cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stakeholders’ Attributions of Whistleblowers: The Effects of Complicity and Motives on Perceptions of Likeability, Credibility, and Legitimacy:

Organizational wrongdoing remains a persistent, prevalent problem, one that leads to exponentially more injuries, deaths, and cost than street crime in the United States each year. Whistleblowing h...
Realizing the potential of integrated irrigation and drainage water management for meeting crop water requirements in semi-arid and arid areas

In situ use of ground water by plants is one optionbeing considered to reduce discharge of subsurfacedrainage water from irrigated agriculture. Laboratory, lysimeter, and field studies havedemonstrated that crops can use significant quantitiesof water from shallow ground water. However, moststudies lack the data needed to include the crop wateruse into an integrated irrigation and drainage watermanagement system. This paper describes previousstudies which demonstrated the potential use of groundwater to support plant growth and the associatedlimitations. Included are results from three fieldstudies which demonstrated some of the managementtechniques needed to develop an integrated system. The field studies demonstrated that approximately 40to 45% of the water requirement for cotton can bederived from shallow saline ground water. Thatregulation of the outflow will result in increasinguse. Implementation of integrated management ofirrigation and subsurface drainage systems is a viableand sustainable alternative in the management ofsubsurface drainage water from arid and semi-aridareas only if soil salinity can be managed and if thesystem is profitable.
Alcohol as a disinfectant for aseptic surgery of rodents: crossing the thin blue line?

Recently, the use of alcohol (i.e., ethanol or isopropanol) has been discouraged as disinfectants for survival surgical procedures for rats and mice because of perceptions of inadequacy of killing of bacterial spores and lack of efficacy in the presence of organic debris. However, spore-forming bacteria are a minor (essentially nonexistent) threat for causing postoperative infections in rats and mice (but not necessarily hamsters, guinea pigs, or other rodents), and organic debris, with appropriate effort, can be removed from soiled instruments by using physical scrubbing. Although the metal-corrosive properties of alcohol and the lengthy times needed for adequate disinfection are drawbacks, there are essentially no microbiologically relevant reasons to discourage disinfection by ethanol or isopropanol in rat and mouse surgery.
Hybrid decompression and reconstruction technique for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: case series and review of the literature

The primary treatment of choice for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is surgical decompression. The benefit of operative intervention has been well established but, the surgeons' decision of operative approach remains nuanced based on patient-specific variables and surgeon preference. Decompression can involve a cervical corpectomy or a discectomy. A hybrid construct is when both a cervical corpectomy and a discectomy are done in the same patient. The purpose of this study was to review the evidence on the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of hybrid decompression and reconstruction techniques in patients with multilevel CSM. A retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients who received hybrid anterior decompression and reconstruction at Rush University between 2013-2018. Preoperative clinical and radiographic variables were analyzed to characterize specific factors leading to the decision of the surgical approach. In addition, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess superiority in terms of operative time, blood loss, cervical lordosis, patient-reported outcomes (PRO), fusion rates, and complications. Hybrid surgery (HS) was utilized in cases where multilevel CSM was present in conjunction with stenosis posterior to the vertebral body or acute kyphotic deformity. Our meta-analysis highlighted comparable PRO, complications, and rate of success fusion between 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and hybrid technique. Furthermore, hybrid fusion led to increased postoperative cervical lordosis, higher fusion rate, lower total complication rate, lower implant failure/mesh subsidence rate, and lower blood loss than 2-level corpectomy. The cervical hybrid technique that combines cervical corpectomy and discectomy represents a balanced option with the benefits of two commonly utilized cervical spine procedures in patients with multilevel CSM. The literature on hybrid technique suggests in cases where multilevel ACDF is not feasible, combining discectomy and corpectomy is superior to two-level corpectomy with lower complication rates, improved clinical outcome, spinal alignment correction, and stronger biomechanical properties.
Low ligation has a lower anastomotic leakage rate after rectal cancer surgery

Background For laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) can be ligated at its origin from the aorta [high ligation (HL)] or distally to the origin of the left colic artery [low ligation (LL)]. Whether different ligation levels are related to different postoperative complications, operation time, and lymph node yield remains controversial. Therefore, we designed this study to determine the effects of different ligation levels in rectal cancer surgery. Aim To investigate the operative results following HL and LL of the IMA in rectal cancer patients. Methods From January 2017 to July 2019, this retrospective cohort study collected information from 462 consecutive rectal cancer patients. According to the ligation level, 235 patients were assigned to the HL group while 227 patients were assigned to the LL group. Data regarding the clinical characteristics, surgical characteristics and complications, pathological outcomes and postoperative recovery were obtained and compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL). Results Compared to the HL group, the LL group had a significantly lower AL rate, with 6 (2.8%) cases in the LL group and 24 (11.0%) cases in the HL group (P = 0.001). The HL group also had a higher diverting stoma rate (16.5% vs 7.5%, P = 0.003). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was subsequently performed to adjust for the confounding factors and confirmed that HL (OR = 3.599; 95%CI: 1.374-9.425; P = 0.009), tumor located below the peritoneal reflection (OR = 2.751; 95%CI: 0.772-3.985; P = 0.031) and age (≥ 65 years) (OR = 2.494; 95%CI: 1.080-5.760; P = 0.032) were risk factors for AL. There were no differences in terms of patient demographics, pathological outcomes, lymph nodes harvested, blood loss, hospital stay and urinary function (P > 0.05). Conclusion In rectal cancer surgery, LL should be the preferred method, as it has a lower AL and diverting stoma rate.
Variation of Serum Lycopene in Response to 100% Watermelon Juice: An Exploratory Analysis of Genetic Variants in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Study.

Background Watermelon, a rich source of lycopene, has garnered attention for cardioprotective effects including cholesterol reduction and promotion of redox balance. It is unknown whether 100% watermelon juice may represent a food-first approach to confer cardioprotective benefits of lycopene. Objectives This study examined influences of 100% watermelon juice on serum lycopene, lipids, and antioxidant capacity. Secondly, the study explored genetic influences on lycopene metabolism and bioavailability. Methods A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial with postmenopausal women (n = 16, mean ± SD age: 60 ± 4.1 y) assessed effects of 100% watermelon juice on mechanistic and clinical outcomes influencing vascular function. Participants maintained low-lycopene diets for a 1-wk run-in period and throughout the study. Morning and evening consumption of 100% watermelon juice provided a daily dose of 14.4 ± 0.34 mg lycopene. Study arms of 4 wk were separated by a 2-wk washout period. Saliva was collected for genetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms, and fasting blood samples were taken pre- and post-study arms. Statistical analyses included mixed models, linear regression, and nonparametric tests. Results Serum lycopene exhibited a significant treatment effect (P = 0.002) along with notable interindividual responses; however, significant improvements in serum lipids or antioxidant capacity were not observed. Genetic variant rs6564851 in the β-carotene 15,15'-oxygenase-1 (BCO1) gene was associated with changes in lycopene such that TT homozygotes exhibited a significantly greater increase (β ± SE: 13.4 ± 1.6, P = 1.4 × 10-06). Conclusions Watermelon juice supplementation did not result in improvements in serum lipids or antioxidant capacity; however, results support findings in which watermelon juice significantly, yet differentially, increased circulating lycopene. Genetics appears to explain some of the variability. Given that dose has been shown to overcome individual responsiveness to lycopene interventions, future investigations with varying doses of lycopene-rich foods would be strengthened by genotyping so as to establish personalized nutrition recommendations.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03626168.
Cycle of Perpetual Vulnerability for Women Facing Homelessness near an Urban Library in a Major U.S. Metropolitan Area.

Background: Homelessness among women and the multiple vulnerabilities they endure (sexual exploitation/human trafficking, violence, and mental health issues) is a perpetually unresolved issue in the U.S. and globally. Methods: This study is based on qualitative in-depth interviews accompanied by brief socio-demographic surveys conducted among 32 total participants, consisting of cisgender females (n = 17) and cisgender males (n = 15) experiencing homelessness at a large public library. Results: Of the women, 35% were White, 35% Latina, 18% African American/Black, and 18% LGBT. Half of all participants said in qualitative interviews that they witnessed violence against women, and/or experienced unwanted harassment/sexual exploitation; one in three described suspected human trafficking. Of the women interviewed, half struggled with mental health symptoms, feelings of hopelessness, and nearly all reported isolation; approximately one-third had substance use issues. Many described an inadequate number of emergency and long-term shelters Available for women facing homelessness; many had to wait or saw other women waiting to get into shelters and faced abuse on the streets in the meantime. Conclusion: The emergent themes showed that women face a “cycle of perpetual vulnerability” with three relational pathways: iterated trauma from chronic abuse/violence inflicted on them, a state of paralysis due to inadequate availability of supportive services, shelters, and mental health resources to cover all women living on the streets, leaving women susceptible to being a target phenotype for predators.
Learning in the HJ Andrews Forest: Experiences and Outcomes at a Science Education Event:

Understanding best practices in various interpretive settings and contexts may help event planners to implement successful educational programs in which participants are satisfied with their experi...
Scan-by-scan part-scale thermal modelling for defect prediction in metal additive manufacturing

Abstract A part-scale thermal modeling concept is implemented to predict thermal defect distributions in additively manufactured components. Utilizing the principle of superposition, the complete thermal history of part-scale builds can be simulated within the time frame required for real physical builds, without spatial or temporal coarsening. Demonstrating the concept on a real component with typical laser powder bed fusion parameters, the simulations show that in addition to power schedule, thermal defects depend on component geometry, scanning strategy, and heat accumulation. The features governing defect formation at the part-scale are analyzed, and a simple rule for predicting defect formation is presented.
Leveraging Affinity Interactions to Prolong Drug Delivery of Protein Therapeutics

While peptide and protein therapeutics have made tremendous advances in clinical treatments over the past few decades, they have been largely hindered by their ability to be effectively delivered to patients. While bolus parenteral injections have become standard clinical practice, they are insufficient to treat diseases that require sustained, local release of therapeutics. Cyclodextrin-based polymers (pCD) have been utilized as a platform to extend the local delivery of small-molecule hydrophobic drugs by leveraging hydrophobic-driven thermodynamic interactions between pCD and payload to extend its release, which has seen success both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we proposed the novel synthesis of protein-polymer conjugates that are capped with high-affinity adamantane. Using bovine serum albumin as a model protein, and anti-interleukin 10 monoclonal antibodies as a functional example, we outline the synthesis of novel protein-polymer conjugates that, when coupled with cyclodextrin delivery platforms, can maintain a sustained release of up to 65 days without largely sacrificing protein structure/function which has significant clinical applications in local antibody-based treatments for immune diseases, cancers, and diabetes.
Pathway discovery and engineering for cleavage of a β-1 lignin-derived biaryl compound.

Abstract Lignin biosynthesis typically results in a polymer with several inter-monomer bond linkages, and the heterogeneity of linkages presents a challenge for depolymerization processes. While several enzyme classes have been shown to cleave common dimer linkages in lignin, the pathway of bacterial β-1 spirodienone linkage cleavage has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a pathway for cleavage of 1,2-diguaiacylpropane-1,3-diol (DGPD), a β-1 linked biaryl representative of a ring-opened spirodienone linkage, in Novosphingobium aromaticivorans DSM12444. In vitro assays using cell lysates demonstrated that RS14230 (LsdE) converts DGPD to a lignostilbene intermediate, which the carotenoid oxygenase, LsdA, then converts to vanillin. A Pseudomonas putida KT2440 strain engineered with lsdEA expression catabolizes erythro-DGPD, but not threo-DGPD. We further engineered P. putida to convert DGPD to a product, cis,cis-muconic acid. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential to identify new enzymatic reactions in N. aromaticivorans and expands the biological funnel of P. putida for microbial lignin valorization.
Interaction of Food-Grade Nanotitania with Human and Mammalian Cell Lines Derived from GI Tract, Liver, Kidney, Lung, Brain, and Heart

In light of increasing trends in the application of nanotitania in edible products, food-grade TiO2 NPs: E171 have received serious scientific scrutiny and public outcry in recent times. Numerous peer-reviewed publications in the last few years have established hazardous effects of nano-sized Ti on cells, tissues, and organisms based on in vivo and in vitro studies. These effects range from cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity to structural and physiological alterations in living entities that involve common mechanisms of oxidative stress or proinflammatory states. However, there are few clinical studies showing the effect of nanotitania on human health and medical conditions. Some studies have examined the role of internal (recurrent) Ti exposures due to dental implants and found significant influences on whole-body health via allergic reactions. Similarly, studies have also pointed to its effect on human microbiota, drawing a possible connection between food-Ti and increased intestinal permeability or inflammatory bowel disease. This chapter is an attempt to summarize Ti interactions with various human cell lines in vitro to envision possible harmful effects, risks, and often ignored potential complications of Ti exposure on human health.
Physical basis for the determination of lumen shape in a simple epithelium.

The formation of a hollow lumen in a formerly solid mass of cells is a key developmental process whose dysregulation leads to diseases of the kidney and other organs. Hydrostatic pressure has been proposed to drive lumen expansion, a view that is supported by experiments in the mouse blastocyst. However, lumens formed in other tissues adopt irregular shapes with cell apical faces that are bowed inward, suggesting that pressure may not be the dominant contributor to lumen shape in all cases. Here we use live-cell imaging to study the physical mechanism of lumen formation in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cell spheroids, a canonical cell-culture model for lumenogenesis. We find that in this system, lumen shape reflects basic geometrical considerations tied to the establishment of apico-basal polarity. A physical model incorporating both cell geometry and intraluminal pressure can account for our observations as well as cases in which pressure plays a dominant role. The formation of a hollow lumen surrounded by cells is a key developmental process that sets the shape of tissues and organs. Here, the authors show how the combined influence of geometric constraints imposed by cell packing and osmotic pressure can generate the diverse range in lumen shapes observed in different tissues.
Toward a Nonviolent Reconceptualization of Intergenerational Conflict

Intergenerational conflict threatens to become one of the major sources of individual and societal unrest in the latter part of the twentieth century. This paper examines contemporary intergenerational conflict from the perspective of Gandhian nonviolence. Though commonly applied to international and intergroup conflict, the theory and practice of nonviolence have not, to my knowledge, been applied to intergenerational relations.
Penicillin-sensitive Transpeptidation during Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis in Cell-free Preparations from Bacillus megaterium I. INCORPORATION OF FREE DIAMINOPIMELIC ACID INTO PEPTIDOGLYCAN

Abstract A particulate enzyme system from Bacillus megaterium QMB1551 is described which catalyzes the utilization of the uridine nucleotides, UDP-N-acetylmuramyl-l-Ala-d-Glumeso-Dap-d-Ala-d-Ala and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, for peptidoglycan synthesis. Unlike systems previously studied in gram-positive microorganisms, this particulate enzyme preparation catalyzed the terminal cross-linking reaction in cell wall biosynthesis. This system could also incorporate free diaminopimelic acid dependent on the formation of peptidoglycan polymer from the uridine nucleotide substrates but independent of ATP. Furthermore, the incorporation of diaminopimelic acid was inhibited by penicillins, and the diaminopimelic acid appeared to be incorporated onto a terminal position of the peptide of a disaccharide-pentapeptide peptidoglycan unit with the release of alanine. The disaccharide-peptide products formed during the incorporation of free diaminopimelic acid were isolated from peptidoglycan and analyzed. A reaction sequence for incorporation of free diaminopimelic acid into peptidoglycan is proposed.
Enhanced thermodynamic stabilities of yeast iso-1-cytochromes c with amino acid replacements at positions 52 and 102.

We have determined the structures and thermodynamic stabilities of the wild type Asn-52 and unusually thermostable mutant Ile-52 yeast iso-1-cytochromes c (Das, G., Hickey, D. R. McLendon, D., McLendon, G., and Sherman, F. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86, 496-499). Although both structures were similar, Water-166, buried within the wild type protein, is excluded from the Ile-52 mutant, which substantially reorganizes the local hydrogen bonding. Wild type Cys-102 was replaced with alanine or serine to eliminate dimerization in vitro. The Cys-102 (wild type), Ala-102, and Ser-102 proteins were equally stable, whereas the chemically modified Cys-102-SCH3 was less stable. The order of stability observed with replacements at positions 52 and 102 was as follows: Ile-52 Ala-102 greater than Ala-52 Ala-102 greater than Asn-52 Ala-102 ("normal") greater than Gly-52 Ala-102. No significant stabilization was attributed to potential energy interactions expressed as helix-forming propensities of replacements at position 52. A high correlation between differences in free energy changes and transfer free energies suggests hydrophobic interactions are the main factor for enhancing stability in the Ile-52 mutant. Additional possible contributions to the thermostability of the Ile-52 variant are energetic effects due to packing and hydrogen bonding changes surrounding position 52.
Evaluation of Synthetic Hydrocarbons for Mark–Recapture Studies on the Red Milkweed Beetle

This study evaluates the potential for using blends of synthetic hydrocarbons in mark–recapture studies of insects. To test the durability of hydrocarbons, we applied a blend of five straight-chain hydrocarbons (C24, C25, C26, C28, C30) to detached elytra of the red milkweed beetle, Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Forster) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), mounted the elytra on pins, and placed them in an exposed location outdoors. The amount of hydrocarbons on the elytra did not change over time, even after two months of exposure to sun and rain. Synthetic hydrocarbons applied to the elytra of living beetles did not significantly influence their longevity or mating success in a laboratory study, and the amounts of hydrocarbons did not change with age. The invariability of hydrocarbon ratios over time suggests that blends could provide a nearly infinite variety of ratios to mark individual insects uniquely and indelibly with a hydrocarbon “fingerprint.” This technique offers a convenient, safe, and durable means of individually marking insects and may find application in field studies of larger bodied insects that are long-lived and sedentary.
Risk and Fund Flows

We study the impact of risk on mutual fund flows. Consistent with prior literature, we find evidence that net flows show aversion to risk. We show, however, that gross inflows and outflows are positively related to risk. While this result appears rational for outflows, it appears anomalous for inflows. We find that inflows are positively related to idiosyncratic risk, rather than systematic risk, and that institutional investors and incumbent investors are less susceptible to this behavior. Our results extend a growing body of evidence that finds certain investors making sub-optimal investment decisions, such as buying past winners, regardless of risk.
Implementation outcomes in context: Leadership and measurement based care implementation in VA substance use disorder programs

Methods We used a mixed-method, multiple case study design to explore implementation of MBC using the nationally supported Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM). Intensive interview and observational data were collected through site visits to six high implementation and two low implementation comparison SUD programs. The pathways these programs took relative to their specific contexts, barriers, and facilitators provided data on implementation process, outcomes, and context. These data informed development of a national survey assessing measurement based care implementation influences and outcomes in SUD program providers. Qualitative and quantitative methods were based on the Promoting Action on Research in Health Sciences (PARIHS) model and Proctor’s taxonomy of implementation outcomes.
Iron absorption by healthy women is not associated with either serum or urinary prohepcidin

BACKGROUND Although hepcidin is proposed as a regulator of iron absorption, this has not been assessed in humans. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess the relation between serum or urinary prohepcidin and iron absorption in healthy premenopausal women. DESIGN The subjects were 28 healthy women aged 22-51 y with normal hemoglobin concentrations (120-152 g/L). Absorption of 0.5 mg Fe with 0.2 microCi 59Fe tracer, both as FeSO4, was measured by whole-body scintillation counting 13 d after oral administration. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected the day of and 16 wk after the absorption measurement. Serum and urinary prohepcidin concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by using an antibody against amino acid residues 28-47 of the proregion. RESULTS Mean (+/-SD) iron absorption was 36 +/- 19% (range: 4-81%), and serum ferritin (geometric x) was 27 microg/L (range: 4-122 microg/L), as commonly observed in healthy premenopausal women. Serum prohepcidin was 196 microg/L (range: 99-376 microg/L) and, in contrast with urinary prohepcidin, was relatively consistent for the women between 0 and 16 wk. Serum prohepcidin correlated directly with serum ferritin (R2 = 0.28, P < 0.01) but was unrelated to 59Fe absorption, in contrast to serum ferritin (R2 = 0.33, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Serum prohepcidin concentrations were relatively stable within subjects and correlated with serum ferritin. However, unlike serum ferritin, neither serum nor urinary prohepcidin concentrations were related to iron absorption in healthy women.
Intervening Transcribed Spacer Region 1 Variability in Cyclospora cayetanensis

Cyclospora cayetanensis is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite which has emerged as an important cause of epidemic and endemic diarrhea. Water-borne as well as food-borne outbreaks have occurred, including a large number of U.S. cases associated with raspberries imported from Guatemala. Molecular markers exist for tracing the epidemiology of many of the bacterial pathogens associated with water-borne or food-borne diarrhea, such as serotyping and pulsed-field electrophoresis. However, there are currently no molecular markers available for C. cayetanensis. The intervening transcribed spacer (ITS) regions between the small- and large-subunit rRNA genes demonstrate much greater sequence variability than the small-subunit rRNA sequence itself and have been useful for the molecular typing of other organisms. Thus, ITS1 variability might allow the identification of different genotypes of C. cayetanensis. In order to determine the degree of ITS1 variability among C. cayetanensis isolates, the ITS1 sequences of C. cayetanensis isolates from a variety of sources, including raspberry-associated cases, cases from Guatemala, and pooled and individual isolates from Peru, were obtained. The ITS1 sequences of all five raspberry-associated isolates were identical, consistent with their origin from a single source. In contrast, one of the two Guatemala isolates and two Peruvian isolates contained multiple ITS1 sequences. These multiple sequences could represent multiple clones from a single clinical source or, more likely, variability of the ITS1 region within the genome of a single clone.
A model system for analyzing functional development of transplanted peptidergic neurons

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that transplants of fetal central nervous system tissue develop normal morphological features and become structurally integrated into the host brain. It has not been determined whether grafted neurons can form appropriate and functional connections with the host. We have examined this question by transplanting hypothalamic tissue containing vasopressin neurons from normal rat fetuses into the third ventricle of adult Brattleboro rats. The Brattleboro hosts congenitally lack the capability for vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) production and consequently exhibit a pronounced polydipsia and polyuria. Vasopressin synthesis and secretion by the grafted neurons was evaluated by monitoring changes in the host's drinking and urine osmolality. Hypothalamic grafts, in contrast to sham grafts and control tissue grafts, exerted pronounced antidiuretic influences with water consumption decreasing and urine osmolality increasing in the host animals. The hosts were killed 20 to 40 days after transplantation and the area of the brain containing the graft examined by immunocytochemistry, histofluorescence and radioimmunoassay. The fetal hypothalamus grafts developed cytoarchitectural features of normal hypothalamus tissue and were structurally integrated into the host hypothalamus. Axons from vasopressin neurons in the grafts coursed through the graft-host interface into the host median eminence. Catecholamine-containing fibers from the host similarly crossed the graft-host interface into the transplants. The results of the present study support the interpretation that transplanted vasopressin neurons can make appropriate and functional connections in the host brain with vasopressin being synthesized and released into the systemic circulation.
Water intake after septal damage in Long-Evans hooded rats and muricide, irritability to handling, and open-field activity

Water intake, muricidal behavior, irritability to handling, and open-field activity were assessed in Long-Evans male hooded rats subjected to either septal damage or control operations. Because of a failure to observe increased water intake after septal damage, it was concluded that increased water intake was not necessary for the display of either the transient irritability or the open-field inactivity usually seen in rats with septal damage. Muricidal behavior was not seen in the present study.
Tetanus toxoid skin test in children: Correlation with in vitro lymphocyte stimulation and monocyte chemotaxis

To determine if skin testing with tetanus toxoid (2 Lf/ml) can be used to assess cellular immunity, skin tests were performed on 64 healthy immunized controls, nine unimmunized infants, and seven patients with agammaglobulinemia with intact cellular immunity. Induration of 5 mm of diameter or greater at 48 hours was considered a positive response. The tetanus skin test response was correlated with the patient's age, number of prior tetanus immunizations, tetanus antibody titer, in vitro lymphocyte stimulation index to tetanus toxoid, and monocyte chemotaxis. None of the nine unimmunized infants, 4/7 (57%) of the patients with agammaglobulinemia, and 38/64 (59%) of the immunized subjects had positive skin tests. Positive tetanus skin tests were correlated with number of DPT immunizations (31 of 39 with 4 DPTs had a positive skin test) and age (7 of 24 under age 2 had a positive skin test, and 31/40 over age 2 had a positive skin test). In both younger and older subjects, positive tetanus skin tests were correlated with monocyte chemotaxis. By contrast, there was little correlation of the skin test with the tetanus antibody titer. Nearly all (60/64 [94%]) of the immunized controls had a positive in vitro lymphocyte stimulation; the magnitude of the response was significantly correlated with the tetanus skin test in younger (
Study of electrical faults in magnetohydrodynamic Faraday generators

An equivalent circuit for modeling the Faraday channel is derived and used to study electrical faults external to the channel. Three faults, short circuit of one load, one load rejection, and short circuit between two adjacent anode electrodes, are considered. Numerical solutions of each fault case for the dimensions and parameters of AVCO's Mark VI facility and a projected base load plant are obtained. It is shown that short circuit of one load is the most dangerous fault in all cases and that one load rejection, while of no consequence in a small channel, could cause interelectrode arcing in a base load channel. Nomenclature a = anode B = magnetic field H — electrode length along magnetic field h = width of the channel 7f = load current at normal operation k — cathode n = nth electrode p = electrode segmentation pitch Rba,k = boundary layer resistances of anode and cathode side, respectively
Effect of dimethyl sulphoxide on growth, sporulation and spore germination ofRhizopus arrhizus Fischer

Influences of various levels of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) ranging from 0.04–1.28 M on growth, sporulation and spore germination ofRhizopus arrhizus in liquid and semi-solid media were investigated. Light enhanced the inhibitory effect of DMSO on growth and sporulation in both media. Inhibition of spore germination was observed with direct treatment with DMSO. The inhibition was higher in spores obtained from cultures grown on the DMSO semi-solid media.
Automated capillary liquid chromatography for high sensitivity amino acid monitoring

An automated method for determination of trace level amino acids in 2-μL samples using on-column sample preconcentration, gradient elution on 50-μm inner diameter (i.d.) capillary columns packed with 5-μm reversed-phase particles, and electrochemical detection is described. The 50-μm i.d. capillary columns were efficiently coupled directly to an autosampler without increasing zone dispersion by preconcentrating derivatized amino acids at the head of the capillary column and minimizing gradient dwell volume. Using this system, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of retention time for a 16 component amino acid mixture were between 0.2 and 0.8%. Using an automated microinjection method, as little as 0.3 μL of derivatized sample was consumed to perform a 0.25-μL injection with peak area RSDs of 3.0-8.4%, allowing conservation of a majority of the derivatized sample for future analysis. Precision was improved to peak area RSDs of 1.8–4.1% when consuming 1.0 μL of sample per injection. Detection limits were <0.2 nM for most amino acids. The linear solvent strength theory was used to optimize the gradient and allowed resolution of 15 amino acids in 13 min. The final gradient separation was demonstrated to be selective for the neurotransmitter amino acids in the presence of 44 primary amines commonly found in physiological samples. The system was used to characterize amino acid secretion from single pancreatic islets of Langerhans under different physiological conditions with 2 min of temporal resolution. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 13: 24–32, 2001
An alphanumeric display program for a PDP-8

Alphanumeric and special characters composed of 5 by 7 dot matrices can be displayed on a cathode ray tube by use of a program written for the PDP-8 family of computers. The CRT surface is specified to contain up to 32 rows with up to 32 characters per row. The 35 dots defining each character require 1.5 msec to generate. Every possible arrangement of spatial and temporal organization among and between strings of characters can be created by simple parameter specification before each trial. The program is designed to operate with a minimal 4k-memory computer configuration, with no special hardware other than an oscilloscope display. The program also permits efficient on-line operation so that an entire experiment can be run quickly and efficiently without further programming. A large number of examples are detailed, and operating procedures are specified.
Drifting oscillating two‐stream instability

The theory of parametric excitation of plasma waves is applied to a plasma in which there is a static drift between electrons and ions. For appropriate values of drift speed and elevated electron‐ion temperature ratio, there exists a solution of the dispersion relation and a threshold for instability at a frequency which is close to zero in the electron frame. This instability occurs for pump frequencies which are slightly below the Bohm‐Gross frequency. It has some similarities to the oscillating two‐stream instability in a plasma in which there is no static drift. An approximate analytic solution of the dispersion relation in the neighborhood of zero frequency is obtained.
Effect of Dechlorinating Bacteria on the Longevity and Composition of PCE-Containing Nonaqueous Phase Liquids under Equilibrium Dissolution Conditions

The influence of dechlorinating microorganisms on PCE and its reduced end products in the presence of a PCE-containing nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) was investigated. Experiments were conducted in continuous-flow stirred-tank reactors (CFSTRs) containing a mixed PCE dechlorinating culture and a model NAPL consisting of PCE and tridecane. Comparisons between biotic and abiotic CFSTRs demonstrated that dechlorination resulted in a factor of 14 increase in PCE removal rates from the NAPL. The formation of dechlorination daughter products trichloroethene and cis-dichloroethene were observed, and cis-dichloroethene was not dechlorinated further. Partitioning of daughter products between phases caused temporal changes in the chlorinated ethenes distribution within the NAPL. The combined effects of dissolution and dechlorination on the removal of chlorinated ethenes from the NAPL were described using a mathematical model that approximated dechlorination as a pseudo-first-order process. Pseudo-first-order dechlo...
A survey of present methods used to determine the optical properties of phosphors.

A brief review of the theory of phosphors is given in terms of the electron-band picture of impurity semiconductors in order to show the reasons for researches designed to obtain the optical properties of phosphors. The automatic spectroradiometer is described since it is an instrument which yields so much information of value in phosphor research, development, and quality control. Some problems of spectroradiometer standardization are discussed in some detail, since the data obtained cannot be correctly interpreted by the I.C.I. system of color specification and interpretation unless satisfactory standards are maintained and used. A brief discussion is given of the application of the I.C.I. system to help in the choice of phosphors required to produce a suitable “white” for television cathode-ray tubes. Other researches discussed include the determination of phosphor excitation curves, the emission of light as a function of temperature and of time, and the correlation of spectral excitation and absorption data.
Peripheral array of tangible NFC tags: positioning portals for embodied trans-surface interaction

Trans-surface interaction addresses moving information objects across multi-display environments that support sensory interaction modalities such as touch, pen, and free-air. Embodiment means using spatial relationships among surfaces and human bodies to facilitate users' understanding of interaction. In the present embodied trans-surface interaction technique, a peripheral NFC tag array provides tangible affordances for connecting mobile devices to positions on a collaborative surface. Touching a tag initiates a trans-surface portal. Each portal visually associates a mobile device and its user with a place on the collaborative surface. The portal's manifestation at the top of the mobile device supports 'flicking over' interaction, like playing cards. The technique is simple, inexpensive, reliable, scalable, and generally applicable for co-located collaboration. We developed a co-located collaborative rich information prototype to demonstrate the embodied trans-surface interaction technique and support imagining and planning tasks.
Threatened fishes of the world: Salvelinus confluentus (Salmoninae)

Common name: Bull Trout; Bull Charr. Conservation status: Vulnerable IUCN Red List; Threatened, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1999). Identification: Adults to 14 kg, olive green to brown body fading to white on belly with yellow spots dorsally grading to red to orange laterally. White leading edges on rayed fins, solid colored dorsal fin (Cavender 1978; Markle 1992) (Illustration: copyright Joseph R. Tomelleri). Distribution: Northern California to Alaska, eastward extent Nevada, Montana, and Idaho (Cavender 1978; Haas and McPhail 1991). Canadian distribution includes British Columbia, Central Northwest Territories, and western Alberta (Reist et al. 2002). Currently extirpated from California with local extirpations scattered throughout the remainder of the species’ range (USFWS 1999). Habitat and ecology: Highly variable movement behavior spanning a continuum between resident and migratory individuals. Spawning and rearing confined to colder ( 12 years (Zymonas 2006). Autumn to early winter spawning in headwater streams (Fraley and Shepard 1989; McPhail and Baxter 1996). Fecundity ranges from 2,000 to 12,000 eggs, with emergence of fry in late winter to early spring (Fraley and Shepard 1989). Threats: Threats include angling (Schmetterling and Long 1999), habitat loss and fragmentation (Dunham and Rieman 1999), nonnative trout, hybridization (Baxter et al. 1997), disease (Post et al. 2003; USFWS 1999), and pollution (Post et al. 2003; USFWS 1999). Bull trout are particularly vulnerable to threats due to long embryo incubation, relatively old age at maturity and reliance on pristine habitat (Pratt 1992; Rieman and McIntyre 1993). Conservation actions and recommendations: Address known threats, public outreach, research evolutionary history, ecology, and conservaEnviron Biol Fish (2010) 89:161–162 DOI 10.1007/s10641-010-9708-8
An Examination of Stimulus Control in Fluency-Based Strategies: SAFMEDS and Generalization

Fluency-based strategies such as Say All Fast a Minute Each Day Shuffled (SAFMEDS) effectively promote fluent responding (i.e., high rate and accuracy). It is possible, however, that the stimulus control developed through these activities inhibits stimulus generalization. We investigated this concern in a two-part study with college students. Study 1 assessed generalization of rates of responding from training with SAFMEDS to a novel set of equivalent SAFMEDS flashcards. Results indicate that SAFMEDS promoted fluent responding, but rates of responding decreased during generalization probes. Furthermore, higher rates of responding during training were correlated with a greater decrease in rates of responding during generalization probes. This may indicate that students attend to irrelevant stimulus features of SAFMEDS during training. Study 2 examined the effects of embedding multiple-exemplar training within SAFMEDS. Results indicate that multiple-exemplar training can promote generalization of accurate and high-rate responding when incorporated in a SAFMEDS activity.
Do stars that lose mass expand or contract? A semianalytical approach

Semianalytic methods are used to determine whether a star of polytropic index n expands or contracts following an insentropic loss of mass. It is found that most stars shrink, including radiative stars which can be approximated by polytropes of index roughly three. However, stars that have a ratio of specific heats gamma only slightly larger than 1 + 1/n do expand if the perturbation of the core density is sufficiently large. For stars that shrink, the fractional change in the radius is not a linear function of the fractional change in mass. Using Lane's theorem, it is shown that a star with gamma = 4/3 cannot lose mass isentropically, although the radius increases if the core density is reduced.
The Massively Parallel Processor for problems in fluid dynamics

Abstract We describe the use of the Massively Parallel Processor for certain large-scale scientific computations. Methods and performances are discussed for matrix calculations, tridiagonal and cyclic tridiagonal systems, iterative solution of discretized elliptic equations, the driven cavity problem and the shallow water equations.
The effect of age, race and gender on preference scores for hypothetical health states

Purpose: Preferences are known to vary by individuals’ personal experience with a health state, but variation among respondents’ scoring of the same hypothetical state is unproven but relevant to the use of community-perspective preference scores. This research explored the systematic contribution of respondents’ age, race and gender to variability in community perspective preferences for hypothetical health states. Methods: Data from four community samples were pooled for the analysis. Linear regression modeling was used to test for the effect of respondent age, race and gender on preference scores while controlling for health state severity. Results: In this sample of 956 preference scores from 390 individuals across 4 studies, older respondents provided lower preference scores for the same hypothetical health state compared with younger respondents (regression coefficient for 1 year of age = −0.002, p < 0.001), and white individuals provided higher preference scores for the same states compared with non-white individuals (regression coefficient = 0.056, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Preferences for hypothetical health states may vary by the age and race of the respondent providing the score. Community-perspective preferences should thus be elicited from large, random samples of the relevant population to ensure variation on these as well as other yet-unidentified characteristics that may affect scores.
Time Estimation by Hyperactive and Normal Children

In two studies [a pilot (12 7- to 10-yr.-olds) and a main study (100 8- to 12-yr.-olds)] hyperactive and normal children were compared on the ability to estimate time intervals ranging from 7 to 60 sec. The differences between estimated and elapsed time were larger for hyperactives than for normals, with the differences between the groups increasing with the length of the interval to be estimated.
Defining Morality Without Prejudice

Probably no one has done more than Frankena to bring about the recent shift in philosophical interest from the primarily linguistic concerns of meta ethics to what he calls "meta-morals," that is, to questions about morality as a whole. Instead of investigating what so-called ethical terms stood for, or whether ethical utterances employed propositions or proposals or imperatives or whether they expressed feelings, beliefs, descriptions or prescriptions, or whether they conformed to ordinary propositional logic or to an imperatival or some other logic of their own, Frankena set out to investigate the moral enterprise itself. Quite recently he put together the results of these reflections in two series of lectures, "Three Questions About Morality"1 (TQAM) and Thinking About Morality2 ( A ). My own views had always been very close to his, but these recent lectures, which for the first time put his thoughts on this topic together in a systematic way, have made clear to me that, while the starting point of our investigations is indeed the same, our conclusions diverge on a number of important points. I want to take up some of the problems to which we offer different solutions.
Time-related grammatical use by children with SLI across languages: Beyond tense.

AbstractPurpose. For years, investigators have studied the use of tense by children with specific language impairment (SLI). This review article provides a summary of research on the use of other time-related grammatical forms by these children.Method. The literature on children's use of grammatical and lexical aspect, modal verbs and temporal adverbs is reviewed. Findings from children with SLI acquiring a range of different languages are considered.Result. Grammatical aspect and lexical aspect appear to be special weaknesses in children with SLI and problems with lexical aspect may also have an adverse effect on these children's ability to use past tense morphology. Although children with SLI are below age level in their use of modal verbs and temporal adverbs, the available evidence suggests that these weaknesses are no greater than these children's more general limitations with language.Conclusion. The evidence thus far indicates that time-related notions further on the morphosyntactic end of the lang...