cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The recent theory of Gião concerning the formation of precipitation in relation to the polar‐front theory

According to the theory of the Norwegian school of meteorologists, the main precipitation of our latitudes is caused by the vertical motions at the surfaces of discontinuity with respect to velocity and density of the air. This conception of important influence which the surfaces of discontinuity have upon our weather is generally accepted in Europe, although sometimes with modifications. It has begun to prove its usefulness in better understanding and forecasting of the weather in this country, mostly through the work done at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Early Nephrologist Involvement in Hospital-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury: A Pilot Study

Background The optimal timing of nephrology consultation in patients with hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown. Study Design Prospective controlled nonrandomized intervention study. Setting & Participants We screened daily serum creatinine (SCr) levels of 4,296 patients admitted to the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center between September and November 2008 (control group) and January to May 2009 (intervention group). 354 patients (8.2%) met the definition of in-hospital AKI (SCr level increase of 0.3 mg/dL over 48 hours); 176 of whom met all inclusion criteria; 85 and 91 patients were enrolled in the control (standard care) and intervention groups, respectively. Intervention Early renal service involvement (EARLI), defined as a 1-time nephrology consultation within 18 hours of the onset of AKI. Outcome Primary outcome defined as 2.5-fold increase in SCr level from admission. Measurement Daily SCr until discharge. Results The 2 groups had similar characteristics at baseline and at the time of AKI. The intervention was completed at a mean of 13.1 ± 0.8 hours from the onset of AKI. Nephrology recommendations in the EARLI group included specific diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative components. The primary outcome occurred in 12.9% of patients in the control group compared with 3.3% of patients in the EARLI group ( P = 0.02). Patients in the EARLI group had a lower peak SCr level of 1.8 ± 0.1 versus 2.1 ± 0.2 mg/dL in controls ( P = 0.01). Limitations Single-center nonrandomized study of mostly US male veterans. Conclusions Early nephrologist involvement in patients with AKI may reduce the risk of a further decrease in kidney function. A larger randomized trial is needed to confirm the findings.
Pediatricians in Managed Care: What Preventive Services are Delivered to Adolescents? 14

Objective: To examine the extent to which pediatricians are adhering to clinical preventive service guidelines that have been developed to assist clinicians in screening adolescents for health risks.
MODELLING UNKNOWN STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS THROUGH THE USE OF NEURAL NETWORKS

This paper explores the potential of using neural networks to identify the internal forces of typical systems encountered in the field of earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. After formulating the identification task as a neural network learning procedure, the method is applied to a representative chain-like system under deterministic and stochastic excitations. The neural network based identification method provides very good results for general classes of multi-degree-of-freedom structural systems. The range of validity of the approach is demonstrated, and some application issues are discussed for (a) partially known multi-degree-of-freedom systems and (b) completely unknown systems.
Field distribution in vertebral bodies of the rat during electrical stimulation: a parameter study

Electrical-field and current-density distributions were found in various tissues of a mathematical model of an experimental rat used to study systemic osteoporosis. The finite-element method was used to solve the boundary value problem derived from Maxwell's equations using a quasistatic approximation for a 60-kHz external output signal applied by means of skin electrodes. A parametric study was done initially to determine the principle factors which effect the solution of the field in the vertebral bodies. Grid coarseness, model length, intervertebral space width had little effect on the solution while trabecular bone and abdominal cavity conductivity values had strong effects. The two pairs of transversely placed electrodes spaced by at least three vertebral bodies produced the most uniform field distributions and were used in the experimental rat model. The range of current density values in the trabecular bone was determined to be 3.0-5.0 mu A/cm/sup 2/ at the external output signal where evidence of a reversal of bone loss due to castration osteoporosis had been found in the experimental rat. >
Correlation between requirement for SecA during export and folding properties of precursor polypeptides

The structural complexity of a ligand in association with the molecular chaperones SecB and SecA was investigated using three species of precursor maltose-binding protein, which differ in their stability as a result of an amino acid substitution in each that affects the rate of folding of the polypeptide. In the presence of high concentrations of both SecB and SecA, the precursors were translocated in vitro with indistinguishable kinetics. However, when SecA was limiting, the translocation was more rapid for precursor species, which had lower stability in the native state relative to the stability of the wild-type precursor. We propose that, when in complex with SecB, precursors can form an element of tertiary structure and that these tertiary contacts are blocked when SecA is bound.
Temperature dependence of positronium decay rates in gases

The decay rate of orthopositronium (o-Ps) formed and thermalized in eight different gases is systematically investigated as a function of temperature. The o-Ps collisional quenching rate is observed to increase with temperature, T , for He, Ne, Ar, N2 , ethane, methane, isobutane and neopentane. All of the gases except ethane and methane increase linearly over the investigated temperature range, 300 K<T <600 K. Recent theoretical work for noble gases at elevated temperatures suggests a linear increase in the collisional quenching rate with temperature at the low densities used herein where collective phenomena such as bubble formation and density fluctuations are not present. When comparisons can be made with previous experimental results the agreement is generally poor. Precision o-Ps decay rate measurements using gases are also discussed concerning systematic effects due to the energy dependence of the collisional quenching rate.
Surgical Management of Metastatic Spine Disease

Metastatic disease of the spine is a common and troublesome complication in many cancer patients. Metastases may cause debilitating pain and neurologic dysfunction, significantly limiting functional ability and quality of life. With advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical techniques, the treatment of metastatic spine disease has facilitated improved quality of life for many patients. Surgical advances have allowed more aggressive surgical decompression, debulking, and stabilization for vertebral metastases. With an aging population and as more patients survive longer with their burden of disease, surgical management of metastatic spine disease will become more prevalent.
Factors Associated with Drug Use Among Youth Living in Homeless Shelters

SUMMARY There have been only a limited number of studies that examine drag use among homeless youth and there have been no studies to date on drag use with adolescents living in homeless families. This study examined predictors of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use with homeless adolescents and preadolescents (N = 234) living in shelters for homeless families. Structured interviews were conducted on self-reported drag use, as well as background variables, social environmental influences, and individual characteristics hypothesized to promote drag use. Logistic-regression analyses revealed that social influences (friends and family drag use) are strong predictors of experimental drug use and intentions to use drags, as are several psychological factors (psychological well-being, assertive-ness, and social support). Implications of the findings for effective prevention programs for homeless and other high risk youth are discussed.
Conductive paper from lignocellulose wood microfibers coated with a nanocomposite of carbon nanotubes and conductive polymers

Composite nanocoating of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT‐PSS) and aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNT‐PSS) on lignocellulose wood microfibers has been developed to make conductive microfibers and paper sheets. To construct the multilayers on wood microfibers, cationic poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) has been used in alternate deposition with anionic conductive PEDOT‐PSS and solubilized CNT‐PSS. Using a Keithley microprobe measurement system, current‐voltage measurements have been carried out on single composite microfibers after deposition of each layer to optimize the electrical properties of the coated microfibers. The conductivity of the resultant wood microfibers was in the range of 10 −2 ‐2 S cm −1 depending on the architecture of the coated layer. Further, the conductivity of the coated wood microfibers increased up to 20 S cm −1 by sandwiching multilayers of conductive co-polymer PEDOT‐PSS with CNT‐PSS through a polycation (PEI) interlayer. Moreover, paper hand sheets were manufactured from these coated wood microfibers with conductivity ranging from 1 to 20 S cm −1 . A paper composite structure consisting of conductive/dielectric/conductive layers that acts as a capacitor has also been fabricated and is reported. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Individual Differences in Verbal and Imagery Abilities: Paired-Associate Recall as a Function of Stimulus and Response Concreteness:

Individual differences in verbal ability measured by Verbal Scholastic Aptitude Test score and imagery ability measured by Betts' Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery and Marks' Vividness of Visual Im...
Parasites associated with exotic food

Abstract The short description of parasites associated with "exotic food" is by no means inclusive. Many others, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Spirometa spp. (sparganosis), Taenia saginata (cysticercosis), and Echinostoma malayanum , are transmitted via food. Raw sheep liver "sowda" is commonly consumed in Lebanon. Many people developed human toxocariasis after eating this dish (19). The economic loss associated with food-borne parasitic zoonoses is of significant consequence. The estimated impact of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in northern Thailand alone is estimated at 120 million U.S. dollars. Medical costs in the U.S. associated with trichinellosis alone are estimated at 1.5 to 2 million dollars annually (20). in addition to the economic impact of these parasites, significant morbidity and mortality can occur. Also the discomfort and presence of worms migrating through the body is certainly distressful. However, to completely avoid many, if not all, parasitic infections, thoroughly cook all food before ingestion. In addition, if the fish or meat has been frozen, then the larvae could be killed.
Replacement of the Tyrosine Residue That Links a Potyviral VPg to the Viral RNA Is Lethal

Mutants of tobacco vein mottling virus (TVMV) were constructed in which the tyrosine residue (Tyr1860) that links the VPg to the viral RNA was changed to phenylalanine or serine or was inverted in position with the adjacent glycine residue. In another mutant, the tyrosine residue nearest to Tyr1860 (Tyr1867) was changed to a phenylalanine residue. The resulting mutants were tested for their ability to infect Nicotiana tabacum plants or protoplasts. The Tyr1860 mutants did not accumulate to detectable levels in infected plants when tested by ELISA and Northern blot analysis. Moreover, the Tyr1860-associated mutants were not infectious in protoplasts, indicating that mutations involving the linking amino acid of the TVMV VPg abolished viral replication. In contrast to the Tyr1860 mutants, transcripts from the mutation of Tyr1867 to a phenylalanine residue infected both protoplasts and plants. Analysis of progeny RNA from plants inoculated with the Tyr1867 mutant indicated that a reversion to wild type had occurred in systemically infected leaves.
Relations between bromide content and depositional processes in bedded halite, Permian San Andres Formation, Palo Duro Basin, Texas

Geochemical data, stratigraphic mapping, and textural relations within bedded halite in the Permian San Andres Formation, Palo Duro Basin, Texas Panhandle, were integrated to determine environments of deposition and alteration and to evaluate influences on the amount of bromide in halite.
Brief note on the influence of shape and percentage of gravel on the shear strength of sand and gravel mixtures

The paper records the influence of the shape and the percentage of gravel on the shear strength/frictional angle of sand and gravel mixtures using direct shear tests. The shear strength is mainly derived from the frictional forces developed due to sliding and interlock; they depend on the maximum particle size and shape, the uniformity coefficient, density and the effective normal stress. As the size of material in a mixture is variable, the shear strength also depends upon the ratio of the specimen diameter to the maximum particle size. In this study, two different shapes of limestone were used, angular and rounded, and the maximum gravel size was 6.3 mm in diameter. Air-dried samples were used in the tests. It is concluded that the shape and percentage of gravel have an important influence on the shear strength properties.
Complex-fragment emission in 12.6 MeV/nucleon 63Cu-induced reactions on 12C and 27AI targets

Abstract Complex fragments from the 12.6 MeV/nucleon 63Cu+12C, 27Al reactions were investigated. For both systems a projectile-like and/or a target-like component was observed along with an isotropic component. The roles of quasi-elastic/deep-inelastic processes, of statistical complex-fragment emission, and of the evaporation residue are discussed.
Readiness of CMS simulation towards LHC startup

The CMS experiment has used detector simulation software in its conceptual as well as technical design. With the detector construction near its completion, the role of simulation has changed toward understanding collision data to be collected by CMS in near future. CMS simulation software is becoming a data driven, realistic and accurate Monte Carlo programme. The software architecture is described with some detail of the framework as well as detector specific components. Performance issues are discussed as well.
Dietary Oxalate and Calcium Oxalate Nephrolithiasis

Purpose: Patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones are advised to decrease the consumption of foods that contain oxalate. We hypothesized that a cutback in dietary oxalate would lead to a decrease in the urinary excretion of oxalate and decreased stone recurrence. We tested the hypothesis in an animal model of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.Materials and Methods: Hydroxy-L-proline (5%), a precursor of oxalate found in collagenous foods, was given with rat chow to male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 42 days rats in group 1 continued on hydroxy-L-proline, while those in group 2 were given chow without added hydroxy-L-proline for the next 21 days. Food and water consumption as well as weight were monitored regularly. Once weekly urine was collected and analyzed for creatinine, calcium, oxalate, lactate dehydrogenase, 8-isoprostane and H2O2. Urinary pH and crystalluria were monitored. Rats were sacrificed at 28, 42 and 63 days, respectively. Renal tissue was examined for crystal deposition by light microscopy....
Single-particle irradiation of mammalian cells at the radiological research accelerator facility: induction of chromosomal changes☆

Abstract Ionizing radiations have been shown to be able to induce the death of mammalian cells and initiate mutagenic or carcinogenic change. While all three end points are related through chromosomal changes, the latter in particular is of profound concern to human populations. We have undertaken a series of studies wherein mammalian cells were irradiated with low fluences of charged particles (protons, deuterons, helium ions) of defined LET from 10 to about 200 keV per micrometer. Frequencies of induced chromosomal changes were related to fluence at each LET, such that the induction of chromosomal changes per cell per charged particle could be estimated. However, for human exposures from densely ionizing radiation, such as the alpha particles from radon daughters, effects are dominated by the traversal of cells by single particles. Conventional experiments inevitably result in cells being exposed to a distribution (Poisson) of particle traversals. As the effect is unlikely to be a linear function of the number of traversals, a preferred approach would be to irradiate cells with exactly one (or any known number) of particles. To this end we are developing a dedicated beam line (microbeam) on a 4.2 MV Van de Graaff accelerator such that individual particles will vertically traverse individual living mammalian cells positioned by a microscope-based imaging system under computer control. “Conventional” low-fluence and “single-particle” studies will be compared, allowing critical evaluations of the potential of individual high LET charged particles to initiate change. This will have particular relevance both to consideration of the human health risks of radon daughter alpha particles and of basic mechanisms of chromosome aberration formation.
On the compositional and noncompositional nature of idiomatic expressions

Abstract The present paper reviews linguistic and psycholinguistic perspectives on idiom representation and models of idiom processing. Two approaches in defining idiom representation and processing characteristics are compared. According to the ‘noncompositional approach’, idioms are represented and processed similar to long words. In contrast, the ‘compositional approach’ emphasizes the semantic contribution of an idiom's component word meanings in interpretation. We argue that neither approach alone adequately captures the existing body of data on idiom processing, and propose a model of idiom representation and processing that ascribes noncompositional and compositional characteristics to idiomatic expressions. In this view, idiomatic expressions function simultaneously as semantically arbitrary word sequences and compositional phrases. Consistent with this hybrid model, the results of an eye tracking study are presented in which reading rates differ as a function of the inherent decomposability of idioms.
Nanomedicine: Developing smarter therapeutic and diagnostic modalities☆

The early impact of nanotechnology on medicine is beginning to get realized, with novel nanoscale therapeutic and diagnostic modalities under development or in clinical practice today. In this commentary the field of "nanomedicine" is briefly reviewed form the perspective of where we were; where we are today; and where we are likely to go tomorrow.
Mid-voltage electric distribution line carrier communication technology based on TCM

Mid-Voltage electric distribution line is an abroad existing resource. To use it as a communication medium of the distribution automation system and the public communication network is the most economical, convenient and effective way. In this paper, the TCM method is selected to build a mid-voltage electric distribution line carrier communication system. This paper explains techniques such as TCM, equalization, reed-solomon code and interleaving used in the system, and presents the system architecture. Finally, the paper gives theoretic analysis. The conclusion of paper proves that the TCM method is fit to mid-voltage distribution line and has several advantages such as high-rate and high reliability.
Effect of interactions between temperature and nitrate supply on the cell-division rates of two marine phytoflagellates

Half-saturation constants and maximum cell-division rates were determined at two temperatures for nitrate-limited growth of the two marine phytoflagellates Dunaliella sp. and Gymnodinium splendens, using batch-culture techniques. The halfsaturation constant, K s, increased with increasing temperature, but maximum cell-division rates increased with increasing temperature in only one of the algae studied, G. splendens. It is suggested that changes in Ks with temperature impose a double stress on these phytoplankton when they grow in nitrate-depleted, high-temperature water.
Factors correlating with a successful outcome following extensive intestinal resection in newborn infants.

Survival following small bowell resection in 50 infants was related to the length of the remaining bowel, presence of the ileocecal valve, normal birth weight, successful operative therapy, and lack of associated anomalies. All but one infant survival resection which left 38 to 75 cm., 7 of 14 lived with 15 to 38 cm. of small bowel and an intact ileocecal valve, and none survived with less than 15 cm. of jejunum or ileum. Death occurred in all infants with ileocecal resection and remaining small intestinal segments measuring less than 40 cm. Body weights were within the normal range after the first year of life in most survivors.
Computer control for operant oriented laboratories

A process control procedure using base rate polling within interrupt driven routines, segmentation of time dependent events, and a branch table execution structure was developed for an operant oriented behavioral pharmacology laboratory. Efficient independent control and analysis for eight experimental chambers was obtained utilizing the similarities between various operant techniques.
Duration of antiviral therapy for cholestatic HCV recurrence may need to be indefinite

Progressive liver allograft injury related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence occurs in 20% to 30% of liver transplant recipients within the first 5 years. In particular, the subset of patients who develop the severe cholestatic variant has an extremely high mortality. We report our center's experience with 7 cholestatic patients who were treated with interferon alfa-2b (3 million IU three times per week initially) in combination with ribavirin. In 4 of the 7 patients, HCV-RNA in serum became undetectable, and in an additional patient, normalization of serum bilirubin was achieved despite persistent viremia. Discontinuation of antiviral therapy by patient choice, intolerance of side effects, or occurrence of infection were followed temporally by rapid relapses of the cholestatic syndrome, allograft failure, and death. The only 2 patients alive in remission of this syndrome have been maintained on antiviral therapy for an average of 32 months. Thus, based on our experience, we recommend that duration of antiviral therapy in the subset of patients with cholestatic HCV recurrence should be indefinite.
Meniscal tissue explants response depends on level of dynamic compressive strain

Summary Objective Following partial meniscectomy, the remaining meniscus is exposed to an altered loading environment. In vitro 20% dynamic compressive strains on meniscal tissue explants has been shown to lead to an increase in release of glycosaminoglycans from the tissue and increased expression of interleukin-1α (IL-1α). The goal of this study was to determine if compressive loading which induces endogenously expressed IL-1 results in downstream changes in gene expression of anabolic and catabolic molecules in meniscal tissue, such as MMP expression. Method Relative changes in gene expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin 4 (ADAMTS4), ADAMTS5, TNFα, TGFβ, COX-2, Type I collagen (COL-1) and aggrecan and subsequent changes in the concentration of prostaglandin E 2 released by meniscal tissue in response to varying levels of dynamic compression (0%, 10%, and 20%) were measured. Porcine meniscal explants were dynamically compressed for 2h at 1Hz. Results 20% dynamic compressive strains upregulated MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13 and ADAMTS4 compared to no dynamic loading. Aggrecan, COX-2, and ADAMTS5 gene expression were upregulated under 10% strain compared to no dynamic loading while COL-1, TIMP-1, and TGFβ gene expression were not dependent on the magnitude of loading. Conclusion This data suggests that changes in mechanical loading of the knee joint meniscus from 10% to 20% dynamic strain can increase the catabolic activity of the meniscus.
Catalytic action of iron on graphite in a hydrocarbon/steam environment

Abstract In situ electron microscopy observations of iron particles supported on graphite have revealed some fascinating features when the system was heated in an ethane/steam (40/1) environment. At temperatures below 975 °C, iron particles proceeded to attack the graphite from edges by creating channels across the basal plane. As the temperature was progressively raised to 1025 °C, the rate of channeling by the large particles (>50 nm width) slowed appreciably; channeling action by particles in the size range 30 to 50 nm ceased, and the smallest particles (
Digital Costas loop-like PLL for the carrier recovery of a QPSK signal

A new digital PLL (DPLL) circuit is proposed primarily conceived for QPSK carrier recovery. It is proved that this DPLL can acquire or track the phase of the carrier even when a significant frequency deviation exists. The resulting phase error and the effects of the frequency deviation on it have been also evaluated.
Purification and Characterization of β-Adrenergic Receptor mRNA-binding Proteins *

β-Adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), like other G-protein-coupled receptors, can undergo post-transciptional regulation at the level of mRNA stability. In particular, the human β1- and β2-ARs and the hamster β2-AR mRNA undergo β-agonist-mediated destabilization. By UV cross-linking, we have previously described an ∼M r 36,000 mRNA-binding protein, βARB, that binds to A/C+U-rich nucleotide regions within 3′-untranslated regions. Further, we have demonstrated previously that βARB is immunologically distinct from AUF1/heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) D, another mRNA-binding protein associated with destabilization of A+U-rich mRNAs (Pende, A., Tremmel, K. D., DeMaria, C. T., Blaxall, B. C., Minobe, W., Sherman, J. A., Bisognano, J., Bristow, M. R., Brewer, G., and Port, J. D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 8493–8501). In this report, we describe the peptide composition of βARB. Mass spectrometric analysis of an ∼M r36,000 band isolated from ribosomal salt wash proteins revealed the presence of two mRNA-binding proteins, hnRNP A1, and the elav-like protein, HuR, both of which are known to bind to A+U-rich nucleotide regions. By immunoprecipitation, HuR appears to be the biologically dominant RNA binding component of βARB. Although hnRNP A1 and HuR can both be immunoprecipitated from ribosomal salt wash proteins, the composition of βARB (HuR alone versus HuR and hnRNP A1) appears to be dependent on the mRNA probe used. The exact role of HuR and hnRNP A1 in the regulation of β-AR mRNA stability remains to be determined.
Summary of the working group on FEL theory

Abstract We summarize the discussions of the working group on FEL theory. The main topics considered are: 1) characterization of the high gain regime; 2) the amplified spontaneous emission mode of operation; 3) superradiance in the FELs; 4) diffraction effects for high gain FELs.
Silver staining, immunofluorescence, and immunoelectron microscopic localization of nucleolar phosphoproteins B23 and C23

Nucleolar organizer region (NOR)-specific silver staining and immunolocalization of nucleolar phosphoproteins B23 and C23 were compared in Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells. Silver staining and protein C23 immunostaining were both localized in the fibrillar shell surrounding the fibrillar center and in the fibrillar center. During mitosis, silver staining and protein C23 were localized at the NORs. Therefore, protein C23 and the silver-staining protein both seem to be associated with rDNA-containing structures (Mirre and Stahl 1981). A comparison of toluidine blue staining specific for RNA and B23 immunostaining demonstrated that protein B23 was associated with RNA-containing regions of the nucleolus and was absent from the fibrillar centers. Localization of these proteins and their functions are discussed in relation to the organization of the nucleolus.
Sound-Evoked Olivocochlear Activation in Unanesthetized Mice

Genetic tools available for the mouse make it a powerful model to study the modulation of cochlear function by descending control systems. Suppression of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitude by contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS) provides a robust tool for noninvasively monitoring the strength of descending modulation, yet investigations in mice have been performed infrequently and only under anesthesia, a condition likely to reduce olivocochlear activation. Here, we characterize the contralateral olivocochlear reflex in the alert, unanesthetized mouse. Head-fixed mice were restrained between two closed acoustic systems, while an artifact rejection protocol minimized contamination from self-generated sounds and movements. In mice anesthetized with pentobarbital, ketamine or urethane, CAS at 80 dB SPL evoked, on average, a <1-dB change in DPOAE amplitude. In contrast, the mean CAS-induced DPOAE suppression in unanesthetized mice was nearly 8 dB. Experiments in mice with targeted deletion of the α9 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor confirmed the contribution of the medial olivocochlear efferents to this phenomenon. These findings demonstrate the utility of the CAS assay in the unanesthetized mouse and highlight the adverse effects of anesthesia when probing the functional status of descending control pathways within the auditory system.
Upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities are strongly predictive of treatment response in patients with achalasia

Upper esophageal sphincter abnormalities are strongly predictive of treatment response in patients with achalasia
Rare earth and potassium abundances in St. Paul's Rocks

Abstract Fifteen rocks from St. Paul's Rocks have been analyzed for rare earth elements (REE). All the samples studied have RE distributions relatively enriched in the light REE relative to the chondritic RE distribution. The trend of light RE enrichment correlates with potassium abundance and appears to be determined by the abundance of amphibole (pargasite). None of the rocks appear to be examples of undifferentiated upper mantle or simple residues left after partial melting. Various geologic processes are considered as models for generating light RE enriched ultramafic rocks. The rocks with abundant brown hornblende have RE abundances similar to alkali olivine basalt dredged from the nearby sea floor.
Prepubertal Skene's abscess.

Abstract Background Skene's glands are believed to be homologues of the prostate gland derived from the urogenital sinus. 1 Complications of Skene's glands occur most often in the third and fourth decades and are rarely seen in premenarchal females. Case A 3-year-old presented to her pediatrician with a 9-day complaint of vulvar pain. Both pediatric and gynecologic office examination revealed an enlarged right labium majus and an erythematous area adjacent to the urethra. Examination under anesthesia revealed a Skene's gland abscess that was treated with incision and drainage. The patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion A Skene's gland abscess is rare among premenarchal girls. An abscess presenting in a patient complaining of pain can be successfully managed with incision and drainage.
Preprocedural Distress in Children With Cancer An Intervention Using Biofeedback and Relaxation

Children diagnosed with cancer experience many invasive procedures throughout diagnosis and treatment of their disease. These procedures, oftentimes a source of distress in children, can elicit a variety of anticipatory symptoms prior to the actual procedure. Although there have been efforts to develop approaches to alleviate this distress through use of distraction, relaxation, sedation, guided imagery, and hypnosis, there has not been a combination treatment that merged relaxation techniques and biofeedback within a pediatric framework. A group of 12 children diagnosed with cancer participated in a 4-session intervention combining relaxation and biofeedback. This feasibility study suggests that the combination intervention offered in a clinical setting may be beneficial to children experiencing procedural distress as a novel coping strategy.
Groundwater and microbial processes of Alabama coastal plain aquifers

[1] We integrate groundwater geochemistry, microbiology, and numerical modeling techniques to study the origin of elevated salinity and chemical evolution of groundwaters in the coastal plain aquifers of Alabama. Our field data indicate that chemical composition of groundwater evolves by various geochemical and microbial processes as it moves deeper into the subsurface. Sequential peaks of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+ along flow paths indicate that separation of ions may be driven by cation exchange. Microbial-mediated reactions are important for the formation of several discrete hydrochemical zones containing Fe2+, Mn2+, Sr2+, and SO42− rich groundwaters. Elevated Fe2+, Mn2+, and Sr2+ concentrations may be derived from bacterial iron and manganese reduction. High sulfate concentrations observed a short distance from the recharge may be partly explained by microbial sulfur oxidation and nitrate reduction (denitrification). The presence of denitrifying and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in water further supports these reactions. Major ion compositions and δD and δ18O values are used to determine the source of salinity and the nature of mixing of different groundwaters. Three water types were identified; these include carbonate groundwater, brines associated with evaporites, and groundwater of meteoric origin. Groundwater age differences and flow velocities were calculated using the 36Cl/Cl ratios. Calculated groundwater flow velocities within the Eutaw and Tuscaloosa aquifers are about 0.20 m/yr and 0.15 m/yr, respectively. We modeled basin-scale hydrologic and solute transport processes in a cross section extending from the aquifer outcrops to the Gulf Coast. The modeling result shows that the buried Jurassic Louann Salt can significantly increase groundwater salinity in the overlying coastal plain aquifers by density-driven advection and hydrodynamic dispersion. The modeling results are consistent with Cl/Br ratios and O/H isotope signatures, which indicate that salinity of the groundwater could be derived from seawater that has been evaporated beyond halite saturation. The predicted groundwater flow pattern reveals the mixing of meteoric water, carbonate groundwater (from the Ordovician Knox Group), and saline brines associated with the Louann Salt. The hydrologic model is consistent with the hydrochemical facies distribution in the Alabama coastal plain.
ALTERING THE MAGNITUDE OF DELAY DISCOUNTING BY PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLERS

The present study explored the delay discounting of future and past monetary rewards by pathological gamblers. Using a multiple baseline design, following repeated exposure to choices between smaller immediate and larger delayed consequences, participants completed a relational responding task that attempted to alter the psychological functions of irrelevant stimuli and to affect subsequent delay discounting. Results support previous literature on the discounting of delayed consequences by pathological gamblers, illustrate that the discounting of past rewards occurs in a similar fashion to the well-documented literature on the discounting of future rewards, and that magnitude of discounting can be altered.
Removal of sulfur compounds from utility pipelined synthetic natural gas using modified activated carbons

Abstract Synthetic natural gas (SNG), which is produced from petroleum and distributed via pipeline in Honolulu by The Gas Company, was analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with a sulfur chemiluminescence detector (GC/SCD). Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), methyl mercaptan (MM), ethyl mercaptan (EM), dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), tetrahydrothiophene (THT), ethyl disulfide (EDS), and one unidentified compound (UN1) were detected. Among these sulfur compounds, THT is added as an odorant and was present in the highest concentration. A commercial activated carbon (Calgon OLC plus 12X30) was modified by oxidation and impregnation methods and the resulting materials were evaluated for their ability to adsorb sulfur compounds present in SNG. The evaluation results indicate that all of the modification methods can improve the retention of individual sulfur compounds or the total sulfur capacity compared with the untreated virgin carbon. It is also found that activated carbons impregnated with metal impurities have different selectivity for sulfur compounds. Cu and Zn loaded carbons had the highest capacity for H 2 S removal, Fe loaded carbon was more efficient for DMS removal (the most difficult S compound to remove), and carbon oxidized by HNO 3 was the best for THT removal. Based on these findings, a composite sorbent consisting of Cu loaded and Fe loaded carbons was designed and tested. The test results indicate that the composite sorbent had improved performance in the removal of individual sulfur compound. A linear programming model was used to design a composite sorbent optimized to minimize the required sorbent mass based on a 1-kW scale fuel cell system service target. Validation tests showed that the optimized sorbent required less of the individual modified carbon components than when they were individually used for the same sulfur removal target.
Recovery at the edge of error: Debunking the myth of the infallible expert

The notion that human error should not be tolerated is prevalent in both the public and personal perception of the performance of clinicians. However, researchers in other safety-critical domains have long since abandoned the quest for zero defects as an impractical goal, choosing to focus instead on the development of strategies to enhance the ability to recover from error. This paper presents a cognitive framework for the study of error recovery, and the results of our empirical research into error detection and recovery in the critical care domain, using both laboratory-based and naturalistic approaches. Both attending physicians and residents were prone to commit, detect and recover from errors, but the nature of these errors was different. Experts corrected the errors as soon as they detected them and were better able to detect errors requiring integration of multiple elements in the case. Residents were more cautious in making decisions showing a slower error recovery pattern, and the detected errors were more procedural in nature with specific patient outcomes. Error detection and correction are shown to be dependent on expertise, and on the nature of the everyday tasks of the clinicians concerned. Understanding the limits and failures of human decision-making is important if we are to build robust decision-support systems to manage the boundaries of risk of error in decision-making. Detection and correction of potential error is an integral part of cognitive work in the complex, critical care workplace.
Automatic Mass-Spectrometric Analysis: Preliminary Report on Development of a Novel Mass-Spectrometric System for Biomedical Applications

A mass spectrograph, coupled to automatic sample preparation devices and an electro-optical ion detector/ computer system, capable of detecting many ion species simultaneously, presents a promising new approach to biomedical analysis. It will permit simultaneous multicomponent analysis of appropriately prepared samples and may detect as little as 10-15 g of a single component. This approach offers significant advantages over other methods, including conventional mass spectrometry.
Solubilization sites and acid-base forms of dibucaine-hydrochloride in neutral and charged micellar solutions.

— Steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopic techniques have been employed to characterize the drug species of dibucaine and to identify its location in micellar Triton X-100 (neutral), hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (cationic) and lithium dodecyl sulfate (anionic) solutions at 77 K. Under physiological conditions, the dibucaine is shown to exist in the free base form (D) while solubilized in the hydrocarbon core of neutral micelles. In cationic micellar solution, dibucaine exists as the monocation species (DH+) where the anesthetic is solubilized in the extramicellar aqueous solution and D is solubilized in the hydrophobic region with close proximity to the micellar interface. In the anionic micelles, interfacial solubilization is most consistent with a site in which the tertiary amine group of the monocation dibucaine (DH+) is anchored at the micellar interface with its quinoline analog penetrating the hydrophobic region. The distinct properties observed for the drug species (i. e. D and DH+) and their solubilization sites in micelles are consistent with a balance between hydrophobic forces, surface polarity and the interfacial electrostatic potential present in the micellar solubilization sites. These observations could lend insight into the molecular basis of pharmacological action, in particular the mechanism of local anesthetic drug transport across membranes.
Predisposing the Decision Maker Versus Framing the Decision: A Consumer-Manipulation Approach to Dynamic Preference

The dominant approach to the study of dynamic preference is to generate preference change by manipulating aspects of decision-problem presentation (problem description, task procedure, contextual options). The predisposing approach instead manipulates the decision maker's mental state while holding problem presentation constant. Three illustrative studies are outlined here. The first modified preferences for ambitious consumption by manipulating subjects' consumption energy. The second modified preferences for immediate consumption by manipulating subjects' hedonic resources. The third modified preferences for consumption itself by manipulating subjects' desire proneness. Whereas framing is thought to affect perception, predisposing apparently can affect tastes and so involves a special kind of preference dynamism.
Building a Community Modelling and Information Sharing Culture

By copying information from sources and distributing it to new destinations we do not lose information at the sources. Nevertheless, exchange of information is still restricted by patent law, as well as by institutional, cultural and traditional hurdles that create protective barriers hindering the free flow of this valuable commodity. We believe that one of the greatest challenges we face in creating a new research paradigm will be building the community modeling and information sharing culture. How do we get engineers and scientists to put aside their traditional modes of doing business? How do we provide the incentives that will be required to make these changes happen? How do we get our colleagues to see that the benefits of sharing resources far outweigh the costs? We argue that timely sharing of data and information is not only in the best interest of the research community, but that it is also in the best interest of the scientist who is doing the sharing.
Flavonoid‐like compounds from seeds of red alder (Alnus rubra) influence host nodulation by Frankia (Actinomycetales)

Nitrogen-fixing root nodules are formed by Frankia spp. (Actinomycetales) on dicotyledonous hosts such as alders (Alnus spp.). Flavonoid-containing preparations from seed washes of red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.), and individual compounds isolated from such preparations, influenced nodulation of A. rubra by Frankia. Nodulation was enhanced by one flavonoid-like compound, and apparently inhibited by two other such compounds. Four flavonoid-like compounds had no significant effect on nodulation. The seven individual compounds purified from the seed washes were characterized spectrally as possible flavanones and isoflavones. Both the enhancer and the inhibitors appeared to be possible flavanones.
Anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a changing paradigm

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is potentially devastating for the patient and can result in both acute and long-term clinical problems. Consequently, the ACL has always been and continues to be of great interest to orthopaedic scientists and clinicians worldwide. Major advancements in ACL surgery have been made in the past few years. ACL reconstruction has shifted from an open to arthroscopic procedure, in which a two- and later one-incision technique was applied. Studies have found that traditional, transtibial arthroscopic single-bundle reconstruction does not fully restore rotational stability of the knee joint, and as such, a more anatomic approach to ACL reconstruction has emerged. The goal of anatomic ACL reconstruction is to replicate the knee’s normal anatomy and restore its normal kinematics, all while protecting long-term knee health. This manuscript describes the research that has changed the paradigm of ACL reconstruction from traditional techniques to present day anatomic and individualized concepts.
Dynamics of Debt Capacity

We propose a model that explains the build-up of short term debt when the creditors are strategic and have different beliefs about the prospects of the borrowers' fundamentals. We define a dynamic game among creditors, whose outcome is the short term debt process as a function of the borrower's fundamentals. As common in the literature, this game has multiple Nash equilibria. We give a refinement of the Nash equilibrium concept that leads to a unique equilibrium. For the resulting debt-to-asset process of the borrower we define a notion of stability. Bank runs are predictable: a bank run begins when the debt-to-asset process leaves the stability region and becomes a mean-fleeing sub-martingale with tendency to reach the debt ceiling, which is the point when the borrower becomes illiquid. The debt ceiling and the stability region are computed explicitly. A critical ingredient in our model is the distribution of capital across the beliefs of the creditors and we allow for a wide variety of specifications for this distribution.
ADEPT, a dynamic next generation sequencing data error-detection program with trimming.

Background Illumina is the most widely used next generation sequencing technology and produces millions of short reads that contain errors. These sequencing errors constitute a major problem in applications such as de novo genome assembly, metagenomics analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism discovery.
Effect of CaCO3(S) nucleation modes on algae removal from alkaline water

The role of calcite heterogeneous nucleation was studied in a particle coagulation treatment process for removing microalgae from water. Batch experiments were conducted with Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp. in the presence and absence of carbonate and in the presence and absence of Mg to delineate the role of CaCO3(S) nucleation on microalgae removal. The results indicate that effective algae coagulation (e.g., up to 81 % algae removal efficiency) can be achieved via heterogeneous nucleation with CaCO3(S); however, supersaturation ratios between 120 and 200 are required to achieve at least 50% algae removal, depending on ion concentrations. Algae removal was attributed to adsorption of Ca2+ onto the cell surface which provides nucleation sites for CaCO3(S) precipitation. Bridging of calcite particles between the algal cells led to rapid aggregation and formation of larger flocs. However, at higher supersaturation conditions, algae removal was diminished due to the dominance of homogeneous nucleation of ...