cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Characteristics of Substance Abusers in a Child Protective Service Sample

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to identify characteristics of substance abusers in a child protective services caseload. The random sample of 443 children was drawn from an urban county from all children with a substantiated abuse case. Files of children were reviewed to derive data. Sixty-eight percent of the children had mothers who abused alcohol or drugs, and 37 percent of them had mothers who abused both. Substance abuse, service contacts, public assistance, homelessness, and household conditions in the service plan were all associated with child removal from the home. These findings suggest that the risks associated with substance abuse are not necessarily ameliorated with social work intervention.
Deformation of convergent plates: Evidence from discrepancies between GPS velocities and rigid‐plate motions

[1] Systematic discrepancies between the Global Positioning System (GPS) site velocities and those predicted by plate-motion models across the Andes, the Himalayan-Tibetan plateau, and the Taiwan orogen delineate diffuse plate-boundary deformation and significant intraplate deformation, even in the presumably rigid oceanic plates. The relationship between the GPS velocities and the predictions of plate-motion models is illustrated using a simple timescale-dependent mechanical model of plate convergence. A simple stiffness number (ϕ), based on the difference between the predictions of plate-motion models and the GPS velocity near plate boundaries, provides a convenient measure of the “plate-like” behavior of convergent plates and strain partitioning between intraplate and interplate deformation.
Articulating and Enacting Development: Skilled Returnees in Ghana’s ICT Industry

This article examines how returnee technology entrepreneurs in Ghana articulate and enact the notion of development through their motivations for return, work choices, and practices within the ICT industry. Drawing on interview data, the article shows the ways in which these returnees integrate a transnational outlook into a localized sphere of development activities that, although ultimately privilege specific forms of knowledge and experience, still have the potential for social, cultural, and economic transfers in support of capacity building and service provision within the industry.
Binding global and local object features in visual working memory

When briefly presented with global and local visual information, individuals report global information more quickly and more accurately than local information, a phenomenon known as the global precedence effect (GPE; Navon, 1977). We investigated whether a bias toward global information persists in visual working memory (VWM) and whether the VWM representations for global and local features include information bound to their hierarchical levels and to each other. Navon figures, in which a larger (global) letter is composed of smaller (local) letters, were presented, and participants performed a change detection task that required participants to remember features only (either a global or local letter changed to a new identity); features bound to their hierarchical levels (the global and local letters within an object swapped levels); or features bound to each other within an object (2 letters from the same level swapped between objects). Performance suggested that there was a GPE in VWM (new global letters were more accurately detected than new local letters) and that although global and local features were not necessarily bound together in VWM, they were bound to their corresponding hierarchical levels. These results indicate that level binding in VWM occurs more readily than binding specific object features together. These findings further our understanding of how hierarchical objects are represented in VWM.
Early Global Encounters with Beauty: The Pacific and Indo-Atlantic Exchanges between Asia and America

George Bryan Souza is an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Educated at Stanford University (B.A. with Departmental Honors in History)...
How to give and receive: An exploratory study of charitable hybrids

Most charitable organizations can only rely on appeals to purely philanthropic motivations in attempting to solicit donor contributions. The decision processes exhibited by the targets of charitable solicitations are very different from those the same individuals use in making daily purchase decisions. Although both charitable giving and purchase contexts have been studied extensively, there are numerous organizations that require targeted customers to use a decision process that merges elements of both domains. Charitable hybrids, such as museums and universities, are such organizations, supplementing traditional revenue streams by soliciting charitable contributions, thus evoking a complex consumer decision process. For these firms, giving good service may yield an added benefit of maximizing charitable contributions received. Drawing on both the services and charitable giving literatures, a model of the consumer decision process is developed in this hybrid situation. In an exploratory test of the model, initial evidence is found that both classes of effects have significant influence on donors' intentions to give. However, in charitable giving contexts, organizational identification appears to fill a central role in influencing decision outcomes, which diminishes the role of satisfaction. The findings provide provocative evidence that further research in this setting is warranted. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heritability and linkage analysis of hand, foot, and eye preference in Mexican Americans.

Functional lateralities are of interest due to their relationship with cerebral lateralisation and language development. However, genes influencing sidedness remain elusive. We measured direction and consistency of hand, foot, and eye preference in 584 Mexican-Americans from families participating in the San Antonio Family Diabetes/Gallbladder Study. Using maximum-likelihood-based variance components methods, we estimated weak (.11 ≤ h2≤.17) but significant heritability for foot preference, eye preference, several hand preferences (writing, drawing, throwing, using scissors, using spoon, striking match), and a composite hand preference trait. Self-reported handedness was significantly heritable (h2=.57), whereas hand preference for opening a box or using a toothbrush or knife was not. Many trait pairs had significant genetic correlations, and all had significant environmental correlations. Using genome-wide multipoint linkage screens using 382 highly informative autosomal STR markers, we identified sugges...
Decision analysis of auto emission control

Abstract In response to public pressure to reduce air pollution, governments are forced to consider alternate means to limit auto emissions. This paper addresses the problem of evaluating these regulatory policies and choosing the one that is best for society. Economic tradeoffs play an important role in the analysis of emission control policies. Cleaner air comes only at a price, and the judgments as to “How clean?” At what price?” and “At who's expense?” are crucial. Once these value issues are resolved, questions of implementation remain. “How do regulatory policies such as mandatory emission standards for cars compare with a system of emission taxes?” “Are there ways to collect a fee from drivers to compensate those who breathe their pollution, without taxing emissions directly?” Our approach is first to describe a decision-focused analytical procedure for evaluating various policy alternatives. This procedure is then demonstrated with a preliminary analysis of representative emission control plans for the Los Angeles air basin. Both emission standards and market or “pricing” alternatives are considered. These plans include: present (1975) emission standards; an emission tax; an increase in the gasoline tax; a policy of no government control. The preliminary analysis shows market mechanisms to be superior to present emission standards. Many significant advantages of market mechanisms are discussed, though this conclusion is due primarily to—in our opinion—inappropriate value judgments that are implicit in the present standards. The analytical framework is very general, and it can be applied to a wide variety of social decisions involving externalities. The quantitative models developed, though preliminary, can be used by organizations such as regional planning agencies or pollution control boards. However, these models must not be viewed as formulas for answers to social problems. Rather, they are intended as aids for the policy maker that will help him or her balance the many factors that influence the decision and provide insight to the wisest social course of action.
Poles and thresholds and unstable particles

Consequences are investigated of assuming that transition amplitudes display some analytioity in the coupling constants. This enables one to demonstrate the existence of singularities associated with unstable and virtual particles, similar to those required by unitarity for stable particles. It is simple to determine on which Riemann sheets lie the unstable and virtual particle singularities and one may also show that the stable particle singularities are absent from certain sheets.
Sensitivity and linearity of superconducting radio-frequency single-electron transistors: effects of quantum charge fluctuations.

We have investigated the effects of quantum fluctuations of quasiparticles on the operation of superconducting radio-frequency single-electron transistors (rf-SETs) for large values of the quasiparticle cotunneling parameter $\ensuremath{\alpha}=8{E}_{J}/{E}_{c}$, where ${E}_{J}$ and ${E}_{c}$ are the Josephson and charging energies. We find that, for $\ensuremath{\alpha}g1$, subgap rf-SET operation is still feasible despite quantum fluctuations that wash out quasiparticle tunneling thresholds. Surprisingly, such rf-SETs show linearity and signal-to-noise ratio superior to those obtained when quantum fluctuations are weak, while still demonstrating excellent charge sensitivity.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: 1, N6-Ethenoadenine and 3, N4-ethenocytosine are excised by separate human DNA glycosylases

We previously reported our finding that human cells contain glycosylase activity toward all four etheno bases formed in DNA by chloroacetaldehyde and related bi-functional aldehydes. By enzyme purification, including FPLC, we isolated two separate glycosylase activities for 1,N6-ethenoadenine (epsilon A) and for 3,N4-ethenocytosine (epsilon C) respectively, from crude HeLa cell-free extracts, which also contained a number of well-described glycosylases. When Mono-S FPLC purified proteins were assayed against defined oligomers containing either epsilon A or epsilon C, it was found that epsilon A and epsilon C glycosylases were completely separated. It could also be demonstrated that each enzyme bound to and cut only epsilon A- or epsilon C-containing oligomers respectively. There was no overlap in specificity for these two substrates. Several other human glycosylase substrates were also tested and none were cleaved by epsilon C glycosylase. The epsilon C glycosylase activity identified in the present study apparently represents a previously unknown glycosylase. This work also suggests that enzyme recognition of closely related DNA adducts may depend upon subtle changes in local conformation.
A hepatotoxic dose of acetaminophen modulates expression of BCL-2, BCL-X(L), and BCL-X(S) during apoptotic and necrotic death of mouse liver cells in vivo.

The protein BCL-XL and protein product of proto-oncogene bcl-2 act as apoptosis antagonists, and BCL-XS serve as a dominant death promoter, including apoptosis following exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs. This investigation examined whether some aspects of the highly integrated process of acetaminophen (AAP)-induced hepatotoxicity involve down-regulation or upregulation of expression of BCL-2, BCL-XL and BCL-XS in mouse liver in vivo. Male ICR mice (CD-1; 35–45 g) were treated ip with a hepatotoxic dose of AAP (500 mg/kg) and sacrificed 0, 6, and 18 h later. Blood was collected upon sacrifice for determination of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and the liver was sectioned for histopathological diagnosis of necrosis/apoptosis. Portions of liver tissues were also used for DNA extraction (for gel electrophoresis) and Western blot analysis. This study demonstrates that administration of a hepatotoxic dose of AAP to ICR mice results in severe liver injury (ALT leakage >200-fold at 6 h and >600-fold at 18 h) leading to massive cell death by apoptosis (diagnosed by nuclear ultrastructure, histopathology, and DNA ladder), in addition to necrosis coupled with spectacular changes in the BCL-XL expression (6 and 18 h after AAP administration). Western blot analysis of the liver proteins revealed that mouse liver expresses two proteins, BCL-XL and BCL-XS, and does not express BCL-2. As the toxicity progressed, during 6 and 18 h post-AAP administration, the BCL-XL protein band shifted to a slower mobility band which might represent a phosphorylated form of BCL-XL. Appearance of this higher molecular weight BCL-XL protein band correlated with massive apoptotic death of liver cells along with ladder-like DNA fragmentation. In the same time period, death inhibitory gene bcl-2 remained unexpressed, and the level of expression of BCL-XS remained unaltered. Whether the consistent level of expression of BCL-XS reflected inability of AAP to influence its expression remains unknown. Unaltered expression of BCL-XS in the near total absence of BCL-2 expression raises questions regarding the death promoting role of BCL-XS in vivo. The precise role of modified form of BCL-XL remains elusive. However, this study may have demonstrated for the first time drug-induced changes in the expression of anti-apoptotic gene BCL-XL, and a positive link between AAP-induced apoptotic death and modification of BCL-XL protein in vivo.
Predicted thermochemistry for chemical conversions of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Abstract The thermochemistry of various chemical transformations of 5-hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF) were investigated using highly accurate G aussian -4 (G4) theory. The conversion of HMF to nonane through aldol condensation, hydrogenation, and hydrogenolysis reactions was found to be thermodynamically favorable. The hydrogenation reactions involving the keto groups in the nonane reaction sequence were found to be enhanced at low temperatures and high pressures of H 2 . The hydrogenation, selective oxidation, and hydration of HMF were also found to be thermodynamically favorable. Gas phase enthalpies of formation of all the intermediate compounds were calculated at the G4 level of theory and compared against existing experimental data.
In vitro activity of saperconazole (R66 905) compared with amphotericin B and itraconazole against Aspergillus species.

Twenty isolates of aspergillus were tested against saperconazole and 16 of these against itraconazole and amphotericin B using a macrodilution broth method. For 18 (90 %) of 20isolates tested against saperconazole, MICs were ≤3.1 mg/l and for 15 (75 %) of 20 isolates MFCs were ≤3.1 mg/l. For 9 (56 %) of 16 isolates tested against itraconazole, MICs were ≤3.1 mg/l, and for 4 (33 %) of 12 isolates MFCs were ≤3.1 mg/l. For all 16 isolates tested against amphotericin B MICs and MFCs were ≤4.0 mg/l; for 11 of 16 isolates MICs were ≤2.0 mg/l. Saperconazole appears to be highly active againstAspergillus spp. in vitro, with a bimodal distribution of MICs and MFCs.
Wavelength-scale microdisks as optical gyroscopes: a finite-difference time-domain simulation study

We have developed a finite-difference time-domain algorithm to simulate a wavelength-scale optical gyroscope based on a circular microdisk. In addition to the frequency shift, the rotation-induced changes in the quality factor and far-field emission pattern of the whispering gallery modes are studied. Compared to the closed cavity of same size and shape, an open cavity displays a larger frequency splitting by rotation, due to an increase of the mode size. When the disk dimension is on the order of the optical wavelength, the relative change in quality factor by rotation is over an order of magnitude larger than that in resonant frequency, due to enhanced evanescent tunneling of light. These results point to multiple methods for rotation sensing, monitoring the lasing threshold and the output power or the far-field emission pattern of a rotating microdisk laser, which can be much more sensitive than the Sagnac effect in ultrasmall optical gyroscopes.
Influence of Vecuronium Bromide on the ED50 for electrical ventricular defibrillation in the canine model

Paralytic agents are increasingly being used in animal studies of electrical ventricular defibrillation. Likewise, patients often have internal defibrillators implanted in conjunction with other heart surgery such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). These patients usually will have been given a paralytic agent which is still present in the circulatory system. This study was undertaken to ascertain whether Vecuronium Bromide has an effect on the mean effective dose (ED50) for electrical defibrillation in a dog model. This study shows that in this model, Vecuronium Bromide does not effect the ED50 for EVD.
Theory of concentration quenching of fluorescence polarization in two-dimensional solutions

The extensions of the theories of Forster, Ore and Knox of concentration quenching of fluorescence polarization presented in [6] are applied to two-dimensional solutions. The discussion is limited to two types of solutions in both of which the molecules lie in a single plane. In the first type the dipolar orientations are randomly distributed, while in the second they are restricted to a fixed angle with respect to the solution normal, but otherwise random. For both types of solution the theoretical problem is reduced to a calculation of the probability P that the fluorescent radiation is emitted by an initially excited molecule. The connection between P and the experimentally obtained degree of polarization is discussed in detail for the different types of solution and for different experimental conditions. The theoretical results are compared with three different sets of experimental data. The predictions of the two-dimensional forms of Knox's and Jablonski's cluster theories are highly consistent, and ...
Cysteine residues 110 and 187 are essential for the formation of correct structure in bovine rhodopsin

To investigate the role of different cysteine residues in bovine rhodopsin, a series of mutants were prepared in which the cysteine residues were systematically replaced by serines. The mutant genes were expressed in monkey kidney cells (COS-1) and the mutant opsins were evaluated for their levels of expression, glycosylation patterns, and ability to form the chromophore characteristic of rhodopsin and to activate transducin. Substitution of the three cytoplasmic cysteines (Cys-316, Cys-322, and Cys-323) and the four membrane-embedded cysteines (Cys-140, Cys-167, Cys-222, and Cys-264) produced proteins with wild-type phenotype. Also, single substitutions of Cys-185 gave rise to a wild-type phenotype. In contrast, substitution of the three intradiscal cysteines (Cys-110, Cys-185, and Cys-187) or single substitution of Cys-110 or Cys-187 gave proteins that were expressed at reduced levels, glycosylated abnormally, and unable to bind 11-cis-retinal. Thus, of the 10 cysteines in bovine rhodopsin, only intradiscal Cys-110 and Cys-187 are essential for the correct tertiary structure of the protein.
Actions of systemic theophylline on hemidiaphragmatic recovery in rats following cervical spinal cord hemisection.

This study assesses the effects of theophylline on enhancing phrenic nerve discharge and functional hemidiaphragmatic recovery after C2 spinal cord hemisection in adult female rats. There were three separate groups of spinal hemisected rats and one nonhemisected group studied. Twenty-four hours following C2 spinal hemisection, ipsilateral phrenic nerve activity was recorded under standardized, normoxic and then hypoxic conditions. After 30 min, theophylline was administered and the recordings were repeated in group 1 animals. In group 2, activity in both phrenic nerves was recorded simultaneously before and after drug administration. In a third group of rats, both ipsilateral phrenic nerve and hemidiaphragmatic activities were monitored before and after the drug. In control nonhemisected animals under standardized recording conditions, the effects of theophylline were quantitatively assessed by determining the mean area under integrated phrenic nerve discharge waveforms before and after drug administration. Generally, theophylline induced biphasic effects; i.e., at a low dose (15 mg/kg) it evoked excitation, while at a high dose (30 mg/kg) depression of respiratory activity predominated. In group 2 animals, respiratory activity was induced in the nerve ipsilateral to the hemisection and enhanced in the contralateral phrenic nerve for up to 3 h after a single standard dose of theophylline (15 mg/kg). Prior to drug administration, there was an absence of respiratory-related activity in both the phrenic nerve and hemidiaphragm ipsilateral to C2 spinal cord hemisection. A standard dose of theophylline, however, induced recovery of activity in both the phrenic nerve and the left hemidiaphragm ipsilateral to the hemisection in group 3 animals. In control (nonhemisected) animals, theophylline enhanced phrenic nerve activity, but decreased the duration of respiratory bursts. These results show for the first time that theophylline can activate latent respiratory motor pathways and thus restore the respiratory drive to phrenic motoneurons lost by spinal cord injury. Respiratory activity is not only reestablished in the phrenic nerve made quiescent by hemisection, but it is also enhanced in the contralateral phrenic nerve. The drug also restores function to the hemidiaphragm paralyzed by the spinal cord hemisection. The findings may have clinical relevance to human cases of cervical spinal cord injury in which respiratory function is compromised.
Hypertension and renal injury in experimental polycystic kidney disease

Hypertension and renal injury in experimental polycystic kidney disease. Background Hypertension accelerates renal failure in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and evidence suggests a role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the functional and structural changes. To explore the hypothesis that RAS adaptations contribute to disease progression, we examined RAS activity and the long-term consequences of antihypertensive drugs, which suppress (enalapril) or stimulate (hydralazine) the RAS, in experimental polycystic kidney disease. Methods Studies were conducted in male heterozygous cystic Han:SPRD rats (Cy/+) and in unaffected littermates (controls). In protocol 1, either angiotensin II (Ang II), enalaprilat, or saline vehicle was acutely infused into cystic and control rats, which were aged 10 to 12 weeks. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and renal plasma flow (RPF) were measured at baseline and after an infusion of test substances. In protocol 2, cystic rats received chronic therapy with either enalapril, hydralazine, or no therapy for 10 to 12 weeks of age and then underwent renal function and RAS studies. In protocol 3, similar cohorts were followed for 40 weeks to assess the effects of therapy on blood pressure, proteinuria, serum creatinine, RAS parameters, and renal morphology. Results In protocol 1, cystic rats had massive kidneys, slightly elevated blood pressure, and profound renal vasoconstriction and reduced GFR. Ang II induced similar changes in MAP and renal function in control and cystic rats. Enalaprilat induced little effect on MAP but more striking increases in GFR and RPF in cystic rats. In protocol 2, at 10 weeks of age, enalapril was superior in preserving renal function, but neither drug limited the expansion of the tubulointerstitium. In protocol 3, at 40 weeks of age, both drugs ameliorated the increase in serum creatinine, although only enalapril reduced proteinuria and kidney size. Conclusions In polycystic rats, acute RAS suppression markedly ameliorates renal dysfunction. However, although chronic enalapril and hydralazine protect against the loss of renal function, only enalapril limits renal growth and proteinuria, and neither significantly limits tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The long-term studies give clear support to the importance of blood pressure control, per se , but only partial support to the importance of the particular agent used. As in clinical studies, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition may be less beneficial in ADPKD than in renal diseases characterized by predominant glomerular injury.
Expanding Learning Opportunities Using Career Assessments.

In a job market that is increasingly competitive in selecting and retaining the right employees, career assessments are a time- and cost-efficient method of garnering important information for students, counselors, employees, and employers. Once used primarily for matching and evaluative purposes, assessments are now being recognized as important tools for learning and development. Career assessments can be used to identify problems, suggest alternatives, and stimulate action. Using career assessments for evaluation purposes only tends to make employees defensive. However, if implemented well, career assessments, particularly 360-degree evaluations provide both employee and employer with tools to promote learning as well as to track an employee's progress.
ANTHROPOMETRICS, % PREDICTED FORCED VITAL CAPACITY (%FVC), AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE (IGT) IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

ANTHROPOMETRICS, % PREDICTED FORCED VITAL CAPACITY (%FVC), AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE (IGT) IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)
Innovative research program on the renewal of aging water infrastructure systems

The needs associated with the aging water infrastructure are immense and have been estimated at more than $1 trillion over the next 20 years for water and wastewater utilities. To meet this growing need, utilities require the use of innovative technologies and procedures for managing their systems. To help meet their needs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a research program to assist utilities in the renewal of water distribution and wastewater collection systems and this paper summarizes that program. This paper addresses the state-of-the-art review of current and emerging renewal technologies available for water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This paper also discusses the results of other program components which are intended to aid in the use of the renewal methods. This included: a cured-in-place pipe retrospective study of liners in use for more than 25 years; a field demonstration program of innovative water rehabilitation methods; a review of quality assurance and quality control measures for trenchless technologies; and current decision-making models and methodologies available to support rehabilitation versus replacement decisions.
Equations to describe crown allometry of Larix require local validation

Abstract Allometric equations were developed to describe crown attributes of three species of open-grown Larix in Minnesota and compared with similar data from Maine and published works from Austria. No differences were detected in allometric relationships to predict crown length, projected crown radius, and crown radius at different depths within the crown among tamarack, European larch, and hybrid European×Japanese larch grown in Minnesota. Small (
Thermal precursors in satellite images of the 1999 eruption of Shishaldin Volcano

Shishaldin Volcano, Unimak Island Alaska, began showing signs of thermal unrest in satellite images on 9 February 1999. A thermal anomaly and small steam plume were detected at the summit of the volcano in short-wave thermal infrared AVHRR (advanced very high resolution radiometer) satellite data. This was followed by over 2 months of changes in the observed thermal character of the volcano. Initially, the thermal anomaly was only visible when the satellite passed nearly directly over the volcano, suggesting a hot source deep in the central crater obscured from more oblique satellite passes. The "zenith angle" needed to see the anomaly increased with time, presumably as the thermal source rose within the conduit. Based on this change, an ascent rate of ca. 14 m per day for the thermal source was estimated, until it reached the summit on around 21 March. It is thought that Strombolian activity began around this time. The precursory activity culminated in a sub-Plinian eruption on 19 April, ejecting ash to over 45,000 ft. (13,700 m). The thermal energy output through the precursory period was calculated based on geometric constraints unique to Shishaldin. These calculations show fluctuations that can be tied to changes in the eruptive character inferred from seismic records and later geologic studies. The remote location of this volcano made satellite images a necessary observation tool for this eruption. To date, this is the longest thermal precursory activity preceding a sub-Plinian eruption recorded by satellite images in the region. This type of thermal monitoring of remote volcanoes is central in the efforts of the Alaska Volcano Observatory to provide timely warnings of volcanic eruption, and mitigate their associated hazards to air-traffic and local residents.
The effect of nerve growth factor on undifferentiated glioma cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment of rats bearing implanted cells of an anaplastic glioma clone (F-98) led to a decreased tumor growth rate and increased survival time. Similar, but less pronounced, effects were observed if the cells were pretreated with NGF for 24 h before implantation. NGF also reduced the in vitro growth rate of F-98 and contributed to cellular maturation. Several well differentiated cell lines and clones were not visibly affected by NGF using the above parameters. We concluded that NGF has little or no effect on differentiated glioma cells, but significantly affects undifferentiated glioma cells by retarding their growth and inducing maturation.
Nicotinic activity in the interpeduncular nucleus of the midbrain prolongs recovery from halothane anesthesia.

The influence of nicotinic transmission in the interpeduncular nucleus of the ventral midbrain on recovery from general anesthesia (3% halothane in oxygen) was assessed in rats. Immediately upon withdrawal of the anesthetic, nicotine (2 μl, 10−5 to 10−1 M) was injected into the interpeduncular nucleus. Larger doses of nicotine (10−2 and 10−1 M) significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged the recovery of righting reflexes (to 371 ± 55 and 362 ± 67 sec, respectively, mean ± SE), compared with injection of saline (187 ± 19 sec). Prior intramuscular administration of the nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine (2 mg/kg) significantly reduced the effect of 10−2 M nicotine (to 211 ± 43 sec). Injection of the nicotinic antagonist, hexamethonium (10−1 M) led to a low mean recovery time (181 ± 21 sec), not significantly different from control. Prolongation of recovery by 10−2 M nicotine was not found to be significant when sites more dorsal to the interpeduncular nucleus were injected. An observed tendency for injection of nicotine to slow the post-anesthesia rate of breathing was not statistically significant and not correlated anatomically with the injection site in the midbrain. Increased release of acetylcholine has been shown previously to occur in the interpeduncular nucleus during anesthesia. The present results suggest that nicotinic activation of the interpeduncular nucleus facilitates or sums with the mechanisms in the brain that produce anesthesia under halothane.
Transient two-dimensional dynamics in the upper conduit of a rhyolitic eruption : A comparison of closure models for the granular stress

To elucidate the role of particle collisions in redistributing momentum after fragmentation, a numerical study was performed comparing the behavior of an inviscid, or collision-less, granular material with a granular material whose viscosity and pressure were modeled using kinetic theory. The granular viscosity calculation is sensitive to particle size and three particle sizes were considered: 0.0002 m, 0.002 m, and 0.02 m. A critical volume fraction of gas (0.75) identifies the onset of fragmentation, dividing the region of rhyolitic magma with dispersed bubbles from the region of turbulent gas with dispersed particles. The transient simulations can be divided into two dynamic regimes: an initial shock followed by a transition to steady state. During the initial shock phase, treatment of the granular pressure and viscosity led to greater particle velocities relative to the inviscid calculation due to the development of higher gas pressure at fragmentation. However, as steady state is approached the viscosity slows the particle phase relative to the inviscid counterpart for particles greater than a millimeter. The modeled sub-millimeter particle velocity was insensitive to the treatment of the granular pressure and viscosity. Centimeter-scale particles have a much higher granular viscosity (up to 10−1 Pa·s) and the kinetic theory calculation is thus relevant in these conditions. After reaching steady state, the differential velocity between gas and particles at the conduit exit correlates with particle size for both the inviscid and granular viscosity calculations: negligible differential velocity develops for sub-millimeter particles, but centimeter-scale particles exit the conduit with >5% differential velocity between phases.
POÉTIQUE DES MARGES

Alem e aquem dos a prions e das conviccoes de qualquer um, o lque das margens constitui, em termos barthesianos, uma so e unica "escritura", um so e unico engajamento historico em prol de um certo mode de inscrever seu discurso frente ao publico e a historia. Trata-se do reino exclusivo da atracao pela margem, ou da rejeicao do centro; trata-se tambem da estrategia sem falha do "da licenca, que agora chegou a minha vez". Trata-se por fim, da supremacia de um tipo de discurso no qual as qualidades do sujeito prevalecem, em toda parte, sobre a realizacao de seu enunciado.
A comparison of the asthmatic response to methacholine and exercise

Abstract The airway responses to methacholine and to exercise challenges were compared in 45 young adults with asthma. The spirometric response to five minutes of treadmill exercise was first documented. On a separate day methacholine dose-response relationships were determined. All asthmatics had an abnormal response to methacholine, and 36 had an abnormal response to exercise. Methacholine sensitivity and exercise-induced asthma were significantly related (r = 0.69, p
Screening study of spray solution parameters for depositing cerium-based conversion coatings on Al alloy 2024-T3

Cerium-based conversion coatings were deposited on aluminum alloy 2024-T3 by a spray process using a solution containing cerium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and gelatin. As deposited coatings were composed of hydrated cerium oxide and were post-treated in a phosphate solution to improve corrosion performance. Coating solution parameters, including the pH (1–2.5), cerium chloride concentration (0.025–0.125 M), and hydrogen peroxide content (0–1.2 M), were varied to investigate the effect(s) of solution parameters on the corrosion performance of the post-treated coatings. Results indicated that thickness of coatings deposited from solutions with different pH values were similar, while coating thickness increased with increasing concentration of cerium chloride and hydrogen peroxide in the solutions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and observations of the surface appearances of the coatings indicated that coatings deposited from solutions with a pH 2, a cerium concentration of 0.1 M, and a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 0.8 M exhibited the best corrosion resistance.
A method of fitting non-symmetric Gompertz functions for characterising malignant growth

A basic symmetrically asymptotic Gompertz equation was extended to account for more complex growth and life-table data. This extended Gompertz or non-symmetric asymptotic regression equation was found to be suitable for fitting a large variety of data exhibiting growth and experimentally-induced regression effects expressed in the same curve. The statistical and computational properties of this fitting function are discussed in theory and example.
A Framework for Provisioning Overlay Network Based Multimedia Distribution Services

In this paper, we present a graph-theoretic framework for provisioning overlay network based multimedia distribution services to a diverse set of receivers. Considering resource limitations and exploiting geographical positions, it greedily constructs degree-constrained minimum-cost connected graph to manipulate the topology to a significant extent by selecting mesh neighbors and changing the metrics. Data delivery paths and forwarding nodes are chosen using the dominating set. The minimal cardinality of the dominating set reduces the system's dependency on end-hosts. Simulation is used to demonstrate that the framework is more robust and responsive to tree partitions and suitable for multi-source multimedia applications.
Lipid metabolism in brain tissue explants.

— Tissue explants from frontal lobes of rat brain were used for the study of cerebral fatty acid metabolism. After tissues had been maintained in serum-supplemented medium, a lipid-free medium was substituted and metabolic studies were carried out. Under these conditions explants continued to take up lipid precursors for at least 48 h, as judged by incorporation of dl-[2-14C]mevalonic acid into cellular lipids. [l-14C]Stearic acid and [l-14C]palmitic acid were bound to cells as the free fatty acids, or incorporated into neutral lipids (particularly triglycerides), glycolipids and phospholipids. In the galactolipid fraction, cerebrosides were the principal radioactive lipids. Choline phosphoglycerides, ethanolamine phosphoglycerides, inositol phosphoglycerides and serine phosphoglycerides were the principal radioactive phospholipids. Fatty acids were incorporated into cellular lipids either unchanged or after desaturation, chain elongation, or both. Maximum incorporation of stearate occurred in tissues derived from 3-day-old animals. With increasing age the uptake of fatty acid dropped sharply. When the labelling of lipids as a function of time was followed in 3-day-old animals, triglycerides and choline phosphoglycerides were the first fractions to take up labelled stearate. Labelling of cerebrosides occurred slowly, only becoming evident after 24 h. These studies exemplify the usefulness of tissue explants for prolonged metabolic studies in normal and pathological specimens of brain.
The impact of hardiness on accounting task performance

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to expand upon accounting literature that highlights the benefits of hardiness in the accounting environment. Accordingly, the relationship between hardiness and accounting task performance is investigated across two scenarios in the presence of conscientiousness, a well‐documented predictor of performance (Barrick and Mount).Design/methodology/approach – Subjects completed a bank reconciliation task with either an immediate deadline or a non‐immediate deadline. The personality traits were measured with scales from prior literature.Findings – The relationship between the commitment dimension of hardiness and task performance was positive and significant in the presence of the immediate deadline, but not the non‐immediate deadline. Conversely, the conscientiousness‐task performance relationship was positive and significant under the non‐immediate deadline, but not the immediate deadline. Additional analysis revealed a significant association between commitment and det...
n-Butane Hydrogenolysis at Sn/Pt(111) Surface Alloys

Abstract Ordered bimetallic Sn/Pt(111) surface alloys have been prepared in an ultrahigh vacuum system and used in model moderate pressure (1-200 Torr) batch catalytic reactions. Hydrogenolysis of n-butane (H2/n-C4 = 100) was conducted on these surfaces to characterize the effects of ordered bimetallic ensembles relative to those available at the Pt(111) surface over the temperature range 525-625 K. For these conditions, specific n-butane hydrogenolysis reaction rates were determined for the p(2 × 2) Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy, the (√3 × √3)R30° Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy, and Pt(111) as a function of temperature. The order of relative activities is p(2 × 2) Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy > Pt(111) > (√3 × √3)R30° Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy with specific activation energies of 29 ± 2 kcal mol−1 for all three surfaces below 575 K. A leveling in activity is seen for all three surfaces at temperatures above 575 K. The hydrogenolysis activity of the p(2 × 2) Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy is approximately 5-6 times greater than that seen over Pt(111) and the (√3 × √3)R30° Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy is approximately an order of magnitude less active. Product distributions and catalytic deactivation were found to be substantially different for these three surfaces. These results are discussed in terms of the ensemble requirement differences inherent to the hydrogenolysis pathways available at each of the base metals under these conditions of temperature, pressure, and hydrogen/hydrocarbon ratio.
Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes with hydroxypyridine derivatives: effect of protonation and ethylation at the pyridyl nitrogen

A new series of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes with a hydroxypyridine ligand were prepared, and their properties were investigated spectroscopically and electrochemically. Particular focus is paid to the effects of protonation–deprotonation and ethylation of the hydroxypyridine ligand, which affects the NMR, electronic spectroscopy, and electrochemistry of the complex. The changes to the UV-vis spectrum were used to determine a pka of 10.5 for the hydroxypyridine nitrogen. In the NMR, protonation of the hydroxypyridine ligand of the complex causes changes in the chemical shifts of the protons on both the hydroxypyridine and bipyridine rings, indicating some degree of electronic communication between these ligands. In addition, it is found that deprotonation of the hydroxypyridine ligand strongly affects the redox potential of the ruthenium metal center, shifting it more negative by 0.4 V. While the electrochemistry of the protonated complex contains irreversible electrochemical events, both deprotonation and subsequent ethylation of the hydroxypyridine ligand result in reversible electrochemistry for all events within the solvent window. For the ethylated complex, we search for a ligand to ligand charge transfer band, corresponding to electron transfer between bipyridine ligands in the mixed valence state. Despite the potential for electronic coupling between ligands through the metal center, we were unable to find any spectroscopic evidence of such electronic coupling.
YourPassword: applying feedback loops to improve security behavior of managing multiple passwords

Various mechanisms exist to secure users' passwords, yet users continue to struggle with the complexity of multiple password management. We explore the effectiveness of a feedback loop to improve users' password management. We introduce YourPassword, a web-based application that uses feedback to inform users about the security of their password behavior. YourPassword has two main components: a password behavior checker that converts password strengths into numerical scores and a dashboard interface that visualizes users' overall password behavior and provides visual feedback in real time. YourPassword not only provides a total score on all passwords, but also visualizes when passwords are too similar to each other. To test the efficacy of YourPassword, we conducted a between-subjects experiment and think-aloud test with 48 participants. Participants either had access to YourPassword, an existing commercial password checker, or no password tool (control condition). YourPassword helped participants improve their password behavior as compared with the commercial tool or no tool.
Climatic and Environmental Controls on the Occurrence and Distributions of Long Chain Alkenones in Lakes of the Interior United States

Abstract Long chain alkenones (LCA) are temperature-sensitive lipids with great potential for quantitative reconstruction of past continental climate. We conducted the first survey for alkenone biomarkers from 55 different lakes in the Northern Great Plains and Nebraska Sand Hills of the United States. Among those surveyed, we found 13 lakes that contain LCAs in the surface sediments. The highest concentrations of alkenones in sediments are found in cold (mean annual air temperature ∼11 °C versus 17 °C in our warmest sites), brackish to mesosaline (salinity = 8.5–9.7 g/L), and alkaline (pH = 8.4–9.0) lakes with high concentrations of sodium and sulfate. The dynamics of stratification and nutrient availability also appear to play a role in LCA abundance, as early spring mixing promotes a bloom of alkenone-producing haptophytes. Four of the alkenone-containing sites contain the C37:4 alkenone; however, we discovered an unprecedented lacustrine alkenone distribution in a cluster of lakes, with a total absence of C37:4 alkenone. We attribute this unusual composition to a different haptophyte species and show that the sulfate:carbonate ratio may control the occurrence of these two distinct populations. We created a new in-situ temperature calibration for lacustrine sites that contain C37:4 using a water-column calibration from Lake George, ND and show that U 37 K is linearly correlated to lake water temperature (R2 = 0.74), but U 37 K ′ is not. A number of lakes contain an unidentified compound series that elutes close to the LCAs, highlighting the importance of routine GC–MS examination prior to using lacustrine LCAs for paleotemperature reconstructions.
Erratum to: Korean American Women and Mammogram Uptake

Erratum to: J Immigrant Minority Health, DOI 10.1007/s10903-015-0164-6. The names of two of the authors (Eunice E. Lee and Kyeung Mi Oh) were incorrect in the original publication. The correct names are shown here.
Studies on the functional significance of carbonic anhydrase in central nervous system

Summary The role of carbonic anhydrase in the regulation of siezure activity has been studied by comparing the brain enzyme levels of normal rats with those of rats found seizure resistant in the maximal electroshock test. These includeed rats (1) treated with acetazolamide, an anticonvulsant drug; (2) exposed to head X-irradiation, a procedure known to abolish the tonic extensor response to maximal electroshock; and (3) exposed to a combination of acetazolamide and head X-irradiation. In addition, rats which are congenitally seizure resistant in the maximal electroschock test as well as two strains of mice, one audiogenic seizure prone and the other seizure resistant, were also examined in this study. The enzyme determinations were done in different anatomical regions of the CNS. Our results show a regin specific effect. In all the conditions where seizure activity was suppressed, carbonic anhydrase activity was also suppressed with the greatest change occuring in the caudate nucleus. Since it is demonstrated in widely different experimental conditions and in two species, the association of a region specific inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the caudate nucleus and seizure resitance (anticonvulsant action) is considered highly significant.