cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface tractions on an ellipsoid in Stokes flow: Quadratic ambient fields

The surface tractions on an ellipsoid undergoing rigid body motion in an ambient Stokes flow field are known to be surprisingly simple—essentially of the same form as the boundary condition for the disturbance velocity multiplied by the dot product of the position vector at the ellipsoid surface and the outward surface normal at that point. The direct derivation of these remarkable classical results via the Newtonian constitutive equation is straightforward but requires many pages of algebra. More recently, a more satisfying explanation of this result was derived by proving that the Stokes flow double layer operator acting on the surface of an ellipsoid is self-adjoint for a particular weighted metric space (discussed in this work). In the present paper, this result, which the authors call the weighted ellipsoidal metric space theorem, is exploited to derive simple forms for the surface tractions on a force-free ellipsoid in a quadratic ambient field. After even more pages of algebra than encountered for the classical flows, the tractions reduce to a simple form: the weighting function times a quadratic in the position vector (without the guidance of the general theory, the initial expressions for the traction would have taken several columns or pages of this journal). The nature of the derivation along with the corresponding analysis of the eigensystem of the double layer operator suggests that for the general polynomial ambient field, the surface traction is a polynomial in the position vector of the same degree, multiplied by the weighting function.The surface tractions on an ellipsoid undergoing rigid body motion in an ambient Stokes flow field are known to be surprisingly simple—essentially of the same form as the boundary condition for the disturbance velocity multiplied by the dot product of the position vector at the ellipsoid surface and the outward surface normal at that point. The direct derivation of these remarkable classical results via the Newtonian constitutive equation is straightforward but requires many pages of algebra. More recently, a more satisfying explanation of this result was derived by proving that the Stokes flow double layer operator acting on the surface of an ellipsoid is self-adjoint for a particular weighted metric space (discussed in this work). In the present paper, this result, which the authors call the weighted ellipsoidal metric space theorem, is exploited to derive simple forms for the surface tractions on a force-free ellipsoid in a quadratic ambient field. After even more pages of algebra than encountered for ...
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes from a Patient with MYL2-R58Q-Mediated Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Show Hypertrophy, Myofibrillar Disarray, and Calcium Perturbations.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy, is one of the most common heritable cardiovascular diseases. The myosin regulatory light chain (MYL2) mutation R58Q has been associated with severe cardiac hypertrophy and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Herein, we provide the first patient-specific, induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) model of MYL2-R58Q. The MYL2-R58Q iPSC-CMs were nearly 30% larger than control iPSC-CMs at day 60. The percentage of myofibrillar disarray and cells with irregular beating in MYL2-R58Q iPSC-CMs was significantly higher than that in control cells. MYL2-R58Q iPSC-CMs had significantly decreased peak ΔF/F0 of calcium transients and delayed decay time than controls. Additionally, the L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) (ICa,L) density at 0 mV was reduced significantly by 45.3%. Overall, the MYL2-R58Q iPSC-CMs recapitulated the HCM phenotype by exhibiting hypertrophy, myofibrillar disarray, increased irregular beating, decreased [Ca2+]i transients, and unexpectedly a nearly 50% reduction in LTCC peak current.
Collaborating to Improve Diagnosis and Management of Children & Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral developmental disorder in children. Though pediatricians are called upon to serve this growing population, the percentage of pediatricians who reported treating, managing, or co-managing ADHD remained relatively unchanged in 2013 compared to 2004 at 57%. (Stein, RK. Et al. Beyond ADHD: How Well Are We Doing? Acad Pediatr. 2016 Mar;16(2):115-21. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2015.08.012. Epub 2015 Sep 26) Purpose: To improve diagnosis and management of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). Methods: In collaboration with the University of Utah’s Department of Psychiatry Division of Child Psychiatry, …
Adaptation to Adversity: the Intermingling of Stress Tolerance and Pathogenesis in Enterococci

Enterococcus is a diverse and rugged genus colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of humans and numerous hosts across the animal kingdom. Enterococci are also a leading cause of multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. In each of these settings, enterococci must contend with changing biophysical landscapes and innate immune responses in order to successfully colonize and transit between hosts. Therefore, it appears that the intrinsic durability that evolved to make enterococci optimally competitive in the host gastrointestinal tract also ideally positioned them to persist in hospitals, despite disinfection protocols, and acquire new antibiotic resistances from other microbes. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms and regulation employed by enterococci to tolerate diverse stressors and highlight the role of stress tolerance in the biology of this medically relevant genus.
Epidemiology of Hand-foot-mouth disease in children under 5 years of age in Changzhou from 2008 to 2009

【Objective】 To analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) in children aged 0 to 5 years in Changzhou from 2008 to 2009,and provide evidence for the prevention and control of HFMD.【Method】 All the data of HFMD cases and pathogens in children aged 0 to 5 years in Changzhou from 2008 to 2009 were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method.【Result】 The average annual incidence of HFMD was 114.75/100 000 in Changzhou,and 92.74% of cases were 0 to 5 years old.The incidence of HFMD in urban areas was higher than two county-level cities(χ2=603.01,P 0.01).The disease can occur throughout the year and has an obvious seasonal trend,and there are two epidemic peaks in June and November,respectively.Most clustered cases of HFMD occurred in kindergartens and nurseries(63.51%).The typical clinical manifestations were fever,oral herpes and hand,foot and mouth skin rash.Specially,the severe cases were often accompanied by gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.518 samples of HFMD cases were given etiology detection with a positive rate of 63.51%,and the 63.53% of them were positive EV71.【Conclusion】 The incidence of HFMD in children aged 0 to 5 years in Changzhou shows significant epidemiological features of region,season and population.It is important to take active prevention and control measures focus on high-risk groups in the popular seasons;Furthermore,it should strengthen the patients of HFMD in a timely identify and treatment,in particular,should strengthen the monitoring and treatment of cases of severe disease.
Long-term exposure to substrate-borne vibrations and the behavioral response of field crickets (Gryllidae)

Anthropogenic noise is a present in most landscapes, with a variety of impacts documented across taxa. Much of the research investigating the impact of anthropogenic noise on animals in terrestrial ecosystems has focused primarily on airborne sound, with little attention to substrate borne vibrations. Many invertebrates rely on substrate borne signals and cues to communicate and detect predators or prey, but little is understood about the impact of substrate-borne vibrational noise on invertebrate behavior. We designed an experiment to determine if wild populations of field crickets (Gryllus pennsylvanicus and G. veletis) that occupy habitats close to heavily trafficked roadways typified by high levels of substrate-borne vibrational noise displayed a lower response to substrate-borne cues compared to populations in quiet locations. Low frequency substrate-borne vibrational stimuli (100–1000 Hz bandpass brown noise) was played back to singing males in the field to determine behavioral thresholds to vibration. Populations at roadside sites were exposed to substrate vibrations of 0.36–0.40 mm/s peak to peak while crickets at quiet sites were exposed to 0.29–0.30 mm/s peak to peak. Behavioral threshold responses of each population are presented.
Understanding the severity of depression: do nondepressive symptoms influence global ratings of depression severity?

OBJECTIVE Almost all depression measures have been developed without discussing how to best conceptualize and assess the severity of depression. It is therefore not surprising that measures differ in both how items are rated and item content. The question that we address in the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project is whether a measure of depression severity should include symptoms that are frequent in depressed patients but are defining features of other disorders (eg, anxiety, irritability). METHODS Patients were evaluated with a semi-structured interview and severity ratings were made of each symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as anxiety, irritability, and somatization. Patients were also rated on the Clinical Global Index of severity (CGI). RESULTS Three of the 5 nondepressive symptoms (psychic anxiety, somatic anxiety, and subjective anger) were significantly correlated with the CGI. The correlation between the sum of all 5 nondepressive symptoms and the CGI was significantly lower than the correlation between the sum of the depressive symptom severity ratings (0.12 vs 0.52, z = 11.0, p < .001). The partial correlation between the CGI and the nondepressive symptom severity ratings (after controlling for the total depressive symptom ratings) was nonsignificant. DISCUSSION After accounting for the severity of depressive symptoms, the severity of the nondepressive symptoms was not associated with global ratings of depressive severity. These findings raise questions regarding the appropriateness of including ratings of anxiety, irritability, and somatization on a measure that purportedly assesses the severity of depression.
Coastal Imaging Station Design Toolbox

Abstract The Station Design Toolbox is a MATLAB code repository and application for planning data collection from cameras mounted on a fixed platform or a small unoccupied aircraft system (sUAS) in coastal or riverine environments. A graphical user interface simplifies the process of designing the data collection by providing estimates of the camera array field-of-view and image resolution based on the hypothetical projection matrix from user-defined camera configurations. The user can save results as geographically tagged images and keyhole markup language files for import into an earth browser.
Skeletal muscle as an experimental model of choice to study tissue aging and rejuvenation

Skeletal muscle is among the most age-sensitive tissues in mammal organisms. Significant changes in its resident stem cells (i.e., satellite cells, SCs), differentiated cells (i.e., myofibers), and extracellular matrix cause a decline in tissue homeostasis, function, and regenerative capacity. Based on the conservation of aging across tissues and taking advantage of the relatively well-characterization of the myofibers and associated SCs, skeletal muscle emerged as an experimental system to study the decline in function and maintenance of old tissues and to explore rejuvenation strategies. In this review, we summarize the approaches for understanding the aging process and for assaying the success of rejuvenation that use skeletal muscle as the experimental system of choice. We further discuss (and exemplify with studies of skeletal muscle) how conflicting results might be due to variations in the techniques of stem cell isolation, differences in the assays of functional rejuvenation, or deciding on the numbers of replicates and experimental cohorts.
Percent Increase in Aortic Pulsatility Index and Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index after Milrinone Infusion Predicts Escalation of Therapy and Mortality

Purpose We hypothesized that the change in hemodynamic values after milrinone infusion would predict clinical outcomes. Methods We reviewed 177 patients undergoing right heart catheterization and milrinone loading at our center between January 2013 and December 2018. Percent increase in aortic pulsatility index (piAPI) was calculated as 100 * (aortic pulsatility index after milrinone infusion - aortic pulsatility index prior to milrinone infusion)/aortic pulsatility index prior to milrinone infusion, and percent increase in pulmonary artery pulsatility index (piPAPI) was calculated as 100 * (pulmonary artery pulsatility index after milrinone infusion - pulmonary artery pulsatility index prior to milrinone infusion)/pulmonary artery pulsatility index prior to milrinone infusion. Cutpoints were determined by ROC analysis, and patients were stratified as follows: (1) High piAPI, High piPAPI; (2) High piAPI, Low piPAPI; (3) Low piAPI, High piPAPI; and (4) Low piAPI, Low piPAPI. Univariate and multivariate logistic and cox regression analyses were performed to determine association with escalation of therapy, defined as left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death. Results Cutpoints of 70% and 103% were determined for piAPI and piPAPI, respectively. Low piAPI, Low piPAPI was associated with escalation of therapy or death at 30-days (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.16 - 5.3, p = 0.022; OR). In multivariate analysis, Low piAPI, Low piPAPI and High piAPI, Low piPAPI were predictors of the one-year endpoint (OR 8.95, 95% CI 2.43 - 43.1, p = 0.002; OR 6.87, 95% CI 1.79 - 34.16, p = 0.008; respectively). Grouping patients according to whether they possessed Low piAPI, Low piPAPI showed a greater hazard for the endpoint at 30-days and one-year (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24 - 4.15, p = 0.0076; HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.01 - 2.28, p = 0.014; respectively). Conclusion Low piAPI, Low piAPI status may indicate lower myocardial reserve and predict poorer outcomes.
Expanding the Role of Behavior Analysts

Our goal is to highlight the applicability, the implementation, and the utility of behavior analysis across a wide range of socially meaningful domains. While a relatively narrow specialization in neurodevelopmental disorders has become the norm, historically behavior analysts trained broadly and took experimental methods from the lab to health service settings and beyond. The following introduction pays homage to these beginnings and calls attention to the behavior analysts who held concurrent leadership positions within behavior analysis and psychological organizations from 1966 to 1975. Since then, the impact of behavior analysis has grown steadily.
How Successful Were Quakers at Science

The impressively high proportion of Quakers in the Royal Society has often been cited to support the claim that Quakers have been far more successful at science than the general population. However, this supporting evidence is shown to be highly problematic and demonstrably false. Moreover, attempts to establish the superiority of Quakers in science have diverted attention away from more interesting and important historical questions.
Joint hop timing and DOA estimation for multiple noncoherent frequency hopped signals

A dynamic programming (DP) method coupled with two dimensional (2D) harmonic retrieval is proposed for joint estimation of hop timing and direction-of-arrival (DOA) of multiple frequency hopped spread spectrum (FHSS) signals using an antenna array, without knowledge of hopping patterns and hop rates of the users.
Calibration of Video Cameras to the Coordinate System of a Radiation Therapy Treatment Machine

There has been recent interest in using video cameras along with computer vision and photogrammetric techniques to aid in the daily positioning of patients for radiation therapy. We describe here a method to calibrate video cameras to the beam coordinate system of a radiation therapy treatment machine. Standard camera calibration relates the three-dimensional coordinate system of a calibration phantom to the two-dimensional image coordinates. Using a calibration phantom designed for simultaneous X-ray and video imaging, both types of images can be calibrated to a single coordinate system. A series of X-ray images of the calibration phantom is taken using the motion of the treatment machine. Camera calibration parameters derived from these images are used to find a transformation from the coordinate system of the calibration phantom to the beam coordinate system of the treatment machine. This transformation is applied to the video camera calibration to provide a camera calibration directly to the beam coordinates of the machine.
Pulse-Field Activation of Collinear Magnetic Single Crystals

Single crystals of nickel-manganese-gallium, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA), show up to 10elongation in response to an applied magnetic field or mechanical stress. The change in dimension is not a result of magnetostriction but of twin boundary motion through the material. The field-induced extension has previously been reversed only by a compressive mechanical stress from a spring or orthogonal field. The use of a second crystal of Ni-Mn-Ga to provide the reset force is unreported. Data are shown here of the stress and strain behavior of two FSMA crystals connected in series and subjected alternately to a magnetic field. Two samples, one initially in full extension and the other in compression, are arranged in series in a rigid frame such that their total length is held constant. A pulsed magnetic field is alternately applied to the samples, with the output energy of the extending crystal tending to apply a resetting force to the other. This setup shows up to 1.5resetting strain in single crystal laminates.
Formulating the theories of gravity/intrinsic gravity and motion/intrinsic motion and their union at the second stage of evolutions of spacetime/intrinsic spacetime and parameters/intrinsic parameters in a gravitational field. Part II

An analytical approach to the theory of gravitational relativity (TGR) and combined theory of gravitational relativity and special theory of relativity (TGR+SR) on the flat spacetime of TGR in a gravitational field of arbitrary strength is developed to complement the graphical approach developed in the first part of this paper. The analytical approach to TGR bears an interesting analogy to the analytical approach to SR developed by Albert Einstein. Relations for (or transformations of) mass, force, energy, gravitational potential, gravitational field (or acceleration), gravitational velocity, frequency and other parameters, are derived on flat spacetime in the context of TGR. These are relations that incorporate the effect of gravitational relativity into the classical and special-relativistic values of parameters at every point on flat spacetime in a gravitational field of arbitrary strength. Local Lorentz invariance (LLI) is validated on the flat spacetime of TGR. The weak equivalence principle (WEP) is shown to be valid in the context of TGR as long as it is valid in classical gravitation. The modified (or gravitational-relativistic) form of the Newtonian gravitational force law on flat spacetime in the context of TGR is derived. The non-trivial relationships among the various mass concepts in physics namely, the inertial mass, the passive gravitational mass, the active gravitational mass and the rest mass, which the derived mass relation in the context of TGR implies, are highlighted and the elusive rest mass and classical radius of a gravitational field source are calculated from the observed (or inertial) mass and the observed radius of the field source. The exterior Schwarzschild line element in the general theory of relativity is shown to pertain to the measurable sub-space of TGR (which is a fictitious curved spacetime with sub-Riemannian metric tensor), whereas the total space of TGR is the observed flat spacetime with constant Lorentzian metric tensor.
New ytterbium-doped apatite crystals for flexible laser design

A new class of Yb-lasers is summarized in this article. The apatite family of crystals has been found to impose favorable spectroscopic and laser properties on the Yb{sup 3+} activator ion. Crystals of Yb-doped Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F, Sr{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F, Ca{sub x}Sr{sub 5{minus}x}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F, and Sr{sub 5}(VO{sub 4}){sub 3}F have been grown and investigated. Several useful laser crystals have been identified which offer a variety of fundamental laser parameters for designing diode-pumped systems. In general, this class of materials is characterized by high emission cross sections (3.6--13.1 {times} 10{sup {minus}20} cm{sup 2}), useful emission lifetimes (0.59--1.26 msec), a strong pump band ({sigma}{sub abs} = 2.0--10.0 {times} 10{sup {minus}20} cm{sup 2}) and pump and extraction wavelengths near 900 and 1,045 nm, respectively. Efficient lasing has been demonstrated for several of the members of this class of materials, and high optical quality crystals have been grown by the Czochralski method.
Resolving bony abnormality evolves to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Primary lymphoma of bone is a rare malignancy that can mimic infection and benign bone lesions radiographically. Malignant conversion of osseous lesions has been reported; evolution to lymphoma has not. We describe an adolescent male diagnosed with atypical osteoid osteoma who, despite near resolution of bony changes involving the anterior tibia, was diagnosed with monostotic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma four years later. Indolent lymphoma of the initial lesion is unlikely. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion of malignancy even with recurrence of similar clinical presentation and hints at possible osseous microenvironment abnormalities predisposing to the development of lymphoma.
Teams That Work: Preparing Student Teams for the Workplace.

Organizations today often require collaboration in the form of work teams. Many tasks completed within organizations, whether in the workplace or in academia, however, can be beyond the capabilities of individuals alone. Productive teamwork and cooperative activities in business are expected and can begin very early in a person's career. The pedagogy for teamwork instruction in the classroom may not simulate real workplace events or parallel organizational behavior in order to attain a successful outcome. In universities, teamwork often breeds frustration and dysfunction, since the teams often do not perform at a high level or reach their full potential. This paper will provide best practices for creating productive teams in the classroom in preparation for the workforce. This insight will include ideas that will bond team members through collective values and goals, resulting in effective teams and a productive environment.
A cloud enabled virtual reality based pedagogical ecosystem for wind energy education

This paper describes a scalable and transferable cloud-based virtual reality pedagogical ecosystem that provides students with the basics of wind turbines and associated wind farm design. The module uses mathematical models derived from the experimental WKA-60 turbine to incorporate realistic wind-turbine behavior. Students are able to design a virtual wind-farm for optimal energy generation by modifying individual wind turbine parameters such as the blade length, count, and angle as well as the spacing of the wind turbines in the wind farm. Live graphs showing how the design parameters affect total power output from the virtual wind farm provide instant feedback to the students. An adaptive methodology that assesses the application of students' independent thought processes, along with design and operational skills in creating the wind farms is implemented. We provide a detailed description of technical approach that was adopted to create this system. The ecosystem uses the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology in the backend and Unity 3D gaming engine for the front-end rendering. The server-side software runs on Node.js and frameworks such as Express. As educational VR systems continue to develop, we anticipate that cloud based implementations will be utilized for an increasing number of educational needs and that the ecosystem and technical approach presented in this paper may serve as a guide for future educational VR research.
Beyond Natural History: Some Thoughts About Research Priorities in the Study of Xenarthrans

Abstract Based on a review of the existing literature on xenarthrans, we argue that there are few obvious examples of publications that could be considered “classics”, i.e., those with far-reaching and long-lasting impacts. Why not? Xenarthrans are exceptional mammals, but they are notoriously difficult to study in the wild. Perhaps for this reason, among others, much of the research on xenarthrans has been primarily descriptive. Clearly, this is a necessary first step when so little is known about so many species. However, if we are to increase general awareness of xenarthrans and their biology, we need to move beyond a focus on the intrinsically interesting properties of particular species to how those properties can be exploited to address fundamental questions in ecology, evolution, and other disciplines, ideally with findings that will have implications for the study of non-xenarthrans as well. In this essay we try to identify specific areas that appear promising for such an approach. For field studi...
The transition from columnar to equiaxed dendritic growth in proeutectic, low-volume fraction copper, Pb−Cu alloys

Lead, 17.1, 11.2, and 5 volume fraction copper (14, 9, and 4 wt pct Cu) alloys have been directionally solidified at constant growth velocities ranging from 1 to 100 μm s−1. Serially increasing the growth velocity within this range results in a graded microstructural transition from fully columnar, albeit segregated, copper dendrites in a lead matrix to one consisting only of equiaxed grains. The imposed velocity necessary to effect fully equiaxed growth is found to drop rapidly as the volume fraction of copper is decreased. Factors which complicate the controlled, directional solidification of these alloys are discussed and the experimental results are interpreted in view of, and seen to be in qualitative agreement with, Hunt’s theory on the transition from columnar to equiaxed growth of dendrites.
Structure and mechanical properties of micro and macro balloons: An overview of test techniques

A recently developed technique for obtaining uniaxial compression properties of individual microballoons by using a nanoindentation instrument equipped with a flat-ended tip of cylindrical or square cross-section will be described. A variety of useful parameters can be extracted from load vs. displacement curves such as: failure load, strain to failure, fracture energy, and a pseudo-stiffness or spring constant of each microballoon tested. The technique allows for a comparison of compression properties between individual microballoons of varying size or morphology. Other techniques for compression of both individual and large numbers of microballoons simultaneously, will be compared to this new test procedure. Two novel tensile test techniques will be reviewed. Additionally, the utility of complimentary test methods—including quantitative microscopy, SEM, interferometry, and nanoindentation—for characterizing the structure and properties of microballoons will be discussed.
Fixed factor models of agricultural productivity growth

Measures of productivity typically assume that all inputs are variable, thus ignoring the quasi-fixed nature of agricultural inputs such as farm machinery, land and structures, and self-employed labour. This paper applies recent developements in productivity growth in the presence of quasi-fixed inputs. We find that adjusting for quasi-fixity reduces absorved productivity growth in US agriculture by 19% from 1950 to 1989.
Smoking and Barrett's esophagus in women who undergo upper endoscopy.

Cigarette use is associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma, and cross-sectional studies suggest an association between smoking and Barrett’s esophagus. We sought to examine prospectively the effect of smoking on the risk for Barrett’s esophagus. This was a prospective cohort study among 20,863 women within the Nurses’ Health Study who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any reason between 1980 and 2006. We assessed the association between smoking and pathologically-confirmed Barrett’s esophagus (n = 377). Self-reported data on smoking and potential confounding variables were collected from biennial questionnaires. Compared with women who never smoked, former smokers of 1–24 cigarettes/day had a multivariate odds ratio for Barrett’s esophagus of 1.25 (95% CI 0.99–1.59), former smokers of ≥25 cigarettes/day had a multivariate odds ratio of 1.52 (95% CI 1.04–2.22), current smokers of 1–24 cigarettes/day had a multivariate odds ratio of 0.89 (95% CI 0.54–1.45), and current smokers of ≥25 cigarettes/day had a multivariate odds ratio of 0.92 (95% CI 0.34–2.54). The risk for Barrett’s esophagus increased significantly with increasing pack-years smoked among former (P = 0.008) but not current smokers (P = 0.99), especially when considering exposure ≥25 years before index endoscopy. Results were similar among women reporting regular heartburn/acid-reflux one or more times a week, and were not accounted for by changes in weight. Heavy, remote smoking is associated with an increased risk for Barrett’s esophagus. This finding suggests a long latency period between exposure and development of the disease, even after discontinuation of smoking.
An 18O2 Temperature-Programmed Isotope Exchange Study of Transition-Metal-Containing ZSM-5 Zeolites Used for Oxydehydrogenation of Ethane

Abstract The oxydehydrogenation of ethane was studied over a number of transition-metal containing ZSM-5 catalysts, e.g., Co-H-ZSM-5, Cu-Na-ZSM-5, Nb-ZSM-5, and V-ZSM-5. It has been shown that the introduction of transition metal cations into ZSM-5 zeolite, either as charge balancing cations (Co 2+ , Nb 5+ ) or as lattice cation (V 5+ ), enhances the activity and selectivity of the catalysts for the oxydehydrogenation of ethane. The 18 O 2 temperature-programmed isotope exchange technique was used to probe the likely active sites on the catalysts. It was demonstrated that the introduction of transition metal cations results in the formation of active sites responsible for the formation of single-step double exchange between gas phase oxygen and lattice oxygen. The activity for formation of single-step double exchange 16 O 2 is a good indicator for the activity for oxydehydrogenation of ethane to form ethylene. The introduction of transition metal cations (Cu 2+ , Co 2+ , etc.) into ZSM-5 zeolite lowers the temperature required for isotope exchange between gas phase oxygen and lattice oxygen. The temperature required for isotope exchange depends on the cations introduced. The activity for facilitating single-step double exchange between gas phase 18 O 2 and lattice oxygen ( 16 O) and the activity for oxydehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene decrease in the same order: Co-H-ZSM-5 > Cu-Na-ZSM-5 > [V]-ZSM-5 > Nb-ZSM-5 > Na-ZSM-5 ∼ H-ZSM-5 ∼ Cu-ZSM-5. It appears that the structural defects created by introducing transition metal cations are responsible for the enhanced activity and selectivity for the oxydehydrogenation of ethane. NH 3 -TPD results show that the presence of strong Bronsted acid sites are undesired for oxydehydrogenation reactions. However, the presence of relatively weaker acid sites is not harmful for the reaction.
The systematics of boron abundances in young volcanic rocks

Abstract Boron behaves as a highly incompatible trace element in oceanic settings, while in arcs it shows unique systematics indicative of fluid-rock interactions. Boron analyses conducted on well-characterized mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) suites show that B approximates K most closely in its solid/ melt distribution behavior, with inferred bulk distribution coefficients of 0.004-0.009 during melting in the mantle and up to 0.07 during low-pressure crystallization. During differentiation processes in volcanic arc lavas B and K also vary similarly, but the B enrichments in basalts from different arc volcanoes are highly heterogeneous relative to those of K, Be, or other incompatibles. Boron shows strong affinities for fluids such as are liberated during the devolatilization of subducting slabs. Boron enrichments correlate directly with extents of melting in arc basalts, and inversely with the enrichments of most other lithophile trace elements. Boron enrichments at arcs are lower in those volcanoes that sample deeper portions of the slab, becoming indistinguishable from MORBs in the rearmost volcanic centers. That such B depletions are evident in lavas entails that magmatic processes and other transport mechanisms efficiently flush B through the mantle wedge and return it to surface reservoirs. The great mobility of boron apparent from the arc data precludes any long-term B enrichment in the sub-arc mantle and requires the existence of strong return fluxes for B in addition to arc volcanism.
Objectives and alternatives in the context of systems analysis and MBO

Abstract This paper considers tasks and techniques designed to improve analysis and communication in systems analysis and also management- by-objectives (MBO) planning. Specifically, a set of tasks is proposed for accomplishing the following steps of systems analysis: (1) setting objectives, and (2) developing alternatives. Several managerial techniques for setting objectives and developing alternatives are demonstrated, including the objectives /activities tree, the problem element interaction table, and the cross-interaction matrix. A short case study is presented in order to clarify the proposed system of tasks and techniques.
Neutrophil transepithelial migration: role of toll-like receptors in mucosal inflammation

The symptomatic phases of many inflammatory diseases are characterized by migration of large numbers of neutrophils (PMN) across a polarized epithelium and accumulation within a lumen. For example, acute PMN influx is common in diseases of the gastrointestinal system (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, bacterial enterocolitis, gastritis), hepatobiliary system (cholangitis, acute cholecystitis), respiratory tract (bronchial pneumonia, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis), and urinary tract (pyelonephritis, cystitis). Despite these observations, the molecular basis of leukocyte interactions with epithelial cells is incompletely understood. In vitro models of PMN transepithelial migration typically use N-formylated bacterial peptides such as fMLP in isolation to drive human PMNs across epithelial monolayers. However, other microbial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are major constituents of the intestinal lumen and have potent effects on the immune system. In the absence of LPS, we have shown that transepithelial migration requires sequential adhesive interactions between the PMN beta2 integrin CD11b/CD18 and JAM protein family members. Other epithelial ligands appear to be abundantly represented as fucosylated proteoglycans. Further studies indicate that the rate of PMN migration across mucosal surfaces can be regulated by the ubiquitously expressed transmembrane protein CD47 and microbial-derived factors, although many of the details remain unclear. Current data suggests that Toll-like receptors (TLR), which recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), are differentially expressed on both leukocytes and mucosal epithelial cells while serving to modulate leukocyte-epithelial interactions. Exposure of epithelial TLRs to microbial ligands has been shown to result in transcriptional upregulation of inflammatory mediators whereas ligation of leukocyte TLRs modulate specific antimicrobial responses. A better understanding of these events will hopefully provide new insights into the mechanisms of epithelial responses to microorganisms and ideas for therapies aimed at inhibiting the deleterious consequences of mucosal inflammation.
The alpha and electron capture partial half-lives of 242Am

The partial alpha half life and partial electron capture half life of the ground state of Am/sup 242/ were measured at 32,000 the J-57 engin 1600 years and 960 the J-57 engin 50 years, respectively. The alpha half life of Am/sup 242/ was found to be 7720 the J-57 engin 160 years, in agreement with the more precise specific activity measurements of Wallman et al. The estimated errors are based on standard deviations. (auth)
Progressive oxidation of pyrite in five bituminous coal samples: An As XANES and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopic study

Abstract Naturally occurring pyrite commonly contains minor substituted metals and metalloids (As, Se, Hg, Cu, Ni, etc.) that can be released to the environment as a result of its weathering. Arsenic, often the most abundant minor constituent in pyrite, is a sensitive monitor of progressive pyrite oxidation in coal. To test the effect of pyrite composition and environmental parameters on the rate and extent of pyrite oxidation in coal, splits of five bituminous coal samples having differing amounts of pyrite and extents of As substitution in the pyrite, were exposed to a range of simulated weathering conditions over a period of 17 months. Samples investigated include a Springfield coal from Indiana (whole coal pyritic S = 2.13 wt.%; As in pyrite = detection limit (d.l.) to 0.06 wt.%), two Pittsburgh coal samples from West Virginia (pyritic S = 1.32–1.58 wt.%; As in pyrite = d.l. to 0.34 wt.%), and two samples from the Warrior Basin, Alabama (pyritic S = 0.26–0.27 wt.%; As in pyrite = d.l. to 2.72 wt.%). Samples were collected from active mine faces, and expected differences in the concentration of As in pyrite were confirmed by electron microprobe analysis. Experimental weathering conditions in test chambers were maintained as follows: (1) dry Ar atmosphere; (2) dry O2 atmosphere; (3) room atmosphere (relative humidity ∼20–60%); and (4) room atmosphere with samples wetted periodically with double-distilled water. Sample splits were removed after one month, nine months, and 17 months to monitor the extent of As and Fe oxidation using As X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, respectively. Arsenic XANES spectroscopy shows progressive oxidation of pyritic As to arsenate, with wetted samples showing the most rapid oxidation. 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy also shows a much greater proportion of Fe3+ forms (jarosite, Fe3+ sulfate, FeOOH) for samples stored under wet conditions, but much less difference among samples stored under dry conditions in different atmospheres. The air-wet experiments show evidence of pyrite re-precipitation from soluble ferric sulfates, with As retention in the jarosite phase. Extents of As and Fe oxidation were similar for samples having differing As substitution in pyrite, suggesting that environmental conditions outweigh the composition and amount of pyrite as factors influencing the oxidation rate of Fe sulfides in coal.
Flavonoids of Sullivantia: Taxonomic implications at the generic level within the saxifraginae

Abstract Sullivantia species were found to produce quercetin 3- O -glycosides, several of which contain glucuronic acid, as well as pedalitin (6-hydroxy-7- O -methyl luteolin), pedalitin 6- O -glycosides, and small amounts of luteolin. Sullivantia has a unique combination of compounds that distinguishes it from other genera in the Saxifraginae for which flavonoid data are available. The nature of the flavonoid compounds is in accordance with a general trend within the Saxifragaceae of reduction and replacement of flavonols by flavones.
The Influence of Alcohol Expectancies and Intoxication on Men’s Aggressive Unprotected Sexual Intentions

An experiment tested the pathways through which alcohol expectancies and intoxication influenced men’s self-reported sexual aggression intentions during an unprotected sexual encounter. After a questionnaire session, male social drinkers (N = 124) were randomly assigned to either an alcohol condition (target peak BAC = .08%) or a control condition. Upon completion of beverage consumption, participants read a description of a sexual encounter in which the female partner refused to have unprotected sexual intercourse. Participants then rated their emotional state, their intentions to have unprotected sex with the unwilling partner, and their post-incident perceptions of the encounter. Structural equation modeling indicated that intoxicated men reported feeling stronger sexual aggression congruent emotions/motivations such as arousal and anger; however, this effect was moderated by alcohol expectancies. Intoxicated participants with stronger alcohol-aggression expectancies reported greater sexual aggression congruent emotions/motivations than did intoxicated participants with weaker alcohol-aggression expectancies. For sober participants, alcohol-aggression expectancies did not influence emotions/motivations. In turn, stronger sexual assault congruent emotions/motivations predicted greater sexual aggression intentions. Men with greater sexual aggression intentions were less likely to label the situation as a sexual assault and reported less concern about their intended actions. These findings underscore the relevance of both alcohol expectancies and alcohol intoxication to sexual aggression perpetration and highlight the importance of including information about alcohol’s influence on both emotional and cognitive responses in sexual aggression prevention work.
Technical issues affecting the implementation of US Environmental Protection Agency's proposed fish tissue-based aquatic criterion for selenium.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is developing a national water quality criterion for selenium that is based on concentrations of the element in fish tissue. Although this approach offers advantages over the current water-based regulations, it also presents new challenges with respect to implementation. A comprehensive protocol that answers the ‘‘what, where, and when’’ is essential with the new tissue-based approach in order to ensure proper acquisition of data that apply to the criterion. Dischargers will need to understand selenium transport, cycling, and bioaccumulation in order to effectively monitor for the criterion and, if necessary, develop site-specific standards. This paper discusses 11 key issues that affect the implementation of a tissue-based criterion, ranging from the selection of fish species to the importance of hydrological units in the sampling design. It also outlines a strategy that incorporates both water column and tissue-based approaches. A national generic safety-net water criterion could be combined with a fish tissue–based criterion for sitespecific implementation. For the majority of waters nationwide, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permitting and other activities associated with the Clean Water Act could continue without the increased expense of sampling and interpreting biological materials. Dischargers would do biotic sampling intermittently (not a routine monitoring burden) on fish tissue relative to the fish tissue criterion. Only when the fish tissue criterion is exceeded would a full site-specific analysis including development of intermedia translation factors be necessary.
Trophoblast cell differentiation and organization: Role of fetal and ovarian signals

Summary The rat choriallantoic placenta is organized into two distinct zones (junctional and labyrinth) and expresses six members of the placental prolactin (PRL) family: placental lactogen-I (PL-I), PL-I variant (PL-Iv), PL-II, PRL-like protein-A (PLP-A), PLP-B, and PLP-C. These placental hormones are expressed in distinct cell- and temporal-specific patterns and can be used to monitor the state of differentiation of rat trophoblast cells. This study was initiated to examine the role of the fetus and maternal ovaries in the regulation of trophoblast cell differentiation and organization. Expression of the placental PRL family was monitored by Northern and Western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis. The roles of the fetus and maternal ovaries were examined by chemically induced fetal death (DFX, induced by intraamniotic injection of digoxin) and surgical removal of the ovaries (OVX), respectively. The endocrine differentiation of the placenta was assessed on day 19 of gestation (sperm positive=day 0, parturition=day 21). Day 10 of gestation was the earliest day that DFX could be reliably performed. Day 10 is a time point during pregnancy preceding the onset of expression of all members of the placental PRL family except PL-I. DFX on day 10 of gestation did not affect the endocrine differentiation of the trophoblast cells but did alter the organization of the chorioallantoic placenta. PL-II, PL-Iv, and the PLPs were all expressed in their appropriate molecular forms and cell types in placentas developing in the absence of fetal influence. The maternal ovaries, in the absence of the fetus, had two distinct actions on the placenta: ovarian signals were essential during a period at midgestation for the maintenance of the placenta and exposure of the developing placenta to ovarian signals during the second half of gestation, in the absence of the fetus, arrested labyrinth zone development. The active ovarian signals were progesterone and estrogen. We conclude that trophoblast cell differentiation occurs independent of the fetus and maternal ovaries. However, signals from both the fetus and maternal ovaries are required for normal organization of the choriollantoic placenta
Pain on Injection and Muscle Irritation: A Comparison of Animal Models for Assessing Parenteral Antibiotics

Pain on injection due to parenteral administration of cephaloridine, cephalothin, and cefoxitin with or without 1% lidocaine was examined in a rat paw-lick model and the results compared with those obtained in a rabbit intramuscular model of irritation. In both animal models, cephaloridine caused similar or a slightly greater response than sterile water. Conversely, cefoxitin and cephalothin caused a much greater reaction than water in both models. The only major difference in the rankings by the two models was with formulations in which an anesthetic agent was incorporated into the diluent. As expected, the presence of a local anesthetic masked pain on injection but not muscle damage. The rat paw-lick model is an alternative to the traditional rabbit muscle irritation model for rapidly assessing both pain on injection and muscle irritation of parenteral formulations.
Mass-resolved low-energy back-scattering of alkali ions

Abstract The emission charge state dependence of alkali metal ions back-scattered in binary collisions has been evaluated. For this purpose, mass-resolved LEIS in an SIMS instrument was utilized during bombardment of 133 Cs + or 39 K + on metal surfaces (Ta, Au or Cu) under dynamic sputtering conditions. Back-scattered singly positively charged alkali ions were found to be by far predominant (i.e. with an at least a factor of 1000 larger flux than other ejected alkali ions). Back-scattered negative alkali ions ( 133 Cs − , 39 K − ) as well as doubly positively charged alkali ions ( 133 Cs ++ , 39 K ++ ) were also observed, while other emission charge states (such as triply positively charged alkali ions) could not be detected.