cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mouse model of endoscopically ablated enteric nervous system.

Abstract Background Current transgenic animal models of Hirschsprung disease are restricted by limited survival and need for special dietary care. We used small animal colonoscopy to produce chemically ablated enteric nervous system in the distal colon and rectum of normal mice. Materials and methods Adult C57BL/6 mice underwent colonoscopy with submucosal injection of 75–100 μL of saline ( n = 2) or 0.002% ( n = 2), 0.02% ( n = 15), or 0.2% ( n = 2) benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Each mouse received 1–3 injections in the distal colon and rectum. Mice were sacrificed on postprocedure day 7 or 28. Injection sites were analyzed histologically and with immunostaining for β-tubulin III. Results Submucosal injection of 0.02% BAC resulted in megacolon and obliteration of 82 ± 8.8% of myenteric ganglia at the injection site on postprocedure day 7 compared with normal colon. This effect was sustained until day 28. Injection of 0.002% BAC had little effect on the myenteric neuronal network at these time points. Multiple injections of 0.002% or 0.02% BAC (up to three injections per mouse) were well tolerated. Injection of 0.2% BAC caused acute toxicity or death. Conclusions A novel model of chemically ablated enteric nervous system in the mouse colon and rectum is introduced. This model can be valuable in evaluating targeted cell delivery therapies for Hirschsprung disease.
Facts, Values, and Norms: Moral Realism (1986)

Among contemporary philosophers, even those who have not found skepticism about empirical science at all compelling have tended to find skepticism about morality irresistible. For various reasons, among them an understandable suspicion of moral absolutism, it has been thought a mark of good sense to explain away any appearance of objectivity in moral discourse. So common has it become in secular intellectual culture to treat morality as subjective or conventional that most of us now have difficulty imagining what it might be like for there to be facts to which moral judgments answer. Undaunted, some philosophers have attempted to establish the objectivity of morality by arguing that reason, or science, affords a foundation for ethics. The history of such attempts hardly inspires confidence. Although rationalism in ethics has retained adherents long after other rationalisms have been abandoned, the powerful philosophical currents that have worn away at the idea that unaided reason might afford a standpoint from which to derive substantive conclusions show no signs of slackening. And ethical naturalism has yet to find a plausible synthesis of the empirical and the normative: the more it has given itself over to descriptive accounts of the origin of norms, the less has it retained recognizably moral force; the more it has undertaken to provide a recognizable basis for moral criticism or reconstruction, the less has it retained a firm connection with descriptive social or psychological theory. In what follows, I will present in a programmatic way a form of ethical naturalism that owes much to earlier theorists, but that seeks to effect a more satisfactory linkage of the normative to the empirical.
Development of High Toughness Sheet and Extruded Products for Airplane Fuselage Structures

High specific ultimate strength and high plane stress fracture toughness are primary requirements of aircraft fuselage skins. The performance of alloys/products used in high performance fuselage applications is first reviewed. The specific fracture toughness for products such as 2017-T3, 2024-T3, 2524-T3 and 6013-T6, is discussed as a function of their composition and microstructure. Then the performance of modern Al-Li alloys/products such as 2199 and 2060 sheet and 2099 and 2055 extrusions is examined. It is concluded that the performance of Li containing alloys/products offer significant improvements over non-Li containing conventional fuselage products because of the optimization of strengthening precipitates and grain microstructures. The role of chemical composition on resulting microstructures is discussed.
Sun‐to‐thermosphere simulation of the 28–30 October 2003 storm with the Space Weather Modeling Framework

[1] In late October and early November 2003 a series of some of the most powerful solar eruptions ever registered shook the heliosphere. These “Halloween storms” damaged 28 satellites, knocking two out of commission, diverted airplane routes, and caused power failures in Sweden, among other problems. This paper presents a 4-day end-to-end simulation of one of the major events (following the X17 flare) that produced the most geoeffective interval of the Halloween storm. The simulation was carried out with the newly developed Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF, see http://csem.engin.umich.edu/SWMF) that self-consistently couples physical domain models spanning from the solar corona to the upper atmosphere. The various attempts and iterations leading to the final simulation are also described. We briefly discuss the technological advances enabling the faster than real-time operation of the SWMF with the required high resolution. We compare the simulation results with observations from space- and ground-based measurements. We have also performed a reference magnetospheric simulation driven by ACE and Geotail observations and compared its results with the Sun-to-thermosphere simulation and the magnetospheric observations. The magnetic structure of the coronal mass ejection (CME) observed at the L1 point on the ACE spacecraft is not correctly reproduced because of the insufficient observations and theoretical understanding of the CME initiation mechanism. On the other hand, we find that the SWMF reasonably well reproduced both the hydrodynamic characteristics of the coronal mass ejection and some of the major indexes characterizing the strength of the geomagnetic storms.
Recruitment of coregulator complexes to the β‐globin gene locus by TFII‐I and upstream stimulatory factor

Upstream stimulatory factor and TFII-I are ubiquitously expressed helix-loop-helix transcription factors that interact with E-box sequences and or initiator elements. We previously demonstrated that upstream stimulatory factor is an activator of beta-globin gene expression whereas TFII-I is a repressor. In the present study, we demonstrate that upstream stimulatory factor interacts with the coactivator p300 and that this interaction is restricted to erythroid cells expressing the adult beta-globin gene. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Suz12, a component of the polycomb repressor complex 2, is recruited to the beta-globin gene. Reducing expression of Suz12 significantly activates beta-globin gene expression in an erythroid cell line with an embryonic phenotype. Suz12 also interacts with the adult beta-globin gene during early stages of erythroid differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. Our data suggest that TFII-I contributes to the recruitment of the polycomb repressor complex 2 complex to the beta-globin gene. Together, these data demonstrate that the antagonistic activities of upstream stimulatory factor and TFII-I on beta-globin gene expression are mediated at least in part by protein complexes that render the promoter associated chromatin accessible or inaccessible for the transcription complex.
Stability and sequentiality in dataflow networks

The class of monotone input/output automata has been shown in the authors'' previous work to be a useful operational model for a dataflow-style networks of communicating processes. An interesting class of problems arising from this model are those that concern the relationship between the input/output behavior of automata to the structure of their transition graphs. In this paper, we restrict our attention to the subclass of determinate automata, which compute continuous functions, and we characterize classes of determinate automata that compute: (1) the class of functions that are stable in the sense of Berry, and (2) the class of functions that are sequential in the sense of Kahn and Plotkin.
Real-Time 3D Body Pose Tracking from Multiple 2D Images

We present a human body motion tracking system for an interactive virtual simulation training environment. This system captures images using IR illumination and near-IR cameras to overcome limitations of a dimly lit environment. Features, such as silhouettes and medial axis of blobs are extracted from the images which lack much internal texture. We use a combination of a 2D ICP and particle filtering method to estimate the articulated body configuration of a trainee from image features. The method allows articulation of the arms at elbows and shoulders and of the body at the waist; this is a considerable improvement over previous such methods. Our system works in real-time and is robust to temporary errors in image acquisition or tracking. The system serves as part of a multi-modal user-input device for interactive simulation.
Disagreement on Immunization Recommendations: An Analysis of Lay-Clinician Interaction

Although the health benefits of vaccines have been well established, immunization rates among adults at risk for complications of viral and bacterial infections falls far short of federal recommendations. Various factors have been attributed to this problem. In this paper we consider an understudied factor, that of clinician-lay interactions on and disagreements over immunizations. We draw on data collected as part of a larger study of vaccine uptake among chronically ill adults. Qualitative methods were used to analyze transcripts of audio recordings of lay-clinician interactions made during health visits of patients eligible for influenza and or pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines. Our analysis revealed that lay expressions of discord over immunization recommendations centered on vaccine delivery, health beliefs, and personal experiences. Strategies used to quell disagreements included posing questions, providing information, and giving advice. Impediments to bringing about agreement over vaccines involved ...
Syntactic Semantics: Foundations of Computational Natural-Language Understanding

In this essay, I consider how it is possible to understand natural language and whether a computer could do so. Briefly, my argument will be that although a certain kind of semantic interpretation is needed for understanding natural language, it is a kind that only involves syntactic symbol manipulation of precisely the sort of which computers are capable, so that it is possible in principle for computers to understand natural language. Along the way, I shall discuss recent arguments by John R. Searle and by Fred Dretske to the effect that computers can not understand natural language, and I shall present a prototype natural-language-understanding system to illustrate some of my claims.1
Complex regional pain syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), syn. reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is an inflammatory disorder that impacts a number of physiologic systems, in particular the nervous, immune, vascular, integumentary, and myofascial systems. Increasingly, evidence of autoimmunity underscores a genetic predisposition of the syndrome. While a definitive mechanism may be lacking, what follows is a description of the various pathophysiologies that are responsible for the clinical features of this syndrome. These in turn are what determine the various treatment philosophies, all of which are incorporated within a rehabilitation paradigm, the ultimate aim of which is to achieve restoration of function. The merit, sequence, and timing of the various treatments are discussed.
Development of decisional balance and self-efficacy measures for adolescent sedentary behaviors

Evidence indicates that sedentary time, particularly TV viewing and playing computer/video games, is likely an independent risk factor for children being overweight. Valid measures of psychosocial constructs related to sedentary behaviors are needed to better understand this behavior. In this study, we develop and validate measures of decisional balance and self-efficacy for reducing sedentary behaviors. In a sample of 878 adolescents, the measurement structure of the constructs was tested in a series of confirmatory factor analyses that indicated excellent model fit and structural invariance between boys and girls. Expected patterns across stages of change provided construct validity evidence. These findings provide psychometric support for psychosocial measures related to adolescent sedentary behaviors. The measures can be useful in the development and assessment of interventions designed to reduce adolescent sedentary time.
Milk Inhibits the Biological Activity of Ricin

Ricin is a highly toxic protein produced by the castor plant Ricinus communis. The toxin is relatively easy to isolate and can be used as a biological weapon. There is great interest in identifying effective inhibitors for ricin. In this study, we demonstrated by three independent assays that a component of reconstituted powdered milk has a high binding affinity to ricin. We discovered that milk can competitively bind to and reduce the amount of toxin available to asialofetuin type II, which is used as a model to study the binding of ricin to galactose cell-surface receptors. Milk also removes ricin bound to the microtiter plate. In parallel experiments, we demonstrated by activity assay and by immuno-PCR that milk can bind competitively to 1 ng/ml ricin, reducing the amount of toxin uptake by the cells, and thus inhibit the biological activity of ricin. The inhibitory effect of milk on ricin activity in Vero cells was at the same level as by anti-ricin antibodies. We also found that (a) milk did not inhibit ricin at concentrations of 10 or 100 ng/ml; (b) autoclaving 10 and 100 ng/ml ricin in DMEM at 121 °C for 30 min completely abolished activity; and (c) milk did not affect the activity of another ribosome inactivating protein, Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2), produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Unlike ricin, which is internalized into the cells via a galactose-binding site, Stx2 is internalized through the cell surface receptor glycolipid globotriasylceramides Gb3 and Gb4. These observations suggest that ricin toxicity may possibly be reduced at room temperature by a widely consumed natural liquid food.
Radiation damage and the capture of Si interstitials by dopant atoms during implantation

Abstract Dopant-Si defect complexes in the surface layer amorphized by dopant ion implantation are identified. The complexes survive solid phase epitaxial regrowth conditions, but dissolve with additional heat treatment. The release of trapped interstitial Si atoms results in a transient enhanced diffusion of the dopant atoms into precipitates. It is shown that for Sb the source of Si interstitials is in the implanted region, while in the case of Ga any complexes formed during implantation do not survive regrowth. However, the deep edge of the radiation damaged region in the Ga case provides a source of interstitials leading to similar transient behavior. The effect of dopant species, implantation temperature, preamorphization, and post-implantation are discussed.
Beyond interference avoidance: On transparent coexistence for multi-hop secondary CR networks

This paper explores the so-called “transparent coexistence” paradigm for spectrum sharing between primary and secondary nodes in a multi-hop network environment. Although such paradigm has been studied in the information theory and communications communities, it is not well understood in the wireless networking community, particularly for multihop networks. Under this paradigm, a secondary network is allowed to use the same spectrum simultaneously with the primary network as long as their activities are “transparent” (or “invisible”) to the primary network. Such transparency can be accomplished through a systematic interference cancellation (IC) by the secondary nodes without any impact on the primary network. This paper offers an in-depth study of this paradigm in a multi-hop network environment and addresses issues such as channel selection, IC to/from primary network, and IC within the secondary network. Through a rigorous modeling and formulation, we develop an optimization problem under this paradigm with the objective of maximizing secondary user's throughput. Through simulation results, we show that such paradigm offers significant improvement to a multi-hop network in terms of spectrum efficiency and throughput performance as compared to the prevailing interference-avoidance paradigm.
Inhibitory effects of estracyt on R-3327 rat prostatic carcinoma☆

Abstract Estracyt (estramustine phosphate) injected intraperitoneally, 100 mg. per Kg. three days a week for four weeks, retarded growth of the R-3327 tumor in intact rats and in orchiectomized rats given androgen. The growth inhibition was accomplished by reduction of tumor deoxyribonucleic acid concentration and of the activities of acid phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, and other hydrolases. Histologic examination revealed cellular necrosis particularly prominent in the orchiectomized, androgen-treated rats. Estracyt did not affect the uptake of 65 Zn in the tumors but markedly reduced the high uptake in the dorsolateral prostate. There was no accumulation of 3 H or 14 C in the tumors after intravenous administration of 3H, 14 C-labeled Estracyt, but the isotope concentrations decreased much in the same way as they decreased in the dorsolateral prostate. The isotopes were retained in the ventral prostate, where their concentrations were approximately twenty times higher than those in the muscle four hours after injection. The results demonstrate the value of the R-3327 tumor in the evaluation of drugs of potential clinical use for the treatment of prostatic cancer. The results also show that Estracyt has an antitumor effect which is not dependent on the antigonadotropic action of the drug.
Maximum sustainable yield and bycatch minimization to the extent practicable

Abstract Two goals of marine fisheries management in the USA are (1) to achieve maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and (2) to minimize bycatch “to the extent practicable.” However, the determination of MSY is contingent on the selectivity of the various fisheries involved and the mix of these fisheries that managers desire. I compare several methods of computing MSY and associated parameters that involve alternative assumptions about the balance between target and bycatch fisheries. These methods were evaluated using a deterministic population simulation model. Additionally, biological risk was evaluated by computing relative spawning levels in the presence and absence of bycatch. While the choice of the method will largely be driven by socioeconomic factors, some implications for management are discussed. Before analysts can calculate MSY and associated parameters, managers must determine their desired mix of fishing and the definition of “to the extent practicable.”
The distribution of ventilation during bronchoconstriction is patchy and bimodal: A PET imaging study

Abstract Recent PET imaging data from bronchoconstricted sheep ( Vidal Melo et al., 2005 ) showed that V ˙ / Q ˙ distributions were bimodal and topographically patchy, but including a substantial heterogeneity at scales V ˙ r ) heterogeneity to the bimodality in V ˙ / Q ˙ . This analysis demonstrates that the distribution of V ˙ r during bronchoconstriction was bimodal with large patches of severe hypoventilation occupying an average of 41% of the imaged lung. The degree of hypoventilation to these regions was highly correlated with the degree of oxygenation impairment, but was quite variable amongst animals in spite of consistent degrees of mechanical obstruction. Remarkably, those regions were found to be hyperventilated before methacholine and their degree of hyperventilation was correlated with their degree of hypoventilation during bronchoconstriction. These data suggest that improving the uniformity of ventilation at baseline may be a desirable therapeutic target if the risk of severe hypoxemia during asthma attacks is to be minimized and/or the distribution of inhaled pharmaceuticals is to be optimized.
Motor Neuron Position and Topographic Order Imposed by β- and γ-Catenin Activities

Neurons typically settle at positions that match the location of their synaptic targets, creating topographic maps. In the spinal cord, the organization of motor neurons into discrete clusters is linked to the location of their muscle targets, establishing a topographic map of punctate design. To define the significance of motor pool organization for neuromuscular map formation, we assessed the role of cadherin-catenin signaling in motor neuron positioning and limb muscle innervation. We find that joint inactivation of β- and γ-catenin scrambles motor neuron settling position in the spinal cord but fails to erode the predictive link between motor neuron transcriptional identity and muscle target. Inactivation of N-cadherin perturbs pool positioning in similar ways, albeit with reduced penetrance. These findings reveal that cadherin-catenin signaling directs motor pool patterning and imposes topographic order on an underlying identity-based neural map.
Reactive oxygen species generated by pollen grain's NAD(P)H oxidase augment allergic ocular symptoms

Abstract Rationale We have discovered that all tested pollens important in allergic diseases contain NAD(P)H oxidases. These oxidases induce profound oxidative stress in the lungs independent of adaptive immunity, and play a critical role in induction of allergic airway inflammation (Boldogh et al). In this study we tested the role of pollen NAD(P)H oxidases in induction of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods ROS generation by hydrated pollen grains were measured by using H2DCF-DA, NBT reduction test and Amplex Red assay. Their impact on intracellular ROS levels was studied in normal human bronchial epithelial and A549 cells, as well as in conjunctival epithelium in sensitized and non-sensitized groups of BALB/c mice. Their role in induction of allergic ocular symptoms was investigated in a murine model of allergic conjunctivitis. Results Intact, hydrated pollen grains generate ROS due to intrinsic NAD(P)H oxidase in them. These radicals increase intracellular ROS levels in cultured epithelial cells and ocular mucous membranes of sensitized mice. A similar phenomenon was observed in naive mice, indicating it is independent of adaptive immunity. Inactivation of pollens' ROS-producing activity notably decreases the immediate-type response and inflammatory cell infiltration into the conjunctiva in murine allergic conjunctivitis. Conclusions Our data indicate that ROS generated by NAD(P)H oxidase activity in pollen grains contributes to development of allergic conjunctivitis.
Synaptic localization of kainic acid binding sites.

The heterocyclic compound kainic acid (KA) is a potent excitant when applied to mammalian neurones1. Lesions caused by injections of KA into the rat striatum and hippocampus cause similar patterns of damage to those seen in Huntington's chorea and status epilepticus, respectively2,3. Although it was originally thought to be a glutamate agonist4, it is now clear that KA does not act on the majority of the receptors for glutamate5–7, and in fact seems to act on a class of receptors which are distinct from those which mediate responses to other excitatory amino acids8,9. The potent and selective neurotoxic effects of this compound10 may be mediated by these same receptors. At present, the relative distribution of junctional and extra-junctional (non-synaptic) receptors is unknown and resolution of this issue would provide important insights into the action of KA on the central nervous system (CNS). We show here that KA binding sites are greatly enriched in isolated synaptic junctions from rat brain and, using an in vitro autoradiographic technique, we have found that these binding sites are concentrated specifically in terminal fields where KA acts as a potent neurotoxin.
Developing an instrumentation package for in-water testing of marine hydrokinetic energy devices

The ocean-energy industry is still in its infancy and device developers have provided their own equipment and procedures for testing. Currently, no testing standards exist for ocean energy devices in the United States. Furthermore, as prototype devices move from the test tank to in-water testing, the logistical challenges and costs grow. Development of instrumentation packages that can be moved from device to device is one means of reducing testing costs and providing data to the industry as a whole. As a first step, the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is developing instrumentation packages that will provide common measurements across various ocean energy devices. Considerations in choosing an instrumentation controller are summarized in this paper using experiences from the oceanographic and wind industry. Some of the NREL National Wind Technology Center's wind turbine certification tests are suggested as examples of possible tests for MHK devices. Next, challenges that must be addressed in the development of the ocean instrumentation controller are outlined. For example, the instrument package must be adaptable to fit a large array of devices but still conduct common measurements. Finally, data file format and long term database storage options are outlined. NREL welcomes input from the industry regarding its measurement needs.
Cross-Validation Performance of Mortality Prediction Models

Mortality prediction models hold substantial promise as tools for patient management, quality assessment, and, perhaps, health care resource allocation planning. Yet relatively little is known about the predictive validity of these models. We report here a comparison of the cross-validation performance of seven statistical models of patient mortality: (1) ordinary-least-squares (OLS) regression predicting 0/1 death status six months after admission; (2) logistic regression; (3) Cox regression; (4-6) three unit-weight models derived from the logistic regression, and (7) a recursive partitioning classification technique (CART). We calculated the following performance statistics for each model in both a learning and test sample of patients, all of whom were drawn from a nationally representative sample of 2558 Medicare patients with acute myocardial infarction: overall accuracy in predicting six-month mortality, sensitivity and specificity rates, positive and negative predictive values, and per cent improvement in accuracy rates and error rates over model-free predictions (i.e., predictions that make no use of available independent variables). We developed ROC curves based on logistic regression, the best unit-weight model, the single best predictor variable, and a series of CART models generated by varying the misclassification cost specifications. In our sample, the models reduced model-free error rates at the patient level by 8-22 per cent in the test sample. We found that the performance of the logistic regression models was marginally superior to that of other models. The areas under the ROC curves for the best models ranged from 0.61 to 0.63. Overall predictive accuracy for the best models may be adequate to support activities such as quality assessment that involve aggregating over large groups of patients, but the extent to which these models may be appropriately applied to patient-level resource allocation planning is less clear.
Biological response to frontal dynamics and mesoscale variability in oligotrophic environments: Biological production and community structure

[1] Two food web models, a single-species and a multispecies formulation, are incorporated into a three-dimensional eddy-resolving model of an unstable frontal jet to investigate the effects of mesoscale instabilities on biological production and community structure in oligotrophic ocean environments. The growing instability wave triggers the formation of divergence and convergence and, consequently, upwelling and downwelling zones along the jet. Most of the biological production takes place near the surface on the cyclonic (northern) side of the front and on the upstream region of meander crests in response to nutrient upwelling. However, strong advection downstream and downward in the convergence regions (downstream side of meander crests) results in accumulation of biomass at depth on the anticyclonic (southern) side of the front, leading to spatial separation between regions of biological growth and regions of biomass accumulation. The large domain and long duration of the runs allow for investigation of diverse phenomena including eddy–eddy and eddy–front interactions for both cyclonic and anticyclonic features. In addition to the traditional cyclonic eddy pumping mechanism we observe enhanced primary production and biomass accumulation on the edges of anticyclonic eddies due to eddy–eddy interactions and biomass filaments trailing behind detached cyclonic eddies propagating away from the front. In the multispecies formulation the mesoscale dynamics drives a sustained shift in the phytoplankton community toward the large size classes that is consistent with observations and that has not been observed in previous similar process-modeling studies. Because of the higher species diversity, nutrients are used more efficiently in the multispecies system, resulting in higher total plankton biomass for the same amount of total nitrogen in the domain. The fractional increase in total biomass is less pronounced inside the unstable front and eddies where species diversity is lower (large size classes dominate).
The Nature of Managerial Work in Developing Countries: A Limited Test of the Universalist Hypothesis

Is the nature of managerial work universal such that worldwide similarities exist between the activities of managers? We measure the frequency that managers are involved with forty-four skill activities, and then test the universalist hypothesis against two competing hypotheses, situational and convergence. While we find some evidence that refutes the universalist hypothesis, overall we find surprisingly strong support for it, in that the relative frequency with which managers from one stratum of one nation are involved in various skill activities reflects the relative frequency with which managers from other strata within the same nation, and from nations of different cultural-industrialized standing, are involved in the same activities.
Electrically augmented pneumatic transport of copper spheres at low particle and duct reynolds numbers

Abstract In this study, 85 μm copper spheres are suspended electrostatically against gravitational forces and are pneumatically transported horizontally in a parallel plate flow system of 1 by 5 cm cross section. Reynolds numbers fall into the ranges Rec = 0 → 1870, based on hydraulic diameter of duct, and Rep This kind of study is expected to be significant in giving new information on particle drag under controlled conditions of particle motion at low particle and duct Reynolds numbers and is potentially applicable as an aid in pneumatic transport where gas flow below the saltation velocity is required. Electrostatic support is readily extended to other semi-insulating materials such as glass or coal.
Evaporation of water from particles in the aerodynamic lens inlet: an experimental study.

The extremely high particle transmission efficiency of aerodynamic lens inlets resulted in their wide use in aerosol mass spectrometers. One of the consequences of transporting particles from high ambient pressure into the vacuum is that it is accompanied by a rapid drop in relative humidity (RH). Since many atmospheric particles exist in the form of hygroscopic water droplets, a drop in RH may result in a significant loss of water and even a change in phase. How much water is lost in these inlets is presently unknown. Since water loss can affect particle size, transmission efficiency, ionization probability, and mass spectrum, it is imperative to provide definitive experimental data that can serve to guide the field to a reasonable and uniform sampling approach. In this study, we present the results of a number of highly resolved measurements, conducted under well-defined conditions, of water evaporation from a range of particles, during their transport through an aerodynamic lens inlet. We conclude that...
Effects of Weight Loss and Physical Activity on Muscle Lipid Content and Droplet Size

Objectives: To address the potential effects of weight loss and physical activity (WL + Ex) on intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and lipid droplet size in overweight and obese previously sedentary individuals. Research Methods and Procedures: IMCL and lipid droplet size was determined in vastus lateralis, obtained by percutaneous biopsy, from 21 obese volunteers (9 men/12 women), using Oil Red O staining, along with succinate dehydrogenase histochemistry and mitochondrial immunohistochemistry as measures of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Insulin sensitivity (IS) was determined by glucose clamp. Results: A 4-month WL + Ex intervention resulted in ∼10% WL and ∼15% increase in maximal oxygen uptake, leading to a 46% increase in IS (all p < 0.01). IMCL did not significantly change (p = 0.36). However, the size of lipid droplets decreased after WL + Ex (p < 0.01), and this decrease in lipid droplet size correlated with increased IS (p < 0.01) and the amount of physical activity (p < 0.05). Succinate dehydrogenase activity and mitochondrial labeling increased significantly (p < 0.01), without a significant shift in fiber type distribution. Discussion: In summary, IMCL does not decrease in response to WL + Ex in obese, previously sedentary individuals, yet the lipid within muscle is dispersed into smaller droplets. This change in the size of lipid droplets, likely coupled with a concomitant increase in oxidative enzyme capacity, is correlated to improved IS.
The inheritance of desired characteristics: Children's view of the role of intention in parent-offspring resemblance.

Two studies examined children's beliefs about maternal intention as a mechanism for trait inheritance. In Study 1, 42 preschool-aged (4 to 5 years old) children and 81 adults were shown pictures of adult women (mothers) and were asked to identify their daughters. In the critical condition participants were asked to choose between a girl who shared an attribute with the mother and a girl who had the attribute desired by the mother. Trait types included physically heritable traits, nonheritable traits, and beliefs. Results from this study suggest that preschoolers do believe that maternal intention plays a role in the inheritance of physical traits. Study 2 was designed to determine whether preschoolers recognize limits on both the efficacy and the timing of maternal intention. Results suggest that children see some properties as outside of maternal control. Further, they do seem to see maternal intentions as operating prior to birth. One finding of these studies is that preschoolers may not have strong intuitions that offspring will resemble their parents. In addition, children seem to have different intuitions about the mechanisms of inheritance than do adults.
Evolution of polymer mobility during ageing of gelatinized waxy maize starch: a magnetization transfer 1H NMR study

The immobilization of polymer during ageing of gelatinized 25 wt% and 40 wt% waxy maize starch at room temperature and 5°C was studied using proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Cross-relaxation NMR was used to monitor the increase of relatively immobile starch components, while high-resolution 1H NMR was used to monitor the decrease of components with liquid-like mobility. The cross-relaxation spectra of aged starch gel were analyzed into two spectral components. The broader component intensity was found to correlate with the degree of crystallinity as measured by differential scanning calorimetry; and the narrower component was attributed to starch chains having mobility intermediate between those in crystalline and liquid-like states. The kinetics of crystallization-induced immobilization were analyzed by fitting the intensity of the broader component to an Avrami equation. The results were compared with those obtained from other physical techniques. The events of ageing are discussed in terms of changes in fractions of starch components having different molecular dynamics.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

There is little information available concerning the results of rotator cuff debridement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We performed a review of 16 shoulders with underlying RA that underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff tear debridement; there were 10 full-thickness tears and 6 partial-thickness tears. Of the 10 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, 8 had unsatisfactory results, whereas none of the patients with partial-thickness tears had unsatisfactory results. Pain was improved in 5 of 6 shoulders with partial-thickness cuff tears, whereas only 5 of 10 with full-thickness tears had an improvement with regard to pain. Motion did not improve in either group. Patients with RA who require operative intervention for pain relief because of rotator cuff tearing can be treated successfully with debridement alone. However, pain relief was less predictable with large or massive tears when compared with partial-thickness tears, and functional gains were not achieved in either group.
Effect of nicotine pretreatment on nicotine-induced seizures.

Abstract Inactivation of the nicotinic receptor via the process of desensitization has been well characterized for the nicotinic receptor in vitro, but potential behavioral manifestation of desensitization have received little study. To test whether behavioral desensitization occurs, C3H and DBA mice were pretreated with subseizure-producing doses of nicotine and nicotine-induced seizure sensitivity was determined at various time intervals after pretreatment. Fifteen minutes after nicotine pretreatment, DBA mice were significantly less sensitive to nicotine-induced seizures than were saline pretreated mice after both IP and IV administration. Seizure sensitivity returned to baseline levels at 60 minutes after pretreatment for the IP route of administration and at 30 minutes for the IV route of administration. Sensitivity to nicotine-induced seizures was altered for C3H mice under only one experimental condition; 7.5 minutes after IP injection with 2.0 mg/kg nicotine. Thus, DBA mice display a marked behavioral desensitization as a result of nicotine pretreatment whereas C3H mice do not. These results, in conjunction with our previous studies, indicate that nicotine-induced seizure sensitivity may be influenced by a minimum of two factors: the concentration of nicotinic receptors in the brain and possibly the ability of these receptors to inactive in the presence of nicotine.
Educational Aspirations: The Contribution of Personality, Self-Efficacy, and Interests

In a sample of 365 college students, the authors examined the incremental role of personality, self-efficacy, and interests in explaining level of educational aspirations. Measures were the Adjective Check List (ACL) (Gough & Heilbrun, 1983), the Skills Confidence Inventory (Betz, Borgen, & Harmon, 1996), and the six General Occupational Themes (GOTs) of the Strong Interest Inventory (Harmon, Hansen, Borgen, & Hammer, 1994). The Big Five personality dimensions were estimated from the ACL using John's (1990) method. The authors predicted that each of these domains would make independent contributions to explaining level of educational aspirations (1= bachelor's, 2= master's, and 3= doctorate). Sequentially, following Lent, Brown, and Hackett's (1994) social cognitive career theory, blocks of the Big Five, six General Conference Themes, and six GOTs were entered into a hierarchical regression predicting educational level. With the addition of each block, R2 rose from .10, to .26, to .29 for the total sample; similar incremental predictions were obtained separately for women (.13, .29, and .32) and men (.13, .30, and .37).
AUDIOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES IN SURVIVORS OF HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION - A GROUP COMPARISON STUDY 1056

AUDIOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES IN SURVIVORS OF HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION - A GROUP COMPARISON STUDY 1056
Composite versus multiple‐rating scales in the assessment of psychopathology in people with mental retardation

This study tested the hypothesis that separate ratings of frequency and duration add significant information to ratings of problem severity in the assessment of psycho-pathology In people with mental retardation. The Reiss Screen was modified to require ratings of problem severity, frequency and duration for each of 38 maladaptive behaviours. The 171 adolescents and adults were rated by caretakers and supervisory staff on the modified Reiss Screen. The three ratings were found to be very highly intercorrelated. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the ratings of frequency and duration did not add significant information to that provided by ratings of problem severity in the prediction of psychiatric diagnosis in the person's case file. The results support the use of composite scaling over multiple-ratings in the assessment of psycho-pathology in persons with mental retardation.
Photolysis of 2-azidofluorene in situ as a probe in chemical carcinogenesis: bypass of requirement for metabolic activation.

Abstract 2-Azidofluorene was synthesized to serve as a specific photoaffinity label in chemical carcinogenesis studies. The drug exhibited little toxicity, and was non-transforming in the C3H 10T 1 2 CL8 cells. When photolysed at 360 nm in water to generate N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene, then added to the cells, the drug again exhibited little toxicity but was very weakly transforming. When it was irradiated inside the cells cytotoxicity was enhanced greatly. Both Types II and III transformed foci were observed in transformation experiments and were comparable to those obtained with N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. Irradiation alone was neither toxic nor transforming. These results suggest that photoaffinity labeling is a promising tool in studying chemical carcinogenesis by bypassing metabolic activation.
On Two Theories of the Cyclical Outbursts of η Carinae

The star η Carinae is an exceptionally luminous, blue variable that is at least partially evolved and undergoes major outbursts once every 3-6 yr on the average. On the basis of a new grid of stellar evolutionary tracks, we estimate that η Car possessed an initial mass of 150-300 M☉ and is still burning hydrogen in its core. We test a hypothesis that η Car is repeatedly encountering ionization-induced dynamical instability within its outer envelope. In that case, the star has probably already lost a third of its initial mass, while its surface hydrogen abundance has fallen to about half its original value. Its effective temperature, defined from quasi-static models in the conventional way, is predicted to be 8000 ± 2000 K, but theoretically it might be as high as 200,000 K and so is not accurately known from the models. Although our assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium in the envelope of such an extremely luminous star is crude, the predicted cycles of mass loss agree well with these actually observed. Nevertheless, the models impose requirements before instability first breaks out that seem to be at variance with observations of extremely massive stars: stellar wind mass-loss rates falling too far on the low side and a significant amount of time spent as a B-type supergiant. Our models for η Car itself may be too cool. An alternative destabilizing mechanism, based on an assumed supercritical radiative acceleration of material outward from the photosphere, applies potentially to very luminous, hot stars like η Car, but produces no sustained cycles in our models. However, our models are only quasi-static, not hydrodynamic. For luminous blue variables generally, we confirm that the mean cycle time is, to a rough approximation, inversely proportional to luminosity. Our results, therefore, justify the use of luminous blue variables as extragalactic distance indicators. Analysis of a simple one-zone model supports our adopted criterion for dynamical instability and hence at least our theoretical results for ordinary luminous blue variables with low and moderate luminosities.
Modelling plant canopy effects on variability of soil temperature and water: model calibration and validation

Abstract Temperature conditions and the availability of moisture in the near-surface soil environment drives many important plant and other biological processes. Vegetation, which can be controlled by management, affects the spatial and temporal variability of heat and water in the soil. Land managers need to address the interactions between physical, chemical and biological factors in the near surface, but lack the necessary information. The ability to predict temperature and water within the soil–plant–atmosphere system enhances our ability to evaluate management options and enables better understanding of interactions between surface processes and the atmosphere. The Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) Model, a detailed model of heat and water movement in a plant–snow–residue–soil system, was applied to 2 full years of data on semi-arid sagebrush rangeland to simulate vegetation effects on the spatial and temporal variation of soil temperature and water. Minor calibration was necessary to match the drop in measured soil water potential as the soil dried in the late spring and early summer. The model accounted for over 93% of the variation in average daily soil temperature for a sagebrush-covered area and over 96% of the variation in temperature for a bare soil surface for 2 years. Rapid changes in surface water potential and drying of the soil profile as simulated by the model closely tracked measured observations.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity caused by yttrium oxide nanoparticles in HEK293 cells.

Background The increased use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) has caused new concerns about the potential exposure to biological systems and the potential risk that these materials may pose on human health. Here, we examined the effects of exposure to different concentrations (0–50 μg/mL) and incubation times (10 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours) of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) NPs on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Changes in cellular morphology, cell viability, cell membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), and the DNA damage after NP exposure were compared to the effects seen following incubation with paraquat, a known toxicant.