cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Walking for Purpose and Pleasure: Influences of Light Rail, Built Environment, and Residential Self-Selection on Pedestrian Travel

Planners are increasingly promoting active travel as a strategy to reduce auto dependence and encourage physical activity. That rail transit promotes walking to the extent that passengers typically access stations by walking is evident. However, few studies focus on the carryover effect of light rail and associated built environment features on additional pedestrian travel. This study explored the effects of light rail and the built environment on the frequency of utilitarian walking (shopping trips) and recreational walking (strolling) from 1,303 randomly surveyed residents in five corridors in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Results from two negative binomial regression models showed that after controlling for demographics, travel attitudes, and residential preferences, walking to the store was significantly associated with population density, proximity to commercial land use, and street network interruptions (cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets). Strolling was also associated with street network interruptions. Th...
Hard and Soft Law: What Have We Learned?

Political scientists and legal scholars have increasingly explored the concepts of hard and soft law in international governance. In this paper for a volume on International Law and International Relations, we review and assess this literature, with a focus on the insights generated by interdisciplinary IL/IR scholarship. We first address the key definitional question, noting the substantial disagreements among positivist, rational institutionalist, and constructivist scholars about the definitions and the key features of hard and soft law. Next, we examine the question of hard and soft law as a design choice, asking under what conditions states (or other actors) might opt for hard- or soft-law commitments in international relations. We distinguish between a nearly ubiquitous functionalist approach and a nascent distributive approach distinctive to contemporary IL/IR scholarship. We then examine the question of how hard and soft law interact in an increasingly complex and fragmented international legal landscape. Finally, we examine the sparse but highly suggestive scholarship on the impact of hard and soft law on legal interpretation, compliance, and effectiveness. We conclude by assessing the value-added, lacunae, and blind spots of the IL/IR literature in this area.
Airway Epithelial Derived Exosomes on Protecting and Remodeling of the Lung

Exosomes have recently gained interest due to their emerging role in inter-cellular communication, immune modulation, and as potential biomarkers. We hypothesize that exosomes derived from human tr...
Withholding feeding during transfusion: Standardization of practice and nutritional outcomes in premature infants

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the nutritional impact of a feed-holding guideline during transfusion for infants <32 weeks gestation. STUDY DESIGN A pre-/post-interventional study was conducted after introduction of a guideline to hold feeds during transfusion. Demographic variables in addition to nutritional outcomes were collected on all infants admitted within 48 hours of birth with gestational age <32 weeks. Data was collected during a 6 month period pre-intervention and the 6 month period post-intervention. RESULTS There were 145 eligible infants. Mean birth weight and gestational age were similar in both periods. In total, 98 infants received transfusions, and 82 of those had an active feeding order prior to at least one transfusion. Total transfusions per infant and transfusions ordered while an infant had active feeding orders were similar in both periods. Time to full feedings was decreased post-intervention (p < 0.001). Weight at 34 weeks, incidence of second IV placement, additional IV fluid use, and hypoglycemia were similar between groups.Of 593 total transfusions, 207 were ordered while an infant had an active order for enteral nutrition. Pre-intervention, 64% of transfusions had feeds held during transfusion. Post-intervention, 87% of transfusions had feeds held during transfusion. Feeds were held more often (p < 0.001) and for a shorter duration (p = 0.005) in the post-intervention group. CONCLUSION Implementing a guideline standardizing feeding practices during transfusions in premature infants increases standardization of care and results in decreased variability in practice. Adverse nutritional consequences were not found after the introduction of the routine practice of holding feedings during transfusion in preterm infants.
Fullerene C60 exposure elicits an oxidative stress response in embryonic zebrafish.

Due to its unique physicochemical and optical properties, C60 has raised interest in commercialization for a variety of products. While several reports have determined this nanomaterial to act as a powerful antioxidant, many other studies have demonstrated a strong oxidative potential through photoactivation. To directly address the oxidative potential of C60, the effects of light and chemical supplementation and depletion of glutathione (GSH) on C60-induced toxicity were evaluated. Embryonic zebrafish were used as a model organism to examine the potential of C60 to elicit oxidative stress responses. Reduced light during C60 exposure significantly decreased mortality and the incidence of fin malformations and pericardial edema at 200 and 300 ppb C60. Embryos co-exposed to the glutathione precursor, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), also showed reduced mortality and pericardial edema; however, fin malformations were not reduced. Conversely, co-exposure to the GSH synthesis inhibitors, butathionine sulfoximine (BSO) and diethyl maleate (DEM), increased the sensitivity of zebrafish to C60 exposure. Co-exposure of C60 or its hydroxylated derivative, C60(OH)24, with H2O2 resulted in increased mortality along the concentration gradient of H2O2 for both materials. Microarrays were used to examine the effects of C60 on the global gene expression at two time points, 36 and 48 hours post fertilization (hpf). At both life stages there were alterations in the expression of several key stress response genes including glutathione-S-transferase, glutamate cysteine ligase, ferritin, α-tocopherol transport protein and heat shock protein 70. These results support the hypothesis that C60 induces oxidative stress in this model system.
Some Effects of Molybdenum on Connective Tissue

Rats fed large quantities of molybdenum for several weeks suffered connective tissue disturbances as revealed by reduced breaking strength of femurs, rupture strength of skin samples, and other tests.
Synthesis of a Fluorescent Acridone Using a Grignard Addition, Oxidation, and Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution Reaction Sequence.

A three-pot synthesis oriented for an undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory was developed to construct a fluorescent acridone molecule. This laboratory experiment utilizes Grignard addition to an aldehyde, alcohol oxidation, and iterative nucleophilic aromatic substitution steps to produce the final product. Each of the intermediates and the acridone product of the synthesis are analyzed by common techniques available in most undergraduate chemistry laboratories such as melting point, thin-layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Yields for each transformation in the synthesis are generally moderately low to good (20–90%), and nearly all of the students (>90%) who attempted the synthesis were able to produce the final acridone product.
Working on a failed research: promiscuity of wanting and doing both ways

By mixing up various writing genres, the author interweaves a hybrid narrative of a fable, her postcolonial feminist subjectivity, and her research. The narrative begins with Aesop’s fable, “the Bat, the Bird, and the Beast.” In the fable, a bat wants to be both a bird and a beast, but being neither, s/he is refused by both. Connecting her postcolonial feminist subjectivity with the positioning of the bat in the fable, the author re-engages with the moral of the story that instructs exclusive loyalty, and highlights the promiscuous potential of the bat. Through this re-engagement, she examines how feminist researcher subjectivity, epistemology, and methodology can function both as the demand of exclusive loyalty and as the transgressive desire and move (of the bat). Then, how can she both refuse and take refuge in feminist research? The promiscuity of wanting and doing both is a contradiction that enables the author to re-visit her research with Korean working class parents in New York City schools, which...
Alpha-2 agonist attenuates ischemic injury in spinal cord neurons.

Abstract Background Paraplegia secondary to spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury remains a devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic intervention. The complex interactions between injured neurons and activated leukocytes have limited the understanding of neuron-specific injury. We hypothesize that spinal cord neuron cell cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) would simulate ischemia–reperfusion injury, which could be attenuated by specific alpha-2a agonism in an Akt-dependent fashion. Materials and methods Spinal cords from perinatal mice were harvested, and neurons cultured in vitro for 7–10 d. Cells were pretreated with 1 μM dexmedetomidine (Dex) and subjected to OGD in an anoxic chamber. Viability was determined by MTT assay. Deoxyuridine-triphosphate nick-end labeling staining and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used for apoptosis and necrosis identification, respectively. Western blot was used for protein analysis. Results Vehicle control cells were only 59% viable after 1 h of OGD. Pretreatment with Dex significantly preserves neuronal viability with 88% viable (P Conclusions Using a novel spinal cord neuron cell culture, OGD mimics neuronal metabolic derangement responsible for paraplegia after aortic surgery. Dex preserves neuronal viability and decreases apoptosis in an Akt-dependent fashion. Dex demonstrates clinical promise for reducing the risk of paraplegia after high-risk aortic surgery.
New Developments in ICD Leads and ICD Lead Configurations

One of the major advances in ICD lead design was the introduction of a new international standard for a 4-pole connector (Box 1). Since the introduction of the first several ICD lead generations, the connectors consisted of 3 separate terminal pins, 1 for the low-voltage bipole for pacing and sensing and 1 each for the high-voltage shock coil electrodes. In the ICD header were 3 corresponding ports. Having a single port for the ICD lead terminal pin results in a significant reduction in the header size, which represents a significant proportion of the ICD size, particularly because the generator size itself has gradually decreased. The 4-pole connector obviates the need for 3 separate connectors on the ICD lead, substantially reducing the bulk of the terminal portion of the ICD lead. Bulk of the ICD lead in the pocket results in a larger pocket formed and may increase the likelihood of skin erosion due to outward pressure of the leads within the pocket (Figs. 1 and 2). The bulk of the ICD leads with 3 separate terminal connectors may result in increased wear on the insulation of the ICD lead within the pocket, eventually resulting in lead failure, oversensing with inappropriate shocks, and failure to pace.
Contribution of aeolian sand to backbarrier marsh sedimentation

Abstract The frequency of island overwash is commonly assumed to be the main factor regulating sand flux to backbarrier marshes; however, aeolian transport of sand across a barrier has received little attention in saltmarsh research. The contribution of aeolian sand to backbarrier marshes is examined here with marsh cores and measurements of wind-blown sediment transport across transgressive and regressive parts of a barrier island. Backbarrier marshes fronted by a wide washover fan or a high-elevation dune ridge were supplied with aeolian sand that significantly contributed to vertical accretion, especially near the marsh – barrier island edge. The percent volume of the marsh originating from aeolian sand, based on the upper 1 cm of marsh sediment, decreased by an order of magnitude only ∼20 m from the dune – marsh boundary. Sandy beds sampled in every marsh core at depth are composed of aeolian sand and were likely emplaced over time after storms deposited a sandy washover fan near the marsh and/or reduced vegetation cover across the island. Sand beds preserved within backbarrier marsh deposits are commonly thought to have been emplaced rapidly during a storm; however, post-storm aeolian transport should also be considered as an important mechanism for forming sand beds over a longer period of time within saltmarsh strata. The contribution of aeolian sand to backbarrier marsh accretion should increase as sea level continues to rise causing many barrier islands to narrow thereby reducing transport distances between the dune and marsh. Along developed coastlines, however, anthropogenic factors associated with increased development largely decrease the connectivity between the dunes and backbarrier marsh.
Synaptic regulation of affective behaviors; role of BDNF

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin essential for nervous system development and synaptic plasticity, has been found to have a significant influence on affective behaviors. The notion that an impairment in BDNF signaling might be involved in affective disorders is originated primarily from the opposing effects of antidepressants and stress on BDNF signaling. Antidepressants enhance BDNF signaling and synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, negative environmental factors such as severe stress suppress BDNF signaling, impair synaptic activity and increase susceptibility to affective disorders. Postmortem studies provided strong support for decreased BDNF signaling in depressive disorders. Remarkably, studies in humans with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene, the BDNF Val66Met which affects regulated release of BDNF, showed profound deficits in hippocampal and prefrontal cortical (PFC) plasticity and cognitive behaviors. BDNF regulates synaptic mechanisms responsible for various cognitive processes including attenuation of aversive memories, a key process in the regulation of affective behaviors. The unique role of BDNF in cognitive and affective behaviors suggests that cognitive deficits due to altered BDNF signaling might underlie affective disorders. Understanding how BDNF modulates synapses in neural circuits relevant to affective behaviors, particularly the medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC)-hippocampus-amygdala pathway, and its interaction with development, sex, and environmental risk factors might shed light on potential therapeutic targets for affective disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.
Anomalous rhenium isotopic ratio in the solar wind: detection at the nanogram level.

CLAYTON1 recently considered an apparent anomaly in the 187Re–187Os cosmochronology. He showed that this could be resolved if the half life of 187Re was significantly shortened in a stellar environment, and considered the solution to lie in the bound beta decay process, which is energetically feasible for the weak 187Re transition2. The ionization of Re in the outer solar convective zone increases the number of vacant bound states available, and Clayton suggests a reduction in the total 187Re half life from 43×109 yr to about 3×109 yr. It might therefore be expected that the 187Re/185Re ratio in the solar wind would be between one-half and one-third that observed terrestrially. Clayton proposed that the hypothesis could be tested by measuring the isotopic ratio of Re in the surface layer of an old part of the lunar regolith, and stressed that “this measurement should eventually be undertaken if there is any reasonable chance of detection”. In this article I suggest a simple sensitive method to detect the expected isotopic anomaly.
Subclinical Brain Embolization in Left-Sided Infective Endocarditis Results From the Evaluation by MRI of the Brains of Patients With Left-Sided Intracardiac Solid Masses (EMBOLISM) Pilot Study

Background— Acute brain embolization (ABE) in left-sided infective endocarditis has significant implications for clinical decision making. The true incidence of ABE, including subclinical brain emb...
Interfacial structure and dynamics in molecular solar cells

A novel approach to studying interfacial processes in dye-sensitized solar cells is presented. In order to reduce the complexities of heterogeneity at the heterojunction in such cells, charge transfer is investigated from single fluorescent molecules (alkyl-perylene bisimide) to a highly defined single-crystalline wide-bandgap semiconductor (GaN) using confocal fluorescence microscopy under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. We report detailed studies on the energy level alignment between the perylene bisimide and GaN, characterize the nature of the surfaces involved and demonstrate confocal fluorescence microscopy in an ultrahigh vacuum set-up. The results reported here indicate that the excited state in the chromophore lies at 0 ± 100 meV with respect to the bulk conduction band minimum of GaN.
Changes in diastolic function during development and correction of chronic LV volume overload produced by mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUNDMitral regurgitation (MR) causes an augmentation in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, increasing early diastolic filling rate and decreasing LV stiffness. Whether these changes in diastolic function persist, return to normal, or become abnormal after mitral valve replacement (MVR) is unknown.METHODS AND RESULTSSimultaneous LV echocardiography and catheterization studies were performed in six dogs in the baseline state (baseline), 3 months after creation of MR (chronic MR), and 3 months after MVR. Chronic MR caused LV dilation (end-diastolic dimension increased from 4.5 +/- 0.1 cm in baseline to 5.8 +/- 0.1 cm in chronic MR, p < 0.05) and eccentric LV hypertrophy (LV-to-body weight ratio increased from 3.6 +/- 0.2 g/kg in baseline to 4.9 +/- 0.4 g/kg in chronic MR, p < 0.05). Chronic MR caused an increase in LV early diastolic filling rate (peak rate of increase in minor-axis dimension increased from 11 +/- 1 cm/sec in baseline to 18 +/- 1 cm/sec in chronic MR, p < 0.05), did not change t...
Children and Family Service Agencies' Experience with the Initial Council on Accreditation Process: An Exploratory Study:

Accreditation is widespread among human service agencies, yet it remains understudied. To build a strong evidence base, the accreditation experience needs to be understood from agencies' perspectives. This study focused on 5 child and family service agencies' experiences to explore the challenges, costs, and lessons learned from undergoing the accreditation process through the Council on Accreditation (COA). In-depth interviews, focus groups, document reviews, and limited observations reveal agencies' different approaches to delegating the work and variance in the length of the process according to COA's recommendations. While the self-study was the most demanding component, many employees described a positive site visit experience. Results highlight implications for agencies and COA. The policy context and need for further research are also discussed.
The Influence of Testosterone Propionate on Semen Quality and Testes Morphology in the Domestic Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo

Abstract Three groups of 6 Large White breeder turkey males producing normal white semen were given either corn oil or 100 or 1000 μg of testosterone propionate (TP) in corn oil per day in an attempt to induce the sequelae of the yellow semen syndrome (YSS), viz. elevated seminal plasma protein, macrophage infiltration into the semen and ductuli efferentes hypertrophy, and lipid accumulation (Thurston, 1976; Hess et al., 1982). The two treatments of TP were unsuccessful in producing these characteristics of the YSS. However, TP, particularly at 1000 μg, caused testicular regression exemplified as interstitial thickening, lipid accumulation, especially in Leydig and germinal cells, and reduced semen volume and sperm number. Although TP did not significantly affect seminal plasma protein concentration, in some males albumin was reduced concomitant with an increase in the beta–3 protein subfraction, suggesting that the quantity of these protein fractions in seminal plasma may be androgen dependent.
Pursuing their own learning agenda: How mastery-oriented students jeopardize their class performance

This study explored why mastery-based achievement goals often are unrelated to class grades despite promoting deep learning strategies and high course interest. We hypothesized that mastery-oriented students jeopardize their exam performance by allowing their individual interests to dictate their study efforts such that they neglect boring topics in favor of preferred ones. General Psychology students (N = 260) reported their achievement goals, interest in the course material, and usage of various study strategies. Supporting the hypothesis, path analysis showed that mastery-oriented students allocated their study efforts disproportionately to the personally interesting material, and this in turn predicted low grades in the class. Performance-oriented students did not show this pattern. Theoretical implications and new research directions are discussed.
Nerve transfer to the triceps after brachial plexus injury: report of four cases

These case reports review the clinical outcomes of 4 patients who underwent nerve transfer to a triceps motor branch of the radial nerve. Mean follow-up was 26 ± 15 months. Two patients had a transfer using an ulnar nerve fascicle to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, yielding a motor recovery of grade M5 elbow extension strength in one case and M4+ in the other. In 1 patient, a thoracodorsal nerve branch was used as the donor; this patient recovered M4 strength. One patient had a transfer using a radial nerve fascicle to the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle and recovered M5 strength. These outcomes indicate that expendable fascicles of the ulnar, thoracodorsal, and radial nerves are viable donors in the surgical reconstruction of elbow extension.
Post-Discharge Nutrition: What Does the Evidence Support?

Although there are no official recommendations for specific nutrient intakes in premature infants after hospital discharge, it is agreed that the goal should be to achieve the body composition and rate of growth of that of a normal fetus of the same postmenstrual age during the entire first year of life. A general recommendation to use the special formulas designed for preterm infants after hospital discharge in place of the formulas for term infants cannot be made from the available evidence at this time. Infants fed human milk after discharge are of the greatest concern as human milk does not in theory meet the requirements for growth in these infants. Such infants should remain on supplemental vitamins and Fe while breastfeeding, and growth as well as serum levels of phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase should be carefully monitored. The increased risk of preterm infants for obesity and the metabolic syndrome secondary to the metabolic/nutritional events early in life (programming) is likely to be small compared with the contribution of other risk factors, such as parental size, weight as an adolescent, and various lifestyle factors such as physical activity.
Eigenproperties of Feedforward Controlled Flexible Structures

Adaptive feedforward algorithms have been successfully applied in the ac tive control of sound and vibration. However, the actual mechanisms of control inherent in the technique remain an area of much interest. The main objective of this research is to study the dynamic characteristics of a feedforward controlled elastic system. An en tirely new mathematical approach to predicting the dynamic characteristics of the con trolled structure is presented. It is shown that the controlled system effectively behaves as having new eigenproperties. The controlled eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are func tions of the control force and error sensor locations, and independent of the input disturbance.
On the stability of inverse scattering problems

Abstract Some aspects of the time-dependent inverse scattering problem are discussed. Then some simple stability results are presented. Several analytical and numerical examples are given to illustrate them.
Minimum geometry etch windows to a polysilicon surface

Windows of less than 0.1 µm in width on a polysilicon surface are demonstrated. These narrow windows have been produced by the edge etch process. The usefulness of this technique for producing narrow openings in a polysilicon layer is discussed.
Perceptual attributes of voice: Development and use of rating scales

Summary Perceptual judgments are an important component of much of the research in voice. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of bipolar perceptual rating scales that were comprehensive in scope and could be used by individuals in a variety of fields to describe the normal speaking voice. Confidence ratings on a number of possible descriptors, appropriate opposites for the selected descriptors, and confidence ratings on the resulting scales were provided by individuals in voice-related fields. Finally, these scales were used by speech pathologists and control subjects in a voice evaluation task. Results showed that in general, confidence ratings were related to actual-use consistency. Such perceptual scales can be used to relate listener perceptions to physiological and acoustic measures of voice.
Revisiting the Effectiveness of Methadone Treatment on Crime Reductions in the 1990s

This study examines the relationship between methadone treatment and the criminal activity of 126 individuals participating in treatment during the early 1990s. The primary question addressed is to what extent is methadone maintenance treatment associated with reductions in crime? Although prior studies in the 1970s and early 1980s showed significant decreases in crime for individuals in treatment programs, criteria for remaining in this treatment modality have changed in recent years, particularly with the advent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the need to reduce intravenous drug use. A pre-post study design is employed spanning a 6-year time period of subject recruitment and follow-up (1987-1993). Uniform administrative records on arrests are used for the analyses. A multiple regression model is employed to explain the variance in the number of arrests 2 years following program admission, with prior criminal history, prior and current drug treatment, and current cocaine use employed as explanatory variables. Results indicate that treatment retention has only a slight, though significant, effect on reducing criminal activity during treatment. Two other factors that appear to increase arrest activity are the use of cocaine and prior criminal history. The fact that arrests did not decrease during a treatment period of 18 months on average requires more investigation in light of the increase in cocaine use in this population.
A simple software environment based on objects and relations

This paper presents a simple programming system based on a clear separation of value-oriented programming and object-oriented programming [MacLennan82, MacLennan83a]. The value-oriented component is a conventional functional programming language. The object-oriented component is based on a model of objects and values connected by relations, and on production system-like rules that determine the alteration of these relations through time. It is shown that these few basic ideas permit simple prototyping of a software development environment.
Remote Sensing From Geostationary Orbit: GEO TROPSAT, a New Concept for Atmospheric Remote Sensing

The Geostationary Tropospheric Pollution satellite (GEO TROPSAT) mission is a new approach to measuring the critical constituents of tropospheric ozone chemistry: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and aerosols. The GEO TROPSAT mission comprises a constellation of three instruments flying as secondary payloads on geostationary communications satellites around the world. This proposed approach can significantly reduce the cost of getting a science payload to geostationary orbit and also generates revenue for the satellite owners. The geostationary vantage point enables simultaneous high temporal and spatial resolution measurement of tropospheric trace gases, leading to greatly improved atmospheric ozone chemistry knowledge. The science data processing, conducted as a research (not operational) activity, will provide atmospheric trace gas data many times per day over the same region at better than 25 km ground footprint. The high temporal resolution identifies short time scale processes, diurnal variations, seasonal trends, and interannual variation.
A Scale of Motivation for Parenthood: The Index of Parenthood Motivation

Summary The development of an Index of Parenthood Motivation is described and the results of two studies employing the Index are reported. It is concluded that the Index is useful as a measure of intensity of parenthood motivation as well as an assessment of important categories of motivation. Scores on the Index were significantly related to memories of early parental nurturance, to happiness of early family life, and to present identification with an organized religion for both late adolescent and young adult subjects, and with traditional feminine sex-role identification for late adolescent female subjects.
Results from upgrades to the radial velocity instrument, ET, at the KPNO 2.1 m

A radial velocity (RV) survey instrument, Exoplanet Tracker (ET), has been commissioned at the Kitt Peak 2.1m telescope. It is a fiber-fed, fixed-delay Michelson interferometer followed by a medium resolution volume phase holographic spectrograph (operating at ~5000) for the visual band, and is planned to be opened to the public for RV related research in 2005. Since 2002 the measured total throughput of ET from above the atmosphere to the detector has been improved to about 18% (or 50% for the instrument itself from the fiber input to the detector), ~5 times higher than the current cross-dispersed echelle spectrometers for Doppler planet searches. We present new preliminary results from our improved version of ET, with 600 Angstrom wavelength coverage, showing RV measurements for HD 130322 (V=8.05), a known planet-bearing star, using 15 min exposures. A best short-term Doppler precision of 2.9 m/s has been achieved with this new instrument. We will start a pilot planet search of around 500 V=8--9 mag. stars with the 2.1m telescope in the Spring of 2005, and a multiple object RV feasibility study will also be conducted at the Sloan 2.5m wide field telescope in Spring 2005.
Quantification by real-time PCR of the magnitude and duration of leucocyte-associated viraemia in horses infected with neuropathogenic vs. non-neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Neurological disease in horses caused by infection with certain ‘paralytic’ strains of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a potentially devastating condition the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. Preliminary observations in both experimentally induced and naturally occurring cases of the central nervous system disease have revealed a more robust cell-associated viraemia in horses infected with paralytic isolates of EHV-1, relative to horses infected with abortigenic isolates. To investigate further this pathogenesis - rdevant question, the present study was performed using a greater number of horses and a more precise method for quantification of EHV-1 DNA present in viraemic leucocytes. Objective: To compare the magnitude and duration of leucocyte-associated viraemia in seronegative, age-matched foals following infection with paralytic vs. abortigenic isolates of EHV-1. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 20 weanling foals at 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 21 days after intranasal inoculation with either paralytic or abortigenic isolates of EHV-1. The amount of EHV-1 DNA present in each PBMC sample was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Foals inoculated with paralytic strains of EHV-1 developed both a greater magnitude and longer duration of PBMC-associated viraemia than foals inoculated with abortigenic strains of the virus. Conclusions: Both the higher magnitude and longer duration of cell-associated viraemia contribute to the risk for development of neurological signs in horses infected with paralytic strains of EHV-1. Potential relevance: Our results provide empirically derived, scientific data that contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenetic basis for the differing abilities of paralytic and abortigenic strains of EHV-1 to cause post infection central nervous system disease in the horse. The findings identify the importance of minimising the quantitative burden of viraemic leucocytes that follows exposure to the virus, by the use of effective therapeutic antiviral drugs and efficacious prophylactic vaccines that stimulate cytotoxic immune responses against EHV-1 infected cells.
Evidence for a junctional effect of lead on neuromuscular function.

THE peripheral neuromuscular pathology of lead has been extensively described in the clinical literature, but the mechanism of lead toxicity which results in neuromuscular impairment is not known1. Early work attempted to locate the site of a toxic lesion in the muscle and showed changes in muscle inorganic phosphate and creatine phosphate levels after lead treatment2,3. Experiments on the superior cervical ganglion, however, suggested that lead affected synaptic transmission by lowering the amount of acetylcholine released on preganglionic stimulation4. In order to separate the effects of lead on nerve from effects on muscle we have carried out experiments using the isolated phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation.
Effect of zinc fortification on Cheddar cheese quality

Zinc-fortified Cheddar cheese containing 228 mg of zinc/kg of cheese was manufactured from milk that had 16 mg/kg food-grade zinc sulfate added. Cheeses were aged for 2 mo. Culture activity during cheese making and ripening, and compositional, chemical, texture, and sensory characteristics were compared with control cheese with no zinc sulfate added to the cheese milk. Compositional analysis included fat, protein, ash, moisture, zinc, and calcium determinations. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay was conducted to determine lipid oxidation during aging. Texture was analyzed by a texture analyzer. An untrained consumer panel of 60 subjects evaluated the cheeses for hardness, off-flavors, appearance, and overall preference using a 9-point hedonic scale. Almost 100% of the zinc added to cheese milk was recovered in the zinc-fortified cheese. Zinc-fortified Cheddar cheese had 5 times more zinc compared with control cheese. Zinc-fortified cheese had higher protein and slightly higher fat and ash contents, whereas moisture was similar for both cheeses. Zinc fortification did not affect culture activity during cheese making or during the 2-mo aging period. The TBA value of control cheese was higher than that of zinc-fortified cheese at the end of ripening. Although zinc-fortified cheese was harder as determined by the texture analyzer, the untrained consumer panel did not detect differences in the sensory attributes and overall quality of the cheeses. Fortification of 16 mg/kg zinc sulfate in cheese milk is a suitable approach to fortifying Cheddar cheese without changing the quality of Cheddar cheese.
Finite element analysis over tangled simplicial meshes: Theory and implementation

Abstract In modern finite element analysis (FEA), a mesh is said to be ‘ tangled ’ if it contains one or more inverted elements. Tangling can occur, for example, during mesh optimization and mesh morphing. Modern finite element theory and commercial FEA packages are not designed to handle tangled meshes, i.e., they can lead to erroneous results. Researchers and practitioners therefore unanimously recommend untangling prior to analysis. In this paper, a new mathematical framework for FEA over tangled meshes is proposed. Specifically, by defining a cell decomposition of a tangled mesh, and an associated set of cell shape functions, it is shown that FEA can be successfully carried out over tangled meshes. The cell shape functions are constructed through an oriented linear combination of the classic element shape functions. Numerical examples illustrate the correctness of the proposed framework. Potential applications of the proposed framework are also illustrated.
Bayesian inference with optimal maps

We present a new approach to Bayesian inference that entirely avoids Markov chain simulation, by constructing a map that pushes forward the prior measure to the posterior measure. Existence and uniqueness of a suitable measure-preserving map is established by formulating the problem in the context of optimal transport theory. We discuss various means of explicitly parameterizing the map and computing it efficiently through solution of an optimization problem, exploiting gradient information from the forward model when possible. The resulting algorithm overcomes many of the computational bottlenecks associated with Markov chain Monte Carlo. Advantages of a map-based representation of the posterior include analytical expressions for posterior moments and the ability to generate arbitrary numbers of independent posterior samples without additional likelihood evaluations or forward solves. The optimization approach also provides clear convergence criteria for posterior approximation and facilitates model selection through automatic evaluation of the marginal likelihood. We demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the approach on nonlinear inverse problems of varying dimension, involving the inference of parameters appearing in ordinary and partial differential equations.
Research Note: Water Consumption and Fecal Moisture of Laying Hens Fed Wheat Middlings and Corn-Soybean-Alfalfa Meal Diets

Abstract Hens, housed on the floor and fed a diet containing 89% wheat middlings (WM) either as mash or pellets, consumed more feed and water than hens fed corn-soybean meal-alfalfa meal (CSA) diets with either .15, .50, or .75% NaCl. Moisture content of the hens’ feces was not affected by mash or pellet processing of the WM diet. Feeding the .75% NaCl-CSA diet, however, significantly increased fecal moisture beyond that observed with the other treatments. Caged layers fed the WM diet voided more feces (2.6 fold) than did caged layers fed the .50% NaCl-CSA diet, suggesting that wet litter problems observed in the floor pens of birds fed WM were the result of a greater fecal volume voided rather than a higher moisture content per unit of feces.
Identification of Human MVB12 Proteins as ESCRT-I Subunits that Function in HIV Budding

Human ESCRT-I is a multiprotein complex that plays essential roles in HIV budding and endosomal protein sorting. All ESCRT-I complexes contain three common subunits (TSG101, VPS28, and VPS37), and a fourth subunit of yeast ESCRT-I was recently identified (Mvb12p). We now demonstrate that two related human proteins (MVB12A and MVB12B) constitute the fourth class of metazoan ESCRT-I subunits, despite lacking identifiable sequence homology to Mvb12p. Hydrodynamic studies indicate that soluble human ESCRT-I complexes contain one copy of each of the four subunit types. MVB12 subunits associate with the core region of the binary TSG101-VPS37 complex through conserved C-terminal sequence elements. Both MVB12 depletion and overexpression inhibit HIV-1 infectivity and induce unusual viral assembly defects, including aberrant virion morphologies and altered viral Gag protein processing. Taken together, these studies define the composition of human ESCRT-I complexes and indicate that the MVB12 subunits play a unique role in regulating ESCRT-mediated virus budding.
Female adolescents and onset of sexual intercourse: a theory-based review of research from 1984 to 1994.

Purpose: To review a decade of research on the correlates of early onset of sexual intercourse among female adolescents in the United States, using Social Cognitive Theory as a framework for classification. Methods: Forty-nine studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1984 and 1994 were reviewed and their findings coded by two independent coders. Results: Findings indicate that most of the studies emphasized quantitative methodologies, using cross-sectional designs and univariate statistical analyses. Many studies lacked a theoretical framework or conceptual model to guide their investigations. When evaluating empirical findings, 61% of the studies found environmental correlates and 47% found biological factors (e.g., age and pubertal development) to be significantly associated with early initiation of sexual intercourse. Conclusion: These findings raise important questions about the quality of research on adolescent sexuality, as well as its relationship to the development of risk-reduction programs which tend to focus mainly on intrapersonal factors (such as attitudes, knowledge, and expectancies).
The diffusion of moisture in sorbent solids—I. Diffusion cell and pore diffusion

Abstract A complete theory of diffusion of absorbing gases in porous solids is developed. Both ordinary and thermal diffusion are considered. The thermodynamics of irreversible processes is used to derive the general flux equations. A new theoretical model of surface diffusion is presented. Moreover, the proper method of combining surface and gas-phase fluxes is established. The total flux in the pores is represented by a 5 parameter model, which includes the effects of (1) free (gaseous) diffusion, (2) Knudsen diffusion, and (3) surface diffusion. The design of a new diffusion cell is presented along with a stagewise method for analyzing results. The cell is unique in that specimens mounted in copper clad circuit board material permits nonisothermal as well as isothermal operation. Earlier designs were confined to isothermal operation due to mounting specimens in metallic materials such as brass and aluminum.
Estrogen receptor in mammary glands and uterus of rats during pregnancy, lactation and involution

Abstract Specific estrogen receptor (ER) in both mammary gland and uterus of Sprague-Dawley rats were measured during the course of pregnancy, lactation and involution by sucrose gradient sedimentation, and Dextran-charcoal adsorption methods. During these physiological changes, uterus and mammary gland have ER molecules similar in nature to that reported by other investigators: cytoplasmic ER has a high affinity to estradiol-17β, sediments at the 8–9 S region of a low salt sucrose gradient and is heat denatured. Its bound estradiol is competitively displaced by estrogenic and anti-estrogenic compounds. Significant variation of dissociation constant derived from Scatchard analysis was noted from early to late lactation in the uterus; and, in the case of the mammary gland, changes were also observed during involution. Cytoplasmic ER levels of the uterus or mammary gland from different animals vary considerably during the latter part of pregnancy. Both tissues exhibit a continual increase of ER binding sites during the first half of lactation. Rapid decline of ER binding sites in the mammary gland was not accompanied by a similar decrease in the uterus during post lactation. The increase of ER binding sites was not due to an impairment of the translocation pathway for the steroid-receptor complex, since most of the radioactivity was found in the nucleus of expiants incubated with [3H]-estradiol. Among other possibilities discussed, it is suggested that changes in hormonal milieu during pregnancy and lactation may be a major contributing factor for the differences in ER binding capacities observed. A positive or negative regulatory mechanism for ER replenishment or its eventual fate may be at work at different times during these major physiological changes.
Nuclear futures: anticipatory knowledge, expert judgment, and the lack that cannot be filled

After the cold war the USA and other nuclear weapons states were forced by treaty to stop testing nuclear weapons. The end of testing has produced an irremediable lack, a fundamental instability, in nuclear weapons science. Some scientists have proposed to resolve this instability by deploying an untested but assumedly super-reliable nuclear weapon (the Reliable Replacement Warhead), while others have argued that this weapon would be less reliable than what it replaced. For the new warhead to be built, its backers will have to align geopolitical, environmental and technoscientific discourses about nuclear weapons. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
What is the learning curve for Paediatric Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Purpose Paediatric urinary tract stones are infrequent in the U.K. In our unit. PCNL is performed jointly by the paediatric urologist and paediatric radiologist only. We reviewed our experience to determine what constituted the ‘learning curve’ for paediatric PCNL. Material and Methods We reviewed the notes of 26 children who underwent PCNL in 2 years. Measures of outcome to achieve competence was defined as time taken (number of cases) to attain the plateau phase of the learning curve. Defined outcome measures were success of first pass puncture and track formation, complete stone clearance by preoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative ultrasonography, overall time required for the procedure and complications. Results There were 28 episodes of PCNL. The first 4 cases performed under supervision had a successful puncture and track formation and complete stone clearance without complications. The overall time required was 97 minutes (46-128). Of the next 4, two had a failed puncture. The remaining two had successful track formation and complete stone clearance without complications. The overall operating time was 183 minutes (150-237). The subsequent 20 (including the two with failed puncture) had a successful puncture and complete stone clearance in all but the last case with abnormal calyceal anatomy in a scarred upper pole. Of these a first pass puncture was successful in all cases after case 12. There were no complications. The overall operating time was 146 minutes (90-220). All children were discharged within 48 hours of surgery. Conclusions Numerous factors are responsible for determining the learning curve for paediatric PCNL including the stone burden, dilatation of the collecting system and renal scarring. In our review a consistent steady state was achieved after 12 cases. Failure may still occur in difficult cases despite overcoming the learning curve.