen isotope to occupy the hydride rather than the dihydrogen site. This analysis also provides the limiting ...
The Endothelium Paracrine Mediator of Aortic Dissection

For over 30 years the endothelium has assumed greater and greater importance in our understanding of the development of vascular pathology. This includes the discoveries that the endothelium releases powerful vasodilator and antiplatelet mediators, prostacyclin and nitric oxide, as well as its role in governing permeability, inflammation, and monocyte/macrophage infiltration of the blood vessel. In this issue of Circulation, Fan and colleagues1 show that boosting endothelial-derived oxidants in the mouse aorta by overexpression of the NADPH oxidase isoform, Nox2, during prolonged angiotensin II-induced hypertension, results in a high incidence of infra-renal aortic dissection.
A Conceptual and Methodological Approach to the Identification of Peer Institutions.

In recent years, planners, administrators, and researchers have increasingly sought ways to classify higher educational institutions for descriptive, comparative, and analytical purposes. This paper describes a methodology developed as an alternative to conventional institutional classification structures, intended to reduce (if not eliminate) the limitations of those models: arbitrariness, a priori specification of the classification structure, and the inability to accommodate more than a limited number of classification criteria. Using a combination of factor analysis and cluster analysis, eight homogeneous groups of institutions were developed from the population of all doctoral degree-granting institutions in the AAUP's “Category I.” A discriminant function analysis indicates that the eight groups are each different from the others at statistically significant levels. Ways in which the methodology can be used for planning, administrative, and research purposes are discussed, as are the dangers in using “peer groups” for institutional planning and analysis.
Predicting outcome in children with severe acute respiratory failure treated with high-frequency ventilation

Objectivesa) To demonstrate the effect of high-frequency ventilation on gas exchange in children with severe acute respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional ventilation; b) to identify patients at high risk of death early after institution of high-frequency ventilation.SettingTertiary care pe
Minimization of Electrostatic Free Energy and the Poisson–Boltzmann Equation for Molecular Solvation with Implicit Solvent

In an implicit-solvent description of the solvation of charged molecules (solutes), the electrostatic free energy is a functional of concentrations of ions in the solvent. The charge density is det...
Attachment Theory in Supervision: A Critical Incident Experience.

Critical incident experiences are a powerful source of counselor development (T. M. Skovholt & P. R. McCarthy, 1988a, 1988b) and are relevant to attachment issues. An attachment theory perspective of supervision is presented and applied to a critical incident case scenario. By focusing on the behavioral systems (i.e., attachment, caregiving, and exploratory) identified by J. Bowlby (1969), previous conceptualizations are expanded by illuminating relational concepts that supervisors could use to facilitate counselor learning.
Some estimates which minimize the least upper bound of a probability together with the cost of observation

Useful types of weight functions are considered for problems of interval and point estimation, and applied to estimation of the mean of a normal population with known variance. Comparison is made with other approaches. The “best” number of observations is explicitly derived for certain cases.
Quantifying the instability of core temperature in rodents

Abstract Radiotelemetry provides researchers with the ability to sample the core temperature of rodents and other species rapidly. Compared to large mammals, the time-course of core temperature of rodents is variable and their data are often averaged into bins of one or more hours for publication. When viewing averaged data, a stable core temperature over a wide range of ambient temperatures is observed; however, if the time-course of core temperature of individual animals is examined closely with a sampling period of 1–10 min, a continuous waxing and waning of temperature is observed. It is proposed that calculating the change in temperature from one time point to the next (i.e., temperature differential) is an informative measure of the performance of the thermoregulatory system. A quantitative measure of the stability of the thermoregulatory system can be determined by calculating the absolute value of the temperature differential. It is shown that the absolute temperature differential (ATD) is dependent on ambient temperature, genetic strain, type of cage bedding, and body size. The ATD is simple to calculate from telemetry data and may be an important parameter for the study of rodent thermal physiology.
Exposure of RML scrapie agent to a sodium percarbonate-based product and sodium dodecyl sulfate renders PrPSc protease sensitive but does not eliminate infectivity.

Prions, the causative agents of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are notoriously difficult to inactivate. Current decontamination recommendations by the World Health Organization include prolonged exposure to 1 N sodium hydroxide or > 20,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite, or autoclaving. For decontamination of large stainless steel surfaces and equipment as in abattoirs, for example, these methods are harsh or unsuitable. The current study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial product containing sodium percarbonate to inactivate prions. Samples of mouse brain infected with a mouse-adapted strain of the scrapie agent (RML) were exposed to a sodium percarbonate-based product (SPC-P). Treated samples were evaluated for abnormal prion protein (PrPSc)-immunoreactivity by western blot analysis, and residual infectivity by mouse bioassay. Exposure to a 21% solution of SPC-P or a solution containing either 2.1% or 21% SPC-P in combination with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) resulted in increased proteinase K sensitivity of PrPSc. Limited reductions in infectivity were observed depending on treatment condition. A marginal effect on infectivity was observed with SPC-P alone, but an approximate 2–3 log10 reduction was observed with the addition of SDS, though exposure to SDS alone resulted in an approximate 2 log10 reduction. This study demonstrates that exposure of a mouse-adapted scrapie strain to SPC-P does not eliminate infectivity, but does render PrPSc protease sensitive.