cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing environmental sustainability of agricultural systems by simulation of nitrogen and phosphorus loss in runoff

Inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in agricultural runoff can promote coastal and fresh water eutrophication. Thus, information on the effect of agricultural management on N and P loss in runoff is needed to develop sustainable management systems. While reliable field data require several years of study, simulation models can quickly estimate the relative effects of management on nutrient loss. A kinetic equation describing the desorption of soil P was used to predict dissolved P (DP) loss in runoff ; enrichment ratio approaches were used to predict particulate N (PN), particulate P (PP), and bioavailable PP (BPP) losses. Accurate predictions of N and P loss in runoff were obtained for watersheds under conservation and conventional till wheat ; reduced and no till rotational small grain crops ; winter wheat with and without a sorghum cover crop ; and native and set-aside grasses. Overall, prediction errors were 25 per cent of measured values. Although conservation practices reduced PN and PP losses in runoff up to 50 per cent, algal available DP losses increased 56 per cent compared to conventional practices. Simulated losses of N and P from soils receiving animal manure (beef, poultry, and swine) for 10 to 35 years, indicate the need to minimize surface soil accumulations of N and P in excess of crop requirements. Threshold soil P levels, above which DP concentration of runoff is expected to exceed water quality standards associated with eutrophication, were predicted by the kinetic equation. The kinetic and enrichment ratio approaches used can provide valuable information on the relative effects of watershed management on soil and water resources and thereby aid development of sustainable agricultural systems.
Poor outcomes resulting from ventricular assist devices implanted in hospitals without dedicated ventricular assist device programs

Background: There is increasing drive for early implantation of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for patients in cardiogenic shock. Implants in non-VAD centers are often performed by teams without specific expertise in VAD therapy. We review the outcomes of patients transferred to a quaternary VAD center after VAD implants in outside hospitals. Methods: Retrospective review of 12 patients transferred to our center with VADs implanted in non-VAD centers. Indication for VAD was acute shock (6) and post-cardiotomy shock (6). Median interval from implant to transfer was 3.5 days (range 1-9). Results: Organ dysfunction was evident in most patients on transfer (medians: creatinine 2 mg/dl, bilirubin 2.6 mg/dl, AST 193 U/l). There were complications directly related to device placement in 9/12 patients resulting in air embolism - one, massive hemorrhage - two, inadequate device function - four, ventricular fibrillation - one, wound necrosis - three, and hypoxia from shunting - one. Ten patients died in intensive care a median of 6 days post-transfer (range 2-35). One died in the hospital on day 143, while one was discharged from the hospital after 139 days. Conclusions: We observed a high frequency of technical problems related to VAD implantation, almost invariably early mortality, and a very high level of resource use in patients transferred to our center after VAD placement at outside hospitals. The increasingly popular ‘hub and spoke’ approach to VAD therapy may not necessarily be the optimal strategy for managing cardiogenic shock in the community, especially as it leaves some patients with a suboptimal starting point due to surgically related issues. Keywords: ventricular assist device; hub and spoke; ventricular assist device programs (Published: 15 June 2011) Citation: Mechanical Circulatory Support 2011, 2 : 5974 - DOI: 10.3402/mcs.v2i0.5974 This article has been commented on by Benjamin Sun. Please follow this link http://www.mechanicalcirculatorysupport.net/index.php/mcs/article/view/7303 - to read his Commentary
Effect of red-cell-bound mercury on measurements of tissue mercury distribution.

Blood is the transport vehicle of methylmereury (MeHg) in the body (GIBLIN and MASSARO, 1974; NORDBERG and SKERFVING, 1972; PASSOW, 1970; WHITE and ROTHSTE!N, 1973), with almost complete binding to the hemoglobin molecule (GARCIA et al., 1974; ROTHSTEIN, 1973). Although some variation in the percentage of mercury contained in red cells has been reported among species, most data indicate that red cells contain over 90% of the total blood MeHg (LUNDGREN et al., 1967; NORDBERG and SKERFVING, 1972; SUZUKI et al., 1971; SWENNSON et al., 1959). Because of the high affinity of the red cell for MeHg, gross errors in tissue content of MeHg could result unless corrections are made for the MeHg in red cells retained in the tissues. This may be particularly true if tissues are examined within a few hours or days after dosing (before equilibration between red cells and tissues occurs). Results from most studies using isotope techniques to show distribution and tissue content of MeHg do not reflect residual red cell MeHg (ANSARI et al., 1973; IVERSON et al., 1973; REYNOLDS and PITKIN, 1975; ULFVARSON, 1969). Few studies (MOFFITT and CLARY, 1974; SOMJEN et al., 1973) have been performed in which such corrections were made for MeHg bound to the hemoglobin of red cells. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the relative contribution of red cell MeHg to total tissue MeHg is sufficiently great to-affect the measurement of total tissue MeHg.
Physical states of the string in a black hole background

Abstract I review the construction of the physical spectrum for the “black hole” solution recently proposed by E. Witten as an exact string background with a 2-dimensional target space. The spectrum contains some of the states found in studies of d = 1 noncritical string theory but, in addition, has new states not previously found in the d = 1 noncritical string. Along the way I will note remarkable “stringy” symmetry of the spectrum relating massive states to masslless ones and comment on the relation between this theory and the d = 1 noncritical string theory.
Effects of photic environment on the development of spectral response properties of optic nerve fibers in the ground squirrel

The California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) has two classes of cone photopigments (λmax = 440 and 525 nm). Under photopic conditions about 30% of all optic nerve fibers receive inputs from both cone classes, the remainder are driven solely by the 525 nm cone. Recordings were made from optic nerves in young ground squirrels to trace the development of their spectral responsivity. Animals were reared from birth in one of three photic environments: white light, darkness, or red light. In the youngest ground squirrels examined (ca. 50 days old) many units receiving inputs from the 525 nm cone were found, but the proportion of units receiving inputs from both cone classes was significantly lower than that of adults. From these initial low levels the proportion of such units increases gradually. Adult proportions were achieved at varying rates which depended on the photic environment in which the animal was reared: animals reared in white light achieved the adult standard earliest, those reared in darkness somewhat later, and the animals reared in red light required much longer to achieve the adult organization. We conclude that: (a) the neural substrates for normal color vision in this species develop to some extent postnatally, and (b) the normal sequence of development can be significantly extended by spectral environments which provide a highly biased stimulation of the two cone mechanisms.
Elimination of A-type inclusion formation enhances cowpox virus replication in mice: implications for orthopoxvirus evolution

Some orthopoxviruses including cowpox virus embed virus particles in dense bodies, comprised of the A-type inclusion (ATI) protein, which may provide long-term environmental protection. This strategy could be beneficial if the host population is sparse or spread is inefficient or indirect. However, the formation of ATI may be neutral or disadvantageous for orthopoxviruses that rely on direct respiratory spread. Disrupted ATI open reading frames in orthopoxviruses such as variola virus, the agent of smallpox, and monkeypox virus suggests that loss of this feature provided positive selection. To test this hypothesis, we constructed cowpox virus mutants with deletion of the ATI gene or another gene required for embedding virions. The ATI deletion mutant caused greater weight loss and higher replication in the respiratory tract than control viruses, supporting our hypothesis. Deletion of the gene for embedding virions had a lesser effect, possibly due to known additional functions of the encoded protein.
Allele‐specific silencing of mutant Huntington’s disease gene

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a poly-glutamine expansion in huntingtin, the protein encoded by the HD gene. PolyQ-expanded huntingtin is toxic to neurons, especially the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. At the same time, wild-type huntingtin has important - indeed essential - protective functions. Any effective molecular therapy must preserve the expression of wild-type huntingtin, while silencing the mutant allele. We hypothesized that an appropriate siRNA molecule would display the requisite specificity and efficacy. As RNA interference is incapable of distinguishing among alleles with varying numbers of CAG (glutamine) codons, another strategy is needed. We used HD fibroblasts in which the pathogenic mutation is linked to a polymorphic site: the Delta2642 deletion of one of four tandem GAG triplets. We silenced expression of the harmful Delta2642-marked polyQ-expanded huntingtin without compromising synthesis of its wild-type counterpart. Following this success in HD fibroblasts, we obtained similar results with neuroblastoma cells expressing both wild-type and mutant HD genes. As opposed to the effect of depleting wild-type huntingtin, specifically silencing the mutant species actually lowered caspase-3 activation and protected HD cells under stress conditions. These findings have therapeutic implications not only for HD, but also for other autosomal dominant diseases. This approach has great promise: it may lead to personalized genetic therapy, a holy grail in contemporary medicine.
SOME ENERGY LINKED REACTIONS IN THE KEILIN-HARTREE HEART MUSCLE PREPARATION.

Abstract Previously we ( Kettman and King, 1963 ) demonstrated an oligomycin-sensitive ATPase in the Keilin-Hartree heart muscle preparation (also cf. Huijing and Slater, 1961 ). The ATPase was also solubilized and the soluble enzyme was insensitive to the antibiotic. This note reports some energy linked reactions in the Keilin-Hartree preparation. A soluble extract from heart mitochondria stimulates not only the transhydrogenase reaction but also phosphorylation when the heart muscle preparation is used as the electron transport system for succinate oxidation.
Effects of the Kappa-opioid Receptor Agonist, U69593, on the Development of Sensitization and on the Maintenance of Cocaine Self-administration

Previous studies showed that prior administration of kappa-opioid agonists decreased the development of sensitization to some of the behavioral effects of cocaine. The present study sought to determine whether the development of sensitization to cocaine's reinforcing effects was also sensitive to antagonism by kappa-opioid agonists. During a pretreatment phase, the kappa-opioid agonist, U69593 (0.0 or 0.32 mg/kg) was administered prior to (1) 2 daily injections of cocaine (0.0 or 20.0 mg/kg), or (2) cocaine or saline administered via a yoking procedure. Cocaine pretreatment decreased the latency to acquisition of cocaine self-administration. However, prior administration of U69593 during the pretreatment phase failed to attenuate the development of this sensitized response to cocaine's reinforcing effect. In other groups, the effect of acute U69593 pretreatment on the maintenance of cocaine self-administration was examined during a 10 hr session. During training and testing, a stimulus was associated with each self-administered cocaine infusion for one group whereas responding of another group was reinforced by a cocaine infusion alone. On the test day, pretreatment with U69593 (0.32 mg/kg) decreased responding during each hour of the 10 hr session for the group that was reinforced with cocaine plus the cocaine-associated stimulus. U69593 failed to produce a long-lasting disruption of cocaine self-administration for rats that were trained and tested without the cocaine-associated stimulus. These data suggest that the acquisition and maintenance of cocaine self-administration are differentially sensitive to manipulations of kappa-opioid systems. Further, the disruption of cocaine self-administration by U69593 may be due to interactions with mechanisms that underlie facilitative effects of stimuli that have been associated with self-administered cocaine infusions.
Movement adds bite to the evolutionary morphology of mammalian teeth

Selection and constraints put limits on morphological evolution. Mammalian teeth are no exception, and the need for them to meet precisely exerts exacting constraints on a staggering array of developmental and functional factors that must be integrated to maintain their performance as they evolve. A study in BMC Evolutionary Biology demonstrates that mandibular movement is an important component of this integration, and one that should not be neglected in the quantitiative study of the evolution of tooth morphology.
Adult gonadal hormones selectively regulate sexually dimorphic quantitative traits observed in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are characterized by strong sexual dimorphisms, many of which may be due to genetically controlled sex hormone effects on the immune system, the central nervous system (CNS), or both. In the present study we used 487 gonadectomized and 376 intact age-matched F 2 mice generated through crosses of B10.S/SgMcdJ and SJL/J mice to assess the role of adult gonadal hormones in regulating clinical and histopathological quantitative traits (QT) associated with EAE in the context of genetic heterogeneity. We found that gonadectomy resulted in different effects, depending on the QT and the sex of the mouse. Ovariectomized mice on average had lower cumulative clinical disease scores, shorter duration of clinical signs, and increased peak disease scores. This trend was accompanied by a significant increase in the incidence of acute, progressive EAE which is more frequently seen in intact and orchiectomized males. Although spinal cord (SC) inflammation was the better predictor of clinical signs of EAE in both sexes, ovariectomized females had considerable reductions in nearly all histopathological QT in both the brain and SC. Orchiectomy resulted in modestly significant increases in disease severity and peak score and earlier onset of clinical signs. With the exception of SC demyelination and lesion scores, orchiectomy had no effect on histopathological QT. Importantly, gonadectomy reduced but did not completely abolish any of the sexually dimorphic clinical QT seen in intact mice. It did however, lead to a significant sexual dimorphism in incidence and severity not seen in intact mice. For histopathological QT, no sexual dimorphism was detected for brain lesions in either intact or gonadectomized mice. In contrast, SC histopathological QT exhibited significant sexual dimorphisms, which were impacted by gonadectomy. The results from this study indicate that within the context of genetic heterogeneity, circulating gonadal hormones influence both clinical and histopathological QT in this model of MS, but they do not solely account for the sexual dimorphisms seen in these traits. Thus, additional mechanisms must play a role in regulating gender differences in autoimmune disease of the CNS.
Internal mammary sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the value of lymphoscintigraphy (LS) for internal mammary sentinel node (IMSN) identification, the metastatic rate, and the change in staging and treatment. Methods Between 2001 and 2007 a prospective database was obtained of all patients undergoing IMSN biopsies using an open or thoracoscopic approach. Radiotracer injection was peritumoral. Results Thirty-four patients were included. There was one man. Three had ductal carcinoma in situ. LS showed IMSN in 47.1%. The IMSN biopsy success rate was 91.2%. Seven of the 28 successfully biopsied invasive cancer patients had metastatic IMSNs (25%). Positive IMSNs were associated with positive axillary nodes in 71.4% (P = .036). All patients with positive IMSNs were upstaged and received radiation to the internal mammary chain. In 4 of 28 patients (14%) the chemotherapy plans were probably altered. In univariate and multivariate analyses tumor size, location, nuclear grade, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, Her-2, and histology were not significant predictors of positivity. Conclusions IMSNs were positive in 25% of the invasive cancer patients. All had treatment changes. LS identified less than 50% of IMSNs. There are no good tumor-related predictors of IMSN positivity.
Applications and outcome of hemodialysis in cats: a review of 29 cases

Hemodialysis (HD) has been used in the management of renal failure in dogs, but its feasibility has not been reported for uremic cats. Therefore, we investigated the technical possibility, efficacy, and complications of intermittent HD in cats with severe uremia. A total of 160 HD treatments were performed on 29 cats with acute renal failure (ARF) (n = 15), chronic renal failure (CRF) (n = 6), or acute on CRF (n = 8) between November 1993 and June 1996. Hemodialysis treatments were performed with transcutaneous dialysis catheters using a bicarbonate-based delivery system, sodium modeling, and volumetric-controlled ultrafiltration. Presenting serum chemistries (mean +/- SD) for all cats were creatinine, 16.4 +/- 7.5 mg/dL; blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 229 +/- 87 mg/dL; phosphate, 15.4 +/- 5.4 mg/dL; potassium, 6.0 +/- 1.6 mEq/L; and HCO3-, 16.0 +/- 4.4 mEq/L. For intensive HD treatments, pre-HD versus post-HD creatinine changed from 10.3 +/- 4.4 to 1.6 +/- 0.9 mg/dL and BUN from 105 +/- 33 to 8 +/- 10 mg/dL. One or more adverse events occurred during 111 (69%) treatments. Dialysis-related events included hypotension, dialysis dysequilibrium, clotting, and bleeding. Nine of 15 (60%) cats with ARF and 1 cat with CRF recovered sufficiently to survive without ongoing need for HD. For the remaining cats, the proximate causes of death were dialysis related in 9 cats, uremia related in 6 cats, and iatrogenic or unknown in 4 cats. Hemodialysis is technically feasible and effectively controls the biochemical disturbances of uremic cats. It is especially valuable for the management of severe ARF, permitting recovery in a large number of cats refractory to conventional therapy. Technical complications and chronic debility, however, may limit its usefulness for cats with advanced CRF.
On the Unique Continuation Problem for CR Mappings into Nonminimal Hypersurfaces

We prove the following results on the unique continuation problem for CR mappings between real smooth hypersurfaces in ℂn. If the CR mappingH extends holomorphically to one side of the source manifoldM near the pointp0 eM, the target manifoldM′ contains a holomorphic hypersurface σ′ throughp′0 =H(p0 (i.e.,M′ is nonminimal atp′0), andH(M) ⊄ Σ′ (forcingM to be nonminimal atp0), then the transversal component ofH is not flat atp0. Furthermore, we show that the assumption thatH extends holomorphically to one side ofM cannot be removed in general. Indeed, we give an example of a smooth CR mappingH, withM, M′ ⊂ ℂ2, real analytic and of infinite type atp0 andp′0 respectively (without being Levi flat), such thatH(M) ⊄ Σ′ but the transversal component ofH is flat atp0 (in particular,H is not real analytic!). However, we show that ifM andM′ are assumed to be real analytic, and if the sourceM is “sufficiently far from being Levi flat” in a certain sense (so as to exclude the above mentioned counterexample) then the assumption thatH extends holomorphically to one side ofM can be dropped. Also, in the general case, we prove that the rate of vanishing of the transversal component cannot be too rapid (unlessH(M) ⊂ Σ′), and we relate the possible rate of vanishing to the order of vanishing of the Levi form on a certain holomorphic submanifold ofM.
Thermal expansion of rolled and extruded uranium

Abstract In this paper we report the results of our studies of the thermal expansion characteristics of hot- and warm-rolled α-U plate and hot-extruded pipe. The hotrolled plate had a high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in the rolling direction and a low CTE in the transverse direction. This trend was reversed in both as-warm-rolled plate and plate that was both warm rolled and annealed. In pipe that was hot extruded at large reduction ratios, we were able to correlate the CTE for the extrusion, radial and circumferential directions with the CTE for rolling, transverse and normal directions in the hot-rolled plate.
The influence of capillarity in numerical modeling of organic liquid redistribution in two-phase systems

Numerical experiments are performed to explore the influence of model assumptions and parameters on the prediction of two-phase flow during long-term NAPL redistribution. Sensitivity of numerical solutions to grid resolution and the use of alternative fitting functions for capillary retention data are examined. Due to the inclusion of capillary entrapment, numerical solutions in one- and two-dimensions are strongly dependent on grid resolution. Solution convergence tests based upon spreading behavior reveal that nodal spacings as small as one-fifth to one-tenth of the displacement pressure head may be required to obtain reasonable convergence in some simulations. Solutions employing the Brooks and Corey and van Genuchten functional forms are found to yield different solution behavior. These differences are attributed to the representation of capillary pressure below the entry pressure. Brooks and Corey solutions exhibited greater spreading, less inclination to penetrate semi-permeable layers, and poorer spatial convergence behavior.
A NOVEL CLASS OF BIOCHEMICAL MUTANTS IN NEUROSPORA CRASSA: NUTRITIONALLY IRREPARABLE, TEMPERATURE- EXTREMITY SENSITIVE

The steady-state extensional growth rate of five unknown (un, TS) mutants of Neurospora crassa at various temperatures was measured. Data from Dr. R. K. Littlewood on growth of two extrachromosomal mutants are presented for comparison. The optimum growth temperature of six of the seven mutants is 5-10° lower than that of wild-type. The free energies of inactivation of the mutants are significantly greater than that of wild type. Six of the seven also exhibit relatively large energies of activation. Thus, all of the mutants are "hot" sensitive and six of the seven are also cold sensitive. All of the TS mutants are osmotically remedial at either high or low temperatures or both. Biochemical data indicate that at least some nutritionally irreparable, temperature-extremity sensitive, osmotically remedial mutants may be defective in cell wall or membranes; however, there are reasons to believe that this phenotype is not unique to such lesions.
Autofluorescence and Raman scattering in the marine underwater environment

The predictive effects of Raman scattering on the inherent optical characteristics of aquatic water masses raises questions concerning our ability to estimate how light energy is budgeted. Using values for the optical cross-section of water and biogenic substances, we estimate the relative contribution of fluorescence from the microbiological component and Raman scattering to the underwater radiance field. We conclude that in oligotrophic conditions, the contribution by fluorescence or Raman scatter is equal , while in eutrophic waters fluorescence overwhelms Raman scattering.
An Exploratory Study of Perceptions Towards E-Commerce in China (PRC)

ABSTRACT E-commerce and China are two widely discussed business topics. Despite the political, legal and infrastructure obstacles, the potential of e-commerce in China (PRC) is too great to ignore. This paper addresses the perceptions of Chinese concerning the obstacles and benefits of conducting e-commerce. Analysis identifies the rank-order of benefits and obstacles to conducting e-commerce in China (PRC).
Application of "double bridge mechanical" resuscitation for profound cardiogenic shock leading to cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Background . In patients with acute profound cardiogenic circulatory failure unresponsive to conventional resuscitation, we instituted immediate aggressive application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to restore circulatory stability. Long-term hemodynamic support was accomplished with an early "bridge" to ventricular assist device (VAD) before definitive treatment with cardiac transplantation. Methods . A respective review of ECMO and VAD data registries was instituted. Results . From May 1996 to July 2000, 23 patients were placed on ECMO support for profound cardiogenic circulatory failure. Eleven patients (47%) were withdrawn from support due to severe neurologic injury or multisystem organ failure. Three patients (13%) were weaned off ECMO with good outcome. Nine patients (39%) were transferred to a VAD. Two patients expired while on VAD support, and 7 of the VAD-supported patients (78%) survived to transplantation. Overall survival was 43%. Conclusions . Emergent ECMO support is a salvage approach for cardiac resuscitation once conventional measures have failed. In neurologically intact patients, the early transfer to a VAD quickly stabilizes hemodynamics, avoids complications, and is essential for long-term circulatory support before definitive treatment with cardiac transplantation.
Association of Neuronal Calcium Channels with Modular Adaptor Proteins

Abstract Presynaptic voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels mediate Ca2+ influx into the presynaptic terminal that triggers synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. The immediate proximity of Ca2+channels to the synaptic vesicle release apparatus is critical for rapid and efficient synaptic transmission. In a series of biochemical experiments, we demonstrate a specific association of the cytosolic carboxyl terminus of the N-type Ca2+ channel pore-forming α1B subunit with the modular adaptor proteins Mint1 and CASK. The carboxyl termini of α1B bind to the first PDZ domain of Mint1 (Mint1-1). The proline-rich region present in the carboxyl termini of α1B binds to the SH3 domain of CASK. Mint1-1 is specific for the E/D-X-W-C/S-COOH consensus, which defines a novel class of PDZ domains (class III). The Mint1-1 PDZ domain-binding motif is present only in the “long” carboxyl-terminal splice variants of N-type (α1B) and P/Q-type (α1A) Ca2+ channels, but not in R-type (α1E) or L-type (α1C) Ca2+ channels. Our results directly link presynaptic Ca2+ channels to a macromolecular complex formed by modular adaptor proteins at synaptic junction and advance our understanding of coupling between cell adhesion and synaptic vesicle exocytosis.
Synthesis and testing of 17aβ-hydroxy-7α-methyl-d-homoestra-4, 16-dien-3-one: a highly potent orally active androgen

The title compound, 17a beta-hydroxy-7 alpha-methyl-D-homoestra-4,16-dien-3-one (3), was synthesized in five steps (17% overall yield) from 7 alpha-methylestrone methyl ether (5) and was found to possess oral androgenic activity, in excess of other known androgens, without using 17 alpha-alkyl substitution.
13)C NMR investigation of the superconductor MgCNi(3) up to 800 K.

We report ${}^{13}\mathrm{C}$ NMR characterization of the new superconductor ${\mathrm{MgCNi}}_{3}$ [T. He et al., Nature (London) 411, 54 (2001)]. We found that both the uniform spin susceptibility and the spin fluctuations show a strong enhancement with decreasing temperature, and saturate below $\ensuremath{\sim}50\mathrm{K}$ and $\ensuremath{\sim}20\mathrm{K}$, respectively. The nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate ${1/}^{13}{T}_{1}$ exhibits typical behavior for isotropic $s$-wave superconductivity with a coherence peak below ${T}_{c}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}7.0\mathrm{K}$ that grows with decreasing magnetic field.
Anthropology Libraries and Anthropological Research Today

Anthropology libraries are highly specialized scholarly repositories that provide breadth, depth, and coherence to an expansive, fragmentary literature. This article profiles three types of anthropology library—(1) governmental, (2) private or specialized, and (3) departmental or museum—and examines the needs and information seeking behavior of anthropology library users, most of whom are graduate students and credentialed researchers. Also described are particular versus general reference sources for anthropology, ethical issues, and the service requirements of this user population. The main conclusion of this article is that anthropologists rely heavily on printed books due to the comparative, foreign, rare, and sometimes antiquated nature of the resources they seek. For this reason, brick-and-mortar anthropology libraries continue to play a special role in ensuring the vitality of the profession.
Preliminary evaluation of a procedure for improved detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in fecal specimens

Abstract Culture confirmation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is very important for epidemiologic analysis. However, isolation of non-O157 STEC on conventional selective media such as sorbitol–MacConkey agar (SMAC) can be difficult because of heavy growth of competing bacteria and its phenotypical similarity to commensal nonpathogenic E. coli . An acid enrichment procedure was introduced in this study to facilitate detection of STEC from patients who were symptomatic. Forty-seven clinical fecal broths, which tested positive for Shiga toxin by commercial immunoassay, were processed for the isolation of STEC by both conventional and the acid enrichment methods. The acid enrichment method and conventional culture recovered STEC from 91% (43/47) and 70% (33/47) of the fecal broths, respectively. Neither method retrieved STEC in 3 specimens. Thirty-six STEC were successfully serogrouped, which included O26 ( n = 11), O157 ( n = 9), O103 ( n = 7), O121 ( n = 3), O111 ( n = 2 each), O28AC, O146, O76, and O undetermined ( n = 1 each). The analysis of STEC isolates by real-time PCR indicated that all 9 E. coli O157 contained stx2 gene alone or in combination with stx1 . Non-O157 STEC more frequently contained stx1 only, and about one-third possessed stx2 . The novel acid enrichment protocol greatly reduced the growth of competitor colonies on RTN and TCSMAC. The study demonstrated that incorporation of an acid enrichment procedure in clinical testing improved the isolation of STEC in fecal specimens.
Decision Support for Patient Consent Management

Patients are given more and more control on the access to their medical information. In many situations, the regulation rules require the acquisition of patients' consent before one can access the patients' medical information. However, in practice, patients oftentimes have difficulties determining whether they should permit a certain access request. In this article, we propose a quantitative approach to assist patients in consent management of their medical information. Our system evaluates access requests based on three factors (importance, sensitivity, normalcy) and makes personalized suggestion to patients. Our design is capable to handle requests in different categories. In situations where patients expect their data to be accessible to the requesters, our solution will make the consent management task effortless for patients. In less critical usage scenarios, our solution will recommend an informed decision by comparing risks and benefits associated with data access. Furthermore, our solution intends to enable patients to review past access activities periodically and can automatically detect potential over-accessing activities from various parties. We have implemented a prototype of our solution and performed simulations on real-world medical history records. We hope our work lays some technical ground for policy makers to derive best practices for health care organizations and enable enforcements of compliance laws such as HIPAA.
Psychophysiological Effects of Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

The nature and psychophysiological effects of methylphenidate whose metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and effects on human behavior are not well known are the focus of this review. Methylphenidate trea...
The university, democracy, and the challenge to meritocracy

Universities can undergird democracy in two ways. First, they can promote and defend truth, which is antithetical to despotism and a natural progenitor of democracy, but they do so only as the university itself is meritocratic and courageous in its adherence to canons of intellectual rigour and academic integrity. Second, universities are, or can be, engines of opportunity and of the ascendence of achievement over ascription—and thus of democratization. However, absent efforts to the contrary, the natural tendency of universities is to perpetuate or even to widen the effects of ascription: for example, social class, race, or gender. A truly democratic university, then, must find ways to select among students and to distribute its benefits in ways that are still meritocratic, but that weaken rather than accelerate the transmission of the status and wealth into which one is born.
The effects of short-term fish oil supplementation on pulmonary function and airway inflammation following a high-fat meal

Many environmental and dietary influences can cause immune cells to produce biological mediators that increase airway inflammation. A high-fat meal (HFM) is one stimulus that increases airway inflammation in healthy individuals. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation systemically and may be beneficial to the airways. To determine if omega-3 fatty acid supplementation via fish oil would mitigate the airway inflammatory response induced by a single HFM. Seventeen non-asthmatic men (22 ± 2 years.) were supplemented with 3,000 mg × day−1 fish oil or a placebo for 3 weeks. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO; a marker of airway inflammation), impulse oscillometry (a measure of respiratory impedance), pulmonary function, and triglycerides were measured prior to and 2 h following a HFM. Following a HFM, triglycerides increased in both fish oil and placebo groups compared to pre-HFM (~59 and ~49 %, respectively, p < 0.05). The percent increase in FENO was greater in the placebo group compared to the fish oil group (25.7 ± 16.7 vs. −1.99 ± 10.5 %, respectively, p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between blood triglycerides and FENO in the placebo group (r = 0.61; p < 0.05), but not the fish oil group (p = 0.21). A single HFM increases airway inflammation and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation via fish oil protects against HFM associated changes in airway health.
A Twelve Kilowatt Output Switching-Type Power Amplifier

High power output servo-amplifiers using switching devices to control instantaneous output power can provide significant performance and cost advantages over conventional amplifiers. Of special interest is the silicon controlled rectifier when used as a low cost, high power switch in such an amplifier.
Edward Hitchcock, Fucoides, and the Ichnogenus Scoyenia

Historical research conducted on the scientific contributions of Edward Hitchcock (1793-1864) has documented the first complete published descriptions and illustrations of abundant Early Mesozoic nonmarine burrows from the Deerfield Basin, Massachusetts [Newark Supergroup] which of late have been called Scoyenia White 1929. Although Hitchcock believed that he was describing fossilized algae or seaweeds (fucoids), his observations revealed nearly all the diagnostic characteristics of the ichnogenus; in particular, the meniscate nature of its backfilling. Today, most of his original specimens have been relocated and examined. Probable reasons for the subsequent obscurity of his findings are explored, along with rediscoveries of the same trace fossil by later generations of paleontologists.
Juvenile hormone influences precontest assessment behaviour in Polistes dominulus paper wasps

Theory on animal contests often assumes that individuals can rapidly and accurately assess their own resource-holding potential (RHP). In empirical work, individuals behave as if they ‘know’ their own RHP, but little is known about how such assessment occurs. Here, we test how juvenile hormone (JH) influences precontest behaviour in P. dominulus paper wasps. Previous work has shown that P. dominulus have variable black facial patterns that are a signal of agonistic ability and that JH influences fighting ability. In this experiment, we tested how JH influences rival challenge behaviour in the absence of direct social competition. Wasps were given the opportunity to challenge or avoid a model wasp guarding a patch of food. Individuals treated with the JH analogue methoprene were more likely to challenge rivals than were control individuals, and they also had a shorter latency to challenge than controls. However, hormone treatment was only one of multiple factors that influenced behaviour, suggesting that assessment prior to contests is based on the interplay between individual physiology and social context. Contest decisions were also dependent on a wasp's own facial pattern and mass, as well as the facial pattern of its rival. Interestingly, these complex assessment decisions occurred in the absence of direct social cues that could be acquired during a contest. These results are consistent with JH playing a role in self-assessment of RHP. Hormones such as JH are influenced by the physical and social environment, so they provide diverse information about relative RHP and may be commonly involved in assessment behaviour.
A Closed-Loop Reconfigurable Switched-Capacitor DC-DC Converter for Sub-mW Energy Harvesting Applications

Energy harvesting is an emerging technology for powering wireless sensor nodes, enabling battery-free operation of these devices. In an energy harvesting sensor, a power management circuit is required to regulate the variable harvested voltage to provide a constant supply rail for the sensor circuits. The power management circuit needs to be compact, efficient, and robust to the variations of the input voltage and load current. A closed-form power expression and custom control algorithm for regulation of a switched-capacitor DC-DC converter with optimal conversion efficiency are proposed in this paper. The proposed regulation algorithm automatically adjusts both the voltage gain and switching frequency of a switched-capacitor DC-DC converter based on its input voltage and load current, increasing the power efficiency across a wide input voltage range. The design and simulation of a fully integrated circuit based on the proposed power managing approach is presented. This power management circuit has been simulated in a 0.25 $\mu{\rm m}$ standard CMOS process and simulation results confirm that with an input voltage ranging from 0.5 V to 2.5 V, the converter can generate a regulated 1.2 V output rail and deliver a maximum load current of 100 $\mu{\rm A}$ . The power conversion efficiency is higher than 74% across a wide range of the input voltage with a maximum efficiency of 83%.
Identification of a blood metabolite of methsuximide by GLC-mass spectrometry

Abstract The chemical structure of a prominent methsuximide metabolite was determined by combined GLC mass spectrometry. The experimental data indicate that the metabolite is an N-demethylated methsuximide. A simple GLC method is described for simultaneous estimation of methsuximide and its metabolite in blood samples.
Progress in Kinetic Simulation of Edge Plasmas

Kinetic codes are required for quantitative simulation of edge plasmas of most tokamaks, because orbit widths can be comparable to radial scale lengths and because mean free paths can be comparable to scale lengths along the magnetic field. However, the edge presents special challenges for edge simulation, both in terms of formulation and implementation. There are two major approaches to kinetic simulation, namely particle-based and continuum- (high-dimensional fluid-) based. The edge presents challenges common to both approaches as well as ones that are unique to each approach. In this paper we review these challenges, and survey how they are being addressed in current edge kinetic simulation projects, as well as the status and accomplishments of those projects. We discuss in some detail the status and recent accomplishments of the U.S. Edge Simulation Laboratory (ESL), a project based on the continuum approach. The ESL currently consists of a main-line effort to develop a code based on high-order conservative finite-volume discretization, as well as two prototype activities, TEMPEST and EGK. These prototype codes are exploring issues attached to energy-magnetic moment and parallel velocity-magnetic moment representations, respectively, as well as physics issues associated with simulation in a steep radial gradient region and a domain that includes both open field lines and closed flux surfaces. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Regional Ventilation Changes in Severe Asthma after Bronchial Thermoplasty with 3He MR Imaging and CT

We quantified regional lung ventilation in healthy volunteers and patients with severe asthma (both before and after thermoplasty) at the level of individual bronchopulmonary segments by using a combination of 3He MR imaging and CT.
Readability of model consent forms provided by IRBs

Institutional review boards (IRBs) often provide model consent forms for researchers to use or adapt when conducting human subjects research. However, the models themselves often far exceed the 8th-grade reading level recommended for consent forms, with many models measuring grade 12 or higher. In this paper, we look specifically at how muck and how, model consent forms deviate from the desired 8th-grade reading level, as measured by the Flesch Reading Ease formula and the Flesch-Kincaid grade level formula. We discuss quantifiable features measurable by these formulas and by text analysis features available in Microsoft Word (e.g., sentence length, paragraph length, and percentage of passive voice sentences). We outline plans to examine additional features such as nominalization, patterns in the flow of given and new information, and document design. Our findings are designed to help IRBs and researchers prepare consent forms that are more readable and, therefore, more in keeping with legal and ethical guidelines for human subjects research.
Cp2TiCl-Catalyzed Epoxide Radical Ring Opening: A New Initiating Methodology for Graft Copolymer Synthesis

The first example of the use of epoxides in radical grafting copolymerizations was exemplified by the grafting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA), and poly(styrene) (PSt) from poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) and from copolymers of GMA with MMA and St as well as by the iterative synthesis of mixed arm graft copolymers such as (PGMA-g-PMMA)-g-PSt and ((PGMA-g-PMMA)-g-PSt)-g-PBMA with a wide range of molecular weights and compositions. The grafting was demonstrated by a combination of gel permeation chromatography (GPC), NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations. The polymerization is initiated by the Cp2TiCl-catalyzed radical ring opening of the epoxide group of GMA and is optionally controlled by CuBr2/bipyridyl. This methodology does not require any epoxide protection/deprotection steps and provides the typical advantages of radical polymerizations and convenient access to complex macromolecular architectures.
Down on the OCR farm: how we produced searchable PDFs for 7 million documents in a student computer lab

The Legacy Tobacco Documents Library began with tobacco industry documents released to the public under the terms of the Master Settlement Agreement between the United States Attorneys General and five USA tobacco companies. Under terms of the agreement, approximately four million documents in digital format were produced in 2000. Roughly another three million have been produced since then and added to the collection. The documents were produced as TIF and PDF files. They were accompanied by some descriptive metadata and can be retrieved by elements such as date of production, title, author and document type. Unfortunately, metadata varies between companies, is inconsistent over time and was produced without authority control or keyword indexing. From the initial planning stages, the value of full-text searching of Legacy library documents was recognized, but prohibited by constraints on staff, software and system resources. Utilizing idle workstations in a student computer laboratory, 7 million searchable PDF documents were generated from 42 million TIF page images
Altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responsiveness to dexamethasone-insulin tolerance test in active acromegaly.

Eight acromegalic patients showed a plasma cortisol (11-OHCS) rise after insulin hypoglycemia which was similar to that seen in control patients, with mean peak values (±sem) of 23.2 ± 3.5 μg/100 ml and 27.2 ± 3.3 μg/100 ml, respectively. One mg of dexamethasone was given the evening prior to repeat insulin hypoglycemia (DEX-ITT). After dexamethasone, the control subjects showed a mean post hypoglycemic plasma 11-OHCS rise to 18.3 ± 2.3 μg/100 ml. In contrast, acromegalic patients had a negligible rise in plasma 11-OHCS, despite a comparable degree of hypoglycemia. These data indicate that, in active acromegaly, abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal suppressibility can be induced to insulin hypoglycemia after dexamethasone.
An unusual case of mannosidosis with severe deficiency of acid mannosidase in leukocytes and high residual enzymatic activity in skin fibroblasts

A case of mannosidosis with high residual activity of fibroblast acid mannosidase is described. The mutant enzyme was thermostable and has an almost normal Km value. The patient had mild clinical manifestations, but excretion of mannose-rich oligosaccharides was very high. This case of mannosidosis is compared with those reported in literature.
Electroweak models based on expansion of γ-W0 mixing☆

Abstract We expand the γ-W0 mixing technique of Hung and Sakurai to accomodate any number of intermediate vector bosons. Models are constructed from a variety of bases and compared to other expanded electroweak models. Remarks regarding the generalization to a continuum of intermediate states are included.
Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using a Semitendinosus Graft for Failed Acromioclavicular Separation Surgery

Although acromioclavicular joint separations are fairly common, the occurrence of high-grade acromioclavicular separations that require surgery is low. Various modifications of the Weaver-Dunn procedure have been popular and fairly successful methods to treat severe acromioclavicular separations, despite the fact that reconstructions have been done a number of ways. We report on the results of a technique for salvaging failed modified Weaver-Dunn reconstructions using a semitendinosus graft through bone tunnels in the distal clavicle and coracoid to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament.
The open distributed intelligent management system architecture and prototype for Internet connected homes

This paper presents a mobile agent based open distributed management system for Internet connected homes. By means of mobile agent based system middleware, the proposed system architecture supports remote appliance control and fault diagnosis, dynamic service provisioning, hierarchical intelligence distribution, flexible system performance management, and integration of heterogeneous control systems and appliances. This paper also presents system prototype development and distributed intelligence implementation.