cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microclimatic control of microbial C, N, and P pools in Spodosol Oa horizons

Nous avons examine les effets de l'humidite et de la temperature du sol sur C, N et P labiles (methode de fumigation et d'extraction au CHCl 3 ) dans les horizons Oa de deux Spodosols. La temperature, l'humidite et les pools labiles ont ete suivis de mai a novembre 1994 dans une parcelle non perturbee (temoin) d'une foret d'epinette, et excepte pour P, dans des parcelles experimentales de forets d'epinette et de feuillus nordiques, ou la temperature a ete controlee avec des câbles chauffants enfouis; des bâches de plastique transparent ont ete utilisees pour exclure l'eau des precipitations. Le C, N et P microbiens dans la parcelle temoin d'epinette atteignaient respectivement 5,9, 0,49 et 0,092 g.kg -1 et representaient 1,2, 4,8 et 21% du total de ces elements dans l'horizon Oa. Les pools etaient positivement correles avec l'humidite (r = 0,38-0,49; p = 0,0001) et le rapport N/C des pools labiles etait positivement correle avec la temperature (r = 0,34; p = 0,0007). Ni la temperature ni l'humidite expliquaient la diminution du rapport P/C dans le temps. Dans les parcelles temoins de l'etude sur le rechauffement du sol dans les forets de feuillus, le C et N microbiens ont atteint 6,4 et 0,74 g.kg -1 , ce qui correspond respectivement a 1,5 et 3,4% des pools totaux de l'horizon Oa. L'exclusion de la pluie a reduit la variabilite du C labile dans les horizons Oa des deux types de forets (p< 0,05). Le rechauffement du sol a diminue le C et N labiles dans les horizons Oa des forets de feuillus (p = 0,01) de 0,05 et 0,007 g.kg -1 .°C -1 respectivement. Les resultats de la foret d'epinette suggerent un transfert net de P hors des pools microbiens durant la saison de croissance.
Assessing variation in health status in the Andes: a biocultural model

Research on health status in the Andes highlands is synthesized to demonstrate that intracultural diversity in the region is greater than often appreciated. Understanding the range of diversity in health status requires a biocultural model of sickness processes. Ecological, sociocultural, political-economic and historical factors, such as altitude, mode of production, labor relations and land reform, are shown to combine to produce varying levels of health as measured at the community level. The model is illustrated both by comparing communities and by the in-depth examination of a single community in the northern Peruvian highlands. A rapid assessment checklist is provided to aid health agents in better assessing the relative health of communities in a potential intervention area.
Line strength measurements using diode lasers: The v2 band of H2S

The strengths of 94 lines in the nu2 band of H2S have been measured with an average accuracy of 3 percent using a tunable diode laser. The line strengths are determined from the peak absorption of nearly Doppler-shaped lines. A detailed error analysis of this measurement method is given. Ratios of the measured line strengths to strengths calculated assuming no vibration-rotation interactions are shown to range from as low as 0.057 to as high as 4.71.
Hypnotizability: correlations with daydreaming and sleeping.

The present study examined the correlations among three variables: hypnotizability scores, hours of daydreaming per day, and hours of sleep per night. Previously, Hilgard (1974) and Wilson and Barber (1980) found that greater hypnotizability is associated with daydreaming more frequently and more vividly. Hilgard concluded that daydreaming is a trance-like stare similar to hypnosis irself. Wilson and BarbeP concluded that daydreams and hypnotic experiences reflect not a mental stde but a personality trait: the ability to image vividly with or without a hypnotic pretext. The present study explored a convergent 'state and trait' hypothesis: that both daydreaming and hypnosis are sleeplike states entered most readily by subjects who share the trait of sleeping less. Fifty-six University of Lowell students were tested in small groups. First, on the back of an answer sheet later used for rating hypnotic experiences, subjects answered two questions: "How many hours do you usually sleep at night?" and "How many hours per day do you daydream?" Next, the experimenrer hypnotized the subjects with Hilgard and Hilgard's (1975) hypnotic induction procedure and administered the five hyp noric suggestions of the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale (SHCS) : hands moving together, hypnotic dreaming, age regression, post-hypnotic coughing, and post-hypnotic amnesia. Following the hypnotic and post-hypnotic suggestions, subjects rated their responsiveness to each suggestion on a five-point scale created for group administration. On the group rating scale for the Stanford Scale, total scores could range from 5 (lowest hypnaizability) to 25 (greatest hypnotizability). The mean group-score for che 56 subjects was 16.1 (SD = 3.7, range 9-25). The mean amount of reported sleep per night was 7.3 hr. (SD = 1.2, 3.5 to 10.0). The mean amount of daydreaming per day was 1.5 hr. (SD = 1.8, 0.0 to 10.0). Higher hypnotizability scores were significantly correlated both with fewer hours of sleep per night (r = -.30, p < .025) and with more hours of daydreaming per day (r = .27, p < .05). Less sleep was strongly associated with more daydreaming (r = -.53, 0 < .001). These Pearson correlation coefficients are consistent with the hypothesis that both daydreaming and hypnosis are sleep-like states entered most readily by subjects who share the trait of sleeping less. Such a hypothesis is also consistent with one of Barber's earliest (1957) findings: that sleeping subjects and hypnotized subjects respond similarly to suggestions.
Narcotic compounds affect electroretinograms of some adult moths and flies

Feeding abamectin B, (ABM, MK-936) to fall armyworm moths, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and corn earworm moths, Heliothis zea (Boddie), resulted in lowered electroretinogram pulse voltages at all wavelengths of stimulating light. Feeding or injecting adult face flies, Musca autumnalis De Geer, with codeine lowered overall ocular neural response (ERG voltage). Face fly spectral sensitivity was altered by feeding cannabinol or thebane in sucrose water.
Prematurity stereotyping and perceived vulnerability at 5‐months: Relations with mothers and their premature and full‐term infants at 9‐months

Objective: To examine the relationship between mothers' prematurity stereotyping and perceptions of vulnerability at 5 months and mother–infant interactions at 9 months for mothers of premature (N = 56) and full‐term (N = 59) infants. Method: At 5 months, mothers rated videotapes of unfamiliar infants given either a full‐term label (FTL) or premature label (PL) and completed questionnaires. At 9 months, mothers were videotaped in interactions with their own infant. A subgroup of mothers completed questionnaires at 32 months. Results: Mothers who more positively rated infants labelled with the same birth status as their own infants chose a more mature toy for their own infant and exhibited more positive interactive behaviours with their own infant at 9 months. Mothers who viewed their infant as more vulnerable at 5 months demonstrated less positive interactions with their 9‐month old infants. Both mothers of premature and full‐term infants who rated FTL infants more positively at 5 months felt less self‐ef...
Altered Temporal Difference Learning in Bulimia Nervosa

Background The neurobiology of bulimia nervosa (BN) is poorly understood. Recent animal literature suggests that binge eating is associated with altered brain dopamine (DA) reward function. In this study, we wanted to investigate DA-related brain reward learning in BN. Methods Ill BN ( n = 20, age: mean=25.2, SD=5.3 years) and healthy control women (CW) ( n = 23, age: mean=27.2, SD=6.4 years) underwent functional magnetic resonance brain imaging together with application of a DA-related reward learning paradigm, the temporal difference (TD) model. That task involves association learning between conditioned visual and unconditioned taste stimuli, as well as unexpected violation of those learned associations. Study participants also completed the Sensitivity to Reward and Punishment Questionnaire. Results Bulimia nervosa individuals showed reduced brain response compared with CW for unexpected receipt and omission of taste stimuli, as well as reduced brain regression response to the TD computer model generated reward values, in insula, ventral putamen, amygdala, and orbitofrontal cortex. Those results were qualitatively similar in BN individuals who were nondepressed and unmedicated. Binge/purge frequency in BN inversely predicted reduced TD model response. Bulimia nervosa individuals showed significantly higher Sensitivity to Reward and Punishment compared with CW. Conclusions This is the first study that relates reduced brain DA responses in BN to the altered learning of associations between arbitrary visual stimuli and taste rewards. This attenuated response is related to frequency of binge/purge episodes in BN. The brain DA neurotransmitter system could be an important treatment target for BN.
Traveling periodic waves of chemical activity

Abstract It is shown that within the manifold of exact solutions a system of reaction-diffusion equations admits only travelling waves with planar symmetry. A derivation of the generic form of approximate (asymptotic) cylindrical and spiral travelling periodic wave solutions is given. If an exact solution homogeneous in space and periodic in time is admitted by the system of reaction-diffusion equations, then travelling periodic spiral waves are admissble as approximate solutions. This is the theoretical explanation for the travelling periodic waves of chemical activity observed in recent experiments.
Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Locoregional Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer

Preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy (NC) has become the standard of care for patients with locally advanced breast cancer and is being increasingly used in those with large operable disease. Its main clinical advantages from a surgical therapy standpoint include the potential for conversion of patients requiring mastectomy to breast-conservation candidates, the potential for improving the cosmetic outcome following lumpectomy by decreasing the size of the primary breast tumor even if the patient is a lumpectomy candidate at presentation, and the potential for converting patients who present with positive axillary nodes and who would initially require axillary lymph node dissection to candidates for sentinel lymph node biopsy alone. Important steps are required from the time of diagnosis until the time of surgical resection to ensure successful locoregional therapy outcomes in patients treated with NC. They include accurate assessment of the location and extent of the primary breast tumor and determination of axillary nodal status before and after NC. This information is critical for successful execution of the surgical plan and to optimize the use of adjuvant radiotherapy following NC. In the future, development of more active neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens and novel molecular and imaging techniques will undoubtedly lead to further individualization of breast cancer surgical management following NC, including the possibility of avoiding surgical resection in cases with a high likelihood of achieving a pathological complete response.
Computer Aided Problem Based Learning in Engineering Dynamics

In this paper we demonstrated the use of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in undergraduate Engineering Dynamics. In PBL, the students enhance their learning by solving problems. In some engineering courses, often the students are not able to explore real life and somewhat complex problems due to inability to handle the mathematical rigor. By using software such as Mathematica® we created modules for some Engineering Dynamics problems. These modules allowed students to concentrate on the formulation and “Physics” and interpretation of the problems of the rather than the rigors of mathematical solutions.
Students’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of a Virtual Simulation in Post-Secondary Hospitality Education

Advances in learning technologies provide educators with opportunities to shift the learning environment to more interactive and student-centered learning environments (Scott & Hannafin, 2000). In theory, by developing technology-based learning environments, students can be stimulated into becoming more active learners. This study explores students' perceived usefulness of an Internet-based hospitality simulation to develop competencies and improve course performance. It was hypothesized in this study that students will have a positive perception of the simulation's usefulness. Data were collected from students who participated in an online hospitality simulation as part of their course requirement. Participants in the current research were from seven different hospitality programs where the course instructor required students to participate in an online virtual hospitality business simulation. Results of the study found that students' perceived usefulness of the simulation experience was positive.
Viral Weapons of Membrane Destruction: Variable Modes of Membrane Penetration by Non-Enveloped Viruses

Significant progress has recently been obtained in our understanding of cellular entry by nonenveloped viruses (NEVs). A key step in the entry process involves the disruption or remodeling of the limiting cell membrane allowing the virus to gain access to the cellular replication machinery. Biochemical, genetic and structural data from diverse virus groups have shed light on the process of membrane penetration thereby revealing both the conservation and divergence of the mechanisms and principles governing this process. In general, membrane breach is achieved via the highly regulated spatiotemporal exposure of a virally encoded membrane lytic factor, resulting in the transfer of the viral genome or nucleocapsid into the cytosol.
Expert System for the Optimal Design and Execution of Successful Completion Practices Using Artificial Bayesian Intelligence

To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no standard guidelines to help in the effective design of completion practices. Many completions have been analyzed in this project, resulting in the best practices, as outlined in this paper. The objective of this paper is to propose a set of guidelines for the optimal completion design, by integrating current best practices through a decision-making system based on Artificial Bayesian Intelligence. Best completion practices collected from data, models, and experts' opinions, are integrated into a Bayesian Network BN to simulate likely scenarios of its use, that will honor efficient designs when dictated by varying well objectives, well types, temperatures, pressures, rock and fluid properties. The described decision-making model follows a causal and uncertainty-based approach capable of simulating realistic conditions on the use of completion operations. For instance, the use of water swelling packer dictates the use of organic acids instead of HCl acids. However, rock type and well geometry affect our selection of treatment fluids. Another example is selection of sand control method based on rock properties. The paper also outlines best operational practices in fracturing, sand control, perforation, treatment and completion fluids, multilateral junction level selection and lateral completion. The paper also discusses in details special well completions. Completion experts' opinions were considered in building the model in this paper. The outcome of this paper is a user-friendly tool, where one can easily find the specific subject of interest, and by the click of a button, get the related information you are seeking. Field cases will also be discussed to validate this work.
So rich, so poor: Why it's so hard to end poverty in America

So rich, so poor: Why it's so hard to end poverty in America, by Peter Edelman, New York, NY, New Press, 2012, 184 pp., $24.95 (hardback), ISBN-13 978-1-59558-785-5 The United States is the wealthi...
Obstacles to Accessing the State Justice System in Rural Afghanistan

The United States' mission in Afghanistan is to create a stable, democratic country that will no longer serve as a stronghold for terrorist organizations. Since the U.S. takeover in 2001, most rule-of-law promotion has focused on urban centers, allowing the Taliban to gain traction in rural areas by creating its own alternative justice system. This Note discusses the primary obstacles preventing citizens in rural Afghanistan from accessing the state justice system and suggests solutions to those obstacles.
Social Cognitive Correlates of Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Latinos

Despite the well-documented benefits of leisure time physical activity, Latinos are reported to be highest among all ethnic groups in leisure time inactivity. The present study examined the relationship between leisure time physical activity and exercise self-efficacy, exercise barriers self-efficacy, exercise social support, and perceived importance of physical activity. Data were obtained from 153 Latinos (n = 86 female, n = 67 male). Comparisons were made between Latinos with high and low levels of leisure time physical activity and between men and women. Results revealed that Latinos high in leisure time physical activity had significantly greater exercise and barriers self-efficacy, received more social support from friends to exercise, and placed greater importance on physical activity outcomes than did Latinos low in leisure time physical activity. No significant differences were revealed for social support from family, nor between men and women on the psychosocial variables. Physical activity interventions targeting sources of self-efficacy, increasing social support, and emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity should be helpful in increasing leisure time physical activity of Latinos. Future research should examine the influence of environmental and cultural variables on the leisure time physical activity of Latinos and how they interact with psychosocial factors.
Growth factors in monoclonal light-chain--related renal diseases.

Abstract The immunomorphological expressions of monoclonal light-chain-related renal diseases (MLCRRD) are extremely varied but have a common pathogenetic feature: monoclonal light-chain deposition. The underlying cellular events involved in these processes are likely a reflection of interactions of a complex cascade of inciting and modulating factors. This study explored the potential role of growth factors in MLCRRD by examining the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and platelet-derived growth factor A chain (PDGF-A) and B chain (PDGF-B) in 36 cases of MLCRRD. All growth factors examined were expressed in tubules, primarily proximal, but to varying extent. Intensity of IGF-I and TGF-β tubular staining correlated with tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis. Intensity of tubular staining with antibodies to FGF also correlated with interstitial fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factor B chain was strongly detected in glomeruli and, in some cases, in vascular structures. Transforming growth factor-beta was detected only in glomeruli of three patients with nodular glomerulopathy associated with light-chain-deposition disease. Insulin-like growth factor, FGF, and PDGF-A were not detected in glomeruli or vessels in any of the cases. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining in tubules and glomeruli was markedly increased in light-chain-deposition disease and less but still significantly increased above control values in the other variants of MLCRRD. These results suggested: (1) a correlation between IGF-I and TGF-β staining in the tubular interstitium and tubular damage; (2) a correlation between IGF-I, TGF-β, and FGF staining in the tubular interstitium and interstitial fibrosis; (3) a likeyly important role for PDGF-B activation in certain glomerular alterations that occur in MLCRRD; (4) a role for TGF-β in light-chain-deposition disease; and (5) the presence of a significant proliferation signal in all cases of MLCRRD but most notably in light-chain-deposition disease in glomerular and tubular compartments. A cascade of events related to growth factor activation appears to play a fundamental role in the pathophysiological processes governing MLCRRD.
Risk factors and stress variables that differentiate depressed from nondepressed pregnant women

Eight hundred ten pregnant women (N=340 depressed and N=470 nondepressed) were recruited at prenatal clinics at around 20 weeks gestational age. The women were diagnosed as depressed based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D) and the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression (SCID). They were interviewed on several demographic variables, risk factors and stress questionnaires. On average, the depressed pregnant women were younger, had lower education levels and socioeconomic status and were less often married. Fewer of the depressed women and their partners were happy when they were told they were pregnant, a greater number of the depressed women experienced a stressful situation during pregnancy, more of the depressed women were prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy, the depressed women had less optimal obstetric complications scores, and a greater percentage of them delivered prematurely. Finally, the scores of the depressed pregnant women on the stress questionnaires suggested greater depression (CES-D), anxiety (STAI), anger (STAXI), pregnancy anxieties (PAAS) and daily hassles.
Urban spatial adjustments resulting from rising energy costs

Since the 1973 oil embargo, the cost of energy in the United States has risen dramatically. The effect on the spatial structure of cities due to higher energy cost is the subject of this paper. Within the framework of a continuous general equilibrium model, it is demonstrated that, contrary to some previous studies, cities might be expected to decentralize rather than to centralize.
Discrepancies Between Score Trends from NAEP and State Tests: A Scale‐Invariant Perspective

State test score trends are widely interpreted as indicators of educational improvement. To validate these interpretations, state test score trends are often compared to trends on other tests such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). These comparisons raise serious technical and substantive concerns. Technically, the most commonly used trend statistics—for example, the change in the percent of proficient students—are misleading in the context of cross-test comparisons. Substantively, it may not be reasonable to expect that NAEP and state test score trends should be similar. This paper motivates then applies a “scale-invariant” framework for cross-test trend comparisons to compare “high-stakes” state test score trends from 2003 to 2005 to NAEP trends over the same period. Results show that state trends are significantly more positive than NAEP trends. The paper concludes with cautions against the positioning of trend discrepancies in a framework where only one trend is considered “true.”
South Asian nuclear arms competition: An American perspective∗

Abstract The analysis of nuclear arms competition in South Asia forms part of a much larger study of American relations with the region after the Cold War carried out under the auspices of The Asia Society. The nuclear policies of both India and Pakistan enjoy strong domestic political support. While a case can be made that a rudimentary state of nuclear deterrence exists between New Delhi and Islamabad, this may be undermined by deployment on both sides of ballistic missiles.
Intracellular localization of enzymes in yeast.

Abstract The intracellular localization of certain enzymes in a haploid strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied; technical aspects of this analysis as applied to yeast were re-evaluated and a set of standard methods was established. These methods are compared and contrasted to those used in other laboratories for similar studies. Spheroplastlysates are well suited for enzyme localization studies while mechanical homogenates of yeast cells are not. The opposite is the case when enzyme levels in whole cells are to be studied. We confirm the finding of catalase-rich particles in wild-type yeast; these particles are smaller than mitochondria but have a similar buoyant density. The glyoxylate cycle in yeast must be characterized by a complex set of interactions necessitated by the unusual localization of some of the enzymes. Citrate synthase is present in mitochondria and also in a new particle which is smaller and less dense than mitochondria. Isocitrate lyase is a totally nonparticulate activity. The component of MDH found in intact mitochondria may be distinguished from the soluble component on the basis of electrophoretic mobility in starch gel. GDH, both NAD- and NADP-linked, is localized in the soluble phase of the cytosol.
Retrace Driven Deflection Circuit

A simple, efficient cathode-ray tube deflection circuit suitable for standard television horizontal sweep applications with excellent linearity has been developed. The circuit employs either a single transistor or a tube, operated as a switch. The sweep amplitude may be adjusted continuously without affecting the linearity or general performance of the circuit. The switching operation is such that the inrush current upon closing the switch and the voltage build-up upon opening the switch are delayed sufficiently to prevent excessive momentary dissipation in the switching device. This and other circuit characteristics makes it possible to operate the switching device efficiently, particularly when the circuit is transistorized, and therefore permits exceptionally wide deflection angles with a relatively small transistor.
The Ecological and Developmental Role of Recovery High Schools

Recovery high schools are secondary schools designed specifically for students recovering from substance use or co-occurring disorders. Studies have affirmed the chronic nature of substance use disorders and the developmental value of social supports for adolescents. As part of understanding human growth and development, training programs for human service professionals (teachers, counselors, and social workers) emphasize comprehension and application of developmental theories. Recovery high schools provide the opportunity to apply developmental constructs to support adolescent students as they learn to live a life of recovery in the midst of chronic challenges. Earlier articles in this issue have offered descriptive, evaluative, and applied analyses of recovery high schools. This article adds to the practical understanding of recovery high schools by providing a synthesis of how developmental concepts form a foundation for recovery high school environments and cultures. Four theories—Bronfenbrenner's soc...
Effect of hyaluronidase on reaction of rabbits to intradermal inoculations of vaccinia virus.

Summary1. Hyaluronidase or testicular extract enhances the lesions produced in non-immunized and passively immunized rabbits following intradermal inoculation of vaccinia virus. 2. On the contrary, in rabbits with a partial active immunity the lesions induced by the virus are partially suppressed by the spreading effect of hyaluronidase. 3. When the reactions of the rabbits are expressed in terms of the ratio of the diameter of the lesions of the saline series of virus dilutions to the diameter of the hyaluronidase or testicular extract series, the ratios are 0.60, 0.67, and 1.18 for the non-immunized, the passively immunized, and the partially, active immune groups of rabbits, respectively.
The Effect of Chlorine and Sulfur on the Composition of Ash Deposits in a Fluidized Bed Combustion System

The major advantage of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) of fuels is the ability to absorb SO2 and HCl when limestone is used in the combustor. The combustion of high chlorine coal does generate some concerns about the possibility of chlorine-related corrosion of boiler components at high temperatures. It is believed that molten alkali salts may cause severe corrosion when they deposit on the surfaces of heat exchange tubes in a boiler. A better understanding of the effect of temperature on the deposition of alkali chloride will help find a way to convert them to harmless salts before they condense on the components of an FBC system. Furthermore, the knowledge of the distribution of sulfur and chlorine in ash under different conditions is necessary not only to understand the principle and efficiency of desulfurization by limestone, but also to evaluate the role of limestone in the capture of HCl. In this study three different fuels with different chlorine, sulfur, and alkali contents were burned in a 0.1 MWt...
When the Government is the Controlling Shareholder: Implications for Delaware

When the federal government is the controlling shareholder, the doctrine of sovereign immunity transforms the legal structures of accountability. Procedurally, the government and its agents can only be sued in federal court. Substantively, claims must be brought within one of the statutory waivers of sovereign immunity (the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Tucker Act, or the Administrative Procedure Act). Although in the right circumstances plausible claims could be brought in Delaware against the directors of a government-controlled Delaware corporation, we argue that Delaware should avoid a confrontation with Washington, and that the best way to do so is to take advantage of the flexibility provided by Delaware Court of Chancery Rule 19.
Optimal packet size estimation using pseudo gradient search based on 2-additive measures

In wireless communications, packet size is one of the most significant parameters that have an impact on the quality of service (QoS). The optimal packet size depends on wireless channel condition and reception performance. However, it is difficult to determine the optimal packet size under time-varying channel in advance. Besides, performance characteristic of wireless devices is virtually unpredictable due to different hardware implementations. In this paper, we propose an approach to estimate the optimal packet size based on some of pre-measurement results which are shown later that they can be considered as a nonlinear multi-regression problem. The collected data contain the knowledge about the effect of wireless reception. Based on this information, the pseudo gradient search approach in combination with the 2-additive measures is adopted to determine the optimal search direction, build knowledge about reception performance, and accurately estimate the optimal packet size. The main contribution of this paper is the theoretical model of optimal frame size determination as well as the validation of our proposed approach through numerical analysis.
Moderate Alcohol During Pregnancy: Learning and Behavior in Adolescent Rhesus Monkeys

Background: Although high-dose prenatal alcohol exposure is related to cognitive and behavioral impairments in children and adolescents with fetal alcohol syndrome, there is relatively little research on the effects of moderate drinking during pregnancy. We examined learning, memory, and behavior in adolescent rhesus monkeys prenatally exposed to moderate levels of alcohol, psychological stress, or both alcohol and stress. Methods: Forty adolescent rhesus monkey subjects were derived from four groups of female rhesus monkeys that (1) consumed alcohol throughout gestation; (2) experienced prenatal stress; (3) experienced prenatal stress and alcohol consumption; or (4) control group (no alcohol, no stress). The subjects were assessed for number of trials required to reach 90% criterion of correct responses on nonmatching-tosample task (NMS), followed by trials with delays of 30, 60, or 120 sec. Ratings of behavior during testing were made after each session. Results: Subjects exposed to moderate prenatal alcohol required significantly more trials to reach criterion on the acquisition phase of the NMS task but had no difficulty with delays. Prenatally stressed monkeys showed lower response inhibition or less behavioral restraint, whereas prenatal alcohol plus stress monkeys showed higher activity level and stereotypies compared with controls. High scores on neonatal measures of orientation (attending to novel stimuli) and motor maturity and low scores on irritability, activity, stereotypies, and impulsivity during acquisition were correlated with fewer trials to criterion on acquisition of NMS. Conclusions: NMS trials required to reach criterion and behavior during testing are sensitive to moderate-level prenatal alcohol exposure in monkeys. The most adverse behavioral outcomes (hyperactivity and stereotypies) were associated with prenatal alcohol plus stress, raising concerns that environmental stress might provide the context within which fetal alcohol exposure could promote adverse behavioral outcomes. These effects occurred in the absence of either facial deformities or retarded physical growth.
Rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections

Summary About 20 species of rapidly growing mycobacteria species that are capable of infecting human beings and causing bloodstream infections have been identified. Many more of these species are being discovered worldwide, especially in resource-poor settings. These microorganisms have been known to cause outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Although rapidly growing mycobacteria are not highly virulent or life threatening, they have a high predisposition to create biofilms and to colonise and infect intravascular catheters. Early detection and identification of specific species can help to estimate predictable antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. However, because susceptibility data originate from developed countries, studies in resource-poor settings urgently need to be done. The best outcome of cure without recurrence depends on a combination of at least 4 weeks of treatment with two or more active antimicrobial agents, plus removal of the intravascular catheter. We review and discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections.
The nondietary determinants of vitamin D status in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) and markers of vitamin D status in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods We conducted a retrospective case–control study of 59 pediatric patients with IBD (age 16.4 ± 2.2 y) and 116 controls (age 14.6 ± 4.4 y), to investigate the association between 25(OH)D and albuminemia for protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and hepatic dysfunction; alanine transaminase (ALT) for hepatic inflammation; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for intestinal inflammation; body mass index (BMI) for adiposity; seasons and skin pigmentation for insolation. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D 40 U/L; overweight status by BMI of ≥85th but Results Patients with IBD had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (42.4% versus 26.7%; P = 0.04), elevated ALT (16.9% versus 2.6%; P P R 2 = 0.24; β = –0.32; P = 0.010), and only patients with IBD with elevated ESR had lower 25(OH)D than controls (49.5 ± 25.2 versus 65.3 ± 28.0 nmol/L; P = 0.045). Conclusion Intestinal inflammation, not the loss of albumin-bound vitamin D in the gut, is the primary intestinal determinant of vitamin D status in IBD. The extraintestinal determinants are seasons and skin pigmentation, but not adiposity and hepatic inflammation.
Women and economic statecraft: : The negative impact international economic sanctions visit on women

Though it is widely accepted that advancing women’s rights is crucial to promoting more economic prosperity, good governance, and social equality, very few studies have analyzed the gender-specific...
Coccidioidomycosis at a university health service.

At a single university health service within an endemic area, 172 cases of coccidioidomycosis were retrospectively identified by fungal cultures, serologic studies, or intercurrent skin test conversions. The average annual incidence of symptomatic infection was 0.43% for susceptible students. Peak case rates occurred in November and June (11 cases/10,000 clinic visits) and were 1.5 to 6 times greater than in other months. Although mononucleosis was diagnosed approximately twice as frequently as coccidioidomycosis, coccidioidal infections required 74% more visits per patient and over 3 times longer clinical supervision than did mononucleosis. Although only 2 patients disseminated, diagnosis and management of patients with coccidioidomycosis constituted more than 2% of our clinic's visits, for an estimated annual cost of more than $34,000. Because our patient population is young and otherwise healthy, our estimates of the impact of primary coccidioidal infection may underestimate that on civilian public hea...
Apparel Fit and Size Concerns and Intentions to Use Virtual Try-On: Impacts of Body Satisfaction and Images of Models’ Bodies

The objectives of this study were to investigate whether images of female bodies shown in a website influence female consumers' level of body satisfaction and to examine how these variables affect online shoppers' concerns with garment fit and size and their intentions to use a virtual try-on model. We conducted an experiment using a 2 × 2 between-subject factorial design with 249 college students. The results showed the main effects of female bodies associated with body satisfaction on female consumers' concerns with garment fit and size. We also found a negative relationship between body satisfaction and concerns with garment fit and size as well as a positive relationship between concerns and intentions to use virtual try-on technology. However, we found no significant effect of female bodies on female consumers' body satisfaction.
Control of aquifer flow for improved aquifer thermal energy storage system performance

Operation of a 150-tin chill aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system used to air-condition the University of Alabama Student Recreation Center has been monitored for several years. The ATES system chills water in the winter, stores it in a water-table aquifer, and recovers cold water for summer air-conditioning. A program has been implemented to reduce losses of chilled water resulting from natural aquifer flow. Analysis of data to determine the effectiveness of flow control measures is reported. Demonstration of improved overall energy efficiency (coefficient of performance or COP) requires further performance monitoring, but flow control measures clearly result in lowered water recovery temperatures, thus improving dehumidification. >
Determination of the effective electric dipole moments of selected NO2 Ã 2 B 2 fine structure levels

Stark-Zeeman quantum beats (parallel electric and magnetic field-induced fluorescence modulation) are used to determine second-order Stark tuning coefficients for the F 1 and F 2303 and F 1101 upper levels of the NO2 A-[Xtilde] 5933 A band, yielding effective excited state dipole moments of 0·22, 0·42, and 0·26 D, respectively, along the b axis (bisector of the ONO angle).
Microcarrier culture of vascular endothelial cells on solid plastic beads

Abstract The culture of vascular endothelial cells on solid plastic beads is described. A greater than 30-fold increase in cell numbers was achieved in stationary culture medium. The inclusion of fibroblast growth factor slightly improved the rate of growth from low densities. Addition of fresh beads to colonized beads resulted in colonization of the newly introduced microcarrier. In common with the behaviour of endothelium in conventional culture, the cells cultured on beads changed from a fusiform to a polygonal shape after reaching confluence. Cell proliferation was also observed by [3H]thymidine autoradiography of DNA. The fraction of radiolabelled nuclei declined at confluence on each bead, indicating density-inhibition of growth. By electron microscopy, the cells displayed the typical ultrastructural appearance of endothelium. Following transfer of colonized beads to a chromatography column with slow perfusion of the bead bed, cell viability was maintained over a 24 h period and proportional synthesis of prostaglandin I2 upon stimulation by ionophore A23187 was demonstrated. This simple microcarrier technique allows the generation of large numbers of vascular endothelial cells for subcellular fractionation with economical use of space and medium. When set up as a perfused bead bed, it offers possibilities for the short-term collection of concentrated endothelial metabolites.
Harmonic and two-tone intermodulation distortion analyses of the inverted InGa/InAlAs/InP HBT

Harmonic and two-tone intermodulation distortion analyses of the InGaAs/InAlAs/InP collector-up heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) are performed by a simple Ebers-Moll model. The parasitic elements of the equivalent circuit are extracted at zero bias by numerical optimization. A semianalytical approach is used to extract the intrinsic parameters of the small-signal equivalent circuit at nonzero bias points. Appropriate equations given by device physics are fitted to the bias variation of intrinsic parameters so that the Ebers-Moll model parameters can be extracted. Agreement between simulation and measurement of harmonic and intermodulation distortion is achieved.
IDENTIFICATION OF FD&C DYES BY RESONANCE RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Dyes are ideally suited to analysis by a special type of Raman phenomenon called the resonance Raman effect. Raman spectra of the dyes were obtained using the 4880 A laser line with %300 mw power at the sample, using a single pass of the lasar beam for excitation. Presents results of anlayses on FD&C Red No. 2, 4 and 40. identification of food dye in solution-as well as in solids and emulsions-with Raman spectroscopy shows great potential since each dye has a unique Raman ‘fingerprint,’ permitting identification at concentrations as low as 5 pm.
Inertial microfluidics for continuous particle separation in spiral microchannels

In this work we report on a simple inertial microfluidic device that achieves continuous multi-particle separation using the principle of Dean-coupled inertial migration in spiral microchannels. The dominant inertial forces coupled with the Dean rotational force due to the curvilinear microchannel geometry cause particles to occupy a single equilibrium position near the inner microchannel wall. The position at which particles equilibrate is dependent on the ratio of the inertial lift to Dean drag forces. Using this concept, we demonstrate, for the first time, a spiral lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for size-dependant focusing of particles at distinct equilibrium positions across the microchannel cross-section from a multi-particle mixture. The individual particle streams can be collected with an appropriately designed outlet system. To demonstrate this principle, a 5-loop Archimedean spiral microchannel with a fixed width of 500 µm and a height of 130 µm was used to simultaneously and continuously separate 10 µm, 15 µm, and 20 µm polystyrene particles. The device exhibited 90% separation efficiency. The versatility of the device was demonstrated by separating neuroblastoma and glioma cells with 80% efficiency and high relative viability (>90%). The achieved throughput of ∼1 million cells/min is substantially higher than the sorting rates reported by other microscale sorting methods and is comparable to the rates obtained with commercial macroscale flow cytomerty techniques. The simple planar structure and high throughput offered by this passive microfluidic approach make it attractive for LOC devices in biomedical and environmental applications.
Lipid modulation in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: Effect on microvascular outcomes

Although hyperlipidemia is associated with the development of diabetes complications, the effect of lipid reduction on microvascular complications is unknown. We initiated a 2-year, randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot trial of simvastatin/diet vs. diet alone in Type 1 diabetic patients without overt nephropathy. Thirty-nine patients with LDL cholesterol 100-160 mg/dl, >10 year duration of diabetes and an albumin excretion rate (AER) <200 microg/min were recruited for study. The primary end-point was change in AER. Secondary end-points were change in ankle-brachial index, progression of retinopathy status, change in vibratory threshold, and development of new clinical neuropathy. Nineteen patients were treated with simvastatin and twenty with placebo. However, because of the lowering of drug initiation levels by the American Diabetes Association, the trial was terminated early with 2 subjects reaching 2 years, 17 reaching 18 months, 36 reaching 1 year, and all 6 months. Simvastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol (mean on treatment 173.4 vs. 191.4, P=.020) and LDL cholesterol (mean on treatment 105.0 vs. 127.7, P<.001). Simvastatin therapy was associated with a slower rise in AER compared to placebo, though the result was not statistically significant (median rate of change/month 0.004 vs. 0.029). There was a trend towards slower progression of neuropathy as measured by vibratory threshold (median change at 1 year 0.03 simvastatin vs. 0.94, P=.07). There was no difference in change in ankle-brachial index, clinical neuropathy status, or retinopathy status. In conclusion, treatment with simvastatin may have a beneficial effect on early nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy, justifying a fully powered trial. However, this would be difficult under current treatment guidelines.
Lysine acetylation of CREBH regulates fasting-induced hepatic lipid metabolism

Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like 3, hepatocyte specific (CREBH), is a hepatic transcription factor that functions as a key regulator of energy homeostasis. Here, we defined a regulatory CREBH posttranslational modification process, namely, lysine-specific acetylation, and its functional involvement in fasting-induced hepatic lipid metabolism. Fasting induces CREBH acetylation in mouse livers in a time-dependent manner, and this event is critical for CREBH transcriptional activity in regulating hepatic lipid homeostasis. The histone acetyltransferase PCAF-mediated acetylation and the deacetylase sirtuin-1-mediated deacetylation coexist to maintain CREBH acetylation states under fasting conditions. Site-directed mutagenesis and functional analyses revealed that the lysine (K) residue at position 294 (K294) within the bZIP domain of the CREBH protein is the site where fasting-induced acetylation/deacetylation occurs. Introduction of the acetylation-deficient (K294R) or acetylation-mimicking (K294Q) mutation inhibited or enhanced CREBH transcriptional activity, respectively. Importantly, CREBH acetylation at lysine 294 was required for the interaction and synergy between CREBH and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in activating their target genes upon fasting or glucagon stimulation. Introduction of the CREBH lysine 294 mutation in the liver leads to hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in animals under prolonged fasting. In summary, our study reveals a molecular mechanism by which fasting or glucagon stimulation modulates lipid homeostasis through acetylation of CREBH.
Complications of Trauma

Early stabilization of long bone fractures significantly decreases the risk of pulmonary complications, ARDS, fat embolism, and thromboembolic disease
Optics for an X-Ray FEL

The novel properties of X-ray free-electron lasers will present unique challenges to the optical systems which will condition their radiation. Careful design, new materials, and precision construction will be needed.