cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultralow Loss Polaritons in Isotopically Pure Hexagonal Boron Nitride

We experimentally observe a significant improvements in polariton lifetime through isotopic enrichment of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Commensurate increases in the polariton propagation length are demonstrated via direct imaging of polaritonic standing waves by means of infrared nano-optics, with resolution greater than $\lambda/125$ observed in a preliminary hyperlens design. Our results provide the foundation for a materials-growth-directed approach aimed at realizing the loss control necessary for the development of next generation PhP-based nanophotonic devices.
KCNQ channels enable reliable presynaptic spiking and synaptic transmission at high-frequency

The presynaptic action potential (AP) results in calcium influx which triggers neurotransmitter release. For this reason, the AP waveform is crucial in determining the timing and strength of synaptic transmission. The calyx of Held nerve terminals of rat show minimum changes in AP waveform during high-frequency AP firing. We found that the stability of the calyceal AP waveform requires KCNQ K+ channel activated during high-frequency spiking activity. High-frequency presynaptic spikes gradually led to accumulation of KCNQ channels in open states which kept interspike membrane potential sufficiently negative to maintain Na+ channel availability. Accordingly, blocking KCNQ channels during stimulus trains led to inactivation of presynaptic Na+, and to a lesser extent KV1 channels, thereby reducing the AP height and broadening AP duration. Thus, while KCNQ channels are generally thought to prevent hyperactivity of neurons, we find that in axon terminals these channels function to facilitate high-frequency firing needed for sensory coding.
Publishing Journal Articles : A Scientific Guide for New Authors Worldwide

Journal publication and grant writing are two core professional skills for new scholars today. However, systematic training is not typically offered in graduate programs worldwide. This book equips readers with the current scientific knowledge by providing a concise introduction to the science of journal article publication. The overall structure generally matches the curriculum of a graduate course and each chapter features a learning sequence based on Daniel Kahneman's intuitive judgement theory. The volume analyzes the intuitive thoughts of new authors from a variety of countries, uses over fifty real-life cases, and focuses on core concepts from nearly 100 research articles. It provides scientific advice for new authors, junior researchers, and graduate students to publish their scholarly work and advance their academic careers.
Left Ventricular Assist Device Exchange Increases Heart Transplant Wait-List Mortality.

Background The new heart transplant allocation criteria prioritize inpatients who require temporary mechanical circulatory support and give lower urgency to candidates on a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) who require a device exchange. This study explores whether the latter group should warrant higher priority to reduce wait-list mortality. Methods This is a retrospective observational study of 13,113 adult heart transplant candidates in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database who underwent LVAD implantation between 2007 and 2017. It evaluates the impact of LVAD exchange on the composite endpoint of death or removal from the wait list owing to worsening medical condition 1 y after device implantation. Results There were 1085 pump exchanges in 954 patients (7% of candidates), of which 22% were women. The pump exchange rate was 5.92 events per 100 patient-years. One-year survival was lower for those who required a pump exchange (76.3% versus 88.5%, logrank P Conclusions These findings indicate that among candidates awaiting heart transplantation with a durable LVAD, undergoing pump exchange doubles the risk of 1-y mortality. Giving priority to these candidates may reduce wait-list mortality.
Gender differences in cardiotoxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer patients

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly being used for cancer therapy. Cardiotoxicity from ICIs has largely been underestimated since cardiovascular monitoring is not routinely performed after initiating immunotherapy. Cardiotoxic side effects are uncommon but are serious complications of ICIs with a high morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives: To determine gender differences in the risk of CVEs in cancer patients that receive immunotherapy. To determine the risk of CVEs in males and females who received different number of ICI injections. To study other possible risk factors for adverse CVEs in patients who received immunotherapy with ICIs. Materials and Methods: In this observational, retrospective, pharmacovigilance study, we used MarketScan Databases to compare cardiovascular adverse events reported in patients who received ICIs. The data used in this study was fully integrated and de-identified data. The study included 16,574 patients who had cancer and underwent ICI therapy between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2018. ICI drugs in this study included nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and ipilimumab. The time to an event and the end of follow-up was counted from the time of first ICI injection. Our primary exposure variable was gender. Results: This study demonstrated that time to adverse CVE in cancer patients that receive ICI therapy is affected by the gender. The hazard time to CVEs between the male and female gender varied by age. There was no difference in CVEs between males and females at a younger age. The hazard time to CVEs increased with age above 60 years in males when compared to females. The hazard of time to CVE in males was 1.18 times the hazard in females at the mean study age of 60.5 years. Adjusted Kaplan–Meier survival curves for males and females stratified by ICI injection categories showed that those with fewer number of ICI injections had a shorter time to CVE. Conclusions: The number of ICI injections and the gender both impact adverse cardiovascular events in cancer patients. Managing and reducing cardiotoxicity is vital for safe delivery of this effective therapy. Future studies should assess whether late onset chronic cardiotoxicity can occur with ICI therapy.
Abstract P388: Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Track Into Adolescence and Role of Weight Dynamics

Introduction: Childhood and adolescent OSA share certain pathophysiological mechanisms. Thus, adolescent OSA may be in a continuum of childhood OSA. However, this hypothesis remains controversial. ...
Rebuilding the Profession: Recommendations for Librarians Interested in Becoming Academic Law Library Directors

Based on papers presented at a 2005 workshop for individuals interested in becoming academic law library directors, this article begins by exploring the duties of academic director jobs -- administrative skills and faculty responsibilities -- before examining how to build credentials in preparation for such jobs. It concludes by focusing on the skills and knowledge needed to interview for director jobs.
Centennial-scale age offsets of plant wax n-alkanes in Adirondack lake sediments

Abstract Lacustrine sediments have the potential to preserve paleoenvironmental proxies such as terrestrial plant waxes at high temporal resolution. The temporal fidelity of plant wax records, however, can be up to several thousand years older than the corresponding sediment, based on compound-specific radiocarbon (14C) analysis. Unfortunately, the factors controlling 14C age offsets between plant waxes and sediments are not well understood. The aims of this study are to quantify and compare plant wax n-alkane 14C age offsets among lakes within the same region, and to determine if drainage and lake basin differences (e.g., size, relief, drainage basin morphology, fluvial inputs) influence these offsets. We collected sediments from five lakes in the Adirondack Mountains, NY, USA that lack petrogenic sources of n-alkanes, and range in drainage basin characteristics. Sediment age models were constructed for each lake using a combination of sediment 210Pb, 137Cs, and macrofossil 14C ages, and compared to 14C ages of long-chain (n-C27, n-C29, n-C31) alkanes sampled from Holocene and Late Glacial aged sediments. The n-alkane 14C ageinitial is a measure of the age offset in n-alkanes relative to the sediment they are deposited in. Across all lakes, the n-alkane 14C ageinitial ranged from penecontemporaneous to 2440 14C yr. This oldest n-alkane 14C ageinitial is significantly outside the distribution of all other samples; when excluded, the overall mean n-alkane 14C ageinitial was 400 ± 255 14C yr (n = 23). The largest n-alkane 14C ageinitial values were observed in the last 1 cal kyr BP (565 ± 180 14C yr (1σ), n = 12)) compared to sediments deposited between 1 and 13 cal kyr BP (220 ± 195 14C yr (1σ), n = 11)). These age offsets develop early after initial lake basin sedimentation and follow a similar pattern in all of the lakes despite differences in lake basin and catchment size, relief, and geomorphology. We speculate that 14C age offsets occur due to reworking of older n-alkanes stored in drainage basin sediments and soils and this mechanism is most effective in the last ∼1 kyr. Regardless, lakes in temperate forested metamorphic bedrock terrains have relatively small and stable n-alkane age offsets compared with lakes with extensive catchment soils or anthropogenic disturbance. By targeting lakes with minimal catchment soils, age offsets may be reduced, thereby minimizing attenuation or age distortion of climate signals in plant wax isotopic records.
Model-Free Optimal Voltage Control via Continuous-Time Zeroth-Order Methods.

In power distribution systems, the growing penetration of renewable energy resources brings new challenges to maintaining voltage safety, which is further complicated by the limited model information of distribution systems. To address these challenges, we develop a model-free optimal voltage control algorithm based on projected primal-dual gradient dynamics and continuous-time zeroth-order method (extreme seeking control). This proposed algorithm i) operates purely based on voltage measurements and does not require any other model information, ii) can drive the voltage magnitudes back to the acceptable range, iii) satisfies the power capacity constraints all the time, iv) minimizes the total operating cost, and v) is implemented in a decentralized fashion where the privacy of controllable devices is preserved and plug-and-play operation is enabled. We prove that the proposed algorithm is semi-globally practically asymptotically stable and is structurally robust to measurement noises. Lastly, the performance of the proposed algorithm is further demonstrated via numerical simulations.
Globalization and Chengdu: A Response to Eduardo Pagán

(2015). Globalization and Chengdu: A Response to Eduardo Pagan. Comparative Literature: East & West: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 22-28.
Bride kidnapping and gendered labor migration: evidence from Kyrgyzstan

Because the decision to migrate is a product of gendered negotiations within households, households formed through forced marriage may have different migration strategies than households formed thr...
How Does Facebook Use for Politics Motivate Unfriending and Muting? The Role of Joy on Opinion Self-disclosure After Unfriending

Abstract Motivated reasoning theory posits that individuals constantly engage in directional motivation which lets individuals use defensive strategies to defend their preexisting beliefs or identities. But how do people feel after they employ defensive strategies to manage political behaviors on Facebook? Results from a national representative sample from Qualtric survey panel ( N = 505) showed that the political motivation of Facebook use for politics can impact the consequent management behaviors of exposing to posted political content by others and disclosure of personal opinions on Facebook. Interestingly, individuals who felt joy after unfriending or muting others for political reasons reported they would disclose more on Facebook. This study indicates the important role of political motivation and emotion of joy in the formation of echo chambers on social media.
Preventing ovarian cancer cell metastasis through inhibition of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in the tumor microenvironment: a metabolomic analysis

Objectives: Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) is a tyrosine kinase activated by fibrillar collagen type 1. DDR2 expression in both cancer cells and stromal cells is critical for metastases in breast cancer. In ovarian cancer, DDR2 stabilizes Snail, a critical factor in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, which facilitates cancer cell invasion and metastases. Snail has also been shown to reprogram glucose metabolism in breast cancer cells, thereby allowing cancer cell survival under metabolic stress. This study aimed to investigate how stromal DDR2 expression in normal omental and ovarian cancer associated fibroblasts (NOF and CAF) regulates tumor cell invasion by analyzing changes in stromal cell metabolomics. Methods: Matrigel invasion assays were performed using immortalized normal omental fibroblasts (NOF206) and ES2 ovarian cancer cells. NOF206s were transfected with two different siRNAs to produce transient siDDR2 knockdown. Lysates and conditioned media were collected of siControl (DDR2-expressing), Dharmacon siDDR2 and Sigma siDDR2 (DDR2 non-expressing) cells. Mass spectrometry was performed and metabolites were identified. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate changes in the expression of mesenchymal markers based on DDR2 expression. Results: DDR2 expressing tumor cells invaded less when co-cultured with DDR2-non expressing NOFs compared to DDR2 expressing NOFs (51 vs 155 cells per hpf, p Conclusions: Genetic inactivation of DDR2 results in marked changes in the metabolism of normal omental fibroblasts resulting in decreased tumor cell invasion. These findings suggest a novel role of DDR2 in metabolism and stromal cell energy generation. The significance of these findings requires further study on the complex relationship between ovarian cancer and the stromal environment.
Technique Corner: Marrow Stimulation and Augmentation

Focal articular cartilage defects are a significant source of pain and dysfunction in the knee, affecting upwards of one million people and resulting in an increased incidence of cartilage surgeries performed each year. To address these defects, several operative techniques are commonly utilized depending on defect site and location. While specific treatment choice and technique are individualized, cartilage procedures can broadly be classified as palliative measures such as chondroplasty, repair procedures such as microfracture, and restorative procedures including autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS), and osteochondral allograft transplantation.
Characterizations of bounded solutions of linear complementarity problems

A number of equivalent characterizations for the existence and boundedness of solutions of the linear complementarity problem: Mx+q≥0, x≥0, x T (Mx+q)=0 where M is an n×n real matrix and q is an n-vector, are given for the case when M is copositive plus. The special case when M is skew-symmetric covers the linear programming case. One useful characterization of existence and boundedness of solutions is given by solving a simple linear program. Other important characterizations are the Slater constraint qualification and the stability condition that for all arbitrary but sufficiently small perturbations of the data M and q which maintain copositivity plus, the perturbed linear complementarity problem is solvable and its solutions are uniformly bounded. An interesting sufficient condition for boundedness of solutions is that the linear complementarity problem have a nondegenerate vertex solution. Another result is that the subclass ™ of copositive plus matrices for which the linear complementarity problem has a solution for each q in R n , that is ™⊂Q, coincides with the subclass of copositive plus matrices for which the linear complementarity problem has a nonempty bounded solution set for each q in R n .
Erratum to: New C2 synchondrosal fracture classification system

Fig. 1 Normal synchondroses. a Coronal CT image in a 12-month-old boy shows the five central C2 synchondroses — bilateral neurocentral (small arrows), bilateral odontoneural (large arrows) and the single transverse odontocentral synchondrosis (asterisk) — are all open. The apicodental synchondrosis (A) is also open and os odontoideum is not yet ossified. b, c Axial CT myelogram images in 6-month-old boy show normal immature C2 anatomy — bilateral neurocentral (large arrows in b) and bilateral odontoneural (small arrows in c). C2 neural arches (C2 na), C1 lamina (C1) and the odontoid (O) are labeled for reference
Femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy of Cu at the micron/sub-micron scale

While femtosecond Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy has been studied in the macro-scale (i.e. ablation crater sizes of tens to hundreds of micrometers), the spectral emission mechanisms at the micron/sub-micron scale remain largely unknown, mainly because of the challenges associated with spectral emission acquisition from the limited amounts of ablated mass at these small lengthscales. In this work we study the limits of detection, the laser-induced plasma properties and spectral emission efficiency of Cu at the micron/submicron scale. Although the corresponding number electron densities and temperatures are similar to those reported for macroscale laser ablation, our findings suggest less efficient luminous spectral emission per ablated volume as we scale down in laser energy and crater sizes. These results provide a first insight into fs laser-induced plasma properties at the micron/sub-micron scale regime.
Potent antagonism of 5-HT3 and 5-HT6 receptors by olanzapine

The interaction of the psychotropic agent olanzapine with serotonin 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(6) receptors was investigated. Olanzapine did not contract the isolated guinea pig ileum, but blocked contractions induced by the 5-HT(3) receptor agonist 2-methyl serotonin (2-CH(3) 5-HT) with a pK(B) value of 6.38+/-0.03, close to the affinity of the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist ondansetron. The atypical antipsychotic risperidone (1 microM) did not significantly inhibit 2-CH(3) 5-HT-induced contractions. Olanzapine had high affinity (pK(i)=8.30+/-0.06) for human 5-HT(6) receptors in radioligand binding studies. Olanzapine did not stimulate [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding to the G protein G(s) in cells containing human 5-HT(6) receptors, but inhibited 5-HT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding (pK(B)=7.38+/-0.16). Among other antipsychotics investigated, clozapine antagonized 5-HT(6) receptors with a pK(B)=7.42+/-0.15, ziprasidone was three-fold less potent, and risperidone, quetiapine and haloperidol were weak antagonists. Thus, olanzapine was not an agonist, but was a potent antagonist at 5-HT(6) receptors and had marked antagonism at 5-HT(3) receptors.
Development of a high-speed multi-channel analog data acquisitioning architecture

As the measurement techniques in the space science community rapidly evolve, the demand for multi-channeled, high-speed, radiation tolerant data acquisitioning systems gets increasingly higher. The high volume and resolution of data, and the complexity of the in-situ processing and analysis requirements, have triggered the need for faster, smaller, and easily reconfigurable designs. In response to this demand, Southwest Research Institute has developed a high-speed, multi-channel, versatile data acquisitioning architecture. This new architecture can perform reconfigurable DSP algorithms and subsequent data processing on instrument analog input signals. The overall architecture and topology was developed as part of a SwRI science instrumentation trade study and then implemented on the NASA gamma-ray large area space telescope (GLAST) data processing unit (DPU). It can easily be reconfigured for other space missions and instrument applications. This paper presents an architectural view of the design and gives examples of its tremendous versatility. It also addresses the evolution of analog DSP data acquisition systems in general and emphasizes the advantages and tradeoffs between today's approaches versus older heritage methods.
Union Membership Trends and Organizing Activities in the Hotel and Restaurant Industries

This paper presents an analysis of union election activity within the hotel and restaurant industries for the period of January 1, 1977 through September 30, 1989. Data on National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certification and decertification elections reveal a decline in overall activity during this period for all major unions in these industries. While the percentage of elections won by the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HERE) has increased in the last year of analysis, other unions have exhibited a decline.
Semantical Analysis of Intuitionistic Logic I

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses a semantical analysis of intuitionistic logic I. The chapter presents a semantical model theory for Heyting's intuitionist predicate logic and proves the completeness of that system relative to the modeling. The semantics for modal logic that is announced and developed together with the known mappings of intuitionistic logic into the modal system, S4, inspired the present semantics for intuitionist logic. It is important to develop the semantics of intuitionistic logic independently of that of S4; this procedure helps to obtain somewhat more information about intuitionistic logic, including the mapping into S4 as a consequence thereof. In addition to giving a simple decision procedure for Heyting's propositional calculus, the chapter presents the undecidability of monadic intuitionistic quantification theory. The proof is based on the semantics previously developed. Beth semantic tableaux for intuitionistic logic is developed in the chapter. The chapter describes consistency property: in a standard formalization of Heyting's predicate calculus, the axioms are all valid, and the rules preserve validity.
Effects of Web Traffic Announcements on Firm Value

Data from independent rating firms on traffic to commercial Web sites are routinely used in financial valuation models and in determining advertising rates. These metrics are not always reliable because third-party estimates of Web traffic are vulnerable to technical and methodological weaknesses. Nonetheless, many companies issue press releases proclaiming their achievement of Web traffic milestones. In this article, standard event-study methodology is used to examine how Web traffic announcements affected firm value in the period from 1996 until 2001. The findings indicate that announcements increased firm value only in 1996-1999, and that the increases were indeed due to the announcements rather than the Internet Bubble. The announcing firms, regardless of business model, trading age, financial performance, and other characteristics, experienced value increases of about 5 percent around the time of the press release. This evidence documents the extent to which the market reacted to Web traffic indicators in the late 1990s despite their shortcomings.
Electrophoretic characterization of species of fibronectin bearing sequences from the N-terminal heparin-binding domain in synovial fluid samples from patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Fragments of fibronectin (FN) corresponding to the N-terminal heparin-binding domain have been observed to promote catabolic chondrocytic gene expression and chondrolysis. We therefore characterized FN species that include sequences from this domain in samples of arthritic synovial fluid using one-and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) Western blot analysis. We detected similar assortments of species, ranging from ~47 to greater than 200 kDa, in samples obtained from patients with osteoarthritis (n = 9) versus rheumatoid arthritis (n = 10). One of the predominant forms, with an apparent molecular weight of ~170 kDa, typically resolved in 2D electrophoresis into a cluster of subspecies. These exhibited reduced binding to gelatin in comparison with a more prevalent species of ~200+ kDa and were also recognized by a monoclonal antibody to the central cell-binding domain (CBD). When considered together with our previous analyses of synovial fluid FN species containing the alternatively spliced EIIIA segment, these observations indicate that the ~170-kDa species includes sequences from four FN domains that have previously, in isolation, been observed to promote catabolic responses by chondrocytes in vitro: the N-terminal heparin-binding domain, the gelatin-binding domain, the central CBD, and the EIIIA segment. The ~170-kDa N-terminal species of FN may therefore be both a participant in joint destructive processes and a biomarker with which to gauge activity of the arthritic process.
Dendritic Cells Induce MUC1 Expression and Polarization on Human T Cells by an IL-7-Dependent Mechanism

The MUC1 transmembrane mucin is expressed on the surface of activated human T cells; however, the physiologic signals responsible for the regulation of MUC1 in T cells are not known. The present studies demonstrate that IL-7, but not IL-2 or IL-4, markedly induces MUC1 expression on CD3+ T cells. MUC1 was also up-regulated by IL-15, but to a lesser extent than that found with IL-7. The results show that IL-7 up-regulates MUC1 on CD4+, CD8+, CD25+, CD69+, naive CD45RA+, and memory CD45RO+ T cells. In concert with induction of MUC1 expression by IL-7, activated dendritic cells (DC) that produce IL-7 up-regulate MUC1 on allogeneic CD3+ T cells. DC also induce MUC1 expression on autologous CD3+ T cells in the presence of recall Ag. Moreover, DC-induced MUC1 expression on T cells is blocked by a neutralizing anti-IL-7 Ab. The results also demonstrate that DC induce polarization of MUC1 on T cells at sites opposing the DC-T cell synapse. These findings indicate that DC-mediated activation of Ag-specific T cells is associated with induction and polarization of MUC1 expression by an IL-7-dependent mechanism.
An electromechanical model of neuronal dynamics using Hamilton's principle

Damage of the brain may be caused by mechanical loads such as penetration, blunt force, shock loading from blast, and by chemical imbalances due to neurological diseases and aging that trigger not only neuronal degeneration but also changes in the mechanical properties of brain tissue. An understanding of the interconnected nature of the electro-chemo-mechanical processes that result in brain damage and ultimately loss of functionality is currently lacking. While modern mathematical models that focus on how to link brain mechanics to its biochemistry are essential in enhancing our understanding of brain science, the lack of experimental data required by these models as well as the complexity of the corresponding computations render these models hard to use in clinical applications. In this paper we propose a unified variational framework for the modeling of neuronal electromechanics. We introduce a constrained Lagrangian formulation that takes into account Newton's law of motion of a linear viscoelastic Kelvin-Voigt solid-state neuron as well as the classic Hodgkin-Huxley equations of the electronic neuron. The system of differential equations describing neuronal electromechanics is obtained by applying Hamilton's principle. Numerical simulations of possible damage dynamics in neurons will be presented.
Potential host-defense role of a human milk vitamin B-12–binding protein, haptocorrin, in the gastrointestinal tract of breastfed infants, as assessed with porcine haptocorrin in vitro

Background Limited information exists on the biological role of a vitamin B-12-binding protein, haptocorrin, in human milk. The expression of haptocorrin by human mammary epithelial cells and its presence in human milk suggest a potential physiologic function in breastfed infants. Objective We investigated the extent to which haptocorrin could withstand proteolytic degradation and exert antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions designed to simulate the gastrointestinal tract of breastfed infants. Design An in vitro model that simulates infant gastric and intestinal digestion was developed. The structural stability of porcine haptocorrin after exposure to digestive enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin) was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot analysis, column chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The antimicrobial activity of haptocorrin was determined by incubating haptocorrin with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O127 strain 2348/69 and monitoring bacterial growth. Results The structural analysis of haptocorrin exposed to enzymes did not show a decrease in molecular weight, which indicated that haptocorrin can survive proteolytic degradation. Both haptocorrin exposed to digestive enzymes and undigested haptocorrin inhibited the growth of enteropathogenic E. coli and did so to a similar extent. Thus, haptocorrin in vitro not only retains its structure after exposure to proteases but also exhibits antimicrobial activity. Conclusion These results suggest that haptocorrin may exert a host-defense function against pathogens in the gastrointestinal tracts of breastfed infants.
Fracture behavior of directionally solidified CeO2- and Pr2O3-doped Y3Al5O12/Al2O3 eutectic composites

Abstract The microstructural features and fracture behavior of CeO 2 - and Pr 2 O 3 -doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 /Al 2 O 3 eutectic composites grown by an edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) technique were studied. The microstructures of the composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fracture toughness and crack propagation behavior of the composites were investigated using an indentation technique. The fracture toughness ( K 1C ) of CeO 2 - and Pr 2 O 3 -doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 /Al 2 O 3 eutectic composites were measured to be 4.99 MPa m 1/2 and 2.79 MPa m 1/2 , respectively. Crack deflection was observed occasionally in both CeO 2 - and Pr 2 O 3 -doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 /Al 2 O 3 eutectic composites.
Peace as a Women's Issue: A History of the U.S. Movement for World Peace and Women's Rights

A history of the ideologies and personalities of the feminist peace movement in the US. This study explores: connections between militarism and violence against women; women as the mothers of society; women as naturally responsible citizens; and the desire to be independent of male control.
CHLORAMPHENICOL‐ AND CYCLOHEXIMIDE‐SENSITIVE PROTEIN SYNTHETIC SYSTEMS IN BRAIN MITOCHONDRIAL AND NERVE‐ENDING PREPARATIONS

— Mitochondria isolated from rat brain contained ribosomes, with an apparent sedimentation constant (j) of 60, which were dissociable into 45s and 32s subunits. The RNA associated with the 45s subunit had an s value of 16; the RNA of the 32s subunit had an s value of 13. These values were essentially like those found for the mitochondria of rat liver. Nascent protein associated with the 60s monosome was reduced by chloramphenicol but not by cycloheximide. All cycloheximide-sensitive activity found in brain mitochondria prepared from sucrose or Ficoll-sucrose gradients and most of that associated with nerve-ending preparations that were similarly prepared could be attributed to a contaminant that was probably a membrane-enclosed, cytoplasmic-like system which contained, in addition to 18s and 28s RNA, one or more mitochondria. Nerve-ending preparations from which most or all of this contamination had been removed exhibited very little cycloheximide-sensitive protein synthetic activity.
Methionine synthetase in mammalian brain: Function, development and distribution

Abstract Recycling of methionine via homocysteine occurs in vivo in rat and rabbit brain. Methyltetrahydrofolate - homocysteiine methyltransferase (methionine synthetase, EC 2.1.1.13) is the only enzyme in the brain capable of remethylating homocysteine to methionine. The enzyme is uniformly distributed in various regions of the rabbit brain (except for the choroid plexus). The specific activity of the enzyme in glial cells is twice that of neurons. The specific activity and concentration of the enzyme in rabbit brain is highest at one day of age and then declines until it stabilizes in the adult at 50 percent of the original activity. Moderate folate deficiency did not affect the activity of the enzyme but brief treatment with nitrous oxide resulted in a 50 percent reduction in the enzyme level. We conclude that methionine recycling in mammalian brain occurs throughout the brain during the entire life span. Methionine and its active form S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is one of Nature's most important molecules, serving as a methyl group donor and a precursor in the biosynthesis of polyamines (1,2). In the past, several authors (2,3,4) have suggested that, in brain, the biosynthesis of methionine occurs in both rabbit and rat brains in vivo via methionine synthetase. We will discuss the function, development and distribution of this enzyme in brain.
Relationship of Digestibility and Certain Rumen Fluid Components to Level of Feed Intake and Time of Sampling after Feeding

Abstract Feeding trials were conducted to investigate the effect of level of intake on digestibility and on changes of some rumen fluid components as a function of time after feeding. Trials with sheep showed no significant effect of level of intake on digestibility of dry matter, energy, or nutrients. Trials using fistulated cows revealed that levels of intake and time of sampling had important and predictable effects on relative proportions of components in rumen fluid. Direction and magnitude of the response to levels of intake varied among these components. Prediction equations expressing the responses are shown. Except for iso-butyric acid, all components investigated showed significant changes as a function of time after feeding. Prediction equations are given expressing these changes as a function of time after feeding. Means of samples taken at 3 hr after feeding on five consecutive days were compared to means of samples taken at nine consecutive hourly intervals on a single day. Results show that knowledge of the pattern of variation, characteristic of a particular component of the rumen fluid after feeding a particular ration, appears to be necessary for a proper interpretation of data obtained by the technique of a single sampling at a fixed time after feeding.
Motivational incentives research in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network

The purpose of this article is to review both main findings and secondary analyses from studies of abstinence incentives conducted in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). Previous research has supported the efficacy of tangible incentives provided contingent on evidence of recent drug abstinence. CTN conducted the first multisite effectiveness trial of this novel intervention. Study participants were stimulant abusers (N = 803) participating in treatment at 14 clinical sites and randomly assigned to treatment as usual with or without a prize draw incentive program. Study participants could earn up to $400 over 3 months for submission of drug-free urine and breath (BAL) specimens. Three-month retention was significantly improved by incentives offered to psychosocial counseling clients (50% incentive vs. 35% control retained), whereas ongoing stimulant drug use was significantly reduced in methadone maintenance clients (54.4% incentive vs. 38.7% control samples testing stimulant-negative). In both settings, duration of continuous abstinence achieved was improved in the incentive condition. These studies support effectiveness of one abstinence incentive intervention and highlight the different outcomes that can be expected with application in methadone maintenance versus psychosocial counseling treatment settings. Secondary analyses have shown the importance of early treatment positive versus negative urine screens in moderating the outcome of abstinence incentives and have explored both safety and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Implications for the use of motivational incentive methods in clinical practice are discussed.
Formation and resealing of pores of controlled sizes in human erythrocyte membrane

APPLICATION of an electric pulse, at field intensities of a few kV cm−1 and of duration in the µs range, to an isotonic suspension of erythrocytes is known to cause haemolysis of the red cells1–4. Studies from different laboratories suggest that the haemolysis is due to the field-induced transmembrane potential1,3,4. Our recent experiments5 indicate that once the transmembrane potential reaches a threshold of approximately 1 V, which corresponds to an applied field of 2.2 kV cm−1, the erythrocyte membrane becomes leaky to normally impermeant ions or molecules. The permeation of solutes leads to the swelling and eventual lysis of the red cells. This type of haemolysis is known as colloid osmotic haemolysis6,7. The voltage-induced permeability change is consistent with the formation of pores in the membrane. We show here that the size of these pores can be varied in a controlled manner, and that the leaky membrane can be resealed while the haemolysis is prevented. Foreign molecules have successfully been incorporated into the resealed, but otherwise intact, erythrocytes.
TOWARDS CHARACTERIZING AND PLANNING FOR DROUGHT IN VERMONT‐PART I: A CLIMATOLOGICAL PERSPECTWE

ABSTRACT: In the Green Mountain state of Vermont, droughts of one form or another and of varying intensities, seventies, and areal extent are not uncommon occurrences. The 1990s were marked by at least three drought events of which the 1998 to 1999 was the most recent. In spite of this recurrence, ongoing drought monitoring and mitigative planning efforts are not as advanced as they could be and no official drought plan exists for the state. This article is the first of two in this volume. It summarizes the cascade of drought types that impacted the state during the 1998 to 1999 episode. From a number of precipitation statistics and drought indices, fine spatial scales (county or better) were found to best capture the character of drought impacts, while the weekly time step is recommended as the temporal unit around which to base planning and monitoring efforts. The companion article outlines a possible framework for drought planning efforts and highlights key constituencies to be included in the process.
Utilization of Carbohydrate by the Phlorhizinized Dog.

SummaryAt similar blood sugar levels, the phlorhizinized dog utilizes dextrose at th'e same rates as does the normal animal. The similarities and differences between phlorhizin diabetes and pancreatic diabetes are briefly discussed.
The decay K02 → π+ π- π0☆

Abstract The neutral and charged pion energy spectra for a pure sample of decays K02 → π+π-π0 are in excellent agreement with a squared matrix element |M|2 ∝ 1 + α To is the πo kinetic energy and α = -8.6 ± 0.07. The branching ratio (Ko2 → π+π su-πo)/(Ko2 → charged) is given as 16.2 + 1.5%.
Cone dysfunction in a subgroup of patients with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia

• Four patients with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia and retinal degeneration underwent neurologic and ophthalmologic examinations and computerassessed corneal electroretinography. Previous reports described progressive panretinal degeneration initially involving the cones and subsequently spreading to the rods. By contrast, all our patients displayed evidence of selective dysfunction of the cone system in one or two successive electroretinograms, irrespective of their age or duration of visual symptoms. Color vision testing, funduscopy, and fluorescein angiography suggested a cone dystrophy. Within the period of observation only one patient showed progression of cone dysfunction. In patients with hereditary ataxias, quantitative electroretinography provides an objective and sometimes early indication of retinal degeneration and helps to characterize it.
Thinking About the Baby: Gender and Divisions of Infant Care

This paper discusses the invisible, mental labor that is involved in taking care of a baby and suggests that gender imbalances in this form of baby care play a particular role in reproducing differentiation and stimulating marital tension between mothers and fathers. Using qualitative data from interviews with 50 new mothers and fathers (25 couples), this paper describes three categories of mental baby care and argues that how new parents divide the work of thinking about their babies reflects an accountability to socially constructed and institutionalized differentiation between women and men.
Fall applications of MCPA to improve tiller synchrony and reduce lodging in winter wheat

Poor developmental spike synchrony in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can reduce the effectiveness of chemical treatments keyed on reproductive events. The broadleaf herbicide (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) acetic acid (MCPA) can be used to retard the development of wheat tillers if applied to winter wheat in the fall prior to the initiation of tiller primordia. Fall applications of 0.5 kg ha−1 MCPA were sufficient to reduce the tillering rate by 20–30% while providing a slight, but statistically non-significant, increase in yield. Significant increases in kernels spike−1 were observed in the MCPA treatments. The effect of MCPA on kernels spike −1 could be modulated by nitrogen fertility and planting density. A linear relationship between spike number m−2 and planting density could be observed with MCPA treatments. Reductions in total number of spikes m−2, but an increase in kernels spike−1, resulted in significant improvements in tiller synchrony. Improved tiller synchrony is important in optimizing chemical treatments where applications are based on the developmental stages of the spike. Significant reductions in plant height and subsequent reductions in lodging under high nitrogen fertility and high plant populations were observed with MCPA treatments.
Dentin Stresses in Post-reconstructed Teeth with Diminishing Bone Support

Dentin stresses from simulated functional loads to post-reinforced tooth models with four levels of periodontal support were calculated using finite element analysis. As bone levels diminished, stresses were found to increase dramatically and to concentrate in the small amount of dentin remaining near the post apex.
Adverse drug reactions and therapeutic errors in older adults: a hazard factor analysis of poison center data.

Purpose. The severity of hazards posed by medications implicated in poisoning in older adults was characterized. Methods. Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) cases from 1993 through 2002 involving a single substance in patients age 60 years or older and coded as an adverse drug reaction (ADR) or therapeutic error were analyzed. Hazard factors were determined for each exposure reason by calculating the sum of the major effects and deaths for each substance category and subcategory and dividing this by the total number of exposures for the respective category or subcategory. Results. Hazard factors were calculated for 12,737 ADRs and 51,846 therapeutic errors. The overall rates of major effects and deaths were 7.5% and 1.6% in the ADR and therapeutic error groups, respectively. In the ADR group, five TESS categories had a hazard factor of ≥2.0: anesthetics, anticoagulants, antineoplastics, cardiovascular drugs, and radiopharmaceuticals. In the therapeutic error group, five drug categories also had a hazard factor of ≥2.0: anesthetics, anticoagulants, antineoplastics, asthma therapies, and serums/toxoids/vaccines. Six pharmaceutical categories were associated with hazard factors of ≥2.0 in both the ADR and therapeutic error groups. Conclusion. An analysis of ADRs and therapeutic errors involving older adults and reported to poison control centers from 1993 through 2002 revealed overall rates of major effects and death of 7.5% and 1.6% in the ADR and therapeutic error groups, respectively. Antineoplastics, aminophylline or theophylline, cardiac glycosides, heparin, morphine, and warfarin were implicated in more than 50 cases and associated with hazard factors of ≥2.0 for both exposure groups.
Stroke related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy: the significance of systemic vascular disease

A retrospective postmortem analysis of 25 cases of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the setting of Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD/SDAT) is reported. Seven patients experienced clinically significant cerebral infarcts or hemorrhages or both. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of infarcts or hemorrhages in hypertensive and nonhypertensive patients. Hypertension does not appear to be an additional risk factor in the causation of cerebral infarct or hemorrhage associated with CAA in the setting of AD/SDAT. Just over half of patients with CAA and significant ischemic and/or hemorrhagic brain lesions showed atherosclerosis of the circle of Willis, sometimes in the context of severe disseminated atheromatous disease.
Integrated cluster bus performance for the IBM S/390 parallel Sysplex

As the speed of the S/390® processors has increased at a rapid rate over the years, it has become extremely challenging to be able to connect them in a Parallel Sysplex® without compromising system performance. The cost of synchronous accesses to the coupling facility will build up progressively unless coupling link technology keeps pace with the development of the processors. Beginning with the G5 processors, IBM has introduced the ICB coupling link technology to enhance the performance of closely integrated processor clusters. With a high data transmission rate complemented by reduced hardware and microcode path lengths, the ICB provides excellent coupling efficiency. This paper emphasizes the need for the ICB and discusses the superior performance delivered by this latest coupling link technology.
The Grace of Teaching Mistakes

Teaching mistakes are often unwelcome intruders in our courses, and we may think they are best avoided altogether. In contrast to this perspective, this article proposes that teaching mistakes may be occasions of grace both for us and for our students. Teaching mistakes may be gifts of grace in four particular ways. Teaching about our mistakes in pedagogically intentional ways may also create a space for God's gracious activity in our lives and in those of our students. These points are illustrated by the story of the author's most powerful teaching mistake.
Noninvasive measurement of carboxyhemoglobin: how accurate is accurate enough?

From the Medical Device Safety Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (Maisel); and the Department of EmergencyMedicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, and the David Geffen School of Medicine atUCLA, Los Angeles, CA (Lewis).
Integration before Assimilation: Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Canadian Polity

As a strategy of immigrant inclusion, official multiculturalism in Canada is based on the premise that national integration is possible, even preferable, without assimilation. This article considers whether such an approach can be successful. Drawing on a qualitative study of Lao immigrants in Ontario, it is suggested that newcomers can in fact be disposed to high levels of political commitment, specific mechanisms of political assimilation aside, as a result of the process of immigration itself. At least in the short term, though perhaps mainly in the short term, the Canadian political order does not seem to suffer for lack of an assimilative emphasis.