cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Density-functional theory of atoms in strong magnetic fields

A density-functional model of atoms in strong magnetic fields is proposed along lines parallel to Hohenberg-Kohn-Sham density-functional theory. We derive a Thomas-Fermi-Weiz\"acker-like (TFW) functional by using the classical-path approximation to the relevant one-particle Green's function. We also address the correlation effect between the effective potential and the magnetic field. The TFW-like model provides a simple way of calculating ground-state energies and charge densities of atoms in magnetic fields, and can be systematically improved.
Elemental composition of potted vegetables and millet grown on hard coal bottom ash-amended soil.

Vegetables (bush beans, cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes and tomatoes) and millet (Echinochloa crus-galli var. frumentacea) were grown in pots of soil amended with hard coal bottom ash and the magnitude of absorption of 23 elements by the plants was studied. At maturity, the crops were harvested and the edible portions collected for analysis. Results are tabulated. Most elements showed no consistent increase in concentration in the ash-grown plants. B, Cr, Mo, K, Na and Se were higher in at least 5 of the crops grown on ash-amended soil than the respective control crops. Toxic elements such as As and Cd showed no increase or only a modest increase in various of the plants grown.
Unstable superheavy relic particles as a source of neutrinos responsible for ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays

Decays of superheavy relic particles may produce extremely energetic neutrinos. Their annihilations on the relic neutrinos can be the origin of the cosmic rays with energies beyond the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff. The redshift acts as a cosmological filter selecting the sources at some particular value ${z}_{e}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\delta}z$, for which the present neutrino energy is close to the $Z$ pole of the annihilation cross section. We predict no directional correlation of the ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays with the galactic halo. At the same time, there can be some directional correlations in the data, reflecting the distribution of matter at redshift ${z\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}z}_{e}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\delta}z$. Both of these features are manifest in the existing data. Our scenario is consistent with the neutrino mass reported by super-Kamiokande and requires no lepton asymmetry or clustering of the background neutrinos.
The strong building: a case study in direct investment

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to examine direct investment in commercial real estate from the perspective of the individual. While most research is dominated by studies concerning direct investment by institutions (REITs, pension funds, etc.), the bulk of direct investment in commercial property is still conducted by individuals.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents accounting and financial data from the original purchase, management and disposal of a small‐scale office building. Cash flows, returns and risks are measured and analyzed.Findings – The case demonstrates that successful direct investments may be characterized by short‐term time horizons involving older, small‐scale properties.Practical implications – This case illustrates the non‐academic nature of real world direct investment in commercial property. The case demonstrates that emotion and good timing are just as important to a successful venture as are cash flows and thorough risk estimates. The case also shows that s...
Expression of granzyme B mRNA is altered in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients.

CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells are the major cytotoxic components of the antiviral immune response. The major pathway used by these cells in response to viral-infected cells involves granzymes, cytotoxic granule serine proteases involved in the pathway leading to target cell DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. The levels of granzyme B mRNA in peripheral blood cells of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type-I infected patients in comparison to noninfected individuals were assessed by quantitative competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Expression of granzyme B mRNA is altered in HIV-1 infected patients. Significantly fewer HIV patients had detectable granzyme B mRNA levels than controls. The one HIV-infected patient with detectable granzyme B mRNA displayed a much higher level of this mRNA than all healthy controls. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity during HIV-1 infection may be impaired due to a deficient quantity of active cytotoxic granules or to their abnormal regulation.
Kevin: "I Gotta Get to the Market": The Development of Peer Relationships in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings

This study describes the lived experience of Kevin, a young child with physical disabilities who is placed in an inclusive classroom, a classroom where children with and without disabilities are educated together, with extra support provided for the child with disabilities. Children with disabilities who are placed in inclusive early childhood settings tend to be rejected or neglected more than their typically developing peers and are involved more with the adults in the classroom than with their peers. Kevin’s experiences are framed in the context of the current emphasis on inclusive practices. The study documents that adult assistance and curriculum activities both play an important role in either facilitating or constraining social interaction with peers. When the assigned assistant functions as the child’s playmate and mostly chooses table activities, both of these seem to limit opportunities for social interaction with peers. This study also documents that, without the assistant present, the child makes independent choices such as where and with whom to play. The dramatic play area serves as a conduit for meaningful verbal and nonverbal communication with peers. At the same time, Kevin’s strong desire to play in this area seems to be the impetus for physical development—he walks alone for the very first time. Suggestions are given for teacher facilitation of dramatic play.
Obscurin: a multitasking muscle giant.

Obscurin (~800 kDa) is the third member of a family of giant proteins expressed in vertebrate striated muscle, along with titin (3–3.7 MDa) and nebulin (~800 kDa). Like its predecessors, it is a multidomain protein composed of tandem adhesion modules and signaling domains. Unlike titin and nebulin, which are integral components of sarcomeres, obscurin is concentrated at the peripheries of Z-disks and M-lines, where it is appropriately positioned to communicate with the surrounding myoplasm. This unique distribution allows obscurin to bind small ankyrin 1, an integral component of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane. Obscurin also associates with the contractile apparatus through its binding to titin, sarcomeric myosin and perhaps other proteins of the contractile apparatus. Overexpression of the COOH-terminus of obscurin in primary myotubes has a dramatic and specific effect on the organization of sarcomeric myosin, indicating a role in the organization and regular assembly of A-bands. Given its ability to associate tightly, selectively and periodically with the periphery of the myofibril, its high affinity for an integral membrane protein of the SR and its close association with thick filaments, we speculate that obscurin is ideally suited to play key roles in modulating the organization and assembly of both the myofibril and the SR.
A dual-acceptor time-resolved Föster resonance energy transfer assay for simultaneous determination of thyroid hormone regulation of corepressor and coactivator binding to the thyroid hormone receptor: Mimicking the cellular context of thyroid hormone action.

Previously, we reported the development of two in vitro time-resolved Foster resonance energy transfer (tr-FRET)-based assays for evaluating the potency and efficacy of different ligands of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) for regulating the recruitment of coregulators. We could measure independently, in separate assays, both the recruitment of SRC3 (steroid receptor coactivator 3, a transcriptional coactivator) and the dissociation of NCoR (nuclear receptor corepressor, a transcriptional corepressor) from a TR*retinoid X receptor (RXR) heterodimer bound to a DR+4 thyroid hormone response element (TRE). Here, by using the distinct emission peaks of Tb(3+), the donor fluorophore used to label the TRE-bound TR*RXR heterodimers, and selecting two distinct acceptor fluorophores, fluorescein and cyanine 5, to label of NCoR and SRC3, respectively, we have integrated our previous two assay formats into a single assay. Thus, we can measure the potency of TR ligands simultaneously for NCoR dissociation and SRC3 recruitment activities in a system that mimics many features of the cellular context of TR action. The performance of this dual assay was tested with a known, highly potent physiological TR ligand, triiodothyronine (T(3)), and with a synthetic TR antagonist, NH-3. Measured potencies and efficacies of these two TR ligands from this dual assay are highly comparable to those obtained from the two independent assays. Thus, this dual-acceptor tr-FRET assay further simplifies the measurement of ligand-modulated TR-coregulator interactions and should improve the overall efficiency of the screening process of TR drug discovery programs.
Kinetic mechanisms in morpholino-DNA surface hybridization.

Morpholinos (MOs) are DNA analogues whose uncharged nature can bring fundamental advantages to surface hybridization technologies such as DNA microarrays, by using MOs as the immobilized, or “probe”, species. Advancement of MO-based diagnostics, however, is challenged by limited understanding of the surface organization of MO molecules and of how this organization impacts hybridization kinetics and thermodynamics. The present study focuses on hybridization kinetics between monolayers of MO probes and DNA targets as a function of the instantaneous extent of hybridization (i.e., duplex coverage), total probe coverage, and ionic strength. Intriguingly, these experiments reveal distinct kinetic stages, none of which are consistent with Langmuir kinetics. The initial stage, in which duplex coverage remains relatively sparse, indicates confluence of two effects: blockage of target access to unhybridized probes by previously formed duplexes and deactivation of the solid support due to consumption of probe molecu...
Spectroscopic study of lanthanide(III) complexes with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids

Abstract The complexation of trivalent lanthanides with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids (malonic, succinic, glutaric and adipic) were studied at 25°C and 0.1 M (NaClO4) ionic strength by luminescence and absorption spectroscopy and luminescence lifetime measurements. The luminescence spectra and decay constants indicate that ML and ML2 complexes were formed. The stability constants of Eu(III) complexes with the dicarboxylic acids were calculated from the changes of the 5D0←7F0 excitation spectra of Eu(III). For the four dicarboxylic acids studied, both the stability constant and the number of water molecules released from the inner sphere of Eu(III) upon complexation decrease from malonate to adipate for both the ML and ML2 complexes. The results are interpreted as reflecting an increasing tendency from chelation to monodentation as the carbon chain length increases between carboxylate groups. The trend in the oscillator strength in the hypersensitive transition of the Nd(III)and Ho(III) complexes is the same as that in the ligand basicity.
Interleukin-6 Mediates the Platelet Abnormalities and Thrombogenesis Associated with Experimental Colitis

Clinical studies and animal experimentation have shown that colonic inflammation is associated with an increased number and reactivity of platelets, coagulation abnormalities, and enhanced thrombus formation. The objective of this study was to define the contribution of IL-6 to the thrombocytosis, exaggerated agonist-induced platelet aggregation, and enhanced extra-intestinal thrombosis that occur during experimental colitis. The number of mature and immature platelets, platelet life span, thrombin-induced platelet aggregation response, and light/dye-induced thrombus formation in cremaster muscle arterioles were measured in wild-type (WT) and IL-6–deficient (IL-6−/−) mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. DSS colitis in WT mice was associated with thrombocytosis with an elevated number of both mature and immature platelets and no change in platelet life span. The thrombocytosis response was absent in IL-6−/− mice. DSS treatment also enhanced the platelet aggregation response to thrombin and accelerated thrombus development in WT mice, but not in IL-6−/− mice. Exogenous IL-6 administered to WT mice elicited a dose-dependent enhancement of thrombus formation. These findings indicate that IL-6 mediates the thrombocytosis, platelet hyperreactivity, and accelerated thrombus development associated with experimental colitis. The IL-6–dependent colitis-induced thrombocytosis appears to result from an enhancement of thrombopoiesis because platelet life span is unchanged.
Rethinking the Role of Tropical Forest Science in Forest Conservation and Management

The rapid deterioration of the global environment is no longer a surprise to anyone (Dirzo and Raven 2003; Bawa et al. 2004; Wright 2005; Barnosky et al. 2012; Cardinale et al. 2012), but not much tangible progress has occurred to curb the deterioration and unsustainable exploitation of our natural resources (Tollefson and Gilbert 2012). There is no better example of this than tropical forests (FAO 2005), which continue to disappear despite the serious implications of this loss on important ecosystems services such as carbon cycling, climate regulation, and biodiversity (Costanza et al. 1997; Bonan 2008; Chazdon 2008; Sugden et al. 2008).
Endothelin-1 vasoconstriction during swine cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves coronary perfusion pressures but worsens postresuscitation outcome.

Background—Vasoconstriction during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) and thereby outcome. The combination of endothelin-1 (ET-1) plus epinephrine improved CPP during CPR compared with epinephrine alone in a canine cardiac arrest model. The effect of the combination on outcome variables, such as successful resuscitation and survival, has not been investigated. Methods and Results—Twenty-seven swine were randomly provided with 1 mg epinephrine (Epi group) or 1 mg epinephrine plus 0.1 mg ET-1 (ET-1 group) during a prolonged ventricular fibrillatory cardiac arrest. ET-1 resulted in substantially superior aortic relaxation pressure and CPP during CPR. These hemodynamic improvements tended to increase initial rates of restoration of spontaneous circulation (8 of 10 versus 8 of 17, P=0.12). However, continued intense vasoconstriction from ET-1 led to higher aortic diastolic pressure and very narrow pulse pressure after resuscitation. The mean pulse pressure 1 hour aft...
A multicultural assessment of adolescent connectedness: Testing measurement invariance across gender and ethnicity.

Counselors, psychologists, and evaluators of intervention programs for youth increasingly view the promotion of connectedness as an important intervention outcome. When evaluating these programs, researchers frequently test whether the treatment effects differ across gender and ethnic or racial groups. Doing so necessitates the availability of culturally and gender-invariant measures. We used the Hemingway: Measure of Adolescent Connectedness to estimate the factor structure invariance and equality of means across gender and 3 racial/ethnic groups with a large sample of middle school adolescents. From a practical perspective, the 10-scale model suggested factor structure invariance across gender and racial or ethnic (i.e., African American, Caucasian, and Latina/o) groups of adolescents. However, tests for partial invariance revealed some group difference on the factor loadings and intercepts between gender and ethnic/racial groups. When testing for mean equivalence, girls reported higher connectedness to friends, siblings, school, peers, teachers, and reading but lower connectedness to their neighborhoods. Caucasians reported higher connectedness to their neighborhoods and friends but lower connectedness to siblings than African Americans and Latinos. African Americans reported the highest connectedness to self (present and future) but lowest connectedness to teachers. Latinos reported the lowest connectedness to reading, self-in-the-present, and self-in-the-future. Overall, this study reveals racial/ethnic and gender mean differences on several connectedness subscales and suggests the Hemingway subscales are, from a practical perspective, invariant across gender and ethnicity and therefore appropriate for most assessment and evaluation purposes.
A case of traumatic pneumocephalus.

A 39-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a chief complaint of headache for 3 days. The patient had fallen down a flight of stairs 3 days prior to presentation and had a loss of consciousness. Following the event, he noted clear nasal discharge and a salty taste in the back of his throat that had resolved spontaneously after 24 h. He finally sought medical attention for worsening headaches, intermittent dizziness, and right eye pain. On physical examination, he had a right periorbital contusion without step-off or crepitus. The eye was normal. The patient had no neck stiffness or meningeal
Effect of variants of interferon-tau with mutations near the carboxyl terminus on luteal life span in sheep.

Mutant forms of recombinant ovine interferon-'r (olFN-r) have been previously prepared by site-directed mutagenesis of an ovine gene with the purpose of establishing relationships between structure and function of the molecule. These mutant forms have altered antiviral and antiproliferative activities, and receptor-binding affinities, and their ability to extend estrous cycle length after being injected i.m. into nonpregnant ewes has been established. In experiment 1, i.m. injection of either PBS (vehicle) alone or with 0.1 mg (n = 4), 0.5 mg (n = 4), or 2.0 mg (n = 3) of recombinant olFN-'r (S4, identified below) was performed twice daily on Days 11-18 postestrus (Day 0 = estrus). Luteal life span was extended (p 0.05) on luteal life span relative to the group that received vehicle alone. In subsequent experiments, the dosage of olFN-T was 1.0 mg per injection twice daily. The objective of experiment 2 was to determine the effect of mutated forms of olFN-,r on luteal life span in sheep. Fifty-seven ewes received twice-daily injections (i.m.) from Day 10 to Day 20 postestrus of PBS (vehicle) either alone (n = 9), with 0.3 mg/injection of bacterial contaminating proteins (BP; n = 10), or with 1 mg/injection of one of the following forms of recombinant olFN-T: 1) a fully active, 172-amino acid (aa) olFN-T (S4, n = 10); 2) a form lacking 11 aa at the carboxyl terminus and with an 1 143 ---T mutation (S1), which had very low antiviral and antiproliferative activities and receptor-binding affinities (n = 9); 3) a truncated form identical to S1 but with 1'43 restored (TRN11), which had low antiviral and antiproliferative activities but only slightly reduced receptor-binding affinities (n = 10); and 4) a form similar to wild type S4 (S4-K) with low antiviral and antiproliferative activities but only slightly reduced receptor-binding affinities (n = 9). Luteal life span was slightly longer (p < 0.05) in the TRN11 and S4-K groups (19.6 and 20.6 days, respectively) than in the PBS, BP, and S1 groups (16.2, 16.8, and 17.5 days, respectively). In the S4 group, mean luteal life span was 33.6 + 5.9 days (range 15.5-64 days). A third experiment entailing twice-daily injections of either 0.3 mg BP (n = 6), 1 mg TRN11 (n = 5), 1 mg S4-K (n = 5), or 1 mg S4 (n = 5) was conducted in which the pyrogenic effect of the olFN-, was also examined. Luteal life span was longer (p < 0.05) in the S4-K and S4 groups (18.9 and 28 days, respectively) than in the BP and TRN11 groups (16.6 and 17.6 days, respectively). Intramuscular injection of all forms of IFN-T caused hyperthermia in ewes initially, but ewes appeared to become refractory to treatment after several days. In summary, extension of luteal life span was more closely associated with biological activity as assessed in vitro than with receptor binding affinities.
Fabrication of nanoporous titania on glass and transparent conducting oxide substrates by anodization of titanium films

Nanoporous titania (TiO2) or titania nanotubes could provide a continuous nanostructured electron-conducting anode for organic photovoltaics. In this work, nanoporous titania was formed by anodizing thin films of titanium on both glass and transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrates. Titanium thin films (500–700 nm) were deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Films were anodized in acidic electrolytes containing small amounts of hydrofluoric acid (HF) at constant voltages ranging from 7 to 15 V. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed a nanoporous structure. Nanoporous titania structures were grown on glass in an electrolyte containing sulfuric acid, trisodium citrate, and potassium fluoride, with pore diameters around 50 nm. Analyzing the films at different anodization times, the stages of nanopore formation were elucidated. Additionally, nanoporous titania was formed on a TCO substrate by anodizing in an electrolyte containing acetic acid and hydrofluoric acid. While not completely transparent, the nanoporous titania is promising for use in organic photovoltaics.
Influence of Impurity Particles on the Fracture of UO2

Three types of second-phase precipitates were identified by scanning electron microscopy of helical specimens of nominally pure UO2, i.e. (1) bonded or weakly bonded complex Si particles precipitated during sintering from impurities in the starting material, (2) more strongly bonded Al2O3-UO2 surface particles that formed on the external surfaces during sintering, and (3) metallic Fe or U phases. The influence of these particles on the room-temperature fracture stress, σf, was investigated. Particles of types (1) and (2) were as large as 300 μm and caused up to 100% reduction in σf, whereas the metallic phases had no significant effect. The critical-strain-energy-release rate, Gc, determined from the measured flaw sizes and associated fracture stresses, was ∼3600 ergs/cm2. Purification procedures that reduced the impurity particle sizes and number density improved the strength significantly.
Power grid transient simulation in linear time based on transmission-line-modeling alternating-direction-implicit method

The soaring clocking frequency and integration density demand robust and stable power delivery to support tens of millions of transistors switching. To ensure the design quality of power delivery, extensive transient power grid simulations need to be performed during design process. However, the traditional circuit simulation engines are not scaled as well as the complexity of power delivery, as a result, it often takes a long runtime and huge memory requirement to simulate a medium size power grid circuit. In this paper, we develop and present a new efficient transient simulation algorithm for power distribution. The proposed algorithm, TLM-ADI (Transmission-Line-Modeling Alternating-Direction-Implicit), first models the power delivery structure as transmission line mesh structure, then solves the transient MNA matrices by the alternating-direction-implicit method. The proposed algorithm, with linear runtime and memory requirement, is also unconditionally stable which ensures that the time-step is not limited by any stability requirement. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is not only orders of magnitude faster than SPICE but also extremely memory saving and accurate.
The Rome of Two Northern Pilgrims: Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury and Abbot Nikolás of Munkathverá

The pilgrim-diaries associated with Sigeric, archbishop of Canterbury (990–994), and Nikolas, abbot of the Benedictine monastery at Munkaþvera, Iceland (1155–1159), commend themselves to historians of ecclesiastical Rome on more than one count. Both diaries include itineraries unusually detailed for their periods and in this regard are unique for the countries of origin and valuable in regard to the history of the regions traversed. More than this, and of particular moment for the historian of the medieval Church, both diaries devote considerable attention to sights seen in the Eternal City. Here these little works offer a welcome, in a sense intimate, view of Rome of the periods in question; for they tell us one very important thing that the medieval Baedekers do not, namely, just what two individuals elected to see or were shown or, equally significant, what two men chose to note down or especially remembered in the course of their tour of the city. The English diary with its systematic list of Roman churches — the titles often in a dubious Latin (see the individual items, especially pp. 275–276 below) — furnishes us, furthermore, with a little catalogue that, coming between the list of Leo III (806) and the list that the papal chamberlain Cencio Savelli (later Pope Honorius III) compiled in 1192, fills an obvious gap. The Icelandic diary, though less important in this regard, gains in interest by including a number of secular monuments and considerable detail about the churches, wanting in the English work. Both texts are worthy of more study than has been devoted to them.
Bonds, Bridges and Quality of Life in Small Towns

This paper examines the relationship between two types of social capital (bonding and bridging) and quality of life in small Iowa communities. Social capital literature suggests potentially differing community outcomes depending on the type of social capital present in each community. I utilize longitudinal data from 1994 to 2004 to assess the relationship between social capital and the amount of change in quality of life and overall levels of quality of life. The findings provide partial support of the hypotheses, namely that aspects of bridging (between group) social capital are significant and more useful in explaining variations in overall levels of quality of life and changes in levels of quality of life over a 10 year period compared with bonding (within group) social capital.
Constraint hierarchies and their applications

The authors describe how they have used constraints and constraint hierarchies in three different systems: ThingLab II, a system written in Smalltalk-80 for building user interfaces; HCLP, a new programming language that integrates constraint hierarchies with logic programming; and Kaleidoscope, another programming language that combines constraint hierarchies with imperative programming constructs (state and assignment), as well as with object-oriented programming. Also described are the algorithms these systems require for finding solutions to constraint hierarchies. >
Differential Biofilm Formation and Motility Associated with Lipopolysaccharide/Exopolysaccharide-Coupled Biosynthetic Genes in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia WR-C is capable of forming biofilm on polystyrene and glass. The lipopolysaccharide/exopolysaccharide-coupled biosynthetic genes rmlA, rmlC, and xanB are necessary for biofilm formation and twitching motility. Mutants with mutations in rmlAC and xanB display contrasting biofilm phenotypes on polystyrene and glass and differ in swimming motility.
Sex, stressful life events, and adult onset depression and alcohol dependence: Are men and women equally vulnerable?

Higher rates of major depression (MD) among females, and of alcohol dependence (AD) among males, are among the most routinely reported findings in psychiatric epidemiology. One of the most often pursued explanations for sex differences in both disorders suggests that males and females have a differential vulnerability to stressors, which is manifested in sex-specific ways (MD for females, AD for males). However, existing evidence in support of this explanation is mixed. In the present study, we investigated sex differences in the association between stressful life events and MD and AD in a large national sample of adults in the United States (n = 32,744) using a prospective design. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between stressful life events and both MD and AD; sex-specific effects of stress on MD and AD were evaluated by testing interaction terms between sex and stressors in the prediction of both outcomes. The number of stressful life events was predictive of first onset MD and AD. This was true for both males and females, and sex-by-stress interaction terms did not support the hypothesis that sex-specific responses to stressful life events lead to sex differences in first onset of MD and AD among adults. These results indicate the resistance of sex differences in MD and AD to simple explanations, and suggest the need for more nuanced models that incorporate both physiological and social aspects of vulnerability.
Linaclotide Improves Abdominal Pain and Bowel Habits in a Phase IIb Study of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation

Background & Aims Linaclotide, a minimally absorbed, 14-amino acid peptide agonist of guanylate cyclase-C, has shown benefit in a proof-of-concept study for the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation (IBS-C). We assessed the efficacy and safety of linaclotide at a daily dose range of 75–600 μg in IBS-C. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of 420 patients with IBS-C given oral linaclotide at doses of 75, 150, 300, or 600 μg or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. End points included change from baseline in daily bowel habits, daily abdominal symptoms, and weekly global assessments, in addition to responder criteria. Results All doses of linaclotide significantly improved bowel habits, including frequency of spontaneous bowel movements and complete spontaneous bowel movements (primary end point), severity of straining, and stool consistency. Abdominal pain was significantly reduced from baseline, compared with placebo; mean changes in abdominal pain (assessed on a 5-point scale) from baseline were −0.71, −0.71, −0.90, and −0.86 for linaclotide doses of 75, 150, 300, and 600 μg, respectively, compared with −0.49 for placebo. Likewise, most doses of linaclotide significantly improved other abdominal symptoms, including discomfort and bloating, and global measures of IBS-C compared with placebo. Effects were observed within the first week and were sustained throughout 12 weeks of treatment. Except for diarrhea, the incidence of adverse events was similar between placebo and linaclotide groups. Conclusions Linaclotide, across a wide range of doses, significantly improved symptoms of IBS-C, including abdominal pain and bowel symptoms. Diarrhea was the only dose-dependent adverse event and was usually of mild or moderate severity.
The Multiple Secularisms of Modern Democratic and Non-Democratic Regimes

What is the variety of possible, and actual, democratic patterns of state-religion –society relations? I suggest seven responses, not all of which I have space to fully develop, and I focus on four in particular: 1) “separatist”, 2) “established religion”, 3) “positive accommodation” and 4) “respect all, positive cooperation, and principled distance”.
Occupational therapy practice errors in physical rehabilitation and geriatrics settings: A national survey study

Objectives The purpose of this survey study was to investigate occupational therapy practice errors in physical rehabilitation and geriatric practice settings. Method Two hundred and forty-five (245) out of 994 surveyed occupational therapists who have practiced or currently practice in physical rehabilitation or geriatrics settings responded to a self-developed questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe practice errors as to the types, causes, impact on, and responses of occupational therapists and work sites. Inferential statistical analysis was used to explore the relationships among different variables of interest including: the effect of the number of years of practice experience on the perceived impact of making errors on practice; the relationship between disclosure or nondisclosure of errors; and the types of coping strategies used by occupational therapists and work site administrators' responses to errors. Results The vast majority of practice errors occurred during the intervention phase of the occupational therapy process. Misjudgment, lack of preparation, and lack of experience were reported as the top three causes of practice errors. Various coping strategies-such as compensating for the errors by voluntarily devoting additional time for care of the patient, making and following a corrective plan, concentrating on the next step, or not letting errors interfere with daily work-were used by the occupational therapists when errors occurred. The types of coping strategies and work site responses appeared to be associated with the disclosure or nondisclosure of errors. Conclusion Errors occur in occupational therapy practice. Making errors has considerable impact on occupational therapists as well as their future practice. However, disclosure of errors can often lead to positive outcomes.
Assessing the Carbon Consequences of Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Encroachment Across Oregon, USA

Our ability to assess the continental impacts of woody encroachment remains compromised by the paucity of studies quantifying regional encroachment rates. This knowledge gap is especially apparent when it comes to quantifying the impact of woody encroachment on large-scale carbon dynamics. In this study, we use a combination of aerial photography from 1985– 1986 and 2005 and near-annual Landsat satellite imagery over the same period to assess the rates of encroachment by western juniper, Juniperus occidentalis Hook., into the grasslands and shrublands of eastern Oregon. The approximately 20-yr Landsat reflectance trajectories identified for the juniper woodlands of eastern Oregon did not correlate well with changes in juniper crown cover over the same period, suggesting that systematic trends in reflectance are being driven by vegetation other than juniper. Using a random sample of 150 aerial photography plots, we estimate the average aboveground accumulation of carbon in undisturbed juniper woodlands to be 2.9 kg C ? m 22 ? yr 21 ; about 0.20 Tg C ? yr 21 across all of Oregon. However, juniper removal by cutting and or burning, occurring at a rate of , 1% yr 21 , counteracted regional encroachment by about 35%, bringing the net change in aboveground carbon down to 1.9 kg C ? m 22 ? yr 21 , about 0.13 Tg C ? yr 21 across all of Oregon. This study illustrates the capacity of woody removal, over very small areas, to offset encroachment over very large areas and cautions against scaling site-level encroachment studies over entire regions.
New Cell Lines from Heliothis virescens: Characterization and Susceptibility to Baculoviruses

Abstract New cell lines from embryos ofHeliothis virescenswere recently developed. Six primary cultures were initiated in June 1995. From these initial cultures, two produced sufficient cell growth to allow subcultivation and eventually led to the establishment of seven cell strains, three of which are maintained at low temperatures (17°C). The strains were compared with a previously established cell line fromH. virescensby isozyme analysis and shown to be from the same species. All the strains were inoculated with various baculoviruses, includingAutographa californicanucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV),Anagrapha falciferaNPV,Anticarsa gemmatalisNPV,Rachoplusia ouNPV,Lymantria disparNPV (LdMNPV),Orgyia pseudotsugataNPV (OpSNPV),O. leucostigmaNPV (OlMNPV), andHelicoverpa zeaNPV (HzSNPV). All seven strains were highly susceptible to the noctuid NPVs, and large numbers of occlusion bodies (OBs) were produced in most of the inoculated cells. The HzSNPV infection developed at a slower rate (requiring 1 week or more before a substantial number of cells contained OBs compared with 2–3 days for the other three noctuid NPVs). Three of theH. virescensstrains were also susceptible to OpSNPV although only 10–20% of the cells produced OBs with this virus. We did not observe cytopathology (CPE) in any cells inoculated with OlMNPV or LdMNPV. Our results suggest that these new strains can be useful for the study and possibly the production of baculoviruses for which no effective cell systems are available and for comparative studies on multiple virus species.
Redesigning an integral membrane K+ channel into a soluble protein

Even though the structure determination of soluble proteins has become routine, the number of unrelated integral membrane protein structures remains at a few dozen. The importance of this class of proteins to the molecular mechanisms underlying numerous biological phenomena demands that novel experimental techniques be developed to overcome the limitations imposed by conventional detergent-dependent approaches. Here we report the re-engineering of a putative K + channel protein of unknown structure into a water-soluble analogue. By analyzing evolutionary conservation patterns of related sequences, lipid-facing residues of the primitive channel were identified and mutagenized into more polar alternatives. Further stabilization of the resultant construct was achieved through fusion with maltose-binding protein. The final soluble protein forms a tetramer, suggesting that it accurately models its predecessor. This methodology, as a viable alternative to the use of detergents, should be applicable to a wide range of integral membrane protein families including transporters and other signal transducers.
Stick-Slip Motions in the Friction Force Microscope: Effects of Tip Compliance

When a microcantilever with a nanoscale tip is scanned laterally over a surface to measure the nanoscale frictional forces, the onset of stick-slip tip motions is an extremely important phenomenon that signals the onset of lateral friction forces. In this article, we investigate theo- retically the influence of tip and microcantilever compliance on this phenomenon. We show that static considerations alone cannot predict uniquely the onset of single or multiple atom slip events. Instead, the nonlinear dynamics of the tip during a slip event need to be carefully investigated to determine if the tip evolves to a single or multiple atom stick-slip motions. The results suggest that the relative compliances of the tip and microcantilever can be engineered to induce single or multiple atom stick-slip events and thus control lateral friction forces at the nanoscale.
Structures of Rat and Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide IAPP1−19 in Micelles by NMR Spectroscopy†

Disruption of the cellular membrane by the amyloidogenic peptide IAPP (or amylin) has been implicated in β-cell death during type 2 diabetes. While the structure of the mostly inert fibrillar form of IAPP has been investigated, the structural details of the highly toxic prefibrillar membrane-bound states of IAPP have been elusive. A recent study showed that a fragment of IAPP (residues 1−19) induces membrane disruption to a similar extent as the full-length peptide. However, unlike the full-length IAPP peptide, IAPP1−19 is conformationally stable in an α-helical conformation when bound to the membrane. In vivo and in vitro measurements of membrane disruption indicate the rat version of IAPP1−19, despite differing from hIAPP1−19 by the single substitution of Arg18 for His18, is significantly less toxic than hIAPP1−19, in agreement with the low toxicity of the full-length rat IAPP peptide. To investigate the origin of this difference at the atomic level, we have solved the structures of the human and rat IA...
Evaluation of Linear Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid Teat Dip Under Experimental Challenge

Abstract Linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid 1 at 1.94% was evaluated as a teat dip in two experimental challenge trials. Each trial was 4 wk, and a half udder design was used. In the first trial the product reduced incidence of intramammary infection with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29740) by 82.5%. Incidence of infection with Streptococcus agalactiae (ATCC 27956) was reduced nonsignificantly 19.5%. Ineffectiveness was attributed to challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae at concentrations higher than previously used. In a second trial of only Streptococcus agalactiae , infections were reduced 56.9%; concentrations of challenge suspensions were those routinely used.
A Kantian Take on the Supererogatory

This article presents a Kantian alternative to the mainstream approach in ethics concerning the phenomena that are widely thought to require a category of the supererogatory. My view is that the phenomena do not require this category of (Kantian style) imperfect duties. Elsewhere I have written on Kant on this topic; here I shift my focus away from interpretive issues and consider the pros and cons of the Kantian approach. What background assumptions would lean one to favour the Kantian approach and what sorts would lean one to favour the mainstream approach? I also consider the possibility that in institutional contexts, there is a need for the category of the supererogatory. Here, it seems, we do need to know what we really have to do and what is beyond the call of duty; in this context, however, duty is not the Kantian moral notion, but rather is pegged to particular roles, or to the needs of the institution or group or club of which one is a member. But even here, I argue, the notion of the supererogatory is not crucial.
Erosional effects on soil organic carbon stock in an on-farm study on Alfisols in west central Ohio

Abstract Soil erosion and depositional processes in relation to land use and soil management need to be quantified to better understand the soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. This study was undertaken on a Miamian soil (Oxyaquic Hapludalfs) under on-farm conditions in western Ohio with the objectives of evaluating the effects of degree of erosion on SOC stock under a range of tillage systems. Six farms selected for this study were under: no-till (NT) for 15, 10, 6 and 1.5 years; chisel till every alternate year with annual manure application (MCT); and annual chisel till (ACT). A nearby forest (F) site on the same soil was chosen as control. Using the depth of A horizon as an indicator of the degree of erosion, four erosion phases identified were: uneroded (flat fields under F, NT15, and on the summit of sloping fields under NT10, NT6, NT1.5 and MCT); deposition (NT10, NT6, NT1.5 and ACT); slight (NT10, MCT and ACT); and moderate erosion (NT10 and ACT). Core and bulk soil samples were collected in triplicate from four depths (i.e., 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–50 cm) for each erosional phase in each field for the determination of bulk density, and SOC concentrations and stocks. SOC concentration in NT fields increased at a rate of 5% year −1 for 0–10 cm and 2.5% year −1 for 10–20 cm layer with increasing duration under NT. High SOC concentration for NT15 is indicative of SOC-sequestration potential upon conversion from plow till to NT. SOC concentration declined by 19.0–14.5 g kg −1 in MCT and 11.3–9.7 g kg −1 in NT10 between uneroded and slight erosion, and 12.0–11.2 g kg −1 between slight and moderate erosion in ACT. Overall SOC stock was greatest in the forest for each of the four depths. Total SOC stock for the 50 cm soil layer varied in the order F (71.99 Mg ha −1 ) > NT15 (56.10 Mg ha −1 ) > NT10 (37.89 Mg ha −1 ) = NT6 (36.58 Mg ha −1 ) for uneroded phase ( P −1 ) > NT1.5 (42.70 Mg ha −1 ) > NT10 (30.97 Mg ha −1 )). Tillage increased soil erosion and decreased SOC stock for top 10 cm layer for all erosional phases except deposition.
The Transcription‐Coupled Repair Protein ERCC6/CSB Also Protects Against Repeat Expansion in a Mouse Model of the Fragile X Premutation

The fragile X-related disorders (FXDs) are members of the group of diseases known as the repeat expansion diseases. The FXDs result from expansion of an unstable CGG/CCG repeat tract in the 5' UTR of the FMR1 gene. Contractions are also seen, albeit at lower frequency. We have previously shown that ERCC6/CSB plays an auxiliary role in promoting germ line and somatic expansions in a mouse model of the FXDs. However, work in model systems of other repeat expansion diseases has suggested that CSB may protect against expansions by promoting contractions. Since FXD mice normally have such a high expansion frequency, it is possible that such a protective effect would have been masked. We thus examined the effect of the loss of CSB in an Msh2(+/-) background where the germ line expansion frequency is reduced and in an Msh2(-/-) background where expansions do not occur, but contractions do. Our data show that in addition to promoting repeat expansion, CSB does in fact protect the genome from germ line expansions in the FXD mouse model. However, it likely does so not by promoting contractions but by promoting an error-free process that preserves the parental allele.
RADIATION-INDUCED HEMORRHAGIC DIATHESIS IN DOGS UNASSOCIATED WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIA: ASSOCIATION WITH AN INTRAVASCULAR PROTEIN-POLYSACCHARIDE PARTICLE.

1. Significant thrombocytopenia is not present preterminally in dogs given appropriate doses of Y90-DTPA irradiation. Nevertheless, these animals have a severe hemorrhagic diathesis at postmortem examination. 2. Dogs systemically irradiated with Y90-DTPA, and having a terminal hemorrhagic diathesis, demonstrate an intravascular polysaccharide substance at postmortem examination. This polysaccharide has staining characteristics similar to those first reported by Andersen in dogs systemically irradiated with x-rays, and more recently observed in the lesions of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Parameterized Design Optimization of a Magnetohydrodynamic Liquid Metal Active Cooling Concept

The success of model-based multifunctional material design efforts relies on the proper development of multiphysical models and advanced optimization algorithms. This paper addresses both in the context of a structure that includes a liquid metal (LM) circuit for integrated cooling. We demonstrate for the first time on a complex engineering problem the use of a parameterized approach to design optimization that solves a family of optimization problems as a function of parameters exogenous to the subsystem of interest. This results in general knowledge about the capabilities of the subsystem rather than a restrictive point solution. We solve this specialized problem using the predictive parameterized Pareto genetic algorithm (P3GA) and show that it efficiently produces results that are accurate and useful for design exploration and reasoning. A “population seeding” approach allows an efficient multifidelity approach that combines a computationally efficient reduced-fidelity algebraic model with a computationally intensive finite-element model. Using data output from P3GA, we explore different design scenarios for the LM thermal management concept and demonstrate how engineers can make a final design selection once the exogenous parameters are resolved.
Linear Integral Equations in One Variable

The general form of an integral equation for the unknown function of one variable ψ(x) is $$ A(x)\psi (x) = {\psi_0}(x) + \lambda \int_{a(x)}^{b(x)} {J\left[ {x,y,\psi (y)} \right]dy} $$ (9.1a)
The induction of immediate and delayed sensitivity in the marmoset.

SummaryAn attempt was made to evaluate the immunological competence of the marmoset (S. mystax). Delayed hypersensitivity was induced to tuberculin and dinitrofluorobenzene. Only two of six animals produced measurable antibody, one marmoset produced precipitating antibody, and these two animals produced antibodies detectable by PCA and hemagglutination.
Tetrahedral Numbers as Sums of Square Numbers

(1991). Tetrahedral Numbers as Sums of Square Numbers. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 104-108.