cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PALEOENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLOCENE MARINE TRANSGRESSION, YELLOW SEA (HWANGHAE)

Benthic foraminiferal and stable isotopic data from two radiocarbon dated cores from the Yellow Sea record paleoenvironmental changes largely associated with the Holocene marine transgression. The Holocene marine transgression began significantly earlier (12.9 ka) in the central part of the Yellow Sea (as recorded in 278 cm long core CC-02; water depth, 77.5 m) compared with 7.9 ka in a tidal flat on west coast of Korea (as recorded in 350 cm long vibra-core DH4-1; water depth 1.8 m). The benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the lower part of CC-02 and the entire marine sequence of DH4-1 are dominated by assemblages characteristic of shallow ( 50 m) waters [Ammonia ketienziensis (Ishizaki), Astrononion italicum Cushman and Edwards and Hanzawaia nipponica (Asano)]. After ∼7.5 ka in the central Yellow Sea, much higher δ18O (1.6 to 1.8‰) and δ13C (−0.1 to −0.7‰) values of A. ketienziensis reflect a change to more open-ocean, higher salinity environments, with deeper waters dominated by the Hwanghae Cold Water as in the present day.
Schistosoma mansoni : Modulation of Hemocyte Surface Polypeptides Detected in Individual Snails, Biomphalaria glabrata, Following Larval Exposure

As an approach to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential cellular response to larval Schistosoma mansoni observed in Biomphalaria glabrata, we have analyzed hemocyte membrane-associated polypeptides from inbred susceptible and resistant strains of B. glabrata. A combination of techniques involving biotin-labeling of cell surface-exposed polypeptides and a highly sensitive chemiluminescent detection technique has allowed the identification of major polypeptides expressed on nonadherent and adherent hemocyte subpopulations from individual snails and an assessment of the variability in their expression in response to S. mansoni exposure and latex bead injection. Results showed that S. mansoni exposure and latex bead injection differentially modulate the expression of 4 of 10 major hemocyte surface polypeptides with estimated molecular weights of 155/130, 120/110, 85, and 66 kDa. Little correlation was observed between the expression of any given polypeptide and a specific response to S. mansoni exposure. Moreover, the complex pattern of hemocyte surface polypeptides observed in snails subjected to the two treatments suggests that multiple signals may be influencing either the expression of these four polypeptides at the hemocyte surface or the hemodynamic of specific peptide-bearing hemocyte subpopulations released into the circulation. The fact that a natural and an artificial insult in the two snail strains elicit a differential response in the occurrence of these four polypeptides suggests that they may be involved in defense-related activities.
EFFECTS OF α1-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR SUBTYPE SELECTIVE ANTAGONISTS ON LOWER URINARY TRACT FUNCTION IN RATS WITH BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT Purpose: Antagonists of α 1 -adrenergic receptors (α 1 ARs) relieve obstructive and irritative symptoms in patients with bladder outlet obstruction. However, to our knowledge mechanisms underlying the relief of irritative symptoms remain unknown. Because bladder α 1d ARs are up-regulated in some rats with bladder outlet obstruction, we investigated the effect of the α 1a AR antagonist 5-methyl urapidil (5MU) vs the α 1a /α 1d AR antagonist tamsulosin on urinary frequency in obstructed rats. Materials and Methods: Baseline frequency was measured using a chronic micturition recording system and then obstruction (40 rats) or sham obstruction surgery (11 rats) was performed. After 6 weeks frequency was reassessed, followed by subcutaneous implantation of osmotic pumps to deliver 5MU, tamsulosin or vehicle for 1 week. Upon the completion of drug treatment urinary frequency was again measured and the pressor response to the α 1 AR agonist phenylephrine was documented. Results: Obstructed bladder mass was an average of 4.9 times greater than bladder mass in sham operated rats (p Conclusions: Urinary frequency is increased in rats with a bladder mass of greater than 500 mg. The combined α 1a /α 1d AR antagonist tamsulosin decreases urinary frequency more than the α 1a AR selective antagonist 5MU. This finding supports the hypothesis that the α 1d AR is important for mediating irritative symptoms.
Mixing enhancement of non-uniform density turbulent jets interacting with normal shock waves

An experimental study of the mixing enhancement and changes in flow structure arising from the interaction of weak normal shock waves with turbulent jets was conducted. The experimental configuration consisted of an axisymmetric jet of helium or air situated on the centerline of a shock tube. The shock strengths were M ≈1.23 and M ≈1.45, and the jet local Reynolds number was Re s ≈25,000. Planar laser Mie scattering of oil smoke was utilized for flow visualization and to obtain quantitative measurements of jet fluid concentration. Passage of a shock wave through low-density (helium) jets induced the formation of a large, vortex structure. Quantitative analysis of the spatial probability distributions of the jet fluid concentration revealed that, for sufficiently strong shock waves and high jet fluid concentration, significant mixing enhancement occurred in turbulent helium jets upon passage of the shock. In comparison, air jets did not show similar mixing enhancement and did not exhibit the vortex structure observed for the helium jets.
Autoinhibition of the insulin-like growth factor I receptor by the juxtamembrane region

The juxtamembrane (JM) regions of several receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in autoinhibitory interactions that maintain the low basal activity of the receptors; mutations can give rise to constitutive kinase activity and signaling. In this report, we show that the JM region of the human insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R) plays a role in kinase regulation. We mutated JM residues that were conserved in this subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, and expressed and purified the cytoplasmic domains using the Sf9/baculovirus system. We show that a kinase-proximal mutation (Y957F) and (to a lesser extent) a mutation in the central part of the JM region (N947A) increase the autophosphorylation activity of the kinase. Steady-state kinetic measurements show the mutations cause an increase in Vmax for phosphorylation of peptide substrates. When the holoreceptors were expressed in fibroblasts derived from IGF1R-deficient mice, the Y957F mutation led to a large increase in basal and in IGF1-stimulated receptor autophosphorylation. Together, these data demonstrate that the JM region of IGF1R plays an important role in limiting the basal activity of the receptor.
Identification of manufacturability constraints through process simulation and data mining

With continued demands on high-quality and low-cost products, designers are increasingly required to explore the use of new materials and manufacturing processes. The design for manufacturability rules for unconventional materials and processes will be of great value to improve component manufacturability. Instead of going through years of trial-and-error practice to gain some “rule of thumb” design guidelines, this paper proposed a knowledge-based computational method for manufacturability constraint modeling (MCM) through process simulation, design of experiment, and data mining. With the input of geometric attributes for local critical features of a component, the pre-trained manufacturability constraint model will output the manufacturability prediction and the confidence of the prediction. The 2D visualization of the manufacturability prediction facilitates the interpretation by the human designers, and provides her with concurrent and intuitive manufacturability feedback and directed re-design suggestions. The preliminary result on mild steel stamping process demonstrated the feasibility of the method.© 2014 ASME
Drawing wiggly lines

Algorithme pour tracer des lignes simulant les lignes droites tracees a main levee (la droite est remplacee par une suite de segments traces de facon aleatoire)
Prospective assessment of guidelines for determining appropriate depth of endotracheal tube placement in children.

Objective:To determine whether multiplying the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube (ETT) by 3 (3× ETT size) is a reliable method for determining correct depth of oral ETT placement in the pediatric population.Design:Prospective, observational.Setting:University-affiliated, 12-bed pediatric in
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Reactive Gas Uptake in Single Airway Bifurcations

The pattern of lung injury induced by the inhalation of ozone (O3) depends on the dose delivered to different tissues in the airways. This study examined the distribution of O3 uptake in a single, symmetrically branched airway bifurcation. Reaction in the epithelial lining fluid was assumed to be so rapid that O3 concentration was negligible along the entire surface of the bifurcation wall. Three-dimensional numerical solutions of the continuity, Navier–Stokes and convection–diffusion equations were obtained for steady inspiratory and expiratory flows at Reynolds numbers ranging from 100 to 500. The total rate of O3 uptake was found to increase with increasing flow rate during both inspiration and expiration. Hot spots of O3 flux appeared at the carina of the bifurcation for virtually all inspiratory and expiratory Reynolds numbers considered in the simulations. At the lowest expiratory Reynolds number, however, the location of the maximum flux was shifted to the outer wall of the daughter branch. For expiratory flow, additional hot spots of flux were found on the parent branch wall just downstream of the branching region. In all cases, O3 uptake in the single bifurcation was larger than that in a straight tube of equal inlet radius and wall surface area. This study provides insight into the effect of flow conditions on O3 uptake and dose distribution in individual bifurcations.
Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia After Extreme Exercise

SYNOPSIS Two episodes of transient focal cerebral ischemia occurred after extreme exercise by a young man. The ingestion of foods containing tyramine and phenylethylamine followed the exercise and preceded the neurologic dysfunction. It is suggested that the vasoactive amines played a role in producing this syndrome.
Obesity-Hypertension: Emerging Concepts in Pathophysiology and Treatment

The incidence and prevalence of obesity has risen markedly in the last decade, and this epidemic represents a serious health hazard with significant morbidity and mortality. Although hypertension is recognized as one of the most serious consequences of obesity, its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Contemporary research suggests that the recently discovered hormone leptin may represent a common link between these 2 pathologic conditions. Leptin is primarily synthesized and secreted by adipocytes. One of the major functions of this hormone is the control of energy balance. By binding to receptors in the hypothalamus, it reduces food intake and promotes elevation in temperature and energy expenditure. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that leptin, through both direct and indirect actions, may play an important role in cardiovascular and renal functions. Although the relevance of endogenous leptin needs further clarification for the control of renal sodium excretion and vascular tone, it appears to be a potential pressure and volume-regulating factor in normal situations. However, in conditions of chronic hyperleptinemia, such as obesity, leptin may function pathophysiologically for the development of hypertension as well as cardiac and renal disease. Thus, in addition to weight control, reduction of circulating leptin may confer cardiovascular and renal protective effects in patients with obesity-hypertension.
Low- p T hadron production and a valon-parton recombination model

We apply a variant of the recombination model which we call the ''valon-parton model'' simultaneously to a variety of meson inclusive reactions with proton, pion, and kaon beams in the kinematic region of low transverse momentum and intermediate values of longitudinal-momentum fractions. We find that the valon distributions in hadrons show no evidence for SU(3) breaking. There are some indications of substantial gluon-dissociation contributions which we interpret through a ''maximally enhanced sea.'' For proton-induced reactions the model predictions are in excellent agreement with data; meson-induced reactions indicate additional contributions are coming from resonances which are produced recombinantly and then decay into the observed mesons.
Hematopoietic ontogeny in the axolotl.

In this issue of Blood , Lopez et al undertake the heroic task of characterizing the blood-forming system of the axolotl ( Ambystoma mexicanum ), an aquatic salamander that provides an excellent model for tissue regeneration and scar-free wound healing.[1][1] Commonly referred to as the “Mexican
Cellular epigenetics: effects of passage history on competence of cells for "spontaneous" transformation.

"Spontaneous" neoplastic transformation of cells in culture has been shown to be an adaptive response to moderate physiological constraints such as contact inhibition and lowered concentrations of serum. These are the same constraints that promote normal differentiation of a variety of cell types. Because both normal and neoplastic development represent enduring changes in response to constraint, spontaneous transformation can be considered a form of epigenesis. This phenomenon permits the use of established cell lines in developing general epigenetic principles with all of the advantages of manipulation, efficient cloning, and quantification afforded by such systems. Being environmentally sensitive, however, the responsive capacity of cell lines is subject to fluctuation and long-term modification. I therefore set out to define the conditions used in maintaining cells that influence their competence to undergo transformation with the aim of controlling that competence. It proved to be sensitive to both the population density and frequency of three different repetitive passage regimens. Both the saturation density of the cells and their capacity to produce transformed foci varied initially in different ways within the same regimen in two consecutive passage series starting from the same frozen stock, but both parameters eventually settled down to values characteristic of each of the three regimens. As a result, three sublines were developed of high, intermediate, and low competence for transformation. Each of the sublines has special advantages for studying different aspects of epigenetic change. In the process of developing the sublines, a number of observations were made that reinforce the epigenetic nature of neoplastic transformation and are consistent with the concept of progressive state selection as the basis of the change. That concept can be considered a first step in the formal analysis of epigenesis.
Hidden sector baryogenesis

Abstract We introduce a novel mechanism for baryogenesis, in which mixed anomalies between the hidden sector and U ( 1 ) baryon drive the baryon asymmetry. We demonstrate that this mechanism occurs quite naturally in intersecting-brane constructions of the Standard Model, and show that it solves some of the theoretical difficulties faced in matching baryogenesis to experimental bounds. We illustrate with a specific example model. We also discuss the possible signals at the LHC.
When is the optimal time to deliver late preterm IUGR fetuses with abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers

AbstractObjective: To determine the optimal timing of delivery in late preterm intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (UAD) indices.Methods: A decision-analytic model was built to determine the optimal gestational age (GA) of delivery in a theoretic cohort of 10 000 IUGR fetuses with elevated UAD systolic/diastolic ratios diagnosed at 34 weeks. All inputs were derived from the literature. Strategies involving expectant management accounted for the probabilities of stillbirth, spontaneous delivery and induction of labor for UAD absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (AREDF) at each successive week. Outcomes included short- and long-term neonatal morbidity and mortality with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) generated based on these outcomes. Base case, sensitivity analyses and a Monte Carlo simulation were performed.Results: The optimal GA for delivery is 35 weeks, which minimized perinatal deaths and maximized total QALYs. Earlier delivery became optimal onc...
The emergency management of caustic ingestions

Controversial therapeutic issues in patients with caustic ingestions concern the reliability of symptoms and signs in predicting esophageal injury, the appropriate use of endoscopy in evaluating esophageal damage, and the use of steroids in preventing late strictures. The conclusions of this review are: The majority of pediatric caustic ingestions involve a "lick and taste" whereas adolescents and adults often ingest substantial quantities. Oral burns and dysphagia are sensitive predictors of esophageal injury; however, esophageal injury may occur in the absence of the findings. Household bleach and nonphosphate detergents represent a low risk of injury whereas button batteries greater than 20 mm in diameter and Clinitest tablets represent high risk. Endoscopy should be an elective rather than emergency procedure and should be undertaken in all symptomatic patients, and in asymptomatic patients when history indicates substantial ingestion. Steroid therapy should be considered only for patients who have deep or circumferential esophageal burns.
Measuring fecal incontinence

The measurement of fecal incontinence is challenging. Because fecal incontinence is a symptom, the subjective perception of the patient must be the foundation of any evaluation of incontinence or the impact of incontinence. The lack of a criterion standard makes testing measures for reliability and validity more difficult. Despite this, many measures are available and can be divided into three broad categories: descriptive measures that do not provide summary scores; severity measures that assess the frequency and type of incontinence; and impact measures that assess the effect of incontinence on quality of life. The strengths and weaknesses of currently available measures are presented in this review.
From nanocrystalline to amorphous structure in beryllium-based coatings

The material properties of vapor deposited coatings are sensitive to the growth morphology and microstructure. For certain applications it is desirable to deposit Be-rich coatings that are homogeneous, isotropic, dense, mechanically strong, and smooth. One way to develop this set of properties is to refine the grain size in these deposits to the nanoscale range. In this study, the compositional effects of Cu, Fe, and B additions on the microstructure of Be coatings have been characterized with transmission electron microscopy. Fe and B additions are found to have a dominant affect on grain refinement. Furthermore, an amorphous Be-B phase is found in deposits having compositions in excess of 11 at.% B. Nanoindentation was used to assess the mechanical properties of the coatings. The measured hardness values are correlated with the grain size and compositions of the coatings. The presence of amorphous Be-B phases is found to decrease the coating hardness.
Hyperpolarization-activated cation channels are expressed in rat hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and immortalized GnRH neurons.

The current research was conducted to determine whether hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN1–4) channels are expressed in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the female rat hypothalamus and immortalized GnRH neurons (GT1–7 cells). Double-lavel fluorescence immunohistochemistry was used to colocalized HCN1-4 channels and GnRH in GnRH neurons in the female rat hypothalamus. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Westerns blotting, and immunocytochemistry were used to analyze HCN channel gene expression in GT1–7 cells. Double-label fluorescence immunohistochemistry showed that 43% of hypothalamic GnRH neurons immunostained for HCN2 and 90% of GnRH neurons immunostained for HCN3. RT-PCR and Western blot showed expression of all four HCN channel subunits in GT1–7 cells. Double-label immunochemistry showed cytoplasmic immunostaining of HCN2 and HCN3 in GT1–7 cells. This study demonstrates for the first time that HCN channels are expressed in GnRH neurons in the rat hypothalamus and GT1–7 cells. Our research supports the hypothesis that HCN channels may be involved in electrical bursting activity and pulsatile GnRH secretion in endogenous GnRH neurons and GT1–7 cells.
Spinal cord stimulation: a contemporary series.

Forty-three patients with chronic pain disorders of different causes were selected for spinal cord stimulation. All underwent implantation of a ribbon electrode through a small laminotomy, under general anesthesia. Thirteen patients (30%) failed to obtain significant pain relief during a period of t
Wavelet encoded MR image reconstruction with compressed sensing

Traditional MRI scanners acquire samples of the encoded image in a spatial frequency (Fourier) domain, known as k-space. The recently developed theory of Compressed Sensing (CS) has shown that a natural image could be acquired and reconstructed from a reduced number of linear projection measurements at sub-Nyquist sample rates. CS is well suited to fast acquisition of MRI by sparse encoding in k-space. However, the commonly used Fourier-encoding MRI scheme only weakly satisfies the incoherent measurements constraint required for CS. MR images can be reconstructed from a more sparse wavelet-encoded k-space than from Fourier-encoded k-space with the same resolution. Wavelet-encoded MRI is flexible in spatially-selective excitations to yield an encoding scheme similar to the "universal encoding". In this work, a CS-MRI scheme has been investigated to accurately reconstruct MR images from sparsely wavelet-encoded k-space. This sparse encoding is achieved with tailored spatially-selective RF pulses, which are designed with Battle-Lemarie wavelet functions. The Fourier transforms of the Battle-Lemarie wavelet functions used as RF pulse profiles are smooth and decay rapidly to zero. This technique provides short RF pulses with relatively precise spatial excitation profiles. Simulator results show that the proposed encoding scheme has different characteristics than conventional Fourier and wavelet encoding methods, and this scheme could be applied to fast MR image acquisition at relatively high resolution.
First application of a Kodak laser printer to an ultrasound filming network.

In the process of planning a new, outpatient imaging department to support the specialty center of a large multi-specialty clinic [ 11, consideration was given to the future probability of large-scale film production based upon digital imaging techniques. CT and ultrasound modalities were at that time being filmed using traditional multiformat cameras. In ultrasound, the use of such cameras required intermittent interruption of the sonographer during scanning in order to change the film in the camera. After each scan was finished, the stack of 6Im holders had to be taken to a darkroom for manual feeding into automatic processors and reloading. Many patients had to wait with a full bladder while the films were processed. This system resulted in nonproductive time in the scanning rooms and underutilization of the sonographers. If these inefficiencies could be overcome, then up to 5-10 min of film handling/ processing time could be saved per case. At the rate of approximately 8 cases per sonographer-room per day, the sum of these increments of time equates to an additional examination per sonographer-room per day of potential productivity. Two other problems with the traditional multiformat cameras related to inconsistency of the image product. One was drift of the analog video chain which would occasionally result in films being too light or too dark for clinical use. The other is the fact that manual handling of the films during processing frequently resulted in errors from film-fogging, static artifacts, and improperly loaded film holders. We estimate that between 1
Relationship between self-reported apathy and executive dysfunction in nondemented patients with Parkinson disease.

ObjectiveThe prevalence of apathy was assessed across select cognitive and psychiatric variables in 32 nondemented patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and 29 demographically matched healthy control participants.BackgroundApathy is common in PD, although differentiating apathy from motor, cognitive,
Ultra-trace analysis of 41Ca in urine by accelerator mass spectrometry: An inter-laboratory comparison

Abstract A 41 Ca interlaboratory comparison between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Purdue Rare Isotope Laboratory (PRIME Lab) has been completed. Analysis of the ratios assayed by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) shows that there is no statistically significant difference in the ratios. Further, Bayesian analysis shows that the uncertainties reported by both facilities are correct with the possibility of a slight under-estimation by one laboratory. Finally, the chemistry procedures used by the two facilities to produce CaF 2 for the cesium sputter ion source are robust and do not yield any significant differences in the final result.
Fused Silver Nanowires with Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Organic Polymers for Highly Transparent Conductors

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks are promising candidates to replace indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as transparent conductors. However, complicated treatments are often required to fuse crossed AgNWs to achieve low resistance and good substrate adhesion. In this work, we demonstrate a simple and effective solution method to achieve highly conductive AgNW composite films with excellent optical transparency and mechanical properties. These properties are achieved via sequentially applying TiO(2) sol-gel and PEDOT:PSS solution to treat the AgNW film. TiO(2) solution volume shrinkage and the capillary force induced by solvent evaporation result in tighter contact between crossed AgNWs and improved film conductivity. The PEDOT:PSS coating acts as a protecting layer to achieve strong adhesion. Organic photovoltaic devices based on the AgNW-TiO(2)-PEDOT:PSS transparent conductor have shown comparable performance to those based on commercial ITO substrates.
Umgang mit psychischen Phänomenen in der Pflege

Krankheiten aus dem Bereich der Psychiatrie — Es gibt immer mehr Menschen, die an psychischen Beschwerden leiden oder psychische Phanomene zeigen, wie Orientierungsverlust, Hoffnungslosigkeit oder selbstverletzendes Verhalten. Das hat verschiedene Ursachen und verandert auch den pflegerischen Umgang mit Betroffenen, die wegen anderer Erkrankungen behandelt werden. Thema dieses Beitrages ist die Hoffnungslosigkeit.
Activity–stability relationships of ordered and disordered alloy phases of Pt3Co electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)

Abstract We report on synthesis–structure–activity–stability relationships of Pt3Co nanoparticle electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We have synthesized Pt3Co alloy electrocatalysts using liquid impregnation techniques followed by reductive annealing at high and low temperatures. We have performed detailed structural X-ray diffraction (XRD)-based structural characterization (symmetry, lattice parameters and composition) of individual Pt–Co alloy phases before and, importantly, after electrochemical rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements. This enables us to directly evaluate the corrosion stability of various Pt–Co alloy phases under typical fuel cell cathode conditions. Pt3Co prepared at low annealing temperatures (600 °C) resulted in multiple phases including (i) a disordered face-centered cubic (fcc) Pt95Co5 phase and (ii) an ordered face-centered tetragonal (L10) Pt50Co50 phase; high temperature annealing (950 C) resulted in a single ordered primitive cubic (L12) Pt3Co phase. The ordered alloy phases in both catalysts were not stable under electrochemical treatment: The ordered face-centered tetragonal (fct) phase showed corrosion and dissolution, while the ordered primitive cubic (L12) Pt3Co phase transformed into a disordered structure. The ordered primitive cubic structure exhibited higher resistance to sintering. Low annealing temperatures resulted in higher Pt surface-area specific activities for ORR. Kinetic Tafel analysis confirmed a general shift in the formation potential of oxygenated surface species, such as Pt–OH, for both alloy catalysts. Reduced OH coverage alone proved insufficient to account for the observed activity trends of the two alloy catalysts.
Protective effect of disodium cromoglycate against airway constriction induced by hemp dust extract.

Abstract The effect of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) was studied in 14 healthy subjects following hemp dust extract (HDE) inhalation (10-min exposure). Ten subjects were given 20 mg of DSCG or a placebo and then challenged with dust aerosol at 30 min post-DSCG inhalation. Partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves were recorded at least 30 min after exposure, and maximum expiratory flow rates at 40% of the control vital capacity [MEF40%(P)] were read from these curves. Significant acute reductions in MEF40%(P) were recorded after HDE alone and after pretreatment with placebo (p
Does vegetation structure regulate the spatial structure of soil respiration within a sagebrush steppe ecosystem

Abstract Patchy distribution of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), also known as ‘islands of fertility’ strongly modulates the biogeochemical dynamics of the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem. We tested the hypothesis that islands of fertility influence the spatial structure of soil respiration. We employed a spatial sampling design, which consisted of 0.5 m diameter plots placed in a repeating pattern within a grid of 12 m × 12 m. At each sample point, we measured soil respiration rates, aboveground vegetation cover, root biomass to 10 cm depth and distance and dimensions of the nearest shrub in four quadrants. Total aboveground leaf biomass was estimated from allometric relationships. We found that soil respiration was spatially autocorrelated with a range of 2.5–8.82 m in June and July in 2009. While soil temperature modulated the spatial pattern of soil respiration, the influence of islands of fertility was not as strong as expected. Spatial autocorrelation also highlights the importance of proper sampling design of point measurements of soil respiration and provides strong justification for including additional factors such as vegetation cover and aboveground leaf biomass in future mechanistic models of soil respiration.
Abnormalities of the Urinary Tract: Clinical Comments Based on Experiences in Private Practice

This communication deals primarily with clinical problems of the urinary tract familiar to those engaged in the general practice of pediatrics. The observations and comments represent experiences ob tained through repetitive cases encoun tered by the author over a period of many years.
Should Alternative Treatment be Integrated Into Mainstream Medicine

Healthcare providers and patients are becoming increasingly aware of the options available with alternative medicine or unconventional therapies. This article analyzes alternative medicine, examines rationale for its existence, and outlines some concerns. The author concludes that nurses must take the lead and become educated about this option in healthcare treatments in order to help patients make informed decisions.
Bacterial ureases in infectious diseases

Ureases are multi-subunit, nickel-containing enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of urea to carbon dioxide and ammonia. This brief review discusses the biochemistry and genetics of bacterial ureases and outlines the roles of urea metabolism in microbial ecology and pathogenesis of some of the principle ureolytic species affecting human health.
Scratching the surface of skin development

The epidermis and its appendages develop from a single layer of multipotent embryonic progenitor keratinocytes. Embryonic stem cells receive cues from their environment that instruct them to commit to a particular differentiation programme and generate a stratified epidermis, hair follicles or sebaceous glands. Exciting recent developments have focused on how adult skin epithelia maintain populations of stem cells for use in the natural cycles of hair follicle regeneration and for re-epithelialization in response to wounding.
Geocentric gravitational constant determined from spacecraft radiometric data

The value of the geocentric gravitational constant was determined from the analysis of Doppler and range data during the near-earth phases of the trajectories of Mariners 9 and 10. Geocentric gravitational constant values (in units of cu km/sq s) for the two spacecraft were found to be: 398,600.7 plus or minus 0.2 for Mariner 9 and 398,600.6 plus or minus 0.2 for Mariner 10.
Evolution of avian metallothionein: DNA sequence analyses of the Turkey metallothionein gene and metallothionein cDNAs from pheasant and quail

The turkey metallothionein gene (tkMT) was isolated from a phage lambda-turkey genomic DNA library by virtue of high identity with chicken MT cDNA. The nucleotide sequences of the proximal 240 by of the 5′-flanking region, of each of the three exons, and of the intron/exon boundaries were determined. Comparisons of the nucleotide sequences of the tkMT and cMT genes revealed (1) absolute conservation of intronic DNA immediately flanking each respective intron/exon boundary, (2) high conservation (95.6%) of exonic DNA encoding translated regions of the mRNA, and (3) high conservation (95%) of exonic DNA encompassing the putative transcription start point and polyadenylation signals. Sequence comparisons of the tkMT and cMT promoters regions near the TATA box revealed that both promoters contain a highly conserved proximal metal-responsive enhancer (MRE-enhancer) motif. The deduced amino acid sequence (63 amino acids) of tkMT was identical with that of cMT. In order to further explore the degree of conservation of the protein coding regions of avian MT genes, partial MT cDNAs from turkey, quail (qMT), and pheasant (pMT) were amplified using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and primers corresponding to the amino- and carboxyl-terminal coding regions of cMT mRNA. RT-PCR reaction products were cloned and the DNA sequences of multiple cDNA clones from each species were determined. The results suggest the existence of a single MT mRNA in zinc-treated liver from turkey and pheasant and the existence of a major and possibly a minor MT mRNA in quail. Comparisons of the nucleotide sequences of the predominant cMT, tkMT, qMT, and pMT cDNAs revealed exceptionally high identity (97%) and the deduced MT peptide sequences (residues 15-57) were identical. The data suggest that the nucleotide sequence of these avian MT cDNAs is evolving at a predictably slow rate, but that the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein is exceptionally well conserved.
Tariff design and reform in a revenue-constrained economy: Theory and an illustration from India

Abstract This paper develops the theory of design and reform of protective tariffs in a revenue-constrained small open economy characterized by learning-by-doing. It shows that revenue-raising requires wedges between consumer prices and shadow prices while protection, when typically not achievable via subsidies directly targeted towards factor market distortions, requires wedges between producer prices and shadow prices. Illustrative calculations in a modestly disaggregated general equilibrium model of India support the view that uniformity in protective tariffs is likely to be a reasonably good policy in situations where the government intends no discrimination within the sectors already identified for special treatment.
Applications Of The Laser Optical Train Simulation (LOTS) Computer Code To Laser Fusion Systems And Other Physical Optics Problems

The Laser Optical Train Simulation (LOTS) code has been developed at the Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona under contract to Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL). LOTS is a diffraction based code designed to calculate the beam quality and energy of the laser fusion system in an end-to-end calculation.
Single Step Synthesis of Y2O3:Eu3+ Nanophosphor Prepared by Flame Spray Pyrolysis

A novel ceramic synthesis technique, flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) was investigated for the production of nanophosphor particles. Among the various types of synthesis technique for phosphors, FSP is a powerful method which is capable of producing particles with good crystallinity and high luminescence efficiency. Red light emitting Eu3+ doped Y2O3 nanophosphor was prepared by FSP from nitrate based liquid precursors with high flame temperature. Flame temperature is an important factor to obtain phosphor particles with dense and spherical shape. Different molar percentage of urea was added into the precursor, addition of urea increases the temperature in the flame zone and promotes the formation of nano-size and spherical shaped particles. The importance of urea in the precursor to obtain well dispersed Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor has been studied. The characteristics of nanophosphor such as crystallinity, morphology and photoluminescence in the presence of different moles of urea in nitrate based aqueous solution were investigated. On varying the overall concentration of the precursor, both the optical properties and crystallinity were investigated. XRD spectra showed as-prepared phosphors were obtained directly as cubic phase Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor with high crystallinity and without any post-heat treatments. Luminescence intensity of nanophosphor increased with the amount of urea till 2 M percentages, further increase in urea concentration was found to reduce the PL intensity. We have developed a continuous single-step fabrication method for nanocrystalline Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor without any post-heat treatments procedure.
Regenpolipus hexastichus n. sp. (Acari: Podapolipidae), parasite of Anthia hexastichum Gerstaecker (Coleoptera: Carabidae), from Kenya

Abstract Regenpolipus hexastichus n. sp. (Acari: Podapolipidae) is described from Anthia (Thermophilum) hexastichum Gerstaecker (Coleoptera: Carabidae) collected in Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Kenya and compared with 4 species of Regenpolipus from Africa and India. Keys for five species of Regenpolipus are provided.
On the need for dynamic methodologies in risk and reliability studies

Abstract Whenever there is complex interaction between the system components and process variables, the impact of uncertainties in the process physics on the predicted Top Event properties may be very difficult to account for without failure modeling techniques based on quantitative, time-dependent plant models (dynamic methodologies). New quantitative justification is given as to why dynamic methodologies may be needed in risk and reliability studies by demonstrating that these impacts can be large. The process under consideration is the feed-bleed cooling of BRWs following a small-break loss-of-coolant-accident (SBLOCA) through the intermittent operation of the high pressure core spray system (HPCS) and one safety relief valve (SRV). The dynamic methodology models the process by regarding pressure and water level evolution in the reactor vessel (RV) following the SBLOCA as transitions between the computational cells in the process variable space. It is shown that the predicted probability of demand for the low pressure core injection system during one hour following the SBLOCA due to the malfunction of the SRV/HPCS system can differ by more than one order of magnitude depending on: (a) the SBLOCA break size, and (b) whether the stochasticity in the HPCS and SRV demand rates arising from their interaction through the process variables is accounted for or not.
Codeposition of SiC and C from Mixtures of Methyltrichlorosilane and Ethylene in Hydrogen

The variation of the deposition rate and of the composition of the material deposited from CH3SiCl3−C2H4−H2 mixtures with the operating conditions (feed composition and temperature) is investigated. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) experiments are carried out at subatmospheric pressure in a hot-wall CVD reactor, in which the deposition rate is measured in situ gravimetrically. Methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) is used as the silicon and carbon source, and in order to enhance the incorporation of carbon in the deposit, ethylene is employed as an additional source of carbon. One of the most interesting findings of the study is that the deposition of carbon is dramatically enhanced by the presence of silicon compounds in the gas phase. The MTS/C2H4/H2 system is found to be capable of producing high-quality SiC/C composite coatings at temperatures much lower than when CH4 is used as the additional carbon source. When the mole fraction of C2H4 is increased in the feed, it is possible to gradually change the deposit f...
Freshmen Elections in the 1990s: What of GOP's Future in the House?

In this paper, House elections of the past decade are examined with a focus on the freshmen. While others have studied the role of realignment and candidate factors in overall House elections during this period, no study to date has provided an analysis of freshmen elections. The resultant findings clearly indicate that the districts represented by the freshmen are more polarized now than in the past and that the campaign finance advantage has undoubtedly shifted to the GOP. This twin benefit, representing the two schools of thought for the GOP takeover outlined in this paper, has worked well for the Republicans in the past decade. However, despite these two critical advantages, the GOP has performed rather poorly in each election after 1994. These findings, while not giving a striking advantage to the GOP nor comfort to the Democrats, suggest that we may be in a period of back and forth, at least for the foreseeable future, in partisan control of the House until voters become certain about handing one party substantial control or generating a new majority party after some time. Until then, the prevailing partisan parity is likely to lead to unpleasant politics.
Techniques For Removing Non-uniform Background In Coded-aperture Imaging On The Energetic X-ray Imaging Telescope Experiment

It is found that the subtractive flat field technique for nonuniform background illumination is generally effective at removing background systematics for stationary mask experiments such as the energetic X-ray imaging experiment. The time dependence of intensity and the two-dimensional shape of the background detector image during the flight are explored. A flat field image is constructed from observations where X-ray sources were absent from the field of view. It is shown that this technique can successfully reduce RMS fluctuations to within a few percent of ideal Poisson statistics. The quality of the flat field does not appear to be a strong function of radius and can be used effectively out to the edge of the detector to remove the strong background ring. >
Symmetric Galerkin boundary element computation of T-stress and stress intensity factors for mixed-mode cracks by the interaction integral method

Abstract An interaction integral method for evaluating T -stress and mixed-mode stress intensity factors (SIFs) for two-dimensional crack problems using the symmetric Galerkin boundary element method is presented. By introducing a known auxiliary field solution, the SIFs for both mode I and mode II are obtained from a path-independent interaction integral entirely based on the J (≡ J 1 ) integral. The T -stress can be calculated directly from the interaction integral by simply changing the auxiliary field. The numerical implementation of the interaction integral method is relatively simple compared to other approaches and the method yields accurate results. A number of numerical examples with available analytical and numerical solutions are examined to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method.
Electrolyte Content of Blood and Bone in Chickens Subjected to Heat Stress

Abstract In two trials, S. C. White Leghorns were subjected to constant ambient temperatures of 21.1, 29.4 and 35.0 C from 2 to 33 or 2 to 31 weeks of age. Blood samples were obtained 4 days prior to termination of the trial. In trial 1, blood electrolytes Na, K, Ca, Mg and Cl were studied. In trial 2, the same blood electrolytes plus P were studied and the left femur was analyzed for Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and % ash. Results indicate that both males and females can maintain homeostasis of both blood and bone under the above temperature conditions.
Metric spaces with nice closed balls and distance functions for closed sets

A metric space 〈X,d〉 is said to have nice closed balls if each closed ball in X is either compact or the entire space. This class of spaces includes the metric spaces in which closed and bounded sets are compact and those for which the distance function is the zero-one metric. We show that these are the spaces in which the relation F = Lim Fn for sequences of closed sets is equivalent to the pointwise convergence of 〈d (.,Fn)〉 to d (.,F). We also reconcile these modes of convergence with three other closely related ones.
Clinical Utility of In-Socket Residual Limb Volume Change Measurement: Case Study Results

Bioimpedance analysis was used to measure conductive tissue extracellular fluid (ECF) volume changes in the residual limbs of four unilateral transtibial amputee subjects during standing and walking conditions. Results showed that all residual limbs experienced ECF volume decreases during 5 min standing intervals. During 5 min of walking immediately after a standing interval, the residual limbs of healthy subjects increased in ECF volume while those of diseased subjects, one with peripheral vascular disease and another with cardiovascular insufficiency and a high-salt intake, decreased. One subject demonstrated less absolute value ECF volume change during standing and walking at 12 months post-surgical revision compared with at six months. Presentation of bioimpedance data to patients improved compliance to practitioner recommendations and patient understanding. Results were useful towards clinical assessment, patient education, and decision-making about treatment.
Space Age Communication and Its Impact On Education

This paper was delivered as the keynote address of the American Business Writing As sociation's Thirty-First Annual Convention, New Orleans, De cember 28, 1966. In it, Dr. Romano discusses various as pects of the ''communication bonanza" resulting from space- age technology and implica tions for the future of educa tion. You'll find many of the innovations described both de lightful and frightening.
Picometrology of ultra-thin gold film by spinning-disc interferometry

We obtain the complex refractive index of ultra-thin gold film (down to 20 picometers) on thermal oxide on silicon by the combination of in-line (IL) and differential-phase-contrast (DPC) channels of spinning-disc interferometry (SDI).
Coulomb-Induced Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupling in Semiconductor Quantum Wells

In the absence of an external field, the Rashba spin-orbit interaction (SOI) in a two-dimensional electron gas in a semiconductor quantum well arises entirely from the screened electrostatic potential of ionized donors. We adjust the wave functions of a quantum well so that electrons occupying the first (lowest) subband conserve their spin projection along the growth axis (${s}_{z}$), while the electrons occupying the second subband precess due to Rashba SOI. Such a specially designed quantum well may be used as a spin relaxation trigger: electrons conserve ${s}_{z}$ when the applied voltage (or current) is lower than a certain threshold ${V}^{*}$; higher voltage switches on the Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation.