cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid shear-induced NFκB translocation in osteoblasts is mediated by intracellular calcium release

Abstract Bone formation in response to exogenous mechanical loading is dependent on prostaglandin synthesis by the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, COX-2. While several transcription factors target the COX-2 gene, we examined the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) on COX-2 upregulation in osteoblasts in response to fluid shear due to its involvement in immune and inflammatory responses in other cell types. Application of 12 dyn/cm 2 laminar flow to MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells resulted in translocation of NFκB to the nucleus within 1 h of the onset of shear, with NFκB returning to the cytoplasm after 2 h of continuous flow. NFκB translocation in response to shear was inhibited by the protease inhibitor, Nα- p -tosyl- l -lysine chloromethylketone hydrochloride (TLCK), or a cell-permeant peptide that blocks the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) on NFκB. Block of NFκB translocation with these inhibitors blocked the shear-induced upregulation of COX-2. We found that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D or microtubules with nocodozol did not alter NFκB translocation in response to shear. However, addition of the intracellular Ca 2+ chelator BAPTA completely blocked NFκB translocation. While block of Ca 2+ entry with channel blockers failed to inhibit NFκB translocation, inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC)-induced intracellular Ca 2+ release with the PLC inhibitor U73122 completely abrogated the NFκB response to shear. These data indicate that NFκB translocation to the nucleus is essential for the fluid shear-induced increase in COX-2. Further, these studies suggest that intracellular Ca 2+ release, but not the cytoskeletal architecture, is important to NFκB translocation.
Effect of Fluorocarbon Liquid on Surface Tension Properties of Pulmonary Surfactant

Ventilation with oxygenated fluorocarbon fluids shows potential promise as an effective method for bilateral lung lavage. To permit readaptation to breathing gas, unaltered surface tension characteristics at the air-liquid interphase of the alveolus is necessary after the organic fluid evaporates. Ventilation with fluorocarbon fluid neither washed out nor produced an alteration in the surface tension properties of pulmonary surfactant. This is due to the fact that pulmonary surfactant is insoluble in the nonpolar inert fluorocarbon fluid. While the lung was filled with fluorocarbon, pulmonary surfactant was difficult to extract. However, once the fluorocarbon fluid evaporated, the surfactant was left intact and its surface tension-surface area properties were normal.
Comparison of the Growth and Fate of Fetal Spinal Iso- and Allografts in the Adult Rat Injured Spinal Cord

Most studies investigating early fetal CNS graft-host interactions and host immune responses have been performed using intracerebral transplantation paradigms. The purpose of this study was to establish the early developmental dynamics of fetal graft integration with the injured host spinal cord and to determine whether fetal allografts in this environment are subject to rejection. ACI rat fetal spinal cord (FSC) tissue was grafted into acute lesion cavities of adult WF rat spinal cords. Graft development and/or rejection was followed from 1 to 45 days posttransplantation with morphometric, histological, and immunocytochemical methods. We determined that all FSC grafts in acute resection lesions of the adult rat spinal cord undergo an early substantial cellular attrition, but following favorable attachment to healthy host tissue margins, they rebound and grow to fill the lesion cavity by approximately 45 days. We also determined that FSC allografts into nonimmunosuppressed adult recipients are consistently rejected, but only after an early period of growth and maturation. The onset of rejection is characterized by extensive cellular infiltration coincidental with graft and host MHC antigen expression. The implications of delayed graft development and graft-host integration are discussed relative to interconnectivity and long-term potential for graft-derived benefits. The observed rejection response was characteristic of first-order allograft rejection and underscores a lack of immunological privilege in the microenvironment of the injured spinal cord.
Cyclic AMP imaging sheds light on PDF signaling in circadian clock neurons

In Drosophila , the neuropeptide PDF is required for circadian rhythmicity, but it is unclear where PDF acts. In this issue of Neuron , Shafer et al. use a novel bioimaging methodology to demonstrate that PDF elevates cAMP in nearly all clock neurons. Thus, PDF apparently exerts more widespread effects on the circadian clock network than suggested by previous studies of PDF receptor expression.
Grandparent visitation rights: An inappropriate intrusion or appropriate protection?

Increased divorce rates, longevity in multi-generational families, and activism by older persons are a part of the context in which the role of grandparents in the family, an overview of grandparent visitation statutes, and controversy about visitation rights are discussed. The history and characteristics of grandparent visitation statutes, the process of filing, and criteria used to grant visitation provide insight into the complexities of the request for, and determination of, these rights. Family dynamics interact with a myriad of state statutes to suggest implications for research and policy.
Organic Redox-Initiated Polymerization Process for the Fabrication of Hydrogels for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery

Organic-redox initiated polymerization technique based on the co-initiators system comprising benzoyl peroxide and N-phenyldiethanolamine was used at ambient temperature to fabricate pH-responsive hydrogels. The effects of changes in the concentration of the co-initiators system, the ratio in which the co-initiators combined, the type of the polymerization solvent, the pH of the hydrating medium, the concentration of the cross-linking agent based on azo-bond and the pH-sensitive cross-linking agent on the properties of the hydrogels were investigated. Increasing the concentration of the co-initiators system, decreasing the concentration of the two types of cross-linking agents, and replacing DMSO by ethanol as the polymerization solvent resulted in hydrogels with increased equilibrium swelling ratio and increased molecular weight between cross-links at pH 7.4. Increasing the concentration of N-phenyldiethanolamine while keeping the concentration of benzoyl peroxide constant gave hydrogels with increased equilibrium swelling ratios. The equilibrium swelling ratios of the hydrogels at pH 2.0 were not affected by the factors investigated. The polymerization technique may be suitable for the design of drug delivery systems containing thermolabile bioactive agents like peptides and proteins.
Euschistus conspersus female morphology and attraction to methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate pheromone–baited traps in processing tomatoes

Previous work documented seasonal field response dynamics of Euschistus conspersus Uhler (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to Euschistus spp. pheromone [methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate]-baited traps in California processing tomatoes, Lycopersicon esculentum (Miller) (Solanaceae). A laboratory phenology model has been reported for E. conspersus egg incubation to adult emergence. In the present work, reproductive and thoracic dissections were performed on female E. conspersus collected year-round from seasonal habitats in California's Central Valley. We used these dissection data to establish relationships between the morphology of E. conspersus and time of year, habitat, sample recovery method, and female attraction to pheromone traps in commercial tomato fields. All ovariole categories, sexually immature through postreproductive, were recorded for females collected from tomatoes by plant-beating sample throughout the growing season. Conversely, pheromone trap captures in tomatoes over the same period revealed that females entering the traps were exclusively reproductively active with matured eggs. We conclude that early season female-biased E. conspersus pheromone trap catch can be used to establish a ‘biofix’ from which to accumulate degree days and forecast nymphal development in the field. Focusing control efforts on the more susceptible nymph stages may improve efficacy of reduced-risk insecticides such as the neonicotinoids. Thoracic dissection results, with no significant difference in flight muscle size or color by ovariole condition, failed to support our hypothesis of a life history trade-off between female reproductive activity and flight capability to explain a decline in female pheromone trap response during the mid-summer tomato-fruiting stages. The adaptive value of the observed retention of E. conspersus flight capability over the calendar year, and across reproductive stages, is discussed.
Toward a therapeutic jurisprudence analysis of medication refusal in the court review model

A therapeutic jurisprudence analysis attempts to discern the role of legal proceedings, lawyers and judges in producing therapeutic or anti-therapeutic consequences. This paper will attempt to use the therapeutic jurisprudence framework to analyze the legal and administrative aspects of court review as it was reported during a one year epidemiologic study of drug refusal. Characteristics of the review process, the effect on patient refusal, and the attitudes of treating psychiatrists are presented. To broaden the clinical context of the administrative findings, selected clinical characteristics of refusing patients, their attitudes toward mental illness, reasons for refusing medication and satisfaction with court review will be described. The discussion attempts to show how the initial administrative study findings may be interpreted in the broader context of their relationship to the achievement of therapeutic outcomes.
Almost distributive sublattices and congruence heredity

A congruence lattice L of an algebra A is hereditary if every 0-1 sublattice of L is the congruence lattice of an algebra on A. Suppose that L is a finite lattice obtained from a distributive lattice by doubling a convex subset. We prove that every congruence lattice of a finite algebra isomorphic to L is hereditary.
The Effect of Music Listening Versus Written Reframing on Mood Management

We compared the influence of music listening versus written reframing on mood regulation. Participants ( n = 197) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions. A written, self-reflection exercise primed participants to be in either a positive or negative mood, which was assessed with the Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire (MDMQ, 2011; Steyer, Schwenkmeger, Notz, & Eid, 1997). Half of the participants in the positive prime condition then selected and listened to music opposite of the induced mood. The other half engaged in a written reframing exercise, in which they revisited the event in their original writings but did so by reflecting on the event from the opposite emotional perspective. This process was repeated for participants in the negative prime condition. The MDMQ was used again to assess mood. Results revealed that music and writing changed both men and women’s moods from positive to negative or from negative to positive. Music exerted a more powerful influence than writing and exerted a stronger influence on women than men, especially when lifting participants from a negative mood to a positive mood. Our results also indicated that participants were aware of their mood changes.
Use of willingness to pay to study values for pharmacotherapies for migraine headache.

Background There is a wide range of therapeutic options for migraine headaches, yet little is known about how patients value different treatment alternatives nor how to tailor treatments to patients' preferences. Objective Assess patients' preferences for outcomes of treatment of migraine headache based on their marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for treatment attributes. Materials and methods In an Internet-based study, we used computer software to measure participants' WTP for a hypothetical ideal drug (one that was 100% effective, worked quickly, and had no adverse effects) and for other hypothetical drugs, each with one "less than ideal" attribute of performance. Subjects Two hundred fifty-seven self-identified migraineurs recruited via an Internet Web site. Results A high proportion of participants in the study had symptoms consistent with migraine etiology of headache (99%). Median "out-of-pocket" monthly WTP cost for an ideal migraine therapy was 130 dollars. WTP was associated with participants' own migraine experience: severity of pain, frequency of headaches, and the types of medications used in the past. WTP was reduced when pharmaceuticals offered less benefit, ranging from a mean of 74% of ideal for treatments that failed to relieve nausea, to 43% of ideal in treatments associated with a 50% chance of a rebound headache. Conclusions There is wide variability in patients' strength of preference for different attributes of migraine therapy. Choice of therapy for migraine headache should be individualized based on patients' preferences. WTP measures appear to be a valid and feasible metric for quantifying treatment preferences for migraine therapies.
BETA-GAMMA CORRELATIONS WITH RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE

The study of beta-gamma angular correlations, with resonance fluorescence of the gamma ray, is proposed as a means of obtaining important information on the beta-decay coupling constants. The effect is calculated for an allowed beta transition followed by a gamma transition of arbitrary multipolarity. As an example, detailed numerical results are given for ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{23}$.
Country risk measures: how risky are they?

Abstract As global competition drives corporations into distant, unfamiliar markets, managers are searching for ways to minimize their uncertainty. When formulating their strategies for such environments, managers frequently rely on country risk analysis. Assuming that country risk analysis is an objective, fact-finding process, many managers fail to question these risk reports. The focus of this paper is on the usefulness of these country risk measures. Specifically, the purpose is to investigate the extent to which country risk measures can predict periods of intense instability. We examine eleven widely used measures of country risk across seventeen countries during a nineteen-year time period. Currency fluctuations are used as a surrogate for overall country risk. Results from the empirical analysis indicate that commercial risk measures are very poor at predicting actual realized risks. This result raises important questions about the usefulness of these measures and why managers still choose to use them.
Diagnostic findings from testis fine needle aspiration mapping in obstructed and nonobstructed azoospermic men.

Purpose: Although helpful for defining extratesticular obstruction, the testis biopsy offers limited information on nonobstructive azoospermic testes. Guided by diagnostic biopsies, testis sperm extraction procedures fail in 25% to 50% of patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, largely because it is clinically difficult to know where sperm are located. To provide a more complete assessment of spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermic patients and to simplify the confirmation of sperm production in men with obstruction, we use a systematic, fine needle aspiration “mapping” procedure. We summarize the diagnostic findings in a series of azoospermic men.Materials and Methods: From 118 azoospermic infertile men (22 with obstructed and 96 with nonobstructed azoospermia) fine needle aspiration data were used to generate location specific, sperm frequency maps for obstructed and nonobstructive azoospermic testes to determine if “sperm rich” locations existed.Results: Fine needle aspiration map analysis reve...
Anomalous ion beam scattering by shear Kelvin—Helmholtz wave interactions

We inject a fast ion beam across a magnetic field, through a cylindrical 5 cm diameter plasma. Shear Kelvin–Helmholtz waves, already present in the plasma, are considerably amplified. The ion beam is rapidly slowed and scattered. The observed stopping power exceeds the classical power by over two orders of magnitude. A simple theoretical estimate, ascribing beam energy loss to driving of the waves, agrees qualitatively with observations.
Infrared and Raman spectra of crystalline para-bromoaniline at low temperatures☆

Abstract The polarization characteristics of the i.r. absorption bands of oriented p-bromoaniline crystal films have been studied at low temperatures. Raman spectra of this compound in solution and in the polycrystalline state have been recorded as an aid to the vibrational assignment of the crystal bands. The vibrational spectra are interpreted to deduce the crystal factor group (D2h) and the molecular site symmetry (Cs). The observed factor group splittings and dichroic ratios suggest the crystal unit cell of p-bromoaniline to be isostructural with that of p-chloroaniline.
300 MHz NMR study on the effect of base stacking on backbone conformational flexibility in oxy- and deoxy- adenyl dinucleosides.

Summary The 300 MHz 1 H and 40.48 MHz 31 P NMR spectra of ApA, dApdA, and several purine nucleotides in aqueous solution have been completely analyzed at various temperatures or concentrations, and the derived coupling constant data interpreted in terms of dynamic conformational parameters by means of a Karplustype analysis. It is found that base stacking interactions play a key role in reducing conformational flexibility. The C(4′)-C(5′) and C(5′)-o(5′) bonds in both oxy- and deoxy- adenyl dinucleosides become increasingly gauche conformation with increasing base stacking, while the ribose ring in ApA correspondingly becomes more 3 E conformation and the deoxyribose ring in dApdA remains mostly 2 E conformation.
Diminished chemiluminescent responses of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in severely and moderately preterm neonates.

1. Avery ME, Taeusch HW, eds. Diseases of the newborn. Philadelphia; WB Saunders, 1984:154. 2. Larson E. Pathology of chronic complications of neonatal ventilator therapy. In: Thibeault DW, Gregory GA, eds. Neonatal pulmonary care. Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1979:307. 3. Meadow WL, Cheromcha WL. Successful therapy of unilateral pulmonary emphysema: mechanical ventilation with extremely short inspiratory time. Am J Perinatol 1985; 2:194. 4. Gilenski JA, Thibeault DW, Hall FK, German DR. Selective bronchial intubation in infants with lobar emphysema. Am J Perinatol 1986;3:199. 5. Milner AD, Field D, Hopkins IE, Tynell J. Selective bronchial intubation for pulmonary emphysema. Arch Dis Child 1985;60:83. 6. Schneider JR, St Cyr JA, Thompson TR, et al. The changing spectrum of cystic pulmonary lesions requiring surgical resection in infants. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1985;89:332. 7. Levine DH, Trump DS, Waterkotte G. Unilateral interstitial emphysema: a surgical approach to treatment. Pediatrics 1981;68:510. 8. Mammel GB, Fletcher AB, Kaplan M, Brudno DS. Controlled trial of dexamethasone therapy in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Lancet 1983;ii: 1356. 9. Avery GB, Fletcher AB, Kaplan M, Brudno DS. Controlled trial of dexamethasone in respirator dependent infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Pediatrics 1985;75:106. 10. Platzker ACG. Congenital anomalies causing respiratory failure. In: Thibeault DW, Gregory GA, eds. Neonatal pulmonary care. Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1979;372.
Photochemical reactivity of the triosmium cluster 1,1-Os3(CO)10(bpcd) in the presence of P(OEt)3 and X-ray crystal structure of HOs3(CO)7[P(OEt)3][μ-{PPh(C6H4)} C=C(PPh2)C(O)CH2C(O)]: Unexpected ortho metalation and cluster face capping by a diphosphine ligand

Photochemical activation of the bpcd-chelated cluster 1,1-Os3(CO)10(bpcd) (1) in the presence of P(OEt)3 furnishes the simple substitution product 1,1,2-Os3(CO)9[P(OEt)3](bpcd) (2) initially, followed by the formation of the hydride cluster HOs3(CO)7[P(OEt)3][μ-{PPh(C6H4)}C=C(PPh2)C(O)CH2C(O)] (3). Both new clusters were isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR (1H and 31P) spectroscopies, with the solid-state structure of cluster 3 determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Cluster 3 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P−1, a=9.366(2) A, b=14.182(4) A, c=17.672(4) A, α=87.787(4)°, β=78.488(4)°, γ=71.785(4)°, V=2184.1(9) A3, Z=2, D cacl=2.123 Mg/m3; R=0.0488, R w=0.1059 for 8527 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). The presence of the seven-electron ligand μ-P{Ph(C6H4)}C=C(PPh2)C(O)CH2C(O) that caps one of the triangular faces in 3 through both phosphine moieties, the π bond of the dione ring, and an ortho-metalated aryl ligand is established.
Work in Progress: A Test-First Approach to Teaching CS1

Test-Driven Development is a design strategy where a set of tests over a class is defined prior to the implementation of that class. The goal is to use the tests to exercise the class being developed, to provide immediate feedback of the overall quality of the code, and to identify and correct bugs as they are written. This paper presents a method to teaching CS1 using a "Test-First" approach that will be tried in fall 2006. The test-first approach requires students to think about the problem, identify corner cases, analyze ways their code may fail, and evaluate their design. Further, a proposed evaluation is presented for determining the success of the approach.
Impulsive-choice patterns for food in genetically lean and obese Zucker rats.

Behavioral-economic studies have shown that differences between lean and obese Zuckers in food consumption depend on the response requirement for food. Since a response requirement inherently increases the delay to reinforcement, differences in sensitivity to delay may also be a relevant mechanism of food consumption in the obese Zucker rat. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid neurotransmitter system has been implicated in impulsivity, but studies that attempt to characterize the effects of cannabinoid drugs (e.g., rimonabant) on impulsive choice may be limited by floor effects. The present study aimed to characterize impulsive-choice patterns for sucrose using an adjusting-delay procedure in genetically lean and obese Zuckers. Ten lean and ten obese Zucker rats chose between one lever that resulted in one pellet after a standard delay (either 1 s or 5 s) and a second lever that resulted in two or three pellets after an adjusting delay. After behavior stabilized under baseline, rimonabant (0–10 mg/kg) was administered prior to some choice sessions in the two-pellet condition. Under baseline, obese Zuckers made more impulsive choices than leans in three of the four standard-delay/pellet conditions. Additionally, in the 2-pellet condition, rimonabant increased impulsive choice in lean rats in the 1-s standard-delay condition; however, rimonabant decreased impulsive choice in obese rats in the 1-s and 5-s standard-delay conditions. These data suggest that genetic factors that influence impulsive choice are stronger in some choice conditions than others, and that the endocannabinoid system may be a relevant neuromechanism.
The oxidation state of “emeraldine” base

Abstract “Emeraldine” base prepared in air has an oxidation state as defined in the text of (1−y)∼0.6. whereas when prepared under an inert atmosphere, (1ȳ)∼0.4. The electronic spectrum of freshly prepared “emeraldine” base solutions in aqueous 80% acetic acid depends on the oxidation state: an absorption at λmax∼670 nm (1.85 eV) is observed for the blue solutions of “emeraldine” base having (1−y)∼0.6, whereas the same absorption is shifted to λmax∼760 nm (1.63 eV) for the green solutions of “emeraldine” base having (1−y)∼0.4. The blue solutions become green after ∼0.5 hours. On standing, the absorpt ion peaks of both solutions shift to an identical equilibrium value of λmax=787 nm (1.58 eV). These observations can be used as a convenient color “spot-test” to gain information concerning the oxidation state of “emeraldine” base. The infrared spectra of the solid samples are consistent with the above (1−y) values.
Molecular Diversity Revealed by AFLP Markers in Upland Cotton Genotypes

Cotton is an important fiber crop grown over tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The narrow genetic base of the cotton germplasm being used in breeding programs is one of the factors in failing to achieve appreciable amount of progress in improving fiber traits. Molecular markers have been successfully applied to estimate genetic diversity, besides their use in advancing the breeding cycle. Sixty upland genotypes from a cooperative regional testing program were screened with AFLP markers. Louisiana genotypes possessed coarse fibers, medium staple, and strong fibers, while heat tolerant genotypes showed high variability for these traits. The pairwise kinship estimates ranged between 0.1–0.88, while the PIC values ranged from 0.15–0.30, accounting for most of the shared ancestral alleles. The estimates of genetic diversity were in the range of 0.1–0.34. PCoA, and correspondence and UPGMA clustering methods showed no obvious grouping of the genotypes in line with their geographical origin. Some of ge...
Preparing professional staff to care for cancer survivors

Introduction Oncology health care professionals frequently lack the background to implement needed survivorship activities and follow-up care. The purpose of this project is to assist providers in the clarification and initiation of potentially durable changes in survivorship care by developing a health professional curriculum, recruiting participants, implementing the course, conducting course evaluation and following participants’ defined goals over time.
Counseling Patients on the Use of Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have substantially increased in popularity. Clear evidence about the safety of e-cigarettes is lacking, and laboratory experiments and case reports suggest these products may be associated with potential adverse health consequences. The effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is modest and appears to be comparable to the nicotine patch combined with minimal behavioral support. Although a role for e-cigarettes in the treatment of tobacco dependence may emerge in the future, the potential risk of e-cigarettes outweighs their known benefit as a recommended tobacco treatment strategy by clinicians. Patients should be counseled on the known efficacy and potential risks of e-cigarettes.
Institutional variation in the surgical treatment of breast cancer: a study of the NCCN.

There are 3 options for the surgical treatment of early stage breast cancer: (1) breast conserving surgery (BCS), (2) mastectomy with reconstruction, and (3) mastectomy alone. Each procedure offers appropriate treatment, but carries differing risks including increased recovery time, which may delay systemic treatment for reconstruction and increased risk of local recurrence for BCS.1–4 If a patient is a candidate for all 3 approaches, guidelines recommend that the decision be based on patient preference.5,6 Studies using patient self-report suggest this recommendation is being followed. In one population-based study, 75% of patients reported that they either made the decision or participated in the decision-making regarding the surgical management of their breast cancer.7 Despite this, there is regional and institutional variation in the utilization of BCS and postmastectomy reconstruction that is not explained by patient preference.8,9 One possible explanation for this variation is that the supply and quality of subspecialty care, particularly adjuvant radiation and reconstructive surgery, could bias provider presentation in favor of one procedure or another and therefore drive practice patterns. To explore this, we sought to evaluate institutional variation in surgical therapy for early stage breast cancer within the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). We hypothesized that there would be a strong inverse correlation between the institutional rate of BCS and mastectomy with reconstruction, but that the institutional rate of mastectomy alone would not correlate with the rate of either of the other procedures. Furthermore, we postulated that the supply of subspecialty care, particularly reconstructive surgery and adjuvant radiation, at the institutional level would correlate with whether BCS or mastectomy with reconstruction was preferentially performed.
Contamination of two Oregon reservoirs by cinnabar mining and mercury amalgamation

Two reservoirs in western Oregon contain mercury-contaminated sediment and fish as a result of historic mercury mining in the Cottage Grove Lake watershed and mercury amalgamation used in gold mining in the Dorena Lake watershed. On average, sediment in Cottage Grove Lake contains ten times as much mercury as sediment from Dorena Lake (2.720 versus 0.242 ppm). Mercury content in Cottage Grove Lake sediment shows a sharp initial decrease and leveling off with time that reflects the end of the major cinnabar mining phase; deposition of other heavy metals appears to be linked to the clay content of sediment. Mercury input to Dorena Lake has remained fairly constant with time, but small increases in mercury are associated with the deposits of large floods. Copper, lead, and zinc input to Dorena Lake exhibits a marked decrease and leveling off related to the end of commercial mining for these metals.
Nonlinear electronic control of an electrostrictive actuator

In this paper we report on the development of a high frequency switching amplifier for electrostrictive actuators. This amplifier is specifically designed for the capacitive loads that electrostrictive actuator present to them. An integrated nonlinear model of the actuator and the electronics is also developed. It is shown that one source of distortion in the actuator velocity is the nonlinear field to polarization relationship. The amplifier reduces the impact of this nonlinearity by controlling the current entering the actuator instead of the voltage across the actuator. Another major source of the distortion is caused by the quadratic relationship between polarization and strain in the electrostrictive material. The paper develops a new control scheme for the amplifier which significantly improves the linearity of the overall amplifier/actuator combination. Both experimental and simulation results of the Smart Material are reported.
Motion of test particles and light rays around massive conducting cosmic string.

An exact solution of the coupled Einstein-Maxwell equations describing an infinite, straight, massive, conducting cosmic string is presented. Equations of motion of test particles and light rays are derived. Radial motion, motion in a plane perpendicular to the string, and motion along a line parallel to the string are discussed. When the string is represented by a line singularity and its linear mass density is not too large and it is carrying electric current then radially moving test particles very close to the string encounter a repulsive force.
Diagnosis and treatment of renovascular hypertension in children

Learning Objectives To describe and illustrate with examples the techniques and unique management challenges in diagnosing and treating renovascular hypertension in children. Background Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is an uncommon yet important and potentially curable cause of secondary hypertension in children, accounting for approximately 10% of cases. The management of RVH in the pediatric population presents specific challenges related to both the size and expected growth of the involved vessels as well as the often bilateral, subsegmental, and intrarenal distribution of disease. A variety of laboratory and imaging criteria are useful in establishing a diagnosis of RVH, however catheter angiography augmented by direct renal vein renin measurement remains the test of choice. Likewise, percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty remains a highly effective front line treatment option with the goal of reducing or eliminating the need for medical therapy and avoiding complex surgical revascularization. Clinical Findings/Procedure Details The clinical pathway for the diagnosis of RVH will be discussed including the relevant pre-procedural non-invasive imaging and laboratory tests aimed at excluding more common causes of secondary hypertension. The angiographic features of RVH will be illustrated in multiple cases, with an emphasis on findings unique to pediatric patients. The diagnostic relevance and proper technique for direct renal vein renin sampling will be described. Angiographic technique and equipment particularly useful for imaging and successful treatment of the pediatric population will be reviewed. Additional cases will illustrate the uncommon occurrence of angioplasty failure requiring stent placement as well as unexpected causes of hypertension encountered during angiography. Conclusion and/or Teaching Points Interventional radiologists play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment renovascular hypertension in children. Knowledge of the unique features of this disease and technical challenges in the pediatric population is critical in providing potentially curative endovascular therapy.
Tarsal Strip Procedure for Correction of Eyelid Laxity and Canthal Malposition in the Anophthalmic Socket

Surgically anophthalmic sockets commonly have laxity of the lower eyelid, inferior displacement of the lower eyelid and lateral canthus, shallowing of the inferior fornix, and a deep superior sulcus. These deformities result in difficulty in prosthesis retention, pooling of tears and mucus, epiphora and lower eyelid irritation, and poor cosmesis with an appearance of facial asymmetry. The causes of these problems are numerous, but the main anatomic deformity is a marked laxity and elongation of the lateral canthal tendon. The tarsal strip procedure is ideal for correcting or improving these deformities simultaneously with one simple procedure. We are very pleased with our results in 26 patients with surgically anophthalmic sockets in which this procedure was utilized. We highly recommend the tarsal strip procedure not only to correct these conditions in anophthalmic sockets but in almost any condition where laxity of the eyelids or canthal malposition requires surgical correction.
Declining bioavailability and inappropriate estimation of risk of persistent compounds

Earthworms ( Eisenia foetida) assimilated decreasing amounts of atrazine, phenanthrene, and naphthalene that had been incubated for increasing periods of time in sterile soil. The amount of atrazine and phenanthrene removed from soil by mild extractants also decreased with time. The declines in bioavailability of the three compounds to earthworms and of naphthalene to bacteria were not reflected by analysis involving vigorous methods of solvent extraction; similar results for bioavailability of phenanthrene and 4-nitrophenol to bacteria were obtained in a previous study conducted at this laboratory. We suggest that regulations based on vigorous extractions for the analyses of persistent organic pollutants in soil do not appropriately estimate exposure or risk to susceptible populations.
‘Luck in the double focus’: ritualized hospitality in Melanesia

This paper argues that the relevance of hospitality in Melanesia has been under-theorized. It does so by examining four cases of the hospitality motif: the idea of ‘guests of the land’ among the Daribi; the ritualized feasting and dispensation of ‘containment’ among the Usen Barok named lak mamaran–‘Godspeed’, literally meaning ‘luck in the double focus’ (though the Barok language, lacking a word for ‘luck’, had to borrow one from English); the non-reciprocal character of the imbatekas sorcerer among the Tangu of Madang province; and the consumptive and predatory hospitality of the Kiwai of the Fly River estuary. I shall conclude with a consideration of the North American potlatch, a generic anthropological quasi-institution that has been distorted out of all ethnographic proportion by what I shall call the ‘reciprocity speculation bubble’. Resume Le present article avance que la pertinence de l'hospitalite en Melanesie n'est pas suffisamment theorisee. Pour le demontrer, il examine quatre declinaisons du motif de l'hospitalite : l'idee des « invites de la terre » chez les Daribi, les festins ritualises et la distribution chez les Usen Barok de « contenance », appelee lak mamaran (« bonne chance », litteralement « la chance sous deux aspects », mais la langue barok n'ayant pas de mot pour « chance », il a fallu emprunter « lak »a l'anglais), la non reciprocite du sorcier imbatekas chez les Tangu de la province de Madang, et l'hospitalite consommatrice et predatrice des Kiwai de l'estuaire de la Fly River. L'auteur conclut par une consideration sur le potlatch nord-americain, quasi-institution anthropologique generique, deformee jusqu'a en perdre toute proportion ethnographique par ce qu'il appelle « la bulle speculative sur la reciprocite ».
Ultrasound Radiation Force Modulates Ligand Availability on Targeted Contrast Agents

Radiation force produced by low-amplitude ultrasound at clinically relevant frequencies remotely translates freely flowing microbubble ultrasound contrast agents over distances up to centimeters from the luminal space to the vessel wall in order to enhance ligand–receptor contact in targeting applications. The question arises as to how the microbubble shell might be designed at the molecular level to fully take advantage of such physical forces in targeted adhesion for molecular imaging and controlled therapeutic release. Herein, we report on a novel surface architecture in which the tethered ligand is buried in a polymeric overbrush. Our results, with biotin–avidin as the model ligand–receptor pair, show that the overbrush conceals the ligand, thereby reducing immune cell binding and increasing circulation persistence. Targeted adhesion is achieved through application of ultrasound radiation force to instantly reveal the ligand within a well-defined focal zone and simultaneously bind the ligand and receptor. Our data illustrate how the adhesive properties of the contrast agent surface can be reversibly changed, from stealth to sticky, through the physical effects of ultrasound. This technique can be combined with any ligand–receptor pair to optimize targeted adhesion for ultrasonic molecular imaging.
High Pressure Supersonic Gas Jet Fueling on NSTX

A supersonic gas injector (SGI) has been developed for fueling and diagnostic applications on NSTX. The SGI is comprised of a small de Laval converging-diverging graphite nozzle, a commercial piezoelectric gas valve, and a diagnostic package, all mounted on a movable probe at a low field side midplane port location. The nozzle operated in a pulsed regime at room temperature, reservoir deuterium pressure up to 2500 Torr (50 PSIA), flow rate up to 65 Torr 1 /s (4.55e2f particles/s), and a measured Mach number of about 4. In initial experiments the SGI was used for fueling of ohmic and 2 -6 MW NBI-heated L-and H-mode plasmas. Reliable H-mode access was obtained with SGI fueling, with a fueling efficiency in the range 0.1 -0.3. Good progress was also made toward a controlled density SGI-fueled H-mode plasma scenario with the flow rate of the uncontrolled high field side (HFS) gas injector reduced by up to 20. These experiments motivated a number of SGI upgrades: 1) the maximum plenum pressure has been increased to 5000 Torr (100 PSIA), 2) the plenum pressure volume has been doubled, 3) the gas delivery system has been changed to allow for injection of various gases, 4) a multi-pulse capability has been implemented. As a result of the upgrades, the maximum flow rate increased to about 130 Torr 1 /s. Laboratory gas jet characterization tests indicated a Mach number of about 4 with H2 and I) , and 4-6 with He and N2. Plasma experiments demonstrated the high-pressure gas jet fueling compatibility with H-mode plasmas, high fueling efficiency (0.1 -0.3), and high SOL penetration.
Contribution of Calcium Influx in Mediating Glucose-Stimulated Oxygen Consumption in Pancreatic Islets

In brain, muscle, and pancreatic islets, depolarization induces an increase in respiration, which is dependent on calcium influx. The goal of this study was to assess the quantitative significance of this effect in islets relative to glucose-stimulated ATP turnover, to examine the molecular mechanism mediating the changes, and to investigate the functional implications with respect to insulin secretion. Glucose (3-20 mmol/l) increased steady-state levels of cytochrome c reduction (32-66%) in isolated rat islets, reflecting an increased production of NADH, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) by 0.32 nmol/min/100 islets. Glucose-stimulated OCR was inhibited 30% by inhibitors of calcium influx (diazoxide or nimodipine), whereas a protein synthesis inhibitor (emetine) decreased it by only 24%. None of the inhibitors affected cytochrome c reduction, suggesting that calcium's effect on steady-state OCR is mediated by changes in ATP usage rather than the rate of NADH generation. 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine increased insulin secretion but had little effect on OCR, indicating that the processes of movement and exocytosis of secretory granules do not significantly contribute to ATP turnover. At 20 mmol/l glucose, a blocker of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) had little effect on OCR despite a large increase in cytosolic calcium, further supporting the notion that influx of calcium, not bulk cytosolic calcium, is associated with the increase in ATP turnover. The glucose dose response of calcium influx-dependent OCR showed a remarkable correlation with insulin secretion, suggesting that the process mediating the effect of calcium on ATP turnover has a role in the amplification pathway of insulin secretion.
MEMS-based disk buffer for streaming media servers

The performance of streaming media servers has been limited due to the dual requirements of high throughput and low memory use. Although disk throughput has been enjoying a 40% annual increase, slower improvements in disk access times necessitate the use of large DRAM buffers to improve the overall streaming throughput. MEMS-based storage is an exciting new technology that promises to bridge the widening performance gap between DRAM and disk-drives in the memory hierarchy. We explore the impact of integrating these devices into the memory hierarchy on the class of streaming media applications. We evaluate the use of MEMS-based storage for buffering and caching streaming data. We also show how a bank of k MEMS devices can be managed in either configuration and that they can provide a k-fold improvement in both throughput and access latency. An extensive analytical study shows that using MEMS storage can reduce the buffering cost and improve the throughput of streaming servers significantly.
The State of Federal Research Funding in Genetics as Reflected by Members of the Genetics Society of America

Scientific progress runs on the intellect, curiosity, and passion of its practitioners fueled by the research dollars of its sponsors. The concern over research funding in biology in general and genetics in particular led us to survey the membership of the Genetics Society of America for information about the federal support of genetics at the level of individual principal investigators. The results paint a mosaic of circumstances—some good, others not so good—that describes some of our present challenges with sufficient detail to suggest useful steps that could address the challenges.
Market Reform as a Stimulus to Particularistic Politics

We know little about how market reform affects political development, especially citizens' behavior. Market reform advocates prescribe that citizens should reduce their reliance on the state, turn to nonstate actors for assistance, and obtain limited state goods and services through their membership in certain social categories, not their particular traits. An analysis of three mass surveys and 232 interviews the author conducted in Central Asia, along with additional data from 24 postcommunist countries, reveals that market reform can have effects opposite from those prescribed: Individuals may make particularistic demands of government officials instead of relying on nonstate actors. This occurs in countries where state economic intervention was substantial and where reforms reduced the state's economic role but failed to develop market-enhancing institutions. Under these conditions individuals informally seek resources from state officials because nonstate actors do not offer substitute resources, and ...
General and Special Education Teachers' Preparation Needs in Providing Social Support: A Needs Assessment

This exploratory study inquires into the types of preservice and inservice preparation practicing elementary school general and special educators have received to facilitate the social functioning of students with and without disabilities. Sixty teachers serving students with learning disabilities who were educated in inclusive environments for at least 80% of the school day were interviewed. Eleven general educators and 19 special educators could not recall receiving any preservice preparation on providing social support to their students. Twenty-four general educators and 23 special educators reported participating in a range of inservice opportunities. Twenty-seven general educators and 24 special educators indicated a need for additional training, identifying areas like dealing with challenging behaviors, teaching social skills, teasing and tattling. Implications for teacher preparation programs are discussed.
Heat transfer enhancement in a lithium-ion cell through improved material-level thermal transport

Abstract While Li-ion cells offer excellent electrochemical performance for several applications including electric vehicles, they also exhibit poor thermal transport characteristics, resulting in reduced performance, overheating and thermal runaway. Inadequate heat removal from Li-ion cells originates from poor thermal conductivity within the cell. This paper identifies the rate-limiting material-level process that dominates overall thermal conduction in a Li-ion cell. Results indicate that thermal characteristics of a Li-ion cell are largely dominated by heat transfer across the cathode-separator interface rather than heat transfer through the materials themselves. This interfacial thermal resistance contributes around 88% of total thermal resistance in the cell. Measured value of interfacial resistance is close to that obtained from theoretical models that account for weak adhesion and large acoustic mismatch between cathode and separator. Further, to address this problem, an amine-based chemical bridging of the interface is carried out. This is shown to result in in four-times lower interfacial thermal resistance without deterioration in electrochemical performance, thereby increasing effective thermal conductivity by three-fold. This improvement is expected to reduce peak temperature rise during operation by 60%. By identifying and addressing the material-level root cause of poor thermal transport in Li-ion cells, this work may contributes towards improved thermal performance of Li-ion cells.
Design and simulation of a joint-coupled orthosis for regulating FES-aided gait

A hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES)/orthosis system is being developed which combines two channels of (surface-electrode-based) electrical stimulation with a computer-controlled orthosis for the purpose of restoring gait to spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals (albeit with a stability aid, such as a walker). The orthosis is an energetically passive, controllable device which 1) unidirectionally couples hip to knee flexion; 2) aids hip and knee flexion with a spring assist; and 3) incorporates sensors and modulated friction brakes, which are used in conjunction with electrical stimulation for the feedback control of joint (and therefore limb) trajectories. This paper describes the hybrid FES approach and the design of the joint coupled orthosis. A dynamic simulation of an SCI individual using the hybrid approach is described, and results from the simulation are presented that indicate the promise of the JCO approach.