cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic imaging of brain function: toward convergence with neural network simulation

Dynamic neuroimaging techniques allow measurement of neural population responses that reflect integrated activity of the underlying networks. A range of available methods provide spatial resolution and coverage from subcellular to whole head, and the ability to probe both fast and slow processes of neural activation. We have recently imaged intrinsic optical signals that are tightly coupled to the processes of neuronal activation. We observed slow optical responses corresponding to metabolic and/or hemodynamic processes. Other, faster response components closely tracked the dynamics of electro-physiological responses. We have employed fast optical signals to visualize expected spatial patterns of physiological activation of rat somato-sensory "barrel" cortex. Optical signals showed evidence of high frequency structure correlated with synchronous oscillatory activity observed in simultaneous electrical recordings. In order to account for interesting neural dynamic behavior, we are developing simulation tools that allow us to predict experimentally observable responses of neural populations. We will use these capabilities to generate testable hypotheses, and to optimize network models that account for observed dynamic responses.
Dietary Protein Source (Soybean vs. Casein) and Taurine Status Affect Kinetics of the Enterohepatic Circulation of Taurocholic Acid in Cats

The effect of dietary protein source (soybean vs. casein) and taurine status on kinetics of [24-14C] and [taurine-2-3H]taurocholic acid was determined by isotope dilution in 10 adult male cats (six taurine-replete and four taurine-depleted). Taurine-replete cats were fed 1500 mg taurine/kg purified diets containing either 435 g/kg casein (1500 Cas) or soybean protein (1500 Soy) in a crossover design. Taurine-depleted cats were fed the soybean protein diet with no taurine (0 Soy). Specific activity of [14C]- and [3H]taurocholic acid in bile was determined for 6 d following a pulse dose of dual-labeled taurocholic acid. Taurocholic acid pool size was significantly greater in cats when fed the 1500 Soy diet than when fed the 1500 Cas or than in cats fed the 0 Soy diet. Total entry rate, irreversible loss rate and recycling rate of [taurine-2-3H]taurocholic acid and the irreversible loss rate of [24-14C]taurocholic acid tended to be greater in cats when fed the 1500 Soy than the 1500 Cas diet. Irreversible loss rates of taurocholic acid in taurine-replete cats fed the 1500 Soy diet were significantly greater than in taurine-depleted cats, 356 vs. 120 mumol/d [24-14C]taurocholic acid and 445 vs. 56 mumol/d [taurine-2-3H]taurocholic acid. The fraction of taurocholic acid was greater, and the fraction of taurochenodeoxycholic and taurodeoxycholic acids lower in cats when fed the 1500 Soy than when fed the 1500 Cas diet. Taurine-depleted cats had less taurocholic, taurochenodeoxycholic, and taurodeoxycholic acids and greater glycocholic and cholic acids than taurine-replete cats fed the 1500 Soy diet. This study demonstrates that both dietary protein source and taurine status affect taurocholic acid kinetics and bile acid composition in cats.
Torque ripple optimization in switched reluctance motor using two-phase model and optimization search technique

A torque ripple optimization scheme for SRM drive, based on exhaustive search method and 2-phase excitation model of SRM has been presented in this paper. The 2-phase excitation model of SRM used here takes into account the nonlinear effects because of saturation and mutual flux linkages caused by multi-phase excitation. In the proposed scheme the incoming and outgoing phase currents are modulated to minimize the torque ripple. Because of the highly nonlinear nature of torque, exhaustive search method is used for optimizing the torque ripple, by simulating the model multiple times. Modulation of phase current is done by addition, subtraction and multiplication of constants and variables. This can be very easily achieved in DSP micro-controllers and FPGAs. It has been shown by simulations, that the proposed optimization scheme reduces the torque ripple by more than 50% as compared to constant current scheme. The proposed optimization scheme has been experimentally validated
Microscale synthesis of 2-tritiated isopropanol and 4R-tritiated reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

Abstract An improved microscale synthesis of 2-tritiated isopropanol ([2- 3 H]iPrOH) and R -tritiated reduced β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 2 ′ -phosphate ( R -[4- 3 H]NADPH) is presented. The current procedure offers high yield, high purity, and small-quantity synthesis and is shorter than previous procedures. [2- 3 H]iPrOH was prepared by reduction of acetone with [ 3 H]NaBH 4 under reflux conditions. [2- 3 H]iPrOH was used to reduce NADP + to R -[4- 3 H]NADPH with alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobium brockii at 40 °C. This equilibrium reaction was drawn toward products by trapping the acetone with an excess of semicarbazide. This improvement enables a better control of the reaction time, as the enzymatic reduction became rate determining. Greater than 75% of the product was identified as reduced cofactor by reverse-phase (RP) HPLC. Longer reaction led to decomposition of the product and lower yield. Purification was carried out by semipreparative RP HPLC followed by lyophilization and yielded a compound of high purity that was preserved at −80 °C. Applications of the new procedure to a wide variety of specific radioactivities ranging from carrier-free to a few Ci/mmol are discussed. The intriguing formation of radioactive NADP + by-product (the major product in some reported procedures), was also studied and minimized in the procedure described below. Finally, the usage of the labeled cofactor is demonstrated with the enzymes dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase.
Retroreflector diffraction modeling

The SIM metrology subsystem utilizes cornercube retroreflectors as fiducials. These components will introduce errors in the metrology output that must be quantified. Eventually, a complete modeling of the metrology subsystem will be needed. For that purpose, we are developing an optical model for a cornercube retroreflector, taking into account most of the defects present in such an optical part. Our goal is to given a phase map of the wavefront produced by the interference of the reference beam and the metrology beam. Our first step towards this goal is the construction of an optical model and its validation, using the MACOS and VSIM packages.
Alzheimer's disease drug candidates stabilize A-β protein native structure by interacting with the hydrophobic core.

Deposition of amyloid fibrils, consisting primarily of Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides, in the extracellular space in the brain is a major characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently developed new (to our knowledge) drug candidates for AD that inhibit the fibril formation of Aβ peptides and eliminate their neurotoxicity. We performed all-atom molecular-dynamics simulations on the Aβ42 monomer at its α-helical conformation and a pentamer fibril fragment of Aβ42 peptide with or without LRL and fluorene series compounds to investigate the mechanism of inhibition. The results show that the active drug candidates, LRL22 (EC50 = 0.734 μM) and K162 (EC50 = 0.080 μM), stabilize hydrophobic core I of Aβ42 peptide (residues 17–21) to its α-helical conformation by interacting specifically in this region. The nonactive drug candidates, LRL27 (EC50 > 10 μM) and K182 (EC50 > 5 μM), have little to no similar effect. This explains the different behavior of the drug candidates in experiments. Of more importance, this phenomenon indicates that hydrophobic core I of the Aβ42 peptide plays a major mechanistic role in the formation of amyloid fibrils, and paves the way for the development of new drugs against AD.
Feasibility of biomarker studies for engineered nanoparticles: what can be learned from air pollution research.

Objective:Occupational exposure to engineered nanoparticles (NP) may pose health risks to the workers. This article is to discuss the feasibility of identifying biomarkers that are associated with NP exposure.Methods:Scientific literature on the adverse health effects of ambient ultrafine particles
Regulation of p70S6k, GSK-3β, and calcineurin in rat striated muscle during aging

In this study we compared the content and phosphorylation levels of several molecules believed to regulate muscle hypertrophy and fiber type changes in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus, diaphragm, and heart of adult (6 months), aged (30 months), and very aged (36 months) Fischer 344 × Brown Norway rats. With aging, the mass of the EDL and soleus decreased significantly (~38% and ~36%, respectively), the diaphragm’s mass remained unchanged while the mass of the heart increased (~35%). Western blotting demonstrated that calcineurin (CnA), the 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6k), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and the phosphorylated forms of GSK-3β and p70S6k (p-GSK-3βSer9 and p-p70S6kThr389) were regulated differently with aging and between muscle types. Total p70S6k, GSK-3β, and p-GSK-3βSer9 decreased in the aged-atrophic EDL and soleus while p-p70S6kThr389 increased. Although total p70S6k content diminished in the continuously active diaphragm, phosphorylation of p70S6k remained unchanged. Conversely, the expression of GSK-3β and p-GSK-3βSer9 increased in the diaphragm. With aging, the amount of p-p70S6kThr389 decreased ~56% in the heart while p-GSK-3β Ser9 increased ~193%. Interestingly, CnA content remained unchanged in the diaphragm, increased ~204% in the EDL, and decreased ~30% and ~65% with aging in the soleus and heart, respectively. These results indicate remarkable differences in the regulation of molecules thought to govern protein synthesis and changes in contractile protein expression.
THE LOCATION OF RIVER TOWNS IN THE CENTRAL LOWLAND OF THE UNITED STATES

(1959). THE LOCATION OF RIVER TOWNS IN THE CENTRAL LOWLAND OF THE UNITED STATES. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 305-323.
Excited state absorption and dynamics in a Pb-phthalocyanine copolymer

Transient absorption and degenerate four-wave mixing measurements on a thin film Pb- phthalocyanine-urethane-butanediol copolymer show that this material has a strong excited state absorption in the visible and near-IR. The excited state absorption cross section, (sigma) ex , exceeds that of the ground state, (sigma) g from 430 to 620 nm and at 1064 nm. DFWM measurements at 590 nm show both an instantaneous response ((tau) 10 ns.
Journal clubs: an educational approach to advance understanding among community partners and academic researchers about CBPR and cancer health disparities.

Journal clubs may enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in community-based participatory research (CBPR) that will ultimately impact cancer health disparities. This article (1) describes an innovative approach to adapting the traditional journal club format to meet community and academic participants' needs, (2) presents evaluation data, and (3) explores whether responses differed between academic and community members. Five journal clubs occurred between February 2011 and May 2012 as a training activity of a regional cancer health disparities initiative. Each journal club was jointly planned and facilitated by an academic member in collaboration with a community partner. Attendees were recruited from academic programs across the Moffitt Cancer Center/University and community partners. Responses to a 13-item evaluation of each journal club session were compared to assess whether certain topics were evaluated more favorably, and explore differences between academic and community participants' assessment of the topic relevance. Evaluations were positive (mean ratings >4 out of 5) on most items and overall. No statistically significant differences were observed between academic and community members' ratings. Key overlapping interests by community partners and academic researchers/trainees for future journal club topics included discussing real-world CBPR examples and methods for involving the community in research. Although the initial goal was to use journal clubs as an educational tool to increase CBPR knowledge and skills of junior faculty trainees, results suggest mutual academic–community benefit and interest in learning more about CBPR as a way to reduce cancer health disparities.
Dickens and disability

The novels of Charles Dickens include many vivid portraits of individuals with physical disabilities or deformities, and these conditions are often used symbolically to highlight some of the author's recurring themes. Disabled children are depicted as innocent victims, while their older counterparts are most often viewed as corrupt victimizers whose physical deformities are outward manifestations of their inner depravity. Punishment for moral failings in non-disabled characters frequently takes the form of paralysis and/or aphasia resulting from a cerebrovascular accident. In this context the wheelchair becomes a potent metaphor of imprisonment as a form of retributive justice.
Novel mutation in the mitochondrial DNA tRNA glycine gene associated with sudden unexpected death

Abstract We describe an A-to-G transition at nucleotide 10044 in the tRNA Gly gene of mitochondrial DNA in a sibship in which the proband died at age 8 years after a severe encephalopathy, a brother died of sudden and unexpected death, and the other six siblings had a combination of symptoms, including apparent life-threatening events and gastroesophageal reflux. This novel mutation was very abundant (>90%) in liver and muscle of the proband and in several tissues, including blood, from his affected siblings (range 91–99%) but was less abundant in blood from the asymptomatic mother (88%) and maternal grandmother (85%). Our findings further enlarge the spectrum of clinical presentations associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Fecal Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Older Adults: A Review

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial infection that has a large effect on morbidity and quality of life in older adults in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Because antibiotics are often unsuccessful in curing this disease, fecal transplantation has emerged as a second-line therapy for treatment of recurrent CDI. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science regarding fecal transplantation for CDI was performed to further evaluate the efficacy and side effects of this promising therapy in older adults. Data were extracted from 10 published articles from 1984 to the present that met inclusion criteria, including nine open-label reports and one randomized controlled trial. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of individuals undergoing fecal transplantation and effects of fecal transplantation on the fecal microflora were reviewed. Methods of fecal transplantation and donor selection were reviewed. Fecal transplantation was performed in 115 individuals aged 60 to 101, with a female predominance. CDI cure was achieved in 103 (89.6%) individuals over a follow-up period of 2 months to 5 years (mean 5.9 months). There was no significant difference in cure rate between older and younger participants in included studies. Most failed transplantation occurred in individuals infected with the aggressive NAP1/027 strain of C. difficile. Microbiological studies of fecal biodiversity before and after fecal transplantation demonstrated greater bacterial diversity and shift in flora species to resemble donor flora after transplantation that correlated with clinical remission. Fecal transplantation provides a safe and durable cure for older adults with recurrent CDI.
Rotational Symmetry of Solutions of Some Nonlinear Problems in Statistical Mechanics and in Geometry

The method of moving planes is used to establish a weak set of conditions under which the nonlinear equation −Δu(x)=V(|x|)eu(x),x∈ℝ2 admits only rotationally symmetric solutions. Additional structural invariance properties of the equation then yield another set of conditions which are not originally covered by the moving plane technique. For instance, nonmonotonicV can be accommodated. Results for −Δu(y)=V(y)eu(y)−c, withy∈S2, are obtained as well. A nontrivial example of broken symmetry is also constructed. These equations arise in the context of extremization problems, but no extremization arguments are employed. This is of some interest in cases where the extremizing problem is neither manifestly convex nor monotone under symmetric decreasing rearrangements. The results answer in part some conjectures raised in the literature. Applications to logarithmically interacting particle systems and geometry are emphasized.
Development of a Resonator with Automatic Tuning and Coupling Capability to Minimize Sample Motion Noise for in Vivo EPR Spectroscopy

EPR spectroscopy has been applied to measure free radicals in vivo; however, respiratory, cardiac, and other movements of living animals are a major source of noise and spectral distortion. Sample motions result in changes in resonator frequency, Q, and coupling. These instabilities limit the applications that can be performed and the quality of data that can be obtained. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop resonators with automatic tuning and automatic coupling capability. We report the development of automatic tuning and automatic coupling provisions for a 750-MHz transversely oriented electric field reentrant resonator using two electronically tunable high Q hyperabrupt varactor diodes and feedback loops. In both moving phantoms and living mice, these automatic coupling control and automatic tuning control provisions resulted in an 8- to 10-fold increase in signal-to-noise ratio.
Learning at the bottom of the pyramid: Constraints, comparability and policy in developing countries

United Nations development goals have consistently placed a high priority on the quality of education—and of learning. This has led to substantive increases in international development assistance to education, and also to broader attention, worldwide, to the importance of children’s learning. Yet, such goals are mainly normative: they tend to be averages across nations, with relatively limited attention to variations within countries. This review provides an analysis of the scientific tensions in understanding learning among poor and marginalized populations: those at the bottom of the pyramid. While international agencies, such as UNESCO and OECD, often invoke these populations as the “target” of their investments and assessments, serious debates continue around the empirical science involved in both research and policy. The present analysis concludes that the UN post-2015 development goals must take into account the critical need to focus on learning among the poor in order to adequately address social and economic inequalities.
Time Course of Regular and Irregular Pronunciations

Abstract In the past few years, there has been a great deal of discussion over the necessity of two processes instead of a single process to account for both regular and irregular forms. We describe some counter-intuitive naming data (the less frequent pronunciation has a shorter mean latency than the more frequent pronunciation) that cannot be accounted for by Seidenberg & McClelland who use a single measure (the phonological error score) to index both response likelihood and response time. We present two possible scenarios in which feed-forward networks could account for the data, one based on the variance of the distribution of the phonological error scores and the other based on the time course of activation. In this study, we examine the second possibility in a series of simulations using three different feed-forward networks, but find no evidence that feed-forward networks can account for the counter-intuitive data.
Developmental functions for speeds of cognitive processes

In Experiment 1, 8- to 21-year-olds were tested on a visual search task in which they determined whether a target digit was present in a set of one to five digits and a memory search task in which they determined whether a target digit was a member of a previously presented set of one to five digits. Increases with age in speeds of visual and memory search were both described well by exponential functions, and the rate of developmental change was similar for the two processes. In Experiment 2, 8- to 22-year-olds were tested on a memory search task, a mental rotation task in which they judged whether a stimulus presented in various orientations was a letter or a mirror image of a letter, an analogical reasoning task in which they judged whether sets of pictures were related to one another according to the same rule, and a mental addition task in which they judged the accuracy of problems such as 2 + 3 = 6. Here, too, for three of the four tasks developmental change was described well by exponential functions with a common rate of change. Results are interpreted in terms of a central mechanism that limits speeded performance and that changes with age.
Critical Studies and Social Education: 40 Years of TRSE

This special issue of Theory & Research in Social Education honors: • the four decades of publication of this journal; • the work of the founding editor, Cleo Cherryholmes, in getting it establishe...
Development of tissue-simulating optical phantoms: poly-N-isopropylacrylamide solution entrapped inside a hydrogel.

The average turbid optical properties of the N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) polymer solution entrapped inside a polyacrylamide hydrogel (called an NIPA/PAAM gel system) were studied using a multiwavelength oblique-incidence reflectometer. The turbidity of such a system can be drastically changed by simply switching the temperature from below the low critical solution temperature of the NIPA, around 33°C, to above. The absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient were obtained as a function of wavelength for samples with selected NIPA and blue dextran concentrations. It is found that the scattering of the optical phantom comes from the NIPA polymer chains and the absorption from the blue dextran. The turbid optical properties of an NIPA/PAAM gel system can be tuned to simulate biological tissues at a specific wavelength by varying compositions of NIPA and blue dextran and further modified by controlling the temperature.
A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Lisinopril and Losartan for the Treatment of Cardiomyopathy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Objectives This study sought to compare the effectiveness and safety of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) (lisinopril) vs. an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (losartan) for the treatment of cardiomyopathy (CM) in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Background Development of CM is universal in boys with DMD. ACE-I and ARB have both been suggested as effective treatment options. ARBs have been associated with skeletal muscle regeneration in a mouse model of DMD. The question of which, if either, is more effective for CM treatment in DMD remains. The purpose of this multicenter double-blind prospective study was to compare efficacy and safety of lisinopril versus losartan in the treatment of newly diagnosed CM in boys with DMD. Methods Echocardiographic technician inter- and intraobserver variability were tested on 2 separate days on 2 different boys with DMD CM. Results were compared with paired t-testing. Twenty-two boys with newly diagnosed DMD CM (echocardiographic ejection fraction (EF) 10% EF drop. Three boys in the aCE-I group had 3 visits, due to study funding termination. Two were withdrawn because of low EF. All their data are included in the analysis for as long as they remained in the study. Mean EF's were similar at baseline (47.5%- ACE-I, 48.4%- ARB). After 1 year each group significantly improved to 54.6% and 55.2% respectively (p=.02). There was no difference between the 2 treatment groups at 1 year. Conclusions Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability studies showed no differences between echocardiographers on serial examinations. EF improved equally in the two groups. There is no therapeutic difference in EF improvement between lisinopril and losartan over the one-year duration for treatment of boys with DMD-related CM. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01982695.
Congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia in an infant: Diagnostic and metabolic implications

Patient R. R. was a 2.9 kg, term infant born to a 21-year-old primigravida after a normal pregnancy. Physical examination at birth was normal, except for a slightly enlarged clitoris. At 3V2 months of age she was referred to Children's Hospital Medical Center for evaluation of clitoromegaly. The history revealed that she fed slowly and was constipated. The maternal grandfather had hyperthyroidism, but family history was otherwise negative,
Verification of programs with procedure-type parameters

A verification system is developed for proving the correctness of programs containing procedures with procedure-type parameters. The system, which reduces programs and their specifications to assertions to be proved in ordinary logic, is shown to be logically sound. The reduction process is controlled by the syntax of the program and is completely mechanical, requiring no human intervention. The resulting assertions involve higher-order predicates, but they engender no significant difficulties which are not already present in ordinary first-order theories. Our system views the intermediate objects in the reduction process as extended programs, thereby making verification a much less abstruse process. Treating logical assertions as commands appeals strongly to a programmer's intuition.
Defining the Role for Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices for Medically Refractory Heart Failure

Despite significant advances in the management of heart failure, short-term mortality due to advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock remains high. Developed over the past few decades, percutaneous circulatory support devices offer a rapid and effective approach to slow the downward spiral of hemodynamic instability in patients presenting with decompensated heart failure until a more definitive strategy is pursued or patients recover. This review will discuss the goals of percutaneous circulatory support, the types of devices currently available, and the most recent clinical datasets examining the utility of these devices.
Preparation of SiO2 Glass from Model Powder Compacts: I, Formation and Characterization of Powders, Suspensions, and Green Compacts

Dense SiO2 glass was produced at ∼1000°C by using highly ordered compacts of spherical, nearly monosized, amorphous SiO2 particles. In Part I of this study, the formation and characterization of powders, suspensions, and green bodies are described. Thermogravimetry and DTA revealed that substantial loss of bound water occurs in powders calcined at temperatures as low as 200°C. Surface area and density measurements were used to show that the water loss occurs without micropore formation. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that residual silanol groups persist to the highest temperatures (1050°C) studied. The state of particulate dispersion in suspensions was modified by pH adjustment and monitored by rheological measurements. Flocculated suspensions (low pH) produce inhomogeneous, low-density powder compacts with highly bimodal pore-size distributions. Uniform green bodies (with higher packing densities) were prepared using well-dispersed suspensions (high pH). Two-dimensional, close-packed hexagonal arryas of particles were observed in these compacts. Pore-size distributions were narrower, but still bimodal due to the presence of three-particle and four-particle pore channels. The sintering behavior of these compacts is described in part II.
Calcium Acetate Control of Serum Phosphorus in Hemodialysis Patients

Calcium acetate has many characteristics of an ideal phosphorus binder. It is a readily soluble salt that avidly binds phosphorus in vitro at pH 5 and above. One-dose/one-meal balance studies show it to be more potent than calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. We studied chronic (3-month) phosphorus binding with calcium acetate in 91 hyperphosphatemic dialysis patients at four different centers. All phosphorus binders were stopped for 2 weeks. Calcium acetate at an initial dose of 8.11 mmol (325 mg Ca2+) per meal was then used as the only phosphorus binder. Dose was adjusted to attempt control of predialysis phosphorus level less than 1.78 mmol/L (5.5 mg/100 mL). Final calcium acetate dose was 14.6 mmol (586 mg) Ca2+ per meal. Sixteen patients developed mild transient hypercalcemia (mean, 2.84 mmol/L [11.4 mg/dL]. Initial phosphorus values in mmol/L (mg/dL) were 2.39 (7.4); at 1 month, 1.91(5.9); and at 3 months, 1.68 (5.2). Initial calcium values in mmol/L (mg/dL) were 2.22 (8.9); at 1 month, 2.37 (9.5); and at 3 months, 2.42 (9.7). Initial aluminum values in μmol/L (μg/L) were 2.99 (80.7); and at 3 months were 2.54 (68.4). Initial C-terminal parathyroid hormone (C-PTH) values in nglmL were 14.6; at 1 month, 11.9; and at 3 months, 13.2. Sixty-nine patients then entered a double-blind study. Phosphorus binders were stopped for 1 week. Calcium acetate (at a dose established in a prior study) or placebo was then administered for 2 weeks. Next, patients were crossed to the opposite regimen for 2 weeks. Initial phosphorus was 2.36 mmol/L (7.3 mg/100 mL) and calcium 2.22 mmol/L (8.9 mg/100 mL). Calcium acetate reduced phosphorus to 1.91 mmol/L (5.9 mg/100 mL) and increased calcium to 2.37 mmol/L (9.5 mg/1 00 mL) (both P
Spatial and Temporal Variation of the Optical Path Length in Flash-Pumped Laser Rods*

The change of the optical path length in laser rods, under the process of flash optical pumping, depends on the temperature increase of the laser material due to an absorption of pump and laser radiation, on stress-optical effects, and on the varying population of the levels of the active ions. A quantitative comparison of these three effects has shown that the change of the optical path-length is predominantly determined by temperature variations. Thermal effects have been experimentally investigated by an interferometric technique. The dependence of the optical path-length variations within the pumping period on pump energy, flash time, pumping arrangement, geometrical configuration, and doping concentration of the laser rod is analyzed for ruby and Nd+++ doped glass laser rods.
An historical review of graduate medical education and a protocol of accreditation council for graduate medical education compliance

ABSTRACTPurpose:: A brief history of American graduate medical education is discussed to provide a context for understanding the new standards set forth by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The evaluation protocol of the University of Washington, which is structured around the 6 core competencies, is described.Materials and Methods:: Historical events regarding American graduate medical education, national conference information and recent ACGME recommendations according to the Outcomes Project are reviewed and summarized. These materials were used to design a reasonable program that would comply with ACGME recommendations.Results:: ACGME tools that represent the 6 core competencies have been incorporated into our program and should provide metrics that will demonstrate improvement in residency training and education.Conclusions:: A key factor to the success of residency training and ACGME accreditation will be the education of residents and faculty about the new ACGME regul...
Products of linear forms and Tutte polynomials

Let @D be a finite sequence of n vectors from a vector space over any field. We consider the subspace of Sym(V) spanned by @?"v"@?"Sv, where S is a subsequence of @D. A result of Orlik and Terao provides a doubly indexed direct sum decomposition of this space. The main theorem is that the resulting Hilbert series is the Tutte polynomial evaluation T(@D;1+x,y). Results of Ardila and Postnikov, Orlik and Terao, Terao, and Wagner are obtained as corollaries.
International perspectives on workplace bullying among nurses: a review

PURPOSE: This article examines the nursing literature on workplace bullying with the aim of reaching a better understanding of the phenomenon. BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying occurs in many occupations and workplaces, including nursing. METHODS: The following databases were used for the literature review: CINAHL, PubMed, Pro Quest and EBSCO host. Only articles in English were used. Articles from outside the nursing literature were also examined to gain a broader understanding of workplace bullying. FINDINGS: Workplace bullying is more than a simple conflict between two individuals. It is a complex phenomenon that can only be understood through an examination of social, individual and organizational factors. Workplace bullying has been shown to impact the physical and psychological health of victims, as well as their performance at work. Workplace bullying impacts the organization through decreased productivity, increased sick time and employee attrition. CONCLUSIONS: More nurse-specific research is needed in this area. Research needs to be conducted in a systematic and uniform manner so that generalizations across studies can be made. The ultimate goal of this research should be to generate an understanding of this phenomenon so that solutions can be found. Language: en
Utilization of Sodium from Sodium Bicarbonate by Broiler Chicks

Two experiments were performed with broiler chicks housed in battery brooders to ascertain their response to low levels of dietary sodium, supplied by either sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate, and to compare the utilization of sodium from the materials. In each experiment, three replicate pens containing seven female day-old chicks were offered each treatment for a 21-day feeding period. Sodium chloride levels of 0, .05, .10, .15, or .20% were a portion of the dietary treatments. Additional groups received the same basal supplemented with .072, .144, or .216% sodium bicarbonate in the first experiment and .072 or .144% during the second, in order to provide sodium levels comparable to those resulting from .05, .10, or .15% sodium chloride. Group body weights, water consumption, feed consumption, and manure moisture served as evaluation criteria. As the level of sodium chloride was increased, body weights, feed and water intake, and manure moisture also increased. In neither experiment were there significant differences between the body weights of birds receiving sodium bicarbonate and those resulting from feeding comparable levels of sodium from sodium chloride. Average daily feed and sodium intake also did not differ statistically between groups receiving comparable sodium from either source. Water intake tended to be somewhat higher for sodium bicarbonate treatments and was significantly so for the .144% sodium bicarbonate treatment of the second experiment. Manure moisture was somewhat variable and did not differ statistically between sources at the same sodium level. It is concluded that the sodium from sodium bicarbonate was utilized in a manner comparable to that from sodium chloride.
General and spouse-specific anger and hostility in subtypes of maritally violent men and nonviolent men *

The present study compared anger and hostility across subtypes of physically aggressive husbands (i.e., family only, FO; low-level antisocial, LLA; borderline/dysphoric, BD; generally violent/antisocial, GVA) and nonviolent comparison groups (i.e., maritally distressed, NVD; and nondistressed, NVND). Men completed self-report questionnaires of general and spouse-specific (i.e., directed at wife) anger; their level of anger in response to hypothetical nonmarital and marital conflict situations was coded, as were their angry and hostile behaviors during marital problem discussions. Wives reported on husbands' spouse-specific anger on questionnaires and reported anticipated husband responses to hypothetical marital conflict situations. BD and GVA men had the highest levels of anger and hostility. Among violent men, FO men had the lowest levels; on most measures, they did not differ significantly from NVD men. Thus, level of anger and hostility was related to level of perpetration of violence, with the most severely violent men having the most anger and hostility.
Advanced Design and Development of Profiled Edge Laminae Tools

Abstract Rapid tooling (RT) methods have been shown to reduce the cost and time of tooling development (i.e., design and fabrication). Profiled edge laminae (PEL) tooling, an RT method intended for large-scale dies and molds, involves the assembly of an array of laminations whose top edges are simultaneously profiled and beveled using a line-of-sight cutting method based on a CAD model of the intended tool surface. In this paper, a completely integrated PEL tooling development process is discussed, which includes tooling design and analysis in a virtual environment. A simple, twodimensional (2-D) case study involving sheet metal forming with a PEL tool is presented to both demonstrate the process and to identify areas of future work to help facilitate industrial implementation of this promising RT method.
Nonlinear coupling of transverse modes in quantum cascade lasers

We study the multimode operation regimes of midinfrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), taking into account nonlinear phase- sensitive interactions between transverse modes. We show the possibility of the coherent coupling of several transverse modes, which results in a number of interesting effects including frequency and phase locking between transverse modes, bistability, and beam steering. We present an analytical model for the modal dynamics and its numerical analysis. Effects of amplitude and phase fluctuations on the modal stability are explored. The theoretical results are in agreement with our experimental measurements of buried heterostructure QCLs. C
Quantitative densitometric thin-layer chromatography of lipids using copper acetate reagent.

Abstract A copper acetate spray reagent has been used for the quantitative densitometric thin-layer chromatography of glycolipids and phospholipids. The precision of the method ranges between zero and ± 4.5%. Glycolipids and phospholipids from human CNS myelin have been analyzed.
UBIQUINONE AND PHOTOCHEMICAL ACTIVITY IN RHODOSPIRILLUM RUBRUM

— An analytical procedure was developed for quantitatively determining the ubiquinone content of bacterial photosynthetic material. High sensitivity was obtained by supplementing growth media with14C-labelled p-hydroxybenzoic acid which was specifically incorporated into the benzoquinones, ubiquinone and rhodoquinone. Sufficiently radioactive p-hydroxybenzoic acid was used so that 10 picomoles of ubiquinone could be quantitatively measured. High accuracy was obtained by using a carrier technique which was employed during the extraction and isolation of quinones for analyses. Purification of quinones was achieved by selective solvent extraction and thin layer chromatography in two different solvent systems. This analytical procedure was employed to determine the ubiquinone content of R. rubrum chromatophores following hydrocarbon solvent extraction to remove ubiquinone from the chromatophores. Ubiquinone was found to exist in at least two pools: a loosely bound pool which easily extracted with hydrocarbon solvents, and a tightly bound pool which required addition of some polar solvent for its removal. It was demonstrated that ubiquinone would not exchange readily between these two pools. Careful analyses of all protein fractions showed that less than 0.06 ubiquinone per primary electron donor unit (P865) could be covalently bound to these components. From the average of a number of measurements, the tightly bound ubiquinone was determined as very nearly one-half ubiquinone per phototrap (0.48 ± 0.05 S.D.). Removal of the tightly bound ubiquinone was linearly related to the loss of primary photochemical capacity. These results are consistent with the ‘duplex model’ for primary photochemical events but would seem to rule out an iron-ubiquinone complex where the ubiquinone can function only between the semiquinone and the fully oxidized oxidation state.
The equation of state of parallel hard squares

Abstract The results of the cell cluster calculation of the additive free energy constant C in the asymptotic high density form of the free energy F N∾γ→1 − 2 ln ( γ − 1) + C + 2 ln ( λ σ) where τ is the ratio of the system area to its close-packed area, permit the prediction of a phase transition for hard squares between the free-volume solid state and the state determined by the Pade' approximant to the virial series. Molecular dynamics calculations show the free volume pressure to be correct over a considerable range of solidstate densities. The computer experiments also yield qualitative indications that there are two distinct phases in hard square systems.
Critical theory and film: rethinking ideology through film noir

There have been many recent interventions in the field of film philosophy, this ever expanding swell where the currents of visual studies and critical theory meet; most of these take the concepts p...
Teachers' attitudes toward and knowledge of child maltreatment

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine teachers’ self-reported knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment, reporting procedures, legal issues surrounding child abuse and their attitudes toward corporal punishment. In addition, a factor analysis was performed on the Educators and Child Abuse Questionnaire (ECAQ) (Kenny, 2001a). Method: Two hundred teachers, who work in the southeast region of the US in a large, ethnically diverse school system, were administered the ECAQ which contains questions on knowledge concerning: (1) signs and symptoms of child abuse, (2) laws, and (3) procedures for reporting child abuse as well as number of reports filed. Results: Most teachers reported being unaware of the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment, as well as reporting procedures. They also felt administration would not be supportive and were in disagreement with their legal role as mandated reporters. The ECAQ was found to be a reliable measure with four factors: (1) Awareness of signs and symptoms of child abuse, (2) Knowledge of reporting procedures, (3) Attitudes toward discipline, and (4) Seriousness of child abuse. Conclusions: In general, teachers reported a lack of awareness of the signs of child abuse and reporting procedures, which may affect their ability to report cases of suspected abuse. There is a need for standardized training in child maltreatment for all teachers as well as clear, concise institutional guidelines for reporting child abuse and support for teachers confronted with suspected victims.
Diffuse-interface theory for structure formation and release behavior in controlled drug release systems.

Abstract A common method of controlling drug release has been to incorporate the drug into a polymer matrix, thereby creating a diffusion barrier that slows the rate of drug release. It has been demonstrated that the internal microstructure of these drug–polymer composites can significantly impact the drug release rate. However, the effect of processing conditions during manufacture on the composite structure and the subsequent effects on release behavior are not well understood. We have developed a diffuse-interface theory for microstructure evolution that is based on interactions between drug, polymer and solvent species, all of which may be present in either crystalline or amorphous states. Because the theory can be applied to almost any specific combination of material species and over a wide range of environmental conditions, it can be used to elucidate and quantify the relationships between processing, microstructure and release response in controlled drug release systems. Calculations based on the theory have now demonstrated that, for a characteristic delivery system, variations in microstructure arising due to changes in either drug loading or processing time, i.e. evaporation rate, could have a significant impact on both the bulk release kinetics and the uniformity of release across the system. In fact, we observed that changes in process time alone can induce differences in bulk release of almost a factor of two and typical non-uniformities of ±30% during the initial periods of release. Because these substantial variations may have deleterious clinical ramifications, it is critical that both the system microstructure and the control of that microstructure are considered to ensure the device will be both safe and effective in clinical use.
Long-term neurochemical changes after visual cortical lesions in the adult cat.

Peripheral deafferentation alters cortical function and such alterations have been shown to affect the cortical expression of the calcium-binding proteins calbindin and parvalbumin and of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). To determine whether cortical deafferentation produces similar effects, we examined the long-term consequences of cortical lesions on the neurochemistry of interconnected cortical areas. We studied the reciprocal effects of localized damage to either visual cortical areas 17 and 18, or posteromedial lateral suprasylvian (PMLS) cortex in the adult cat. These areas are strongly interconnected and play an important role in the processing of visual information. Combined lesions of areas 17 and 18 caused a marked, topographically specific decrease in the proportion of neurons expressing calbindin in supragranular layers of PMLS cortex. Similarly, lesions of PMLS cortex caused topographically restricted decreases in calbindin expression within supragranular layers of areas 17 and 18, but not in other cortical areas with which PMLS is interconnected. To categorize the calbindin-positive neurons affected by such lesions, we carried out double-labeling experiments for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. This investigation showed lesions of areas 17 and 18 to affect calbindin-positive excitatory and inhibitory neurons equally, but PMLS lesions had stronger effects on inhibitory, calbindin-positive neurons. This finding may represent differential damage to feed-forward vs. feed-back projections in the two types of lesions. Finally, the expression of parvalbumin and GABA was unchanged, even in zones of decreased calbindin immunoreactivity. Our results suggest that damage to adult visual cortical areas, whether striate or extrastriate, induces neurochemical changes in the supragranular corticocortical network to which these areas belong. That changes were restricted to calbindin expression suggests cell-specific and/or biochemical pathway-specific alterations in calcium homeostasis.
CREATION CARE: RELIGION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION

Abstract American faith communities across the political spectrum are increasingly aware of the need for greater environmental stewardship. This is often expressed as a duty of “creation care” that stems from God's directive to humanity in the Genesis narrative. Five environmental priorities characterize recent efforts: the problems of climate change, toxic chemicals, species extinction, deforestation, and marine degradation. The overall trend appears to be toward greater religious support for serious environmental leadership by the U.S. government, but the next administration should be aware of distinctive patterns of religious engagement and differences between religious groups.