cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting CA1 short-term plasticity variations associated with changes in stimulus intensity and extracellular medium composition

Changes in STP characteristics in the CA1 hippocampal region have been studied using the Volterra-Poisson modeling approach. Random impulse trains stimuli were applied to the Schaffer collaterals of the CA1 hippocampus in vitro and population spike responses were recorded at the pyramidal cell body layer. The computed Volterra-Poisson kernels captured the nonlinear dynamics associated with the mechanisms underlying STP by identifying quantitatively the magnitude and the duration of facilitatory and depressive behavior. The variations in STP characteristics secondary to changes in the stimulus intensity level and the addition of chemicals to the in vitro preparation were reflected in the differences of the calculated Volterra-Poisson kernels. Increasing the stimulus intensity caused an increase in the value of the first-order kernel (mean of the population spike amplitude) and decreased the peak facilitation of the second-order kernel. Picrotoxin caused an increase in the mean of PS amplitude, an increase in peak facilitation value, and an increase in the magnitude of the depressive phase of the second-order kernel. Decreasing the extracellular calcium concentration caused a decrease in the value of the first-order kernel and increased the peak facilitation value of the second-order kernel. Finally, the ability of the Volterra-Poisson modeling approach to track STP changes was confirmed through the low normalized mean square error associated with the prediction of in-sample and out-of-sample responses.
Chemical composition and diversity influence non-additive effects of litter mixtures on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling: Implications for plant species loss

Diverse plant litter mixtures frequently decompose differently than expected compared to the average of the component species decomposing alone, and it remains unclear why decomposition may respond non-additively to diversity. Here, we hypothesized that litter chemical composition and chemical diversity would be important determinants of the strength and direction (synergistic versus antagonistic) of non-additive soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling responses to litter mixtures. To test this, we performed a soil incubation experiment using litter mixtures comprised of up to four plant species, and we measured three components of decomposition: respiration, net N mineralization, and microbial biomass N accumulation. We used nine chemical traits to calculate the chemical composition and diversity of the litter mixtures. First, we found that respiration responded as the average of the individual species in the mixture (i.e. additively), rather than non-additively as initially predicted. Second, litter mixtures stimulated significantly more net N immobilization than expected in 64% of cases, and non-additive responses were highly dependent on mixture chemical composition, and were influenced to a lesser degree by chemical diversity. Specifically, concentrations of tannins and certain low molecular weight phenolics in the mixtures were positively correlated with greater N immobilization than expected. Non-additive N mineralization responses were poorly correlated with traditional measures of litter chemistry like N concentration, C:N, lignin:N, and phenolic:N. Our results also show that non-additive N mineralization responses were affected by loss of some species significantly more than others, and the effects of species loss could depend on 1) whether a species contains compounds with strong effects on non-additive responses; and 2) whether those compounds are also found in other species. Finally, litter mixtures stimulated more microbial biomass N than expected in 45% of cases, but non-additive responses were only weakly dependent on the litter chemistry variables that we measured.
Biogeochemical evidence for microbial community change in a jet fuel hydrocarbons-contaminated aquifer

A glacio-fluvial aquifer located at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, MI, had been contaminated with JP-4 fuel hydrocarbons released after the crash of a tanker aircraft in October of 1988. Mi- crobial biomass and community structure, associated with the aquifer sediments, were characterized based on the analysis of phospholipid ester-linked fatty acids (PLFA). Fatty acids ranged from C12- C20 in carbon chain length, including saturated, monounsaturated, branched, and cyclopropyl fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were virtually absent from the aquifer sediments. These findings suggested that bacteria were dominant organisms within the aquifer microbial communities. The total microbial biomass and community composition in aquifer sediments, as determined by PLFA analy- sis, varied with depth, and between locations at similar depths, indicating considerable microbial het- erogeneity in the subsurface. PLFA patterns in the hydrocarbon-contaminated anaerobic zones indicated higher microbial biomass and metabolically more diverse microbial communities than those in aerobic zones. # 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
On the Young Voters' Agenda: Exploring Issue Salience During the 2004 Presidential Election

Issue agendas for young adults spanning primary and general election phases of the 2004 U.S. presidential campaign are reported in this article. Results from pretest and posttest experiments and a ...
The non-uniform distribution of albumin in human and bovine cornea

In our previous studies, we noted a non-uniform distribution of protein tracer preferentially entering the anterior stromal lamellae of the cornea from the limbus. Given other differences reported previously between the anterior and posterior lamellae of the cornea, and the number of corneal disorders in which abnormalities are preferentially confined to either the anterior or posterior lamellae, we were prompted to examine the distribution of albumin in normal human and bovine cornea. The distribution of albumin in bovine and human cornea was studied immunohistochemically. Total soluble protein and albumin in the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the central, middle and peripheral cornea of bovine eyes was measured biochemically. To aid in interpreting the findings, a theoretical model was developed based upon the combined effects of diffusive and convective transport. Using immunohistochemical methods, in both bovine and human eyes, intense staining of albumin was found in the anterior 1/3 of the corneal stroma. There was a gradual reduction in staining intensity from the limbus to the central cornea in the anterior corneal stroma. Less staining was found in the posterior 2/3 of corneal stroma. Additionally, a greater concentration of soluble protein and albumin was found in the anterior stroma than in the posterior stroma of the bovine eyes by biochemical analyses. The theoretical model demonstrated that this distribution of protein required a difference in excluded volume fraction between the anterior and posterior stroma and was consistent with a convective flux originating at the limbus and passing through the corneal stroma. The soluble proteins of the bovine and human cornea are preferentially concentrated in the anterior cornea and near the limbus. This distribution is likely due to differences in excluded volume fraction between the anterior and posterior stroma and a small convective flux passing through the cornea.
Identification and characterization of elevated microbial counts in bulk tank raw milk.

Abstract The bacterial composition of bulk tank milk from 13 farms was examined over a 2-wk period to characterize sudden elevations in the total bacterial count referred to as "spikes". Bulk tank milk samples collected at each pick-up were analyzed for standard plate count, Petrifilm aerobic count, somatic cell count, Gram-negative organisms, and streptococci. Twenty standard plate count spikes were observed: 12 associated with streptococci, 4 associated with Gram-negative organisms, 2 associated with streptococci and Gram-negative organisms, and 2 that were not definitively characterized. Spikes ranged from 14,000 to 600,000 cfu/ml. Streptococcus uberis was isolated as the predominant organism from 11 spikes, and Escherichia coli was isolated from 4 spikes. Statistical analysis of total bacterial counts indicated a high correlation (r = 0.94) between standard plate counts and Petrifilm aerobic count. Regression analysis of standard plate counts and Petrifilm aerobic counts yielded the equation log 10 (standard plate count) = 0.73 + 0.85log 10 (Petrifilm aerobic count), indicating that the correlation, although strong, is not one to one. In a related pilot study, triplicate bulk tank milk samples were collected and analyzed for total bacterial count and presumptive streptococcus, Gram-negative, and staphylococcus counts. Two-way ANOVA of these triplicate data indicated a lack of significant variation among the triplicate samples, suggesting that one sample can reliably gauge the microbial status of the entire bulk tank.
NGC requirements for commissioning-management and practice

In the mid 1990s, and in recognition of the fact that the integrity of the power system is dependent upon equipment entering service which has been commissioned to a high technical standard, the UK National Grid Company (NGC) embarked upon the major task of redefining its whole approach to commissioning. To this end, the company has both reformulated the management process for commissioning, and established a method of training and authorisation for all staff who have formal commissioning responsibilities. These initiatives will eventually be shared with NGC's suppliers. This paper briefly describes some of the major aspects of the initiatives undertaken.
Self-clearable carbon nanotube electrodes for improved performance of dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomer actuators which consist of an electrode/dielectric elastomer/electrode sandwich structure show greater than 100% electromechanical strain performance when high electrical field is applied. The strain in the dielectric elastomer film occurs due to attraction of opposite charges across the dielectric film and repulsion of similar charges on each compliant electrode. Structural defects present in these elastomers such as gel particles, uneven thickness, and stress concentration may cause dielectric breakdown, leading to premature failure during continuous or repeated actuations. Dielectric breakdown consequently reduces production yield and device lifetime. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been introduced as compliant electrodes for dielectric elastomers. Higher than 100% electromechanical strain was obtained with ultrathin CNT electrodes due to the high aspect ratio and the high electrical conductivity of the nanotubes. These ultrathin CNT electrodes also exhibit fault-tolerance in dielectric elastomers through the local degradation of CNTs during dielectric breakdown. The degraded areas electrically isolate the defects, while keeping the rest of the elastomer active. The "self-clearing" electrodes significantly increase the lifetime of the dielectric elastomers, making the dielectric elasomer actuator much more reliable.
Comparison of FTIR, FT‐Raman, and NIR Spectroscopy in a Maple Syrup Adulteration Study

Maple syrup is prone to adulteration with cheaper sugars, such as corn syrup, due to its simplicity in chemical composition. The adulterated samples were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared (FHR) spectroscopy in the region of 400 to 4000 cm -1 . Other techniques used for detection and in characterization of samples were the near infrared (NIR; 600 to 1700nm) and Fourier Transform Raman (FT-Raman; 400 to 4000cm -3 ) spectroscopy. Quantifying and classifying adulterants using chemometrics shows that all spectroscopic methods adopted were efficient, but FTIR and FT Raman were superior to NIR in quantitative characterization of adulterants in maple syrup.
A calorimeter for 300 GeV neutrons and protons

Abstract A total-absorption calorimeter for determining the energies of hadrons has been built and tested in beams at the National Accelerator Laboratory. The calorimeter is being used in an experiment to measure neutron total cross sections. The design of the calorimeter is described and its performance is reported. The resolution of the calorimeter for 300 GeV protons is found to be 12.8% fwhm.
Within- and between-day reliability of trunk mechanical behaviors estimated using position-controlled perturbations

Abstract Recent applications of position-controlled perturbation techniques to the human trunk have allowed separate estimation of intrinsic and reflexive trunk mechanical behaviors. These mechanical behaviors play an important role in spinal stability and have been associated with low back pain risk, yet the reliability of these measures remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess within- and between-day reliability of several measures of trunk mechanical behaviors obtained from position-controlled trunk perturbations. A secondary objective was to assess if different harness designs, used to connect a participant to the perturbing device, influenced reliability. Data were analyzed from baseline measurements obtained from two previously published studies, and a third unpublished study. The total combined subject pool included 33 healthy young adults (17 M, 16 F). Relative and absolute reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard errors of measurement (SEM), respectively. Within-day ICCs of intrinsic trunk stiffness (0.84–0.90) and effective mass (0.91–95) were excellent, and were generally higher than ICCs for reflex gain (0.55–0.85), maximum reflex force (0.65–0.85), and timing of maximum reflex force (0.48–0.86). Within-day ICCs (0.48–0.95) were consistently superior to between-day values (0.19–0.72). Improvements in harness design increased both within- and between-day reliability and reduced SEMs for most measures.
Clinical Value of Prolan a Determinations in Teratoma Testis

Recent developments in hormonal assay have yielded biological methods of clinical importance in the early diagnosis and prognosis of teratoma testis. From reports of large series of patients suffering from this condition it would seem that the response of these tumors to radiation is accompanied by variations in the quantities of hormone excreted in the urine with such regularity as to render the quantitative determination of prolan A in the urine an accurate guide in prognosis and treatment. The purpose of this communication is to present the results of studies dealing with the presence of prolan A (the sex hormone of the anterior hypophysis) in the urine of patients suffering from teratoma testis, and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of these observations. Zondek, in 1930, was the first to report an increased excretion of prolan A in the urine of patients suffering from teratoma testis. Heidrich, Fels and Mathias next (1930) applied this test to a case of chorionepithelioma of the testis, in which examination of the urine just before death revealed 50,000 mouse units per liter (prolan A and B). In 1931 Ferguson, Downes, Ellis, and Nicholson issued a preliminary note upon the use of the Aschheim-Zondek test in the diagnosis of teratoma testis, first reporting the observation that irradiation of the tumor is followed by the disappearance of prolan A from the urine and noting the absence of the hormone in benign lesions of the testis. In 1932 Zondek examined hydrocele fluid, urine, and tumor tissue from 14 patients suffering from teratoma testis. Ferguson, who has reviewed the literature upon the subject up to June 1933, cites nine publications reporting single cases in which prolan A determinations were made upon urine of patients before or after operation for teratoma testis. It remained for him to place the study on a comprehensive basis, with a report of 117 consecutive cases of teratoma testis in which the behavior of prolan A was studied by means of an extensive series of biological tests.
Cytoskeleton: Centrosom-in absentia

Recent results challenge long-held assumptions that centrosomes are essential organizers of mitotic spindles, but suggest that they couple spindle behavior with developmental and cellular events, perhaps by nucleating astral microtubules which mediate interactions with other cytoskeletal components.
Suggesting frameworks of citizen-sourcing via Government 2.0

Abstract Through various platforms enabled by Web 2.0 technologies, citizens can collectively create public information, provide service, and take part in policy processes. Pushed by the Open Government Directive of the Obama administration, citizen-sourcing may be a new mode of government operations in the U.S. This paper suggests two frameworks to examine the emerging mechanism. The first framework provides three dimensions of citizen-sourcing initiatives: purpose (image-making or ideation), collective intelligence type (professional knowledge or innovative ideas), and strategy (contest, wiki, social networking, or social voting). Second, the paper presents a framework for assessing current citizen-sourcing initiatives. Its categories include design evaluation, process evaluation, and outcome evaluation. The performance of citizen-sourcing primarily depends on the appropriateness of the platform design. The effectiveness of the process needs to be evaluated in terms of the Open Government Directive's three pillar goals of transparency, participation, and collaboration. Evaluating the impact of citizen-sourcing will reveal whether citizen-sourcing is rhetorical or if it actually exerts significant effects on society.
General Motor Proficiency and Handedness in Children

Recent investigations suggest that children who exhibit consistent hand-preference behavior are better coordinated than those who lack this characteristic. The current investigation tested this assumption with a trichotomous hand-preference grouping (right, mixed [inconsistent], left) of 96 children. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency was used. Results indicate that for total performance, right-handers significantly out-performed the other two groups, which were not significantly different from one another. Fine- and gross-motor composite analyses suggest that left-handers are at a greater disadvantage than their mixed-handed peers, compared with right-handers. Thus, in the context of general motor proficiency, consistent right-handers seem to differ from their inconsistent (mixed) and left-handed counterparts. These findings may be explained, in part, by maturational differences that provide an advantage to those with left-hemispheric dominance.
The Moderating Effects of Job and Personal Life Involvement on the Relationship Between Work-Personal Life Conflict and Intention to Quit

This study expands research on work–personal life conflict and intention to quit by exploring the moderating effects of job involvement and personal life involvement on the relationship between work–personal life conflict and an employee's intention to quit. The sample consisted of 295 hotel managers. Personal life involvement was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between work interference with personal life and intention to quit. The relationship between work interference with personal life and intention to quit was strongest among respondents with the highest levels of personal life involvement. However, employees' job involvement did not moderate the relationship between work–personal life conflict and intention to quit. Recommendations are offered to monitor impacts of work on personal life and to address the retention challenges facing the industry.
Thermochemistry of hydrotalcite-like phases in the MgO-Al2O3-CO2-H2O system: A determination of enthalpy, entropy, and free energy

Interest in hydrotalcite-like compounds has grown due to their role in controlling the mobility of aqueous metals in the environment as well as their use as catalysts, catalyst precursors, and specialty chemicals. Although these materials have been studied in a number of contexts, little is known of their thermodynamic properties. Here we present a complete thermochemical study of hydrotalcite-like compounds of the MgO-Al 2 O 3 -CO 2 -H 2 O system. Using high-temperature oxide-melt solution calorimetry, we determined the enthalpies of formation at 298 K from the elements (ΔH 0 f ) for the compounds: Mg 0 . 6 9 Al 0 . 3 1 (OH) 2 . 0 1 3 (CO 3 ) 0 . 1 5 .0.30H 2 O, Mg 0 . 7 4 Al 0 . 2 6 (OH) 2 (CO 3 ) 0 . 1 3 .0.39H 2 O, Mg 0 . 6 7 Al 0 . 3 3 (OH) 2 (CO 3 ) 0 . 1 6 .0.69H 2 O, and Mg 0 . 6 6 Al 0 . 3 4 (OH) 2 (CO 3 ) 0 . 1 7 .0.70H 2 O to be -1171.55 ′ 1.81, -1165.98 ′ 2.06, -1284.65 ′ 1.97, and -1292.07 ′ 2.05 kJ/mol, respectively. We also present the heats of formation of these materials from the single-cation hydroxides [Mg(OH) 2 and Al(OH) 3 ] and carbonates (MgCO 3 ) and water (ΔH s c c f ); they are energetically stable by 10-20 kJ/mol. Using low-temperature adiabatic heat-capacity measurements we determined the third-law entropy (S 0 ) for the compound Mg 0 . 7 4 Al 0 . 2 6 (OH) 2 (CO 3 ) 0 . 1 3 .0.39H 2 O [85.58 ′ 0.17 J/(mol.K)], neglecting any configurational contributions. From our experimental data for Mg 0 . 7 4 Al 0 . 2 6 (OH) 2 (CO 3 ) 0 . 1 3 .0.39H 2 O, we calculated the free energy at 298 K (ΔG 0 f = -1043.08 ′ 2.07 kJ/mol). Our thermodynamic studies also provide insight into the state of the interlayer water in hydrotalcite, namely the water of hydration appears to exist in a state intermediate in thermodynamic properties between that of ice and liquid water.
Transanal mucosectomy in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Transanal mucosectomy of the aganglionic segment of colon is a critical step in minimally invasive surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of patients undergoing transanal mucosectomy. Methods: From January 1979 to November 1998, 26 patients (ages 25 days to 17 years) underwent transanal mucosectomy for Hirschsprung's disease. Seventeen (65%) had partial transanal mucosectomy (PTM; 1979 to 1998) and 9 (35%) complete transanal mucosectomy (CTM; 1995 to 1998). In PTM, a 2- to 3-cm mucosal dissection was begun 1 cm above the dentate line in conjunction with transabdominal endorectal dissection (modified Soave). In CTM, the entire mucosal dissection was performed transanally as part of a laparoscopically assisted Soave procedure. Results were obtained by chart review and personal communication. Patients were assessed clinically for continence where age appropriate (>3 years) and for development of constipation, postoperative enterocolitis, and anal stricture. Results: One of 16 (6.2%) of the PTM group was incontinent versus none (4 patients) in the CTM group. Five of 17 (29.4%) of the PTM group were constipated versus 4 of 9 (44.4%) in the CTM group ( t test, P = not significant). Postoperative enterocolitis developed in 4 of 17 (23.5%) of the PTM group versus 6 of 9 (66.6%) in the CTM group ( t test, P Conclusions: Constipation and postoperative enterocolitis are a significant feature of transanal mucosectomy for Hirschsprung's disease deserving close surveillance, especially in patients in whom the entire mucosal dissection was performed transanally. Continence appears to be satisfactorily preserved from these preliminary results. J Pediatr Surg 35:235-238. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Enhanced mechanical properties of ZnO nanowire-reinforced nanocomposites: a size-scale effect

A multiscale approach is pursued to develop a shear-lag model in combination with core–surface and core–shell models for capturing size-scale effect on mechanical properties of ZnO nanowire (NW)-reinforced nanocomposites. Surface effects are represented by a zero-thickness (finite-thickness) surface with different elastic modulus from the central part of NW. The molecular dynamics technique is utilized for calculating thickness of the shell in the core–shell model. Linear elasticity for an axisymmetric problem and the cylindrical coordinate system is used to find the closed form of governing equations. The effect of different parameters, including diameter and aspect ratio of NWs, is studied to demonstrate the application of the developed model. Numerical results disclose that NWs with a larger aspect ratio and a smaller diameter can carry a larger portion of applied stress and are preferable in designing high-performance nanocomposites. This result is in agreement with the reported computational and experimental data.
Synchronous phase-extraction technique and its applications

A new technique for phase extraction of a fringe pattern is presented and verified in this paper. The technique makes use of the orthogonality of the trigonometric functions. It acquires the wrapped phase of a fringe pattern at a pixel point with the use of intensity values at that pixel point and its neighbors. It is capable of obtaining the unwrapped phase of a fringe pattern at every pixel point automatically provided that the phase of the fringe pattern is monotonically increasing. In contrast to the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) based phase measurement technique, this technique not only eliminates the difficulty of choosing a passing-band in the frequency domain but also provides great flexibility for processing an arbitrary number of pixel points at every row of the image.
Motifs that mediate dendritic targeting in hippocampal neurons: A comparison with basolateral targeting signals

Abstract One model for dendritic protein sorting in neurons is based on parallels with basolateral targeting in Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells. The goal of this study was to further evaluate this model by analyzing the neuronal targeting of several proteins that contain well-defined basolateral sorting motifs. When we expressed FcRγII-B2 and CD44, two basolateral markers whose sorting depends on dihydrophobic motifs, they were unpolarized in hippocampal neurons. We also assessed the localization of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), a basolateral protein whose sorting signal contains a proline-rich motif and two dihydrophobic motifs. EGFR was restricted to the dendrites in neurons and relied on the same sorting signal for proper targeting. These results show that the dendritic sorting machinery in neurons does not recognize dihydrophobic-based basolateral sorting signals. In contrast, the sorting signal present in EGFR directs both basolateral and dendritic targeting and defines a novel dendritic targeting motif.
Varieties of anterior open-bite.

Abstract Cephalograms of ninety-two male subjects with good occlusions, eighteen persons with Angle Class II anterior open-bite, and eighteen persons with open-bite mandibular prognathism (and Class III occlusion) were compared. On the average, persons with open-bite had a longer anterior lower face height, a shorter posterior face height, a shorter 1 to S-N distance, a smaller 6 to MP distance, a larger gonial angle, and a smaller UFH LFH ratio than did the normal control subjects. Total anterior face height was longer in the mandibular prognathism groups than in the control or Class II persons. The upper occlusal plane to S-N angle was similar in the three groups, but the lower occlusal plane to S-N angle was larger in the open-bite subjects. Facial polygons were used to show pattern differences between the groups.
Propensity to adopt technological innovations: the impact of personal characteristics and organizational context

Abstract This study investigated how personal characteristics and organizational context are associated with strategic decision makers' intentions to adopt technological innovations. Positive significant relationships were found between hospital top managers' intentions to adopt potential innovations and risk propensity, self-efficacy, perceived organizational strategy, perceived information processing capacity, and perceived resource availability. The impact of personal and organizational factors on intentions to adopt, implications of our results, and future research directions are discussed.
Modeling the effects of herbivores on the abundance of forest overstory states using a state-transition approach in the upper Grande Ronde River Basin, Oregon, USA

Abstract Herbivory by wild and domestic ungulates profoundly affects vegetation patterns and processes. We modeled changes in the abundance of different interior Pacific Northwest forest states in a large landscape over time, by using a simple state and transition model and assumptions regarding how the intensity of herbivory might influence conifer regeneration rates. We modeled hypothetical herbivory effects under three disturbance regimes: (1) a natural disturbance regime without fire suppression, (2) a natural disturbance regime with only fire suppression, and (3) an active fuels management regime in which forest management was used to reduce probabilities of severe wildfires and in which wildfires were suppressed. Herbivory effects were modeled as “high” or “low” to explore how the intensity of ungulate herbivory might influence overstory canopy structure and composition. Our simulations predicted that high herbivory influences the abundance of forest overstory structural classes over time in all three disturbance scenarios. Our results illustrate how landscape-level planning decisions affecting herbivore densities and grazing regimes might influence the structural attributes of forests over time under different disturbance regimes.
Outbreak of Parasitic Gastroenteritis Among Travelers Returning From Africa

Eosinophilia and intestinal infections with a trematode parasite developed In 18 of the 20 American tourists who traveled to Kenya and Tanzania; the fact that the two other tourists also had eosinophilia suggested that they too had been infested. Because no adult flukes were recovered, a specific Identification could not be made, but the eggs we observed resembled those of anEchinostoma. Several tour members had mild, nonspecific abdominal complaints, but ten had moderately severe abdominal cramps and loose or watery stools. Treatment with praziquantel was associated with rapid symptomatic improvement, and after treatment no parasitic eggs were recovered from patients' stools. (Arch Intern Med1985;145:2220-2221)
Glass Ionomer Pit and Fissure Sealant Provides Caries Protection on Occlusal Surfaces

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Caries-Preventive Effect of a One-Time Application of Composite Resin and Glass Ionomer Sealants After 5 Years Beiruti N, Frencken JE, et al. Caries Res 2006;40(1):52-9 Level of Evidence 1c Purpose/Question To compare the caries-preventive effect of glass ionomer sealants placed according to the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) procedure with that for composite resin sealants over a 5-year period; and to investigate the caries preventive effect after complete disappearance of sealant material. Source of Funding Government of The Netherlands through the World Health Organization Global ART Project and Dental Health International Netherlands; also, industry: 3MESPE and GC America Type of Study/Design Randomized Controlled Trial
I-131 IN MILK AND THYROID OF DAIRY CATTLE FOLLOWING A SINGLE CONTAMINATION EVENT AND PROLONGED DAILY ADMINISTRATION.

A sing1e I/sup 132/ contamination event of forage was simulated by administering I/sup 131/--labeled feed to dairy cattle twice daily for 31 days, all feed samples being spiked on day one with 5 mu C I/sup 131/ per sample. Peak milk concentration in the dairy cattle occurred on the fourth day with about 0.4% of the first day's dose of 10 mu C observed per 1 of milk. The peak thyroid concentration in the cattle occurred after 1 week and was about 70% of the first day' s dose of I/sup 131/. In a second study, 5 mu C of I/sup 132/ were fed daily to three cows starting before parturition and continuing for a period of 6 months of lactation. Apparent equilibrium of I/sup 131/ in the thyroid was reached after 2 weeks and approached twice the daily feeding level. A suggestion of increased thyroid uptake occurred following parturition. The I/ sup 131/ concentration in the colostrum was 2-3 times that in the milk on the seventh day of lactation, after which time a gradual increase was observed. The per cent of the daily dose of I/sup 131/ appearing in the milk varied from 0.4 to 1.0% over amore » 6month period. Following an increase in the daily stable iodine content of the cow's diet from 5 mg to 2 g per day, milk concentration of I/sup 131/ decreased 50% and thyroid concentrations decreased more than 90%. (auth)« less
Video Measurements Employing Transient Techniques

After some general remarks regarding the proper place of transient techniques in the field of video measurements, suitable waveforms and equipment are described. Methods of measurement and evaluation of response curves are discussed. An attempt is made to estimate the effect of small variations in the transfer function on the transient response. A tentative list of criteria is prepared which, though pot fully defining the transient response, may often serve as a useful and satisfactory description.
Dynamic flexibility metrics for capability and capacity

In production environments, such as Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs), the schedule can be disturbed by the occurrence of unplanned events. Machines stop for major failures, maintenance, tool changes due to wear, or tool reassignments. The rescheduling process, however, can be costly. In this study, a dynamic measure of flexibility which helps to determine an appropriate time for rescheduling an FMS has been defined and investigated. Flexibility is defined as a function of Capability and Capacity. Accordingly, two metrics have been developed to monitor the capability and capacity efficiency of each machine in the system for responding to the dynamic system status. The value of each metric falls between 0 and 1 at all times. Higher values in the capability metric mean better machine selection and part distribution strategies among the machines. Higher values for the capacity metric mean higher machine utilization in the production plan. Based on the interaction between the metrics and their respective behavior in the system, four states have been identified and characterized. Simulations of various scenarios can be used to demonstrate the use of these metrics for monitoring FMS operations and determining appropriate times for rescheduling and tool reassignment.
Relevance in International Business Research: A Need for More Linkages

The bi-annual presentation by the outgoing AIB president has become traditional. It is not only an honor, but also an unusual opportunity to address an audience composed of international experts in all areas relating to international business. It is also a perplexing challenge to choose a topic that should be of general interest, without departing too much from one's own field of specialized interest. Fortunately, the AIB officers agreed on a theme for this year's meeting, "Relevance in International Business Research," which presented me a topic to discuss.
Bleeding from occult tumors during anticoagulant therapy.

Five patients treated with anticoagulants for a variety of reasons developed gastrointestinal bleeding. Further diagnostic studies in each case uncovered a previously unsuspected tumor.
Central opioid receptor subtype antagonists differentially reduce intake of saccharin and maltose dextrin solutions in rats

Opioid modulation of ingestion includes general opioid antagonism of deprivation-induced water intake and intake of sucrose and saccharin solutions. Previous studies using selective subtype antagonists indicated that opioid effects upon deprivation-induced water intake occured through the mu2 receptor and that opioid effects upon sucrose intake occured kappa and mu2 receptors. The present study compared the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of opioid receptor subtype antagonists upon intakes of saccharin solution and a maltose dextrin (MD) solution to determine which receptor subtypes were involved in modulation of ingestion of different preferred tastants. Significant reductions in saccharin intake (1 h) occured following naltrexone (20–50 μg: 66%) and naltrindole (delta, 20 μg: 75%), whereas [d-Ala2, Leu5, Cys6]-enkephalin (DALCE, delta1, 40 μg: 45%) had transient (5 min) effects. Neither beta-funaltrexamine (B-FNA, mu), naloxanazine (mu1, nor nor-binaltorphamine (Nor-BNI, kappa) significantly altered saccharin intake. Significant reductions in MD intake (1 h) occured following naltrexone (5–50 μg: 69%) and B-FNA (1–20 μg: 38%). MD intake was not reduced by naltrindole, DALCE, naloxanazine and Nor-BNI. Peak antagonist effects were delayed (20–25 min) to reflect interference with the maintenance, rather than the initiation of saccharin or MD intake. Comparisons of opioid antagonist effects across intake situations revealed that naltrexone had consistently low ID40 values for saccharin (29 nmol), MD (25 nmol), sucrose (6 nmol) and deprivation (38 nmol) intake. Despite its significant effects relative to naloxanazine, B-FNA had significantly higher ID40 values for saccharin (800 nmol), MD (763 nmol) and sucrose (508 nmol) relative to deprivation (99 nmol) intake, suggesting that mu2 receptors may be mediating maintenance of intake rather than taste effects. Nor-BNI had low40 values intake of sucrose (4 nmol), but not for saccharin (168 nmol), MD (153 nmol) and deprivation (176 nmol), suggesting that kappa receptors may mediate ingestion of sweet-tasting stimuli. That delta (naltrindole:ID40 = 60nmol), but not delta1, (DALCE:ID40 = 288nmol) antagonist consistently reduce saccharin intake suggests a role for the delta2 receptor subtype in the modulation of hedonic orosensory signals.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Adsorbents for Emerging Organic Contaminants

The recognition that pharmaceuticals, personal care product chemicals, and endocrine disruptors can cause deleterious effects has led to search new approaches for removing them from contaminated waters. The emergence of tailored nanomaterials, with magnetic properties and high adsorption capacity for a wide range of compounds, provides a new tool to deal with these complex emerging organic contaminants (EOCs). Magnetic permanently confined micelle arrays (Mag-PCMAs) synthesized with cationic surfactants can provide several sorption mechanisms for the multifunctional EOCs. The sorption onto Mag-PCMAs of seven EOCs and two more conventional contaminants was studied. The results indicate high sorption capacity for many of the EOCs. However, because of the complex nature of these EOCs, it is not possible to predict their adsorption based on a single physicochemical characteristic such as Kow or pKa. Sorption kinetics are relatively fast, within the typical range for water treatment processes. The low energy r...
Role of memory in divergent thinking.

Tests involving word span, memory for verbal details, memory for visual details, and the Minnesota Tests of Creative Thinking (MTCT) were administered to 63 Ss in grades 4, 5, and 6. IQs were obtained from school records. Only 1 of 8 correlations between IQ and divergent thinking (DT) scores was significant, but 11 of 48 correlations between memory and DT were significant. In stepwise multiple correlation of the memory scores on each DT score, 17 of 19 predictor variables in reduced sets were memory scores. Canonical correlation of the memory and the DT scores yielded an R of .61. Results were interpreted to support the hypothesis that certain memory abilities may play important roles in DT.
The effects of state policy design features on take-up and crowd-out rates for the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

We evaluate the effects of state policy design features on SCHIP take-up rates and on the degree to which SCHIP benefits crowd out private benefits. The results indicate overall program take-up rates of approximately 10 percent. However, there is considerable heterogeneity across states, suggesting a potential role of inter-state variation in policy design. We find that several design mechanisms have significant and substantial positive effects on take-up. For example, eliminating asset tests, offering continuous coverage, simplifying the application and renewal processes, and extending benefits to parents all have sizable and positive effects on take-up rates. Mandatory waiting periods, on the other hand, consistently reduce take-up rates. In all, inter-state differences in outreach and anti-crowd-out efforts explain roughly one-quarter of the crossstate variation in take-up rates. Concerning the crowding out of private health insurance benefits, we find that between one-quarter and one-third of the increase in public health insurance coverage for SCHIP-eligible children is offset by a decline in private health coverage. We find little evidence that the policy-induced variation in take-up is associated with a significant degree of crowd out, and no evidence that the negative effect on private coverage caused by state policy choices is any greater than the overall crowding-out effect. This suggests that states are not augmenting take-up rates by enrolling children that are relatively more likely to have private health insurance benefits. © 2006 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Kinetics and thermodynamics associated with Bi adsorption transitions at Cu and Ni grain boundaries

The grain boundary diffusivity of Au in Cu and Cu-Bi, and Cu in Ni and Ni-Bi are characterized by secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiling. Samples are equilibrated in a Bi containing atmosphere at temperatures above and below the onset of grain boundary adsorption transitions, sometimes called complexion transitions. A simple thermo-kinetic model is used to estimate the relative entropic contributions to the grain boundary energies. The results indicate that the entropy term plays a major role in promoting thermally and chemically induced grain boundary complexion transition.
Children in poverty: The truly needy who fall through the safety net

Abstract The Reagan administration's program of fiscal retrenchment has resulted in budget cuts that disproportionately affect social welfare programs. Although administration policy claims to ensure the well-being of the “truly needy,” a review of the evidence on the trend in poverty suggests that the administration's program both exaggerates the extent to which poverty has been reduced and understates the contributions of social welfare programs to the well-being of the poor. This paper suggests that the Reagan program will result in an increase in poverty incidence, especially among households with children. Despite the past growth in social welfare expenditures and a general decline in poverty, among families with children poverty has declined little since 1965. In households headed by women with children, poverty remains at very high levels. After a review of how budget cuts will affect households with children, the paper discusses alternative policies to reduce poverty.
Signal Selection for Robust Matched Filtering

The optimum signal selection problem under a power constraint for minimax robust discrete-time finite-length matched filtering is studied. The classical solution, which is to choose the signal as a minimum-eigenvalue eigenvector of the noise covariance matrix, is generalized to cases in which the transmitted signal is subject to channel distortion modeled by mean-square, maximum-absolute, and mean-absolute distortion uncertainty classes.
Electrochemical analysis of single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with pyrene-pendant transition metal complexes.

The noncovalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is important in the development of advanced materials and nanoelectronic sensors and devices. A cobalt-terpyridine transition metal complex with pendant pyrene moieties has been shown to successfully functionalize SWNTs via noncovalent π−π stacking interactions. Cyclic voltammetry at SWNT coated platinum electrodes has been utilized to investigate the process of surface modification and provides conclusive evidence of robust surface functionalization. The electrochemical methodology for examining surface functionalization of SWNTs described herein is generalizable to any redox-active system and provides a simple and powerful means for in situ examination of processes occurring at the surface of nanostructured materials.
Effects of ideology and occupational community on clergy social movement participation

L'appartenance a la communaute clericale, l'absence d'alienation professionnelle, explique plus de la moitie de la variance du militantisme en faveur des droits civiques chez les membres du clerge politiquement liberaux et theologiquement neo-orthodoxes
Relative body weight as a factor in the decision to abort.

Abortion referral data of 692 pregnant women visiting a large urban planned parenthood clinic were analyzed to determine whether relative weight as measured by an adiposity index as well as other variables were associated with a decision to terminate or not terminate a pregnancy. Relative weight length of pregnancy education age ethnicity and marital status were found to be associated with the decision to abort. While most of these variables were previously shown to have been related to the decision to terminate or not terminate a pregnancy a relationship between relative weight and abortion has not previously been reported. In the analyses of all the women in this study and of a subsample consisting only of those in the early stages of their pregnancies increased relative weight was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of pregnancy termination. Possible reasons for this relationship and the evolutionary implications are discussed. (authors modified)
Protein engineering: Tighter ties that bind

A stepwise process of mutation and structural analysis has modulated a flexible binding interface of an immune-cell signalling protein, interleukin-2, and generated mutant proteins with enhanced anticancer activity. See Article p.529 Chris Garcia and colleagues elucidate the molecular mechanism that underlies the sensitization of T cells to the immunostimulatory cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2). They use this information to engineer a single-chain IL-2 superkine that functions independent of its α-receptor (IL-2Rα or CD25). This new superkine is more efficacious than IL-2 in inducing antitumour T-cell responses and has fewer toxic side effects.
Analyticity constraints on the Landshoff-Donnachie fit to total cross sections

Landshoff and Donnachie [A. Donnachie and P. V. Landshoff, Phys. Lett. B 296, 227 (1992).; P. V. Landshoff, hep-ph/0509240] parametrize the energy behavior of pp and pp scattering cross sections with five parameters, using: {sigma}{sup +}=56.08s{sup -0.4525}+21.70s{sup 0.0808} for pp, {sigma}{sup -}=98.39s{sup -0.4525}+21.70s{sup 0.0808} for pp. Using the four analyticity constraints of Block and Halzen [M. M. Block and F. Halzen, Phys. Rev. D 72, 036006 (2005).], we simultaneously fit the Landshoff-Donnachie form to the same sieved set of pp and pp cross section and {rho} data that Block and Halzen used for a very good fit to a ln{sup 2}s parametrization. We show that the satisfaction of the analyticity constraints will require modification of the Landshoff-Donnachie parametrization for lower energies, thus altering its inherent appeal of simplicity and universality.