cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between vapor intrusion and human exposure to trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (TCE) in groundwater has the potential to volatilize through soil into indoor air where it can be inhaled. The purpose of this study was to determine whether individuals living above TCE-contaminated groundwater are exposed to TCE through vapor intrusion. We examined associations between TCE concentrations in various environmental media and TCE concentrations in residents. For this assessment, indoor air, outdoor air, soil gas, and tap water samples were collected in and around 36 randomly selected homes; blood samples were collected from 63 residents of these homes. Additionally, a completed exposure survey was collected from each participant. Environmental and blood samples were analyzed for TCE. Mixed model multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations between TCE in residents' blood and TCE in indoor air, outdoor air, and soil gas. Blood TCE concentrations were above the limit of quantitation (LOQ; ≥ 0.012 µg L(-1)) in 17.5% of the blood samples. Of the 36 homes, 54.3%, 47.2%, and >84% had detectable concentrations of TCE in indoor air, outdoor air, and soil gas, respectively. Both indoor air and soil gas concentrations were statistically significantly positively associated with participants' blood concentrations (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.04, respectively). Geometric mean blood concentrations of residents from homes with indoor air concentrations of >1.6 µg m(-3) were approximately 50 times higher than geometric mean blood TCE concentrations in participants from homes with no detectable TCE in indoor air (P < .0001; 95% CI 10.4-236.4). This study confirms the occurrence of vapor intrusion and demonstrates the magnitude of exposure from vapor intrusion of TCE in a residential setting.
New High Proper Motion Stars from the Digitized Sky Survey. III. Stars with Proper Motions 045 < μ < 20 yr−1 South of Declination −30°*

We report the discovery of 182 southern stars with proper motion larger than 045 yr-1. The stars were found in an expansion of the SUPERBLINK proper-motion survey to 8980 deg2 south of decl. = -30?. The new high proper motion stars include 123 objects with ? > 05 yr-1 and 5 with ? > 10 yr-1. These newfound stars consist of a variety of nearby red dwarfs and white dwarfs and (slightly more distant) red halo subdwarfs, and they are all prime targets for follow-up spectroscopic and astrometric (parallax) observations. Comparison with previous proper-motion surveys in the southern sky suggests that SUPERBLINK has a recovery rate between 80% and 90% at southern declinations for stars with red magnitude 10 mag < RF < 19 mag and proper motion in the range 05 < ? < 20 yr-1. This survey makes a significant addition to the census of high proper motion stars at southern declinations.
hBD-3 facilitates mDC-NK crosstalk (INC6P.348)

mDC and NK cells are involved in the innate immune response to pathogen, and bidirectional mDC-NK interactions are well described. hBD-3, an anti-microbial peptide, is known to activate mDC via TLR1/2. Here we investigated the effects of hBD-3 on mDC-NK interactions. We observed hBD-3 to activate PBMC to secrete IFN-γ and kill K562 and HUH hepatoma target cells in an mDC and NK dependent fashion, and both TLR1/2 and CCR2 were involved. In purified mDC-NK coculture experiments we observed hBD-3 to facilitate mDC and NK activation, IFNγ secretion, and killer activity. Activity was variable among healthy subject samples, in some cases dependent on TLR1/2, and in other cases dependent on CCR2. We observed TLR1/2 and CCR2 expression on both mDC and NK cells, with variability in expression among individuals. These results implicate hBD-3 in ability to directly activate NK cells, mDC, and facilitate mDC-NK interactions. HBD3 may therefore act as a mediator of innate cell interactions that result in bridging of innate and adaptive immunity.
Identification of germline genetic mutations in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is part of several cancer predisposition syndromes; however, indications for genetic counseling/testing are not well-defined. In the current study, the authors sought to determine mutation prevalence and characteristics that are predictive of an inherited predisposition for PAC. METHODS A total of 175 consecutive patients with PAC who underwent clinical genetics assessment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 2011 and 2014 were identified. Clinical data, family history, and germline results were evaluated. RESULTS Among 159 patients with PAC who pursued genetic testing, 24 pathogenic mutations were identified (15.1%; 95% confidence interval, 9.5%-20.7%), including BRCA2 (13 mutations), BRCA1 (4 mutations), p16 (2 mutations), PALB2 (1 mutation), and Lynch syndrome (4 mutations). BRCA1/BRCA2 prevalence was 13.7% in Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) patients (95 patients) and 7.1% in non-AJ patients (56 patients). In AJ patients with a strong, weak, or absent family history of BRCA-associated cancers, the mutation prevalence was 16.7%, 15.8%, and 7.4%, respectively. The mean age at the time of diagnosis in all mutation carriers was 58.5 years (range, 45-75 years) compared with 64 years (range, 27-87 years) in those not carrying a mutation (P = .02). Although BRCA2 was the most common mutation identified, no patients with early-onset PAC (diagnosed at age ≤ 50 years) harbored a BRCA2 mutation and the mean age at diagnosis in BRCA2 carriers was equivalent to that of individuals who were not mutation carriers (P = .34). Mutation prevalence in patients with early-onset disease (21 patients) was 28.6%, including BRCA1 (2 mutations), p16 (2 mutations), MSH2 (1 mutation), and MLH1 (1 mutation). CONCLUSIONS Mutations in BRCA2 account for > 50% of patients with PAC with an identified susceptibility syndrome. AJ patients were found to have high BRCA1/BRCA2 prevalence regardless of personal/family history, suggesting that ancestry alone indicates a need for genetic evaluation. With the exception of BRCA2-associated PAC, an inherited predisposition for PAC is associated with an earlier age at PAC diagnosis, suggesting that this subset of patients may also represent a population warranting further evaluation. Cancer 2015;121:4382–8. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Educational Neuroethics: A Contribution From Empirical Research

In recent years, educational neuroscience has begun to move into the limelight, suggesting an increased importance on the ethical considerations of educational neuroscience work, or educational neuroethics. In a departure from previous work on educational neuroethics, this article focuses on the ethical considerations that are applicable to empirical educational neuroscience research. Neuroethics concepts were compiled through a thorough survey of neuroethics articles. Then, 28 empirical educational neuroscience articles were analyzed through the lens of five categories of neuroethics concepts collected through the literature survey: the scientific enterprise, prediction, neuro-manipulation, social considerations, and philosophical considerations. Three of the five categories (i.e., the nature of scientific investigation, prediction, and social considerations) applied to a subset of the articles. In addition, a fourth ethical issue not stemming from the neuroethics literature, referred to here as brain-based justifications, emerged from the nature of educational neuroscience work. Limitations of this study and future directions for educational neuroethics research are discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND SEXUAL EXPRESSION IN CHLOROCOCCUM ECHINOZYGOTUM (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

Several environmental factors affected total growth and zygospore production in Chlorococcum echinozygotum Starr. The temperature range at which zygospore production occurred was more restricted than the range that supported vegetative growth. Light intensity had little effect upon zygospore formation: gamete production and gamete pairing occurred in darkness. Zygospore production occurred over a wide pH range; bicarbonate had a minor effect upon zygospore formation. Nitrogen concentration was the factor of primary importance. As the level of nitrogen supplied as nitrate, ammonia, urea and asparagine in the medium was increased, zygospore production first increased (over no nitrogen) at low levels and then decreased at high levels. All levels of glutamine supplied reduced zygospore production. A possible way in which nitrogen concentration in the medium and sexual expression are linked is discussed.
Thermal conductivity of a material containing cracks of arbitrary shape

Abstract The problem of thermal conductivity of a material containing microcracks of arbitrary shape (including non-flat ones) is considered. The resistivity contribution tensor of a crack – the quantity that determines the decrease in the overall conductive properties of a solid due to introduction of such cracks – is derived on the basis of the solution for the strength of a singularity of the heat flux near a crack tip (heat flux intensity factor). The approach is illustrated with several examples. It is also shown how the resistivity contribution tensor can be used to calculate effective conductive properties in the framework of various self-consistent schemes – effective media, effective field and differential scheme.
How Can We Increase U.S. Competitiveness

For the past 20 years, there has been a consensus among many economists against regulation and in favor of the free market. The consensus favors “efficient” competitive markets for products, labor, capital, and for control of businesses.
Scientific literacy and attitudes towards American space exploration among college undergraduates

Abstract One hundred fifty-five college undergraduates from Syracuse University were surveyed to assess the relationship between their scientific literacy and attitudes to US space exploration. The students were divided into four sections based on majors: basic sciences (n = 41), health sciences (n = 29), political science (n = 36) and other (n = 49). As a whole the students had high scientific knowledge and overall support for human space exploration. There was a significant correlation (rho = 0.33, P 0.05). Attitudes towards US space exploration varied by sex only, indicating that males were more supportive than females (P
Nitrogen Management and Methane Emissions in Direct-Seeded Rice Systems

Published in Agron. J. 106:968–980 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj13.0491 Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABSTRACT Rice (Oryza sativa L.) establishment systems based on resource-conserving production practices are gaining popularity globally. To investigate the potential for improved N management and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions, field experiments were conducted in California on three crop establishment systems: water-seeded (WS) conventional, WS stale seedbed, and drill-seeded (DS) stale seedbed. Fertilizer nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) and rice yield as affected by N rate, source, and application timing were evaluated for 2 yr in each system. Methane emissions were monitored over a full annual rice production cycle (growing season plus fallow period). Results indicated that neither split N applications nor ammonium sulfate increased yields or NRE compared with a single application of urea, regardless of system. However, the economic optimum N rate increased by approximately 30 kg N ha-1 in WS stale seedbed compared with the conventional system. Since NRE generally remained similar across N treatments that maximized yields, applying the appropriate N rate as a single dose before the permanent flood would satisfy both agronomic and environmental goals of N management within each system. Both WS systems resulted in similar growing season CH4 emissions. However, the DS system reduced CH4 emissions by 47% compared with the conventional WS system, possibly due to a decreased period of anaerobic soil conditions. This study highlights the importance of assessing benefits as well as tradeoffs when evaluating opportunities for increasing the sustainability of direct-seeded establishment systems with respect to N management and CH4 emissions.
Admissible Length Study in Anonymous Networking: A Detection Theoretic Perspective

Timing analysis has long been used to compromise user anonymity in networks. Even when data is encrypted, an adversary can track flows from sources to the corresponding destinations by merely using the correlation between the inter packet timing on incoming and outgoing streams at intermediate routers. Anonymous network systems, where users communicate without revealing their identities, rely on the idea of Chaum mixing to hide `networking information'. Chaum mixes are routers or proxy servers that randomly reorder the outgoing packets to prevent an eavesdropper from tracking the flow of packets. The effectiveness of such mixing strategies is, however, diminished under constraints on network resources such as memory and bandwidth. In this work, a detection theoretic framework is proposed to study the optimization of mixing strategies under such constraints. Specifically, using the detection time of the adversary as a metric, the effectiveness of mixing strategies is maximized under constraints on memory and throughput. A general game theoretic model is proposed to study the mixing strategies when an adversary is capable of capturing a fraction of incoming packets. For the proposed multistage game, existence of a Nash equilibrium is proven, and the optimal strategies for the mix and adversary are derived at the equilibrium condition.
De novo generation of HSCs from somatic and pluripotent stem cell sources

Generating human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from autologous tissues, when coupled with genome editing technologies, is a promising approach for cellular transplantation therapy and for in vitro disease modeling, drug discovery, and toxicology studies. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent a potentially inexhaustible supply of autologous tissue; however, to date, directed differentiation from hPSCs has yielded hematopoietic cells that lack robust and sustained multilineage potential. Cellular reprogramming technologies represent an alternative platform for the de novo generation of HSCs via direct conversion from heterologous cell types. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in HSC generation by directed differentiation from hPSCs or direct conversion from somatic cells, and highlight their applications in research and prospects for therapy.
Where to now? Race and ethnicity in workplace learning and development research: 1980–2005

This review of research focuses on the impact of race and on learning and development in the U.S. workplace from 1980 to 2005. Specifically, we take a historical perspective on race and ethnicity in the United States; summarize and synthesize research in the areas of career development, training, promotion, performance appraisals, mentoring, and social networking; and make recommendations regarding research questions, theory, and research design.
Ultra compact RFICs using three-dimensional MMIC technology

Since the 1980s, NTT has been developing three-dimensional (3D) monolith microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) to achieve small-size and low-cost ICs. The usage of 3D MMICs is a very powerful technique, especially at quasi-millimeter and millimeter wave levels. We describe the structure and features of 3D MMICs, introduce several MMIC subsystems, and point out future directions and plans for using 3D MMICs.
Is Blue Dye Indicated for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients With a Positive Lymphoscintigram

The use of isosulfan blue dye in sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer has been questioned because of its risk of allergic reaction. We hypothesized that blue dye could be safely omitted in the subgroup of patients who have evidence of successful sentinel node localization by lymphoscintigraphy. A retrospective review of patients with breast cancer and sentinel node biopsy was conducted. Information was collected on lymphoscintigraphy results, use of blue dye, and intraoperative and pathologic findings of sentinel nodes. We identified 475 patients with breast cancer who underwent 478 sentinel node biopsies. Both dye and isotope were given in 418 cases, of which 380 had a positive lymphoscintigram. In 5 of the 380 cases with a positive lymphoscintigram, the sentinel nodes obtained were blue but not hot, for a 1.3% marginal benefit of dye in the technical success of the procedure. Sentinel nodes positive for metastasis were found in 102 of 380 cases; in 3 cases, the only positive sentinel node was blue but not hot. Omission of the blue dye tracer would have increased the false-negative rate of the sentinel node procedure by approximately 2.5%. Even in sentinel node biopsy cases with a positive lymphoscintigram, the use of blue dye is beneficial for both improving the technical success of the procedure and reducing the false-negative rate of the procedure. Because the marginal benefits of dye justify its routine use, strategies to minimize the toxicity of blue dye are warranted.
Splenic implant in the jejunum: Radiographic and pathologic findings

We report a patient in whom barium studies and computed tomography revealed an intramural mass in the jejunum that consisted pathologically of ectopic splenic tissue. Because the patient had a prior splenectomy, the lesion probably represented splenosis rather than an accessory spleen. When intramural lesions are detected on barium studies in patients who have had prior abdominal trauma or splenectomy,99mTc-tagged, heated-red blood cell scintigraphy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis, thereby eliminating the need for surgery in these patients.
Humanlike agents with posture planning ability

Human body models are geometric structures which may be ultimately controlled by kinematically manipulating their joints, but for animation, it is desirable to control them in terms of task-level goals. We address a fundamental problem in achieving task-level postural goals: controlling massively redundant degrees of freedom. We reduce the degrees of freedom by introducing significant control points and vectors, e.g., pelvis forward vector, palm up vector, and torso up vector, etc. This reduced set of parameters are used to enumerate primitive motions and motion dependencies among them, and thus to select from a small set of alternative postures (e.g., bend vs. squat to lower shoulder height). A plan for a given goal is found by incrementally constructing a goal/constraint set based on the given goal, motion dependencies, collision avoidance requirements, and discovered failures. Global postures satisfying a given goal/constraint set are determined with the help of incremental mental simulation which uses a robust inverse kinematics algorithm. The contributions of the present work are: (1) There is no need to specify beforehand the final goal configuration, which is unrealistic for the human body, and (2) the degrees of freedom problem becomes easier by representing body configurations in terms of 'lumped' control parameters, that is, control points and vectors.
A Spectroscopic Survey of Substituted Indoles Reveals Effects of 1LB Transition Stabilization

Although tryptophan is a natural probe of protein structure, interpretation of its fluorescence emission spectrum is complicated by the presence of two electronic transitions, 1La and 1Lb. Theoretical calculations show that a point charge adjacent to either ring of the indole can shift the emission maximum. This study explores the effect of pyrrole and benzyl ring substitutions on the transitions' energy via absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and lifetime measurements. The survey of indole derivatives shows that methyl substitutions on the pyrrole ring effect 1La and 1Lb energies in tandem while benzyl ring substitutions with electrophilic groups lift the 1La/1Lb degeneracy. For 5- and 6-hydroxyindole in cyclohexane, 1La and 1Lb transitions are resolved (5-hydroxyindole absorbance, shown, solid line). This finding provides for 1La origin assignment in the absorption and excitation spectra for indole vapor. The 5-hydroxyindole excitation spectrum (dashed line) shows that despite a blue-shifted emission spectrum, both the 1La and 1Lb transitions contribute to emission. 10 0 ns fluorescence lifetimes for 5-hydroxyindole are consistent with a charge acceptor-induced increase in the nonradiative rate.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Correlation of emetic and hypotensive doses of veratrum in pigeon, dog and human.

SummaryA close correlation between the emetic activity and hypotensive activity in the dog has been demonstrated for 14 purified veratrum derivatives. A correlation has also been shown to exist between the emetic activity in the pigeon and the emetic and hypotensive activity in the dog. The emetic activity of veratrum in dogs is suggested as a method of assay.
Written Narratives as an Index of L2 Competence in Korean EFL Learners.

Abstract This study investigated how linguistically determined Korean discourse strategies for establishing textual cohesion and marking written register in the Korean language may help explain the differences between the native English speakers’ and the Korean English learners’ written narratives in English. It employed quantitative methods of analysis to explore the use of specific linguistic features of written narratives. Participants were Korean adult EFL (English as a Foreign language) learners and American native English speakers in the U.S. The findings show that specifically Korean linguistic strategies were evident in the Korean English learners’ English narrative discourse rather than the preferred discourse style of the target language. For example, Koreans’ writing in English relied on some specifically Korean linguistic strategies, such as highly frequent use of demonstrative references and repetition. However, it is also observed that the Korean English learners’ English stories tended to diverge from their Korean stories in the direction of the target language norms. In other words, Koreans writing in English did show relative success in approaching English native speaker norms on the narrative and discourse dimensions such as reference, including pronominal reference. The findings hold important implications for L2 writing pedagogy and L2 training in discourse production.
Spectrometric considerations involved in making rural land use studies with aerial photography

Abstract After presenting some of the basic spectrometric considerations involved in making rural land use studies with the aid of aerial photography, this paper considers several practical applications of these considerations. It concludes with a statement as to the present availability of spectrometric data and with the prediction that data of this kind, in which the rural land use analyst is currently evincing great interest, soon will be far more readily available to him.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia in Children: Fifty-Seven Cases in 10 Years

• A review was performed of the 57 cases of klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia that occurred in children at our institution during a 10-year period. The rate of K pneumoniae bacteremia relative to all blood cultures in which bacteria were isolated was 1.1%. Children younger than 12 months of age accounted for 38 cases (67%). There were 8 children (14%) who were afebrile at the time bacteremia was documented; other presenting clinical features were generally indistinguishable from those that characterize pediatric bacteremia of more common causes. Fourteen children (25%) were receiving broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy at the time bacteremia was documented. In 53 patients (93%), an underlying condition predisposing to opportunistic infection was identified, the most common of which were lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (56%), presence of an indwelling central venous catheter (35%), and neutropenia (25%). klebsiella pneumoniae was a constituent of polymicrobial bacteremia in 15 patients (26%). The overall mortality rate associated with this infection was 20%, with over one half of all deaths occurring in infants who were afebrile at the time bacteremia was documented. klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia is a relatively uncommon, serious infection that usually occurs in young children with predisposing underlying conditions, and is associated with a significant mortality rate. ( AJDC . 1989;143:1061-1063)
FREEZE DRYING OF A FROZEN LIQUID IN A PHIAL

ABSTRACT A sorption-sublimation mathematical model for a freeze dryer is presented, and is used to investigate the design and operation of a freeze dryer, in which a frozen liquid enclosed in a phial is dried. With the material chosen, it was found that the best operating condition would correspond to minimum chamber inert gas pressure. The most desirable design of dryer appears to be one in which moderate but consistent resistances to heat transfer are incorporated, so that the heat flux program of the lower heating plate could be optimized by operating at a higher temperature, either under feedback or preprogrammed feedforward controllers.
Reverse geometry scleral lens fitting in a post-LASIK high myopic patient: a case report

discontinuation of lens wear was -3.25/-0.75x5 (RE) and -2.75/0.75x170 (LE). Axial elongation was found to be 0.28mm and 0.08mm at the end of the treatment period in the right and left eyes, respectively. Lags in corneal rebound were 0.43D (RE) and 0.60D (LE) along the flattest meridians. Central corneal thickness (RE) was 552 m and 544 m before treatment and after 3 months of no lens wear, respectively. Conclusions: Subjective refraction did not rebound to the pretreatment level even after three months of ceasing ortho-k lens wear in spite of axial elongation observed in both eyes during the treatment period. The discrepancy in refractive errors may be partially due to the changes in the corneal curvatures and central corneal thickness. Further investigation on the significance of corneal biometry in themechanism ofmyopic reduction in ortho-k treatment is needed.
Comprehensive Evaluation of New Integrated Freeway Ramp Control Strategy

A new integrated ramp control strategy, recently deployed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, is evaluated. This strategy, stratified zone metering (SZM), takes into account real-time ramp demand and queue size information and aims to strike a balance between two competing objectives: improving freeway efficiency and preventing excessive ramp delays. In this study, the SZM strategy was compared to the earlier ZONE metering strategy as well as to the no-control alternative. Comprehensive metrics were generated through rigorous microsimulation to assess critical aspects of the strategy's performance. The evaluation results are consistent with qualitative field observations and confirm that SZM strategy improves freeway efficiency when compared with the no-control alternative, reduces freeway travel time and delay, improves freeway speed, smooths freeway flow, and reduces the number of stops. More important, excessive queue spillbacks and ramp delays were signi...
Influence of the presence of Zymomonas anaerobia on the conversion of cellobiose, glucose, and xylose to ethanol by Clostridium saccharolyticum

To convert sugar mixtures containing cellobiose, glucose, and xylose to ethanol in a single step, the possibility of using a coculture consisting of Clostridium saccharolyticum and Zymomonas anaerobia was studied. In monoculture, C. saccharolyticum utilized all three sugars; however, it preferentially utilized glucose and produced acetic acid in addition to ethanol. The formation of acetic acid from the metabolism of glucose inhibited the growth of C. saccharolyticum and, consequently, the utilization of cellobiose and xylose. In monoculture, Z. anaerobia utilized glucose at a rate of 50 g/L day, but it did not ferment cellobiose or xylose. In coculture, Z. anaerobia converted most of the glucose to ethanol during the lag phase of growth of C. saccharolyticum, which then converted cellobiose and xylose to ethanol. The use of this coculture increased both the rate and the efficiency of the conversion of these three sugars to ethanol, and produced relatively small amounts of acetic acid.
Stability constants for the formation of rare earth-inorganic complexes as a function of ionic strength

Abstract Recent studies have been made on the distribution of the rare earths (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) in natural waters relative to their concentration in shales. These metals have also been used as models for the behavior of the trivalent actinides. The speciation of the rare earths in natural waters is modelled by using ionic interaction models which require reliable stability constants. In this paper the stability constants for the formation of lanthanide complexes ( k mx ∗ ) with Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, OH−, HCO3−, H2PO4−, HPO42−, and CO32− determined in NaClO44 at various ionic strengths have been extrapolated to infinite dilution using the Pitzer interaction model. The activity coefficients for free ions (γM,γx) needed for this extrapolation have been estimated from the Pitzer equations. The thermodynamic stability constants (KMX) and activity coefficients of the various ion pairs (γMX) were determined from In ( solK MX ∗ γ M γ x ) = In K mx + In (γ MX ). The activity coefficients of the ion pairs have been used to determine Pitzer parameters (BMX) for the rare earth complexes. The values of BMX were found to be the same for complexes of the same charge. These results make it possible to estimate the stability constants for the formation of rare earth complexes over a wide range of ionic strengths. The stability constants have been used to determine the speciation of the lanthanides in seawater and in brines. The carbonate complexes dominate for all natural waters where the carbonate alkalinity is greater than 0.001 eq/L at a pH near 8.
Is Color an Intrinsic Property of Object Representation

The role of color in object representation was examined by using a variation of the Stroop paradigm in which observers named the displayed colors of objects or words. In experiment 1, colors of color-diagnostic objects were manipulated to be either typical or atypical of the object (eg a yellow banana versus a purple banana). A Stroop-like effect was obtained, with faster color-naming times for the typical as compared to the atypical condition. In experiment 2, naming colors on words specifying these same color-diagnostic objects reversed this pattern, with the typical condition producing longer response times than the atypical condition. In experiment 3, a blocked condition design that used the same words and colors as experiment 2 produced the standard Stroop-like facilitation for the typical condition. These results indicate that color is an intrinsic property of an object's representation at multiple levels. In experiment 4, we examined the specific level(s) at which color-shape associations arise by following the tasks used in experiments 1 and 2 with a lexical-decision task in which some items were conceptually related to items shown during color naming (eg banana/monkey). Priming for these associates was observed following color naming of words, but not pictures, providing further evidence that the color-shape associations responsible for the differing effects obtained in experiments 1 and 2 are due to the automatic activation of color-shape associations at different levels of representation.
Management of Mixed Dementia

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are the most common causes of dementia in the elderly. Although AD can be diagnosed with a considerable degree of accuracy, the distinction between isolated AD, VaD and mixed dementia (MD) [when both pathologies coexist in the same patient] remains a controversial issue and one of the most difficult diagnostic challenges. MD represents a very common pathology, especially in the elderly, as reported in neuropathological studies. Accurate diagnosis of MD is of crucial significance for epidemiological purposes and for preventive and therapeutic strategies. Until recently, pharmacological studies have generally focused on pure disease, either AD or VaD, and have provided few data on the best therapeutic approach to MD. There is only one original randomized clinical trial on (acetyl)cholinesterase inhibitor therapy (GAL-INT-6, galantamine) for MD; the other studies are post hoc analyses of AD trial subgroups (AD2000, donepezil) or of VaD trial subgroups (VantagE, rivastigmine). Cholinesterase inhibitors have reproducible beneficial effects on cognitive and functional outcomes in patients with MD. These benefits are of a similar magnitude to those previously reported for the treatment of AD. It is likely that the beneficial effects of memantine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) in AD may also apply to MD, but randomized controlled trials are still lacking. Treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, especially hypertension, may protect brain function and should be included in prevention strategies for MD.
The Ethylene Receptors: Complex Perception for a Simple Gas

Ethylene is a hormone that regulates a number of physiological and developmental events in plants. This simple olefin is perceived by a family of receptors that have homology to bacterial two-component receptors. Although the ethylene receptors have been the focus of much study over the past several decades, many questions remain concerning their structure, function, and regulation. This review provides an overview on what is known about the ethylene receptors, summarizes recent research on the receptors, and presents models for receptor function and output.
Surgical technique and application of pericardial fat pad and pericardiophrenic grafts

Oncologic developments in stage IIIA lung cancer and complex tracheal reconstruction have renewed interest in bronchial stump and tracheal coverage. The surgical techniques to mobilize and apply pericardial fat pad and pericardiophrenic grafts are discussed.
A Survey to Detect Largemouth Bass Virus among Fish from Hatcheries in the Southeastern USA

Abstract Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is an iridovirus widely distributed in southeastern U.S. populations of wild largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. However, this virus has not been previously reported from fish hatcheries. During 1999, 15 state hatcheries in 10 states in the southeastern USA were surveyed for LMBV. The virus was isolated from largemouth bass broodfish at five hatcheries, but juvenile largemouth bass were infected in only one of these facilities. There were no indications of the disease caused by LMBV in either adults or juveniles at the time samples were collected. The virus was not isolated in concurrent samples of forage fish from seven of the hatcheries, including three where LMBV was found. Although transmission of LMBV from infected populations to their offspring in hatcheries does not always occur, this virus could be spread by transport of infected broodfish or by stocking infected juvenile largemouth bass.
Models of pseudophysical NN̄ → ππ amplitudes

Abstract Models of S- and P-wave N N → ππ amplitudes in the pseudophysical region have been con- structed from nucleon- and isobar-exchange Born terms and models of ππ rescattering consistent with empirical ππ phase shifts and chiral symmetry. Results are in satisfactory agreement with empirical estimates of these amplitudes. P-waves are dominated by the ρ-meson. The S-wave amplitude displays large rescattering effects which can be expressed as a broad σ-meson. The calculated amplitudes should be suitable for construction of the two-pion-exchange contribution to the nucleon-nucleon interaction.
The Birth of a Rural Medical School— The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina Experience

Introduction To address a medically underserved rural population in Kansas, the University of Kansas School of Medicine (KU-SOM) established a four-year branch campus in Salina, to train students in a rural community where they are more likely to stay and practice.
Minimum waist and visceral fat values for identifying Japanese Americans at risk for the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE —Japanese American is an ethnic group with a high risk for type 2 diabetes, which is linked to the metabolic syndrome. Central adiposity is considered to play a key role in the metabolic syndrome. Not known are the optimal cut point values for central and visceral adiposity to identify Japanese Americans at risk for the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Study subjects included 639 Japanese Americans. The nonadipose variables of the metabolic syndrome were defined using modified International Diabetes Federation criteria, and the accuracy of identifying at least two of these by intra-abdominal fat area (IAFA) as measured by computed tomography and waist circumference was cross-sectionally assessed using area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The values for IAFA and waist circumference that resulted in maximizing the Youden index were defined as “optimal.” RESULTS —The area under the ROC curve for IAFA exceeded that for waist circumference (men 0.787 vs. 0.686; women 0.792 vs. 0.721). For women, the optimal cut points for IAFA and waist circumference were 51.5 cm2 and 80.8 cm (age ≤56 years) and 86.3 cm2 and 89.0 cm (age >56 years). For men, the optimal cut points for IAFA and waist circumference were 88.6 cm2 and 90.0 cm (age ≤57 years) and 96.1 cm2 and 87.1 cm (age >57 years). CONCLUSIONS —These results argue that current Japanese waist circumference cut points for the metabolic syndrome need to be revised. Moreover, the waist circumference and IAFA cut points should be age specific, especially in women. Appropriate waist circumference cut points are from 80 to 90 cm in women and from 87 to 90 cm in men.
An origin of aerial branch parasitism in the mistletoe family, Loranthaceae

The large mistletoe family, Loranthaceae, contains 75 genera and approximately 1000 species. The family originated in the Southern Hemisphere and dispersed, apparently early, between fragments of Gondwana. It is now widely distributed on land surfaces of the former supercontinent. The Loranthaceae has three terrestrial, root-parasitic genera-a habit considered ancestral-and 72 genera of aerial, branch parasites. For almost two centuries, the origin of the mistletoe habit has been of interest to biologists. Two main evolutionary pathways have been proposed to explain the transition from terrestrial to aerial parasitism in the family. One theorizes the presence of an intermediate climbing ancestor in the path to the aerial habit. The other proposes a direct transfer from terrestrial to epiphytic growth following the germination of seeds on tree branches. Here we present molecular and morphological evidence that (1) the terrestrial species Nuytsia floribunda is ancestral within the Loranthaceae, (2) aerial parasitism has had multiple origins in the family, (3) the first aerial branch parasites had epicortical roots, and (4) the origin of aerial parasitism in one Old World clade involved the direct transfer from terrestrial to epiphytic growth following the germination of seeds on tree branches. Our results suggest that it is not necessary to evoke a climbing intermediate in the origins of aerial parasitism in the Santalales.
Low-Temperature Adsorption Microcalorimetry: Pb on MgO(100)†

The heat of adsorption of Pb on an MgO(100) thin film at 190 K is measured calorimetrically as a function of coverage using a removable pyroelectric polymer ribbon as the heat-detecting element. This is the first demonstration that this versatile method of heat detection can be used for single-crystal adsorption calorimetry at cryogenic conditions. The results are compared to earlier measurements at room temperature. Similar to room temperature, the initial heat of adsorption at 190 K is ∼100 kJ/mol. However, the heat of adsorption grows much more slowly with coverage toward the bulk heat of sublimation, consistent with a larger Pb island density (and smaller, flatter islands) at low temperature. Measurement of the sticking probability for Pb onto the MgO(100) thin film at temperatures down to 167 K are also consistent with this.
Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole-hyaluronic acid composite biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.

New tissue engineering technologies will rely on biomaterials that physically support tissue growth and stimulate specific cell functions. The goal of this study was to create a biomaterial that combines inherent biological properties which can specifically trigger desired cellular responses (e.g., angiogenesis) with electrical properties which have been shown to improve the regeneration of several tissues including bone and nerve. To this end, composites of the biologically active polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) and the electrically conducting polymer polypyrrole (PP) were synthesized and characterized. Electrical conductivity of the composite biomaterial (PP/HA) was measured by a four-point probe technique, scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize surface topography, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reflectance infrared spectroscopy were used to evaluate surface and bulk chemistry, and an assay with biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding protein was used to determine surface HA content. PP/HA materials were also evaluated for in vitro cell compatibility and tissue response in rats. Smooth, conductive, HA-containing PP films were produced; these films retained HA on their surfaces for several days in vitro and promoted vascularization in vivo. PP/HA composite biomaterials are promising candidates for tissue engineering and wound-healing applications that may benefit from both electrical stimulation and enhanced vascularization.
Discrimination of bottom underwater mine-like objects in different conditions using a wideband data set

The problem of classification of underwater targets involves discrimination between mine-like and non-mine-like objects as well as the characterization of background clutter. In this work this problem is addressed using a newly collected wideband data set. The developed system consists of a pre- processing scheme, which includes removing multi-path effects and other artifacts from the acquired data. Features are then extracted and fed to a back-propagation neural network (BPNN). Test results will be given for the classification between various types of mine-like and non- mine-like objects and for different bottom conditions and depression/elevation angles of the sonar to test the robustness and generalization of the classification scheme.
Effects of word repetition and presentation rate on the frequency of verbal transformations: Support for habituation

A verbal transformation (VT) is any perceptible change that subjects hear when the same word is repeated several times. Habituation was studied by investigating whether more VTs would occur during the second 3 min of word repetition. We also attempted to replicate the finding of Snyder, Calef, Choban, and Greller (1992) that a familiar word presentation style (a word spoken relatively “normally”) resulted in more VTs than did an unfamiliar word presentation style (a word spoken slowly). Thirty-two psychology students listened to six neutral words repeated for 6 min with approximately 3 sec between words. Subjects reported significantly more VTs during the second as opposed to the first 3 min of word repetition only during normal presentation, supporting a habituation explanation that an increase in VTs following the continuous repetition of a word could be an example of habituation. We replicated the findings of Snyder et al. (1992) only during the second 3 min.
Multiple Cycles of Dose-Intensive Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide, and Cisplatinum (DICEP) Produce Durable Responses in Refractory Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Patients whose lymphoma is resistant to standard treatment regimens continue to do poorly, with only an occasional patient achieving long-term remission even with bone marrow transplantation. Twenty-three patients with primarily refractory (11), or refractory relapsed (12) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with repeated cycles of dose-intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and cisplatin (DICEP) without bone marrow transplantation. Each cycle of DICEP consisted of cyclophosphamide (2500 mg/m2/day,days 1–2), etoposide (500 mg/m2/day, days 1–3), and cisplatin (50 mg/m2/day,days 1–3). Twelve patients (52%) have achieved a complete response and 6 (26%)r a partial response. Three of the complete responders remain continuously free of disease for 19, 29, and 32 months, and 3 more are disease-free at 58, 59, and 65 months after receiving further therapy. Three-year survival for all patients is 45%. Patients with a good initial performance status (Zubrod 0 or 1) had a 58% complete response rate and a 2-year surv...
The Consequences of Attribute Agenda-Setting Effects for Political Trust, Participation, and Protest Behavior

This study expands the consequences of agenda-setting theory beyond political attitudes, arguing its significance as a mediator between media use and political participation. The results suggest that citizens learn from the media about the efficacy and integrity of political institutions, and their performance on key issues. Consequently, the information acquired through news media becomes an important factor for trust formation and participation in different forms of political actions, which are not limited to electoral activities. The implications of these results for democracy building are discussed.
15-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid is a 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase-derived electrophilic mediator of inflammatory signaling pathways

Bioactive lipids govern cellular homeostasis and pathogenic inflammatory processes. Current dogma holds that bioactive lipids, such as prostaglandins and lipoxins, are inactivated by 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15PGDH). In contrast, the present results reveal that catabolic “inactivation” of hydroxylated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) yields electrophilic α,β-unsaturated ketone derivatives. These endogenously produced species are chemically reactive signaling mediators that induce tissue protective events. Electrophilic fatty acids diversify the proteome through post-translational alkylation of nucleophilic cysteines in key transcriptional regulatory proteins and enzymes that govern cellular metabolic and inflammatory homeostasis. 15PGDH regulates these processes as it is responsible for the formation of numerous electrophilic fatty acids including the arachidonic acid metabolite, 15-oxoeicosatetraenoic acid (15-oxoETE). Herein, the role of 15-oxoETE in regulating signaling responses is reported. In cell cultures, 15-oxoETE activates Nrf2-regulated antioxidant responses (AR) and inhibits NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory responses via IKKβ inhibition. Inhibition of glutathione S-transferases using ethacrynic acid incrementally increased the signaling capacity of 15-oxoETE by decreasing 15-oxoETE-GSH adduct formation. This work demonstrates that 15PGDH plays a role in the regulation of cell and tissue homeostasis via the production of electrophilic fatty acid signaling mediators.
How to divide students into groups so as to optimize learning: Towards a solution to a pedagogy-related optimization problem

To enhance learning, it is desirable to also let students learn from each other, e.g., by working in groups. It is known that such groupwork can improve learning, but the effect strongly depends on how we divide students into groups. In this paper, based on a first approximation model of student interaction, we describe how to optimally divide students into groups so as to optimize the resulting learning. We hope that, by taking into account other aspects of student interaction, it will be possible to transform our solution into truly optimal practical recommendations.