cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FIELD RESEARCH IN MAMMALOGY: AN ENTERPRISE IN PERIL

This commentary was adapted from an oral presentation delivered at the 86th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists in Amherst, Massachusetts, on 18 June 2006 to recognize receipt of the Joseph Grinnell Award for Excellence in Education. Our continued ability to conduct fieldwork in mammalogy and train the next generation of field mammalogists is threatened by social, institutional, and bureaucratic changes that have accelerated over the past decade. These changes include continued decline in field-based natural history studies in the United States, bureaucratic regulations that are increasing in both number and complexity, increased acceptance of radical animal rights propaganda by our youth, increased fear of nature among United States citizens, and poor understanding of risk in an increasingly risk-averse society. These factors, among others, have made it increasingly difficult to conduct field research in mammalogy, and this commentary shows how these changes influenced the national response to discovery of a new rodent-borne disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), in 1993. Current guidelines to protect field researchers from HPS may, in fact, be destroying the very enterprise whose practitioners they were designed to protect.
Mixing action and mitral inflow patterns in an isolated ventricle hydraulically operated.

A study of ventricular mixing was made and the findings related to indicator-dilution measurements of ventricular volume. Programmed actuation of an excised left ventricle provided lifelike instantaneous flow rates through the intact heart valves for the purpose of approximating the quality of mixing in a living ventricle. By monitoring indicator concentrations at 16 ventricular sites, mixing was found to be far from complete at end diastole.
Delta Methods in Enveloping Algebras of Lie Superalgebras, II

Abstract Let L = L0⊕L1 be a Lie superalgebra over a field K of characteristic 0 with enveloping algebra U(L) or let L be a restricted Lie superalgebra over a field K of characteristic p > 2 with restricted enveloping algebra U(L). In this paper we continue our study of linear identities in U(L) and sharpen the previously known results in several ways. Specifically, we show that the Lie superideal Δ = ΔL = {l ∈ L|dimK[L, l]
Testosterone Upregulates Anion Secretion Across Porcine Vas Deferens Epithelia In Vitro

Testosterone induces and maintains prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, also known as cyclooxygenase 2) expression in vas deferens epithelial cells, but it remains unknown whether this has a physiological role in the context of male reproductive biology. Prostaglandins induce concentration-dependent increases in anion secretion in porcine vas deferens epithelial cell (1°PVD) monolayers, where bicarbonate contributes to cAMP-stimulated anion secretion. Moreover, bradykinin induces anion secretion across 1°PVD monolayers that is indomethacin sensitive, and both PTGS2 and PTGS1 are expressed in this model system. Therefore, it was hypothesized that testosterone modulates anion secretion across vas deferens epithelia via PTGS-dependent pathways and prostaglandin synthesis. Porcine vas deferens epithelial cells were isolated and cultured as monolayers on permeable supports until assayed in modified Ussing chambers. RNA and protein were isolated concurrently for semiquantitative expression analysis. Testosterone upregulated basal and bradykinin-induced short-circuit current across 1°PVD monolayers, indicative of anion secretion. Testosterone also induced greater transepithelial electrical resistance. Increases in anion secretion were associated with preferential upregulation of PTGS2 at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, testosterone induced greater basal and bradykinin-induced anion secretion across vas deferens epithelial cells isolated from the distal segment of the duct. Taken together, these results suggest that testosterone upregulates epithelial responsiveness to acute modulations of anion secretion (likely bicarbonate secretion), which ultimately modifies the environment to which sperm are exposed.
On the inverse scattering transform of the 2+1 Toda equation

Abstract The method of solution to the 2 + 1 dimensional Toda equation is described in some detail. This equation reduces directly to the well know Toda lattice in 1 + 1 dimension and, by an appropriate asymptotic reduction, to the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation in a continuous limit. The solution exhibits a number of interesting aspects depending on certain choices of signs, of which there are four, in the equation. For two choices of sign the equation is well posed and linearly stable/unstable. For the other choices of sign the equation is linearly illposed. In these cases we can relate the solution to a boundary value problem and give a formal construction of the solution. For one choice of signs in the illposed case an analogue of the Sommerfeld radiation condition is developed in order to identify a unique solution. In general the method of solution of the “Toda molecule” equation requires an implementation of the dbar technique to cases where the associated eigenfunctions possess both smooth regions of nonholomorphicity and a discontinuity across a curve, which in this problem is the unit circle. Special lump type solutions and solutions depending on suitable arbitrary functions are presented.
An overview of proton pump inhibitors.

Abstract SUMMARY: Proton pump inhibitors are the standard of treatment for acid-related disorders. These disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications (i.e., erosive esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus), peptic ulcer disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and idiopathic hypersecretion. Proton pump inhibitors are also successfully used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. There are currently five proton pump inhibitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration and available in the United States. These are omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). This review discusses the history of proton pump inhibitors and compares and evaluates the pharmacology including mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, administration, dosage, and drug interactions. Information regarding therapeutic indications, clinical efficacy, short- and long-term side effects, and cost is also presented. A case presentation offers an analysis of the use of proton pump inhibitors in individualized patient care.
Evaluation of the cerviscope as a screening instrument

The cerviscope has been proposed as a screening tool for use in conjunction with the Papanicolaou smear as a system offering many of the same advantages as colposcopy and cytology. One hundred twenty-five patients were evaluated with the cerviscope who had been referred to this colposcopy clinic with a diagnosis of dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the instrument's potential as a screening adjunct in the context of simultaneous evaluation by colposcopy. Thirty-nine percent (49 patients) were unevaluable due to technical problems (defective cervicogram, nonvisualized squamocolumnar junction). Significantly, 67% (26 patients) of the 39 patients reported as having negative cervicograms had a biopsy-proven dysplasia (19 mild, 4 moderate, 3 severe). By the chi 2 method, this is statistically significant (P less than 0.001).
Reflections on the determinants of voluntary turnover

Offers reflections on the study of the determinants of voluntary turnover based on empirical research conducted since 1972 at the University of Iowa (Iowa City) by Price, Mueller and their colleagues. The largest share of this research is constituted by 33 studies, mostly theses and dissertations. Reflections are offered about the causal model used and the measures advanced. Alternative models of voluntary turnover are described and possible future research is indicated. A measurement Appendix is also presented. The purpose of the paper is to improve the explanation of voluntary turnover.
Advanced technology for enrichment monitoring for gas centrifuge enrichment plants

We report our developments of the next generation of uranium enrichment monitoring technology for gas centrifuge enrichment plants (GCEPs). The main challenge presented by current technology is the need for periodic replacement of the short half-life (1.27 year) 109Cd transmission source. We report on a transmission source at the 22.1 keV K-edge of ruthenium based on an X-ray tube with a “notch” filter. As part of the design we have modeled the NaI detector passive shielding with the MCNP code. Some preliminary results from experiments and modeling will be presented.
Dissipative heating and hurricane intensity

Dissipative heating has not been accounted for in either numerical simulations of hurricanes or in theories for the maximum intensity of hurricanes. We argue that the bulk of dissipative heating occurs in the atmospheric boundary layer near the radius of maximum winds and, using both theory and numerical simulation, show that dissipative heating increases maximum wind speeds in tropical cyclones by about 20%.
Understanding women’s participation in irrigated agriculture: a case study from Senegal

As climate change in West Africa poses profound limitations on rainfed agriculture, policymakers and practitioners may again turn to irrigated agriculture to provide food for a growing population. Gendered analyses of irrigation projects reveal that in many cases women’s participation in irrigated agriculture has been limited due to a lack of access to land and water. Past research in the Upper Valley of the Senegal River suggests that variables other than access to land and water condition women’s participation in irrigated agriculture. Fully understanding women’s participation in irrigated agriculture demands examination of intra-household dynamics and livelihood strategies as well as the impacts of agricultural commodification.
PHOTOSENSITIZATION OF MELANIN: AN ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE STUDY OF SENSITIZED RADICAL PRODUCTION AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

Rose Bengal is shown to photosensitize free-radical production and oxygen consumption in solutions of melanin from autooxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). In anaerobic solutions the sensitizer enhances rates of free-radical production by up to a factor of 20. In aerobic solutions, rates of oxygen consumption can be increased by a factor of several hundred. The reactions appear to involve the triplet state of the sensitizer. The effect of the sensitizer in increasing oxygen consumption is quenched by low concentrations of azide and enhanced by D2O, suggesting that a singlet oxygen mechanism is involved.
Synthesis and Study of the First N-Aryl Acyclic Diaminocarbene and Its Transition-Metal Complexes

The first acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC) featuring N-aryl groups, as well as two complexes containing this ligand, (ADC)RhCl(1,5-cis,cis-cyclooctadiene) and (ADC)RhCl(CO)2, were synthesized and characterized. Insight into controlling conformational diversity in acyclic diaminocarbenes with N-aryl groups through judicious N substitution was also explored.
Isoform specific gene auto-regulation via miRNAs: a case study on miR-128b and ARPP-21

In this study, we investigate whether miRNAs located within “host” protein-coding genes may regulate the expression of their host genes. We find that 43 of 174 miRNAs encoded within RefSeq genes are predicted to target their host genes. Statistical analysis of this phenomenon suggests that gene auto-regulation via miRNAs may be under positive selective pressure. Our analysis also indicates that several of the 43 miRNAs have a much lower expectation of targeting their host genes by chance than others. Among these examples, we identify miR-128b:ARPP-21 (cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein, 21 kD) as a case in which both the miRNA and the target site are also evolutionarily conserved. We provide experimental support for this miRNA:target interaction via reporter silencing assays, and present evidence that this isoform-specific gene auto-regulation has been preserved in vertebrate species in order to prevent detrimental consequences of ARPP-21 over-expression in brain.
Body shape, lipid, and cardiovascular complications of HIV therapy

Metabolic complications of HIV therapy have emerged as a vexing problem for individuals living with HIV infection and their clinicians. These adverse effects threaten health and quality of life as well as adherence to HIV treatment. Among the most common metabolic complications confronting clinicians are body shape changes and dyslipidemia. The pathogenesis of these disorders remains elusive, challenging the development of treatment strategies particularly for fat redistribution. Switching from metabolically offensive antiretrovirals has yielded improvements in both body shape and dyslipidemia. In addition, therapeutic approaches that have been developed for the treatment of dyslipidemia in HIV-uninfected patients, can with important caveats be applied to HIV therapy-associated lipid disorders. Aggressive assessment of cardiovascular disease risk and intervention is likely to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disorders in HIV-infected patients. Development of antiretrovirals with fewer metabolic adverse effects will reduce the incidence of these and similar disorders during HIV therapy.
Dietary docosahexaenoic acid reduces the thromboxane/prostacyclin synthetic ratio in humans

Abstract The effect of fish oils, rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on eicosanoid production in vivo has been extensively studied, but data on the effects of dietary DHA alone on the synthesis of thromboxane (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in humans are lacking. We quantified the effect of an isocaloric shift in DHA intake from trace (low-DHA diet) to about 6% of total fatty acids (high-DHA diet), ca. 2 en%, on the excretion of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-DTXB2) and 2, 3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1α (PGI2-M). In a longitudinal study, seven healthy men, living in a metabolic unit, were fed a 30% fat low-DHA diet for 30 days, then a high-DHA diet containing 6g/day of DHA for 90 days. A control group of four subjects remained on the low-DHA diet for the duration of the study (120 days). Three-day urine pools were collected at the end of each dietary period (around day 30 and day 120) and analyzed for eicosanoids by gas chromatography-electron capture negative ion-tandem mass spectrometry. Mean excretion of 11-DTXB2 was 590 ± 256 ng/d (SD; n = 7) with the low-DHA diet, and 385 ± 148 ng/d (n = 7) with the high-DHA diet, a 35% reduction (p = 0.013, n = 11 including the control group, when log transformed data were used). Production of 11-DTXB2 in the control group was unchanged. Mean excretion of PGI2-M was 229 ± 73 ng/day (SD; n = 7) and 210 ± 102 ng/day with the low-DHA and the high DHA diet, respectively (a nonsignificant reduction). This study confirms that the synthesis of TXA2 is more open to diet-induced modulation than the synthesis of PGI2. The observed reduction of 11-DTXB2 excretion may be associated with measurable effects on several physiologically significant cellular functions, such as platelet aggregation in vivo and inflammation in response to immune challenges.
Leaky-tank reservoir model including the non-Darcy effect

Abstract An improved and generalized leaky-tank reservoir model is derived and implemented. The new model incorporates the effects of the non-Darcy flow and partial water drive, and it can be used for determination of reservoir permeability, thickness and water drive strength from deliverability test data. The formulation presented in this paper provides better insights into the implication of the inherent considerations of the leaky-tank model.
The SAM-Grid Fabric services

To enable globally distributed computing for a large HEP experiment, a collection of computing and data storage facilities, together called the Grid fabric, must be linked together in a coherent way. The standard Grid software, including most notably the Globus Gatekeeper and Meta Directory Service, provides core tools to insert a site into the Grid and for its low-level monitoring. In practice, large experiments have data and job handling infrastructures that are not governed by the core tools. For example, local job submission is seldom done directly to the batch system, but rather, through an interface that allows for pre-submission steps (such as the decomposition of a job into smaller chunks) or is tightly integrated with a data handling system such as SAM. Likewise, monitoring is seldom done in terms of individual processors or individual jobs, but rather, via cluster-wide aggregated characteristics. In this paper, we present some of the work we have done to abstract the management of the fabric facilities of the FNAL Run II experiments, in order to enable globally distributed computing.
A New Species of Liljeborgiid Amphipod, With Notes On Its Biology 1)

Listriella clymenellae n. sp., ein Amphipode, welcher in der Rohre des Anneliden Clymenella torquata wohnt, wird beschrieben. Dies ist die erste Art der Gattung Listriella, die von der Ostkuste Nordamerikas gemeldet wird. Zugleich mit Listriella bewohnt auch die Muschel Aligena elevata die Annelidenrohren.
Systems of spatial reference in human memory.

Abstract Seven experiments examined the spatial reference systems used in memory to represent the locations of objects in the environment. Participants learned the locations of common objects in a room and then made judgments of relative direction using their memories of the layout (e.g., “Imagine you are standing at the shoe, facing the lamp; point to the clock”). The experiments manipulated the number of views that observers were allowed to experience, the presence or absence of local and global reference systems (e.g., a rectangular mat on which objects were placed and the walls of the room, respectively), and the congruence of local and global reference systems. Judgments of relative direction were more accurate for imagined headings parallel to study views than for imagined headings parallel to novel views, even with up to three study views. However, study views misaligned with salient reference systems in the environment were not strongly represented if they were experienced in the context of aligned views. Novel views aligned with a local reference system were, under certain conditions, easier to imagine than were novel views misaligned with the local reference system. We propose that learning and remembering the spatial structure of the surrounding environment involves interpreting the layout in terms of a spatial reference system. This reference system is imposed on the environment but defined by egocentric experience.
Reduced Cardiac Contractile Responsiveness to Isoproterenol in Obese Rabbits

Abstract Although obesity is characterized by increased sympathetic nervous system activity, there is often a paradoxical reduction in cardiovascular end-organ response to sympathetic stimulation. Mechanisms involved in reduced sympathetic responsiveness in obesity have not been well characterized. Therefore, we determined cardiac contractile responsiveness to β-stimulation in the obese rabbit model using both isolated heart (IH) and isolated papillary muscle (IPM) preparations. Female New Zealand White rabbits were fed control (IH: n=9; IPM: n=6) or 10% fat diets (IH: n=9; IPM: n=7) for 12 weeks. Contractile responsiveness in the IH was determined using a modified Langendorff preparation to evaluate the dose-response relationship between isoproterenol and 1) peak developed pressure/g of left ventricular wet weight and 2) maximal rate of pressure development (+dP/dt/P). Contractile responsiveness in the IPM was determined using right ventricular papillary muscles to evaluate the dose-response relationship between isoproterenol and (1) peak developed tension (T)/mm 2 cross-sectional area (CSA) and (2) maximal rate of tension development (dT/dt/CSA). In the IH, baseline and maximum developed pressure/g were reduced in obese rabbits by 37% and 31%, respectively ( P ≤.05). In the IPM, baseline and maximum T/CSA responses were reduced in obese rabbits by 59% and 33%, respectively ( P ≤.05). Potency of isoproterenol as reflected by the EC 50 did not differ between lean and obese animals in either preparation. These results demonstrate that left ventricular contractility in obesity is reduced at baseline and in response to stimulation with isoproterenol and suggest that decreased responsiveness to β-stimulation may be a factor in the obesity-related systolic dysfunction.
Bacterial Degradation of Black and White Feathers

Abstract When feather-degrading Bacillus licheniformis is grown in culture, it secretes a keratinase that hydrolyzes the β-keratin matrix of a feather, thereby releasing oligopeptides that dissolve into the medium surrounding the feather and feather-degrading bacilli. These peptides absorb light passed through a sample of medium from which feather fragments, melanin granules, and bacteria have been removed by centrifugation. Samples of medium in which white, nonmelanic feathers are degrading absorb more light than samples of medium in which black, melanic feathers are degrading, which indicates that more oligopeptides are dissolved in medium surrounding white feathers than in medium surrounding black feathers. The differential absorption of light supports the conclusion that B. licheniformis degrades white feathers more rapidly than black feathers.
Tarski's Hidden Theory of Meaning: Sentences Say Exactly One Thing

I argue that Tarski's truth schema (T) concerns meaning just as much as it concerns truth. Better said, (T) implicitly presupposes a theory of meaning; it rests on a simple and yet contentious assumption, namely what Andjelkovic and Williamson [1] have termed the principle of uniformity (U): every sentence of a language says exactly one thing. I here challenge the validity of (U), and, insofar as (U) is a necessary condition for the validity of (T), I conclude that (T) is false.
Information analysis of single photon emission computed tomography with count losses

An analysis is presented of the information transfer from emitter-space to detector-space in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems. The analysis takes into account the fact that count loss side information is generally not available at the detector. Side information corresponds to the number gamma -rays lost deleted due to lack of interaction with the detector data. It is shown that the information transfer depends on the structure of the likelihood function of the emitter locations associated with the detector data. This likelihood function is the average of a set of ideal-detection likelihood functions, each matched to a particular set of possible deleted gamma -ray paths. A lower bound is derived for the information gain due to incorporating the count loss side information at the detector. This is shown to be significant when the mean emission rate is small or when the gamma -ray deletion probability is strongly dependent on emitter location. Numerical evaluations of the mutual information, with and without side information, associated with information-optimal apertures and uniform parallel-hole collimators are presented. >
Movement-assisted sensor deployment

Sensor deployment is an important issue in designing sensor networks. We design and evaluate distributed self-deployment protocols for mobile sensors. After discovering a coverage hole, the proposed protocols calculate the target positions of the sensors where they should move. We use Voronoi diagrams to discover the coverage holes and design three movement-assisted sensor deployment protocols, VEC (vector-based), VOR (Voronoi-based), and minimax based on the principle of moving sensors from densely deployed areas to sparsely deployed areas. Simulation results show that our protocols can provide high coverage within a short deploying time and limited movement.
Combined haloperidol and lithium carbonate in treating manic patients.

Abstract In view of the recent discussion concerning the safety of combined therapy with haloperidol and lithium carbonate,1,2 we wish to present our experience with 28 patients who received this combination of drugs for the treatment of acute mania.
The metabolic and biochemical responses of tropical whitespotted bamboo shark Chiloscyllium plagiosum to alterations in environmental temperature

The capacity of tropical whitespotted bamboo sharks Chiloscyllium plagiosum to metabolically compensate, at both the whole-animal and biochemical levels, to prolonged exposure to temperatures higher (30° C) and lower (20 and 15° C) than their native temperature (24·5° C) was examined. As expected, whitespotted bamboo shark oxygen consumption increased upon exposure to 30° C and decreased at 20 and 15° C. Initial changes in oxygen consumption were maintained even after months at the experimental temperature, indicating that whitespotted bamboo sharks did not compensate metabolically to the experimental temperatures. Maximal activities and thermal sensitivity of citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase from whitespotted bamboo shark white locomotor muscle were similar between control animals maintained at 24·5° C and those maintained at 15° C, indicating that cold-exposed animals did not compensate at the biochemical level. Similarly, lactate dehydrogenase activity did not change following prolonged exposure to 30° C. White muscle from whitespotted bamboo sharks maintained at 30° C had significantly lower citrate synthase activity than did control animals. This result was surprising given the lack of metabolic compensation at the whole-animal level. Overall, whole-animal oxygen consumption measurements supported the hypothesis that animals from thermally stable environments lacked the capacity to metabolically compensate to altered temperatures. Enzymatic results, however, suggested that the metabolic potential of muscle could change following temperature acclimation even in the absence of metabolic compensation at the whole-animal level.
Wear of Fluorapatite Single Crystals : IV. Influence of Sliding Direction on Frictional Behavior and Surface Failure

Frictional anisotropy of the basal plane of natural fluorapatite single crystals was observed ; the coefficient of friction (β) in the [2110] direction (β = 0.217) was approximately 12% higher than that in the [0110] direction (β = 0.193). The load at which the ductile-to-brittle transition occurred (Ω) was significantly higher in the [2110] direction (Ω = 77 gm) than in the [0110] direction (Ω = 15 gm). A mechanism is proposed involving the maximum normal stress and probable cleavage planes.
Acceleration of the EM Algorithm by using Quasi‐Newton Methods

The EM algorithm is a popular method for maximum likelihood estimation. Its simplicity in many applications and desirable convergence properties make it very attractive. Its sometimes slow convergence, however, has prompted researchers to propose methods to accelerate it. We review these methods, classifying them into three groups: pure, hybrid and EM-type accelerators. We propose a new pure and a new hybrid accelerator both based on quasi-Newton methods and numerically compare these and two other quasi-Newton accelerators. For this we use examples in each of three areas: Poisson mixtures, the estimation of covariance from incomplete data and multivariate normal mixtures. In these comparisons, the new hybrid accelerator was fastest on most of the examples and often dramatically so. In some cases it accelerated the EM algorithm by factors of over 100. The new pure accelerator is very simple to implement and competed well with the other accelerators. It accelerated the EM algorithm in some cases by factors of over 50. To obtain standard errors, we propose to approximate the inverse of the observed information matrix by using auxiliary output from the new hybrid accelerator. A numerical evaluation of these approximations indicates that they may be useful at least for exploratory purposes.
Young Children Use Letter Names in Learning to Read Words

Most theories of reading development claim that young children are logographic, or prealphabetic, readers, unable to take advantage of the systematic links between spellings and sounds that exist in an alphabetic writing system. To test this view, we taught preschool and kindergarten children to pronounce three types of made-up spellings. In the name condition, the name of the word's first letter was heard in the spoken word (e.g., BT for “beet”). In the sound condition, letter-sound cues were present but letter-name cues were not (e.g., BT for “bait”). Neither type of cue was available in the visual condition (e.g., bT for “ham”). Even children who were unable to read any simple words performed better in the name condition than the other two conditions. Thus, children are able to benefit from links between spellings and sounds when these links involve the names of letters.
Regional Jurisdiction in Our Galaxy (A Possible Explanation for the Absence of Extraterrestrial Signals)

If there is a relatively large number of 105 – 106 advanced civilizations in our galaxy, most of them with histories of millions of years, then they all must belong to an intercommunicating network. Also for purposes of contacting new emerging civilizations, they must have divided the whole galaxy into regional jurisdictions centered around each active member of their galactic society of stellar civilizations. Therefore, instead of hoping to receive messages from a large number of signaling civilizations, we ought to anticipate only one strong signal from our nearest civilization in whose jurisdiction we happen to belong. Hence the absence of extraterrestrial signals, rather than implying the absence of any advanced civilizations in our galaxy, may simply mean that our nearest civilization did not yet have the time or the willingness to communicate with us.
Properties of particles of snow and the electrical effects they produce in storms

This paper describes studies of the physical properties of snow crystals, with particular reference to the electrical characteristics measured during snow storms. Two types of atmospheric electricity were found to occur during storms. These have been related to specific forms of snow crystals and other properties which can be observed at ground stations. Measurement of falling velocity, quantity and sign of electric charge, mass, range in quiet air, variety of crystal forms, and other properties of single crystals are given. The fragmentation which results when snow crystals hit a solid at high velocity is described and illustrated with photomicrographs. The frictional electricity produced when crystals are broken as they hit a metal surface when compared to the charge carried by falling crystals is found to be more than a hundred times greater in some instances. Unusual amounts of atmospheric electricity recorded in fair weather are described and shown to be related to the passage of frontal systems and other meteorological phenomena. A method is described for preparing snow-crystal replicas and for measuring the size and distribution of cloud particles.
Pediatric open partial nephrectomy: Analysis of contemporary outcomes with a supracostal-12 approach

Abstract Objective Reports in the literature increasingly have demonstrated a shorter length of stay (LOS) with the laparoscopic approach to partial nephrectomy compared to historic open partial nephrectomy. We present data from the largest open series to date, to provide a more contemporary perspective. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all pediatric patients who underwent upper pole partial nephrectomy from 1999 to 2011. Using univariate and multivariate linear regression, the associations between multiple explanatory covariates and outcomes such as pain and length of stay were analyzed. Results Twenty-five surgeries were performed via a supracostal-12 approach. The mean incision length and operative time was 3.7 cm and 137 min, respectively. The average pain score was 1.7/10 and 72% of patients did not require morphine. The mean LOS was 36 h and all patients with postoperative imaging had normal blood flow. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a later date of surgery was the only covariate significantly associated with decreased operative time and LOS. Conclusion Open partial nephrectomy can be performed in a minimally invasive manner via a small supracostal-12 incision with minimal pain and LOS. Surgeon experience is associated with decreased operative time and LOS. These contemporary open results should be considered when comparisons are made with laparoscopic surgery.
The Effect of a Change Agent on Use of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices

Children's service systems are faced with a critical need to disseminate evidence-based mental health interventions. Despite the proliferation of comprehensive implementation models, little is known about the key active processes in effective implementation strategies. This proof of concept study focused on the effect of change agent interactions as conceptualized by Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory on providers' (N = 57) use of a behavioral intervention in a child welfare agency. An experimental design compared use for providers randomized to training as usual or training as usual supplemented by change agent interactions after the training. Results indicate that the enhanced condition increased use of the intervention, supporting the positive effect of change agent interactions on use of new practices. Change agent types of interaction may be a key active process in implementation strategies following training.
Substance P Modulates Cholinergic Regulation of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor of PC12 Cells

Of the diverse roles that have been proposed for neuropeptides, modulation of the activity of other neurotransmitter receptors is particularly interesting in view of the coexistence of peptides and conventional neurotransmitters in many neuronal structures (1). An example of peptidergic modu1ation that has been well studied is the inhibition of nicotinic cholinergic receptor function by SP. Reported initially for cat Renshaw cells (2) and the Mauthner fibre-giant fibre synapse of hatchet fish (3) and subsequently in more detail for the clonal cell line PC12 (4), adrenal chromaffin cells (5) and sympathetic ganglion cell s (6), this inhibitory action by SP appears to reflect an enhancement of AcCh receptor desensitization.
Diagnostic agreement when comparing still and video imaging for the medical evaluation of child sexual abuse

Still photo imaging is often used in medical evaluations of child sexual abuse (CSA) but video imaging may be superior. We aimed to compare still images to videos with respect to diagnostic agreement regarding hymenal deep notches and transections in post-pubertal females. Additionally, we evaluated the role of experience and expertise on agreement. We hypothesized that videos would result in improved diagnostic agreement of multiple evaluators as compared to still photos. This was a prospective quasi-experimental study using imaging modality as the quasi-independent variable. The dependent variable was diagnostic agreement of participants regarding presence/absence of findings indicating penetrative trauma on non-acute post-pubertal genital exams. Participants were medical personnel who regularly perform CSA exams. Diagnostic agreement was evaluated utilizing a retrospective selection of videos and still photos obtained directly from the videos. Videos and still photos were embedded into an on-line survey as sixteen cases. One-hundred sixteen participants completed the study. Participant diagnosis was more likely to agree with study center diagnosis when using video (p<0.01). Use of video resulted in statistically significant changes in diagnosis in four of eight cases. In two cases, the diagnosis of the majority of participants changed from no hymenal transection to transection present. No difference in agreement was found based on experience or expertise. Use of video vs. still images resulted in increased agreement with original examiner and changes in diagnostic impressions in review of CSA exams. Further study is warranted, as video imaging may have significant impacts on diagnosis.
Basic Foundations of Diagnosis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, and Final Common Pathway Syndromes

The concept of psychiatric diagnosis is discussed with a historical perspective, leading to a modern final common pathway model. In this model, gene x meme x brain x environment interaction through development results in multiple pathways to psychiatric syndromes. Evaluation and management of such final common pathways syndromes are discussed.
Special Issue on Parallel Programming Models and Systems Software for High-End Computing

Abstract This special issue features a collection of papers that extend the literature in unique ways, improving the state of art of programming models and systems software for high-end computing systems.
Neonatal electrolyte response to amnioinfusion with lactated Ringer's solution vs. normal saline. A prospective study.

Objective To determine if amnioinfusion with normal saline vs. lactated Ringer's solution crystalloids causes electrolyte imbalance in the human neonate. Study design Over two months, all parturients undergoing amnioinfusion in the active phase of labor were prospectively randomized to receive either normal saline (n = 37) or lactated Ringer's solution (n = 30). Maternal electrolytes were obtained prior to amnioinfusion, and neonatal electrolytes were obtained from cord blood samples at the time of delivery. Results Our results showed the two groups were similar in maternal age, ethnicity, gravidity, parity, gestational age, maternal electrolyte levels prior to amnioinfusion, amount of solution amnioinfused, duration of labor after amnioinfusion, mode of delivery and mean birth weight. The chloride concentrations were nearly identical among neonates who had received normal saline and those who had received lactated Ringer's solution (102 +/- 2.1 SD and 104 +/- 2.4 mmol/L, respectively; P = 1.0). Other electrolytes were likewise not significantly different regardless of the crystalloid infused. Conclusion Unlike the fetal sheep model, amnioinfusion with normal saline is not associated with hyperchloremia in the human neonate.
Abstract 649: Dedicator of Cytokinesis 2 is Essential for the Initiation of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta-Induced Smooth Muscle Differentiation

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation is an important process during embryonic development. The underlying mechanisms regulating the SMC differentiation process, however, remain largely unknown. The present study identified dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) as one of the factors mediating the SMC differentiation. DOCK2 was important in mediating the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced SMC differentiation from human embryonic stem cell derived mesenchymal cells (hES-MCs) and 10T 1/2 pluripotent embryonic mesenchymal cells. TGF-β induced DOCK2 expression during SMC differentiation as shown by the SMC marker expression including α-SMA, SM22α and calponin. DOCK2 overexpression induced while DOCK2 knockout inhibited SMC early marker gene expression. Mechanistically, DOCK2 induced SMC differentiation by activating phosphorylated p38 MAPK. DOCK2 overexpression induced while DOCK2 knockdown inhibited the level of phosphorylated p38. P38 pathway inhibitor dramatically decreased DOCK2-induced SMC marker gene expression. In vivo, reduced blood vessel formation was observed in the DOCK2-/- embryo yolk sac compared to the wild type yolk sac. Hemorrhage was also evident in the DOCK2-/- embryo. Histological analysis revealed defective expression of calponin and α-SMA in dorsal aorta of DOCK2-/- embryo. Taken together, our studies demonstrated that DOCK2 is an important novel factor regulating SMC differentiation.
Operable heart disease in the newborn period.

An operation for heart disease carried out in infancy is likely to be a palliative procedure undertaken with a view toward definitive repair when the patient is older. The ingenious procedure of pulmonary artery banding for large interventricular shunts is typical of this approach. For some lesions, however, a suitable palliative approach is not available, and corrective surgery by means of a pump-oxygenator is the only hope.
Effects of an employer-based intervention on employment outcomes for youth with significant support needs due to autism

The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate an employer-based 9-month intervention for high school youth with autism spectrum disorder to learn job skills and acquire employment. The intervention modified a program titled Project SEARCH and incorporated the use of applied behavior analysis to develop Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports. A randomized clinical trial compared the implementation of Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports with high school special education services as usual. Participants were 49 high-school-aged individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 years diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and eligible for supported employment. Students also had to demonstrate independent self-care. At 3 months post-graduation, 90% of the treatment group acquired competitive, part-time employment earning US$9.53–US$10.66 per hour. Furthermore, 87% of those individuals maintained employment at 12 months post-graduation. The control group’s employment outc...
Experimental Research on New Composite Foundation of Transmission Lines

With regard to the transmission line foundation for the weather rock with a thin surface of clay covered, the conventional undisturbed -soil digging foundation or the rock - embedded foundation often fails to function well, and adoption of either of the two foundations can hardly meet requirements for safe and economical operation or environment protection. This paper presents a new and environment-friendly composite foundation combining the aforementioned two foundations. The prototype test of this foundation is carried out on a typical foundation site to test the construction safety and stability of the pit wall and the test results indicate that this composite foundation is able to make full use of the high bearing and low distortion in both conventional undisturbed -soil digging foundation and the rock -embedded foundation. Calculation formulas are induced for the uplift bearing capacity and overturning bearing capacity for the new composite foundation and to serve as useful technical data in applying the foundation to power transmission lines.
Peer Reviewed: Responsible Care at 15 Years

The chemical industry has upgraded its largest voluntary environmental health and public safety program
Intelligent Interface Design

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses intelligent interface design. The rapid technical progress in the area of human–computer interaction is driven largely by the forces of finance and feasibility. However, innovations themselves are the result of conceptual leaps that turn the possible into the actual. The increasingly cognitive nature of many of the tasks performed at present, combined with interface design possibilities in interactive human–computer tasks promotes the view of the interface as a communication channel, rather than as a physical device that allows control instructions to be passed to the machine and system responses to be observed by the human. Such communication is facilitated by an intelligent agent that mediates between the active participants. Such intelligent interfaces are not predicated on existing technology, as the concept involves an abstract mapping between cognitive and machine representations of tasks. The particular approach taken is a reflection of current needs and technological capabilities, but as tasks and technologies advance, the way that the abstract structure of intelligent interfaces is implemented would also change.
Higher-order Mode Suppression in Chalcogenide Negative Curvature Fibers with Gaps between Cladding Tubes

We study higher-order mode suppression in chalcogenide negative curvature fibers at 5 μm. The loss ratio of the higher-order core modes to the fundamental core mode can reach 110. The loss of the fundamental mode is 0.07 dB/m.
Dynamic Alterations of Rat Nucleus Accumbens Dendritic Spines over 2 Months of Abstinence from Extended-Access Cocaine Self-Administration

Chronic cocaine exposure influences the density and morphology of dendritic spines on medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a critical brain region for cocaine craving. However, the relationship between spine plasticity and craving remains unclear. To study this relationship, we trained rats to self-administer cocaine using an extended-access regimen (6 h per day, 10 days); controls self-administered saline. Previously, a time-dependent intensification (incubation) of cue-induced cocaine craving has been demonstrated after withdrawal from this regimen; furthermore, Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) increase in the NAc core after ~1 month of withdrawal and thereafter mediate the expression of incubated craving. Although neither craving nor CP-AMPAR levels were measured in the present study, we killed rats at four withdrawal day (WD) time-points (WD14, WD25, WD36, or WD60) selected to span the rising phase of incubation and the transition from low to high CP-AMPAR levels. MSNs were iontophoretically filled with Lucifer yellow and spines were analyzed with NeuronStudio software. Compared with saline controls, cocaine rats showed no changes in spine density or morphology in the NAc core on WD14 or WD25. On WD36, approximately the withdrawal time when stable elevation of CP-AMPAR levels is detected, the cocaine group exhibited increased density of thin spines in the NAc core. By WD60, however, this effect had reversed: the density of thin spines was lower in cocaine rats compared with saline rats. In contrast, craving and CP-AMPAR levels remain high on WD60. We also assessed spine density on WD36 in the dorsolateral striatum, a region that is not implicated in incubation of cocaine craving and does not undergo CP-AMPAR plasticity. Here, the cocaine group exhibited a small leftward shift in the distribution of spine densities plotted as a cumulative distribution, opposite to the effect found in the NAc core. Overall, our results demonstrate changes in NAc core spines over 2 months of withdrawal but no simple relationship between the time dependency of these spine changes and the previously demonstrated time course of incubation of cocaine craving. However, they raise the possibility that CP-AMPAR accumulation in the NAc core occurs in a population of thin spines that emerges after ~1 month of withdrawal.
Neuromuscular transmission in a transgenic animal model of motor neuron disease

The transgenic mice that express a human Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) mutation are a plausible animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in familial form. To explore the effects of the SOD mutation on motor nerve terminal (MNT) function, the authors studied neuromuscular transmission in mice with a mutated human SOD gene (G1H and G1L) as well as mice with the wild-type human SOD gene (N29) and normal untreated (wild-type, wt) animals for use as controls. In both G1H and G1L animals, the quantal content (m) of the neurally-evoked end-plate potentials (EPPs) was significantly increased from the values found in the corresponding control mice. The frequency and amplitude of the spontaneously occurring miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) were not significantly different, however. This finding is interpreted as indicating that calcium entry into the MNT, presumably mediated by the voltage-dependent calcium channels, significantly increased by the mutation. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the Ca/sup 2+/-mediated neurotoxicity causes degeneration of motor neurons in this disorder.