cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benzalkonium chloride alters phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profiles in a source water used for drinking water treatment.

Abstract Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern. Triclosan is an antimicrobial compound with direct links to antibiotic resistance that was widely used in soaps in the U.S. until its ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a quaternary ammonium compound, has widely replaced triclosan in soaps marketed as an antibacterial. BAC has been detected in surface waters and its presence will likely increase following increased use in soap products. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of BAC on relative abundance of antibiotic resistance in a bacterial community from a surface water used as a source for drinking water treatment. Bench-scale microcosm experiments were conducted with microbial communities amended with BAC at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μg L−1 to 500 μg L−1. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was quantified by culturing bacteria in the presence of different antibiotics, and genotypic resistance was determined using qPCR to quantify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). BAC at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μg L−1 to 500 μg L−1 was found to positively select for bacteria resistant to ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, and negatively select against bacteria with resistance to six other antibiotics. Exposure to BAC for 14 days increased the relative abundance of sul1 and blaTEM. This study re-highlights the importance of employing both culture and non-culture-based techniques to identify selection for antibiotic resistance. The widespread use of BAC will likely impact antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria in the environment, including in source waters used for drinking water, wastewater treatment plants, and natural waterways.
Risk Factors for Increased Length of Stay (LOS) in Patients with Hematological Malignancies Electively Admitted for Chemotherapy

Introduction Despite more robust attempts to deliver chemotherapy in the outpatient setting, certain regimens for hematologic malignancies require inpatient hospitalization for treatment and monitoring clinical status. Increased length of stay (LOS) for planned chemotherapy admissions leads to increased healthcare utilization and decreased patient satisfaction. We sought to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for increased LOS. Methods Planned chemotherapy admissions to the inpatient hematology services at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) from October 2018 through March 2019 were reviewed. We included patients who had treatment plans based on four pre-specified common regimens for acute myeloid leukemia, relapsed non-Hodgkins lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients who remained in the hospital for lack of caregiver support were excluded. Patient characteristics, including age, malignancy type, and chemotherapy regimen were recorded. Encounter characteristics included day of week of admission, time of admission, time chemotherapy plan initiated, and whether or not all necessary procedures (labs, vascular access, chemo orders) were completed prior to admission. Primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcome was time to treatment initiation (TTI) after admission. Results There were 100 planned admissions for patients receiving four regimens: cytarabine consolidation, EPOCH, ICE, VDT-PACE, during the six month review period. Thirty-six admissions did not occur as planned (regimen changed, rescheduled, or disease progression). Of the remaining 66 admissions, 11 outliers were excluded from primary analysis. Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Univariate analysis with independent t-test found no difference in LOS for patients who had physician chemotherapy orders in place prior to admission. To the contrary, we detected a non-significant trend toward longer mean length of stay for patients that were not seen in clinic on day of admission (Table 2). On ANOVA, there was a statistically significant difference in LOS when comparing Monday admissions 3.93 days (95% CI 3.07 to 4.79) vs Friday 5.25 days (95% CI, 4.86 to 5.64), but not between any other days. There were no statistically significant differences in TTI when comparing by day of week, physician order status, or chemotherapy regimen. Again, a non-significant trend toward increased TTI was observed for patients not seen in clinic on the same day as admission. Conclusions This study serves as a starting point towards identifying modifiable factors that are essential to delivery of safe, satisfying inpatient care to our hematological malignancy patients.Our noteworthy finding regarding patients who were admitted on Friday having a longer LOS than those admitted on Monday requires further exploration. This study is ongoing with mature data to be presented at the meeting. Download : Download high-res image (201KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Para-Professionals in Mobility: Long-Term Implications:

The role of the para-professional in the modern orientation and mobility program is discussed. A brief history of the mobility profession is recounted to give a proper perspective in which to view ...
The BIASED Model of Career Education and Guidance for Gifted Adolescents

Career education and guidance for gifted adolescents is an important though little emphasized area in secondary education. Based on the fallacy that “gifted youngsters always know what careers they want: they don't need help,” many parents, educators and counselors give little thought to specific strategies for counseling gifted adolescents about particular life careers. The BIASED Model of Career Education and Guidance for gifted adolescents is explained in this article, and sample activities for providing such career assistance are provided. Four specific problem areas—multi-potential, expectation, “societal payback,” and career investments—are explained in terms of their impact on gifted adolescents.
Age‐related changes in ACL morphology during skeletal growth and maturation are different between females and males

Despite a well-established role of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) anatomy on its biomechanics, little is known on how ACL anatomy develops and changes during skeletal growth. We hypothesized that ACL size and orientation will change by age during skeletal growth and maturation with different trends in males vs females. Magnetic resonance images of 269 unique knees (3-18 years old; 51% female) were used to measure ACL length, cross-sectional area, length-to-cross-sectional area ratio, and elevation angles. In both males and females, ACLs became longer, thicker, and more vertical in sagittal and coronal planes by increasing age (R2 > 0.2; P .2) except for larger coronal elevation in 7 to 10 years old females compared to age-matched males (P = .012). Observed changes in ACL cross-sectional area-to-length ratio indicate that age- and sex-dependent changes in ACL size are not homogenous. The trends seen in normalized ACL size measurements suggest that unlike ACL cross-sectional area, ACL length is primarily controlled by body size. Smaller ACLs and lower cross-sectional growth rates observed in females may be contributing factors to the higher risk of ACL injuries in females. Further investigations are required to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors responsible for these discrepancies.
Uncollected Bones and Ambiguous Loss: Okinawan Mourning Rituals in the Northern Mariana Islands.

The study expounds upon the psychological concept of ‘ambiguous loss,’ proposed by Pauline Boss. The article attempts to broaden the concept’s individualistic focus by offering a more ethnographica...
SN Ia DDT Explosions Powered by the Zeldovich Reactivity Gradient Mechanism

The aim of this work is to identify and explain the necessary conditions required for an energetic explosion of a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf. We construct and analyze weakly compressible turbulence models with nuclear burning effects for carbon/oxygen plasma at a density expected for deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) to occur. We observe formation of carbon deflagrations and transient carbon detonations at early times. As turbulence becomes increasingly inhomogeneous, sustained carbon detonations are initiated by the Zel'dovich reactivity gradient mechanism. The fuel is suitably preconditioned by the action of compressive turbulent modes with wavelength comparable to the size of resolved turbulent eddies; no acoustic wave is involved in this process. Oxygen detonations are initiated either aided by reactivity gradients or by collisions of carbon detonations. The observed evolutionary timescales are found sufficiently short for the above process to occur in the expanding, centrally ignited massive white dwarf. The inhomogeneous conditions produced prior to DDT might be of consequence for the chemical composition of the outer ejecta regions of SN Ia from the single degenerate channel, and offer potential for validation of the proposed model.
Undertail body wall herniation involving the oviduct in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Abstract Background: Ventral abdominal herniation (with or without oviduct involvement) in avian species is most commonly seen in reproductively active females. Case Description: A 2.5-year-old female budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) presented for a ventral tail, 2.0 cm in diameter, mass extending between the cloaca and the tail base. Upon surgical evaluation, the mass was determined to be a herniation of the oviduct and later confirmed with histopathology. A salpingohysterectomy and closure of the body wall defect was performed, and the patient recovered well. Postoperative radiography revealed no evidence of retained egg or other obvious pathology to determine an underlying cause. Conclusions and Case Relevance: Lateral body wall herniations with involvement of the oviduct has been reported, but an undertail body wall herniation involving the oviduct has not been previously reported based on the literature search, and should be considered in birds presented with similar lesions in this anatomical location.
Pulsed laser surface heating: A tool for studying pyrolysis product chemistry in molecular beams

Abstract Laser pulses directed at surfaces can produce rapid and intense surface heating. Heating from laser pulses out of the absorbance range of compounds on the surface will cause compound desorption; pyrolytic products increase at higher pulse energies. Depending on the timing of the photoionization or ion extraction, species in different portions of the gas pulse can be mass analyzed. Using “thermometer” ions to characterize the results, we show that it is possible to study either lower or higher temperature regime pyrolysis products. It is possible to query initial pyrolytic products that have undergone either more or less subsequent associative chemistry.
Jessica Schomberg and Wendy Highby. Beyond Accommodation: Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Disabled Workers. Sacramento, CA: Library Juice Press, 2020. 220p. Paper.

Jessica Schomberg and Wendy Highby begin with a very broad and thought-provoking discussion of the demographics of disability. Diagnosed “behavioral disorders and mental illness are on the rise while diagnosed physical impairments are decreasing” (15). Disablement is defined very broadly, as occurring where there is a mismatch between the environment and ability. Their review of the evolution of disability theory is effective.
IgG4-Related Retroperitoneal Fibrosis: A Rare Association With Riedel’s Thyroiditis

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare fibro-inflammatory disease that can be associated with other IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RDs). It is exceedingly uncommon to encounter this condition in a patient with Riedel's thyroiditis (RT), another disease in the IgG4-RD family. We present the case of a 53-year-old man with a history of RT who presented for severe localized lower abdominal and suprapubic pain due to obstructive uropathy from extensive retroperitoneal fibrosis. The biopsy of the mass demonstrated fibro-inflammatory tissue, and its immunohistochemistry was notable for IgG4-positive plasma cells. This case highlights the challenge associated with the diagnosis and management of this rare manifestation of IgG4-RD. In a patient with a history of any form of IgG4-RDs, providers should be vigilant for any signs or symptoms that suggest the development of fibrosis in other organs.
Atrial fibrillation: the impact of anxiety and depression on patients' needs.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, which is expected to expand enormously due to population ageing. The aim of the present study was to explore the significance of AF patients' needs and the associated factors as well as the impact of anxiety and depression on these needs. The sample of the study included 215 AF hospitalized patients. Data were collected by the completion of a questionnaire which, in addition to patients' characteristics, it also included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the questionnaire "Needs of hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease", that is evaluating the significance of the following 6 categories of needs: a) for support and guidance, b) for information from medical and nursing staff, c) for communication with other patients and family, d) for individualization of care and participation, e) to trust the medical and nursing staff and f) to meet emotional and physical needs. The statistical significance level was p 60 years old. Moreover, 47.5% of the participants experienced anxiety and 29.5% depression. The need for support, to be informed and to trust the medical and nursing staff considered to be of high significance by the patients (median 29,20 and 6, respectively). Anxiety and depression were significantly associated with all patients' needs (p 70 years and those having no children (p=0.039 and p=0.029, respectively) while the need for communication with other patients and family was considered more significant by women (p=0.028). The present findings emphasize the importance of providing care tailored to meet the needs of AF patients who experience anxiety and depression.
L’Italia Meticcia? The Black Mediterranean and the Racial Cartographies of Citizenship

This chapter explores debates unfolding in Italy over racial boundaries of Italian citizenship through the framework of the Black Mediterranean. The deep entanglements of race and citizenship in ongoing debates about the seconda generazione, jus soli, and Black Italianness are inflected by a long history of anxiety and contestation over the racial status of Italy, perched at the geographical and metaphorical edges of Europe and Africa. Who truly “belongs” in Italy as a rightful citizen continues to be shaped by the much-hyperbolized threat of African contamination and Italian racial degeneration. As one illustrative example, I recount the much-publicized story of the forty-two palm trees that were planted in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo in 2017. This event became a powerful incitement to discourse that threw into question the boundaries of Italy in relation to the Mediterranean and Blackness and the forces of globalization, neoliberal capitalism, and mass migration. The debates incited by this “urban greening” project dovetailed with political contestations unfolding contemporaneously over the rights of refugees and the expansion of citizenship to the children of immigrants born and raised in Italy. In this context, the Black Mediterranean stages a critical intervention vis-a-vis the resurgence of interest in Mediterranean interconnections as an idealistic, cosmopolitan response to far-right, ethnic absolutist discourses and restrictive Italian migration/citizenship policies. I conclude with implications of the Black Mediterranean not only as a theoretical framework for understanding citizenship struggles, but also as a radical form of political praxis that can inform Black activism across the modern world.
First weeks out: Social support stability and health among formerly incarcerated men

Abstract Rationale Social support has a lasting and robust impact on individuals' health, wellness, and longevity. Having social support and a reliable social network is especially important for individuals returning from prison. Upon release, individuals are often left with fragmented, if any, interpersonal relationships, which influences their overall health. When a released person's support network becomes erratic or unstable, they may be unlikely to successfully reintegrate. Additionally, the impediments and stressors associated with community reentry—particularly after a long prison sentence—impact released persons' ability to preserve their physical and mental health. Objective The current study examines the effects of the stability of social support on physical and mental health in a sample of recently released men in Texas. Methods Data are from the LoneStar Project, a longitudinal study of men released from prison, to examine the crucial nature of social support stability on health in a unique sample of reentering persons. Regression models are employed to examine the effect of diverse domains of social support stability on self-rated physical and mental health in the first few weeks after prison release. Results Findings indicate that emotional and instrumental social support stability from family and friends is essential to positive self-assessments of mental health, but not physical health, among a group of recently incarcerated men. Conclusions Results regarding the intricacies of the pathway between various stable support types and mental health are discussed. Relevant practical implications include the need for quality mental health care that must begin during the prison term to minimize stressors associated with psychological health upon reentry. Policy-related ramifications comprise a push to establish support programs for families to develop positive support outcomes for the released person during the reentry process, enabling family members to attain practical skills to increase family and individual well-being long term.
Localized Amyloidosis in Usual-Type Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia: High-Risk HPV Association and Potential Clinical Significance. A series of 45 cases

Localized cutaneous amyloidosis was reported recently in association with vulvar squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) type 16 is the most commonly reported subtype found in usual-type VIN. However, it is unknown whether any hrHPV subtype(s) is/are prevalent in simultaneous squamous intraepithelial lesions and localized amyloidosis in the same individual - the subject matter of this report. To observe the potential clinical significance, study cases were followed and compared to usual-type VINs without amyloid deposition. Of 45 patients of usual-type VINs associated with amyloidosis, 33 had detectable hrHPV, and 12 were negative. HPV 16 alone or in combination with HPV 31 accounted for 72%, HPV 51 alone accounted for 2% of the cases, and 26% were negative for hrHPV. Lack of demonstrable hrHPV in a significant proportion of cases (26%) raises the possibility of a novel or presently undetected hrHPV subtype. Five of the total 22 (23%) patients with amyloid had either Squamous cell carcinoma or high-grade VIN on follow-up. In contrast, 14 of 18 (78%) patients exhibiting lesions without amyloid had disease on follow-up. These findings may indicate that amyloid deposition may represent a feature of regression or a potential favorable prognostic indicator.
Designing organic solvent separation membranes: polymers, porous structures, 2D materials, and their combinations

As the interest for membrane-based organic solvent separation increases, membrane materials exhibiting high permeance, high selectivity, and long-term stability against solvents are sought. Membrane technology has experienced tremendous progress by integrating well-established polymeric membranes with emerging materials such as porous polymers, metal–organic frames (MOFs), and two-dimensional (2D) materials. This review aims to provide a timely update on novel molecular architectures developed to surpass permeability and selectivity trade-off and improve stability. First, we describe the transport mechanisms of organic liquids in membranes and summarize the state-of-the-art commercial membranes. Second, various strategies in designing polymers to improve separation performance are presented, including chemical functionalization and cross-linking. Third, we critically review porous materials with well-controlled nanostructures, such as polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), covalently organic frameworks (COFs), carbon molecular sieves (CMS), and mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Finally, membranes based on 2D materials with exciting separation properties are highlighted.
The first occurrence of the stem turtle Naomichelys from the Late Cretaceous of eastern North America

Here we describe the first occurrence of the stem turtle Naomichelys from the Late Cretaceous of eastern North America. The specimen (MSC 41038) was collected as float from locality AMg-1 in Montgo...
Stung by a Charso-Bee: Daljit Nagra’s Macaronic Ramayana

This essay argues that Daljit Nagra’s idiosyncratic adaptation of the Ramayana, in which the poet combines multiple versions of the ancient epic (from different parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia) is more than just a comic version of the Sanskrit classic but represents a serious attempt to ensure an old text’s relevance for a new readership. One way that Nagra manages to reach a highly diverse and widely dispersed audience is through the extensive use of interlingual wordplay, a technique that stylistically echoes the earlier diasporic writer Salman Rushdie. Reading this transnational version of the Ramayana through the lens of Jahan Ramazani’s concept of a macaronic poetics, the essay analyzes the lexicological, phonological, and typographic effects of Nagra’s poem, which combine to produce a faithful retelling of the ancient Hindu epic in a language and style that is thoroughly of the 21st century and that uses translingual puns to connect the Ramayana to a western audience as well as the Indian diaspora.
Toward a Non-Marginalist Theory of Economic Change

Economics and biology have much in common in terms of their intellectual heritage and in the nature of their subject matter. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that many current controversies in biology have great relevance for economic theory. Among these is the theory of â€œpunctuated equilibriaâ€ in evolutionary theory. This article draws on this controversy in biology in order to examine some of the issues surrounding the notion, implicit in neoclassical growth theory, that economic change occurs with the accumulation of characteristics acquired by natural selection at the margin. Implications of non-marginalist change include the following: (1) if selection is not entirely due to gradual changes at the margin, then events such as sudden turbulence must be given an important role in a general theory of economic change, and (2) once we leave the knifeâ€™s edge of marginal optimization there is more latitude in what constitutes â€œfitnessâ€ than the neoclassical paradigm allows. The article then presents some evidence for the existence of punctuations in economic history and ends with a discussion of some of the elements a general theory of economic change should include.
Protection of retinal function by sulforaphane following retinal ischemic injury.

Sulforaphane, a precursor of glucosinolate in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, has been shown to protect brain ischemic injury. In this study, we examined the effect of systemic administration of sulforaphane on retinal ischemic reperfusion injury. Intraocular pressure was elevated in two groups of C57BL/6 mice (n = 8 per group) for 45 min to induce retinal ischemic reperfusion injury. Following retinal ischemic reperfusion injury, vehicle (1% DMSO saline) or sulforaphane (25 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally daily for 5 days. Scotopic electroretinography (ERG) was used to quantify retinal function prior to and one-week after retinal ischemic insult. Retinal morphology was examined one week after ischemic insult. Following ischemic reperfusion injury, ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes were significantly reduced in the control mice. Sulforaphane treatment significantly attenuated ischemic-induced loss of retinal function as compared to vehicle treated mice. In vehicle treated mice, ischemic reperfusion injury produced marked thinning of the inner retinal layers, but the thinning of the inner retinal layers appeared significantly less with sulforaphane treatment. Thus, sulforaphane may be beneficial in the treatment of retinal disorders with ischemic reperfusion injury.
Minority Marketing: Then and Now

American marketing traditionally has been mass marketing where majorities in the market place are involved in the "exchange" or the "need-satisfaction" process. It seems neither the literature nor the political entities acknowledged the existence of certain minorities, particularly the underprivileged. Andreasen (1976) maintained that even though there have been earlier articles and books on blacks and the poor, Caplovitz (1963) was the bench mark study of a new era of awareness. In his book, The Poor Pav More, he posed the problems of minority markets. However, even then race and ethnicity were not acknowledged. The general thinking was as follows: “Studies suggest that the market system works to the disadvantage of the poor simply because they are poor not because of their race or ethnicity” (Sturdivant 1968).
Electronic commerce and data privacy: the impact of privacy concerns on electronic commerce use and regulatory preferences

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has had a profound effect on the way we conduct business. It has impacted economies, markets, industry structures, and the flow of products through the supply chain. Despite the phenomenal growth of e-commerce and the potential impact on the revenues of businesses, there are problems with the capabilities of this technology. Organizations are amassing huge quantities of personal data about consumers. As a result, consumers are very concerned about the protection of their personal information and they want something done about the problem. This study examined the relationships between consumer privacy concerns, actual e-commerce activity, the importance of privacy policies, and regulatory preference. Using a model developed from existing literature and theory, an online questionnaire was developed to gauge the concerns of consumers. The results indicated that consumers are concerned about the protection of their personal information and feel that privacy policies are important. Consumers also indicated that they preferred government regulation to industry self-regulation to protect their personal information.
Network optimization in supply chain management and financial engineering: An annotated bibliography

During the past decade, two relatively new application areas have attracted the attention of a growing number of researchers who specialize in applying optimization techniques to large-scale real-world problems. The now well-known areas of supply chain management and financial engineering have provided extremely rich contexts for the definition of new large-scale optimization problems, the solutions of which can provide substantial value to organizations. This paper discusses the extent to which network optimization approaches have contributed to the advancement of supply chain management and financial engineering research through an examination of past literature involving network optimization applications within these still emerging fields. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Plasma‐Ionized Magnesium Concentration in 122 Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study

The goal of this study was to evaluate plasma-ionized magnesium (iMg2+) concentration in a large group of dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus and to determine whether dogs with diabetes mellitus have hypomagnesemia, as reported in diabetic humans and cats. Plasma iMg2+ concentrations were retrospectively evaluated at the time of initial examination of 122 diabetic dogs at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Diabetic dogs were defined as having uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM, 78 dogs) diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, 32 dogs), or ketotic nonacidotic diabetes mellitus (DK, 12 dogs) on the basis of presence or absence of metabolic acidosis or ketonuria. Twenty-two control dogs were used to determine reference values for plasma iMg2+ concentration in healthy dogs. Plasma iMg2+ concentration also was evaluated in 19 nondiabetic dogs with acute pancreatitis because many of the dogs with DKA had concurrent acute pancreatitis. Plasma iMg2+ concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DKA (median 0.41 mmol/L, reference range 0.14-0.72 mmol/L) than in dogs with DM (0.33 mmol/L, 0.17-0.65 mmol/L; P = .0002) or the control group (0.32 mmol/L, 0.26-0.41 mmol/L; P = .006). There were no significant differences between plasma iMg2+ concentrations in dogs with DM or DK compared with control dogs. We conclude that dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus do not have marked hypomagnesemia on initial examination at a tertiary care center.
Dynamics in glass-forming mixtures: Comparison of behavior of polymeric and non-polymeric components

Recent experiments have shown that the segmental dynamics of dilute polymer chains in glass-forming matrices are substantially different than the dynamics of the host. In contrast, we show here that the dynamics of dilute low molecular weight species (tetracene and rubrene) are very similar to the dynamics of the host matrix. This is consistent with the view that self-concentration is a dominant factor in determining the dynamics of polymer chains in glass-forming mixtures; as a polymeric effect, self-concentration should be negligible for low molecular weight species. In addition, we show that self-concentration may play an important role in understanding segmental dynamics in concentrated polymer solutions.
Charge Carrier Generation by Exciton-Exciton Annihilation in Poly(Di-N-Hexylsilane)

We have studied charge carrier generation by photons in thin films of poly(di-n-hexylsilane) over the photon energy range 3.15 to 6 eV and find that it is nonlinear in light intensity to above 4.5 eV. We show that the generation mechanism is exciton-exciton annihilation.
Quantitative multispectral biosensing and 1D imaging using quasi-3D plasmonic crystals

We developed a class of quasi-3D plasmonic crystal that consists of multilayered, regular arrays of subwavelength metal nanostructures. The complex, highly sensitive structure of the optical transmission spectra of these crystals makes them especially well suited for sensing applications. Coupled with quantitative electrodynamics modeling of their optical response, they enable full multiwavelength spectroscopic detection of molecular binding events with sensitivities that correspond to small fractions of a monolayer. The high degree of spatial uniformity of the crystals, formed by a soft nanoimprint technique, provides the ability to image binding events over large areas with micrometer spatial resolution. These features, together with compact form factors, low-cost fabrication procedures, simple readout apparatus, and ability for direct integration into microfluidic networks and arrays, suggest promise for these devices in label-free bioanalytical detection systems.
Fetal pain: an infantile debate.

The question of whether a fetus can experience pain is an immense challenge. The issue demands consideration of the physical and psychological basis of being and the relation between the two. At the center of this debate is the question of how it is that we are conscious, a question that has inspired the writing of some of our most brilliant contemporary philosophers and scientists, with one commentary suggesting surrender. In my earlier review I attempted to draw together the various strands of thinking that had attacked the question of fetal pain and relate them back to the bigger question of consciousness. In their vituperative response, Benatar and Benatar bite off my finger before looking to where I am pointing. I will examine each of their criticisms and attempt to redirect the readers' interest towards examining the subjectivity of pain and the mediating links between physiology and experience.
Radium isotopes as tracers of submarine groundwater discharge in Sicily

Abstract The results derived from radium isotopes of a submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) intercomparison on the southern coast of Sicily are reported. Radium isotope samples were collected from seepage meters, active springs, shallow wells and a hole on the beach, and Mediterranean surface waters. Samples collected within a boat basin were highly enriched in all four radium isotopes with respect to offshore samples. This implies that there are strong nearshore sources of radium. Samples collected from seepage meters in the boat basin were about a factor of 2–3 higher in radium activity than overlying waters and had higher 224 Ra/ 223 Ra activity ratios (AR). A beach spring (presumed to originate in the artesian freshwater aquifer) was enriched in 226 Ra relative to 228 Ra. The “pier wells” and beach hole (presumed to represent the salty surficial aquifer) were enriched in 228 Ra compared 226 Ra. The different 228 Ra/ 226 Ra AR clearly defines these aquifers. Samples collected in the boat basin and offshore as well as samples collected in seepage bags within the boat basin fall between the isotopic composition of these sources. These observations imply that there are at least two sources of SGD supplying radium isotopes to the coastal waters. Seepage from the shallow aquifer contributes more SGD than the offshore springs. Overall, the surficial aquifer contributes 81% of SGD and the artesian aquifer contributes 19%. The estimated SGD flux for this coastline is 10 6 m 3 km −1 d −1 . This is at least a factor of 5 greater than the flux based on a 222 Rn model within the boat basin. Buoyancy associated with the artesian aquifer may facilitate exchange between the ocean and the surficial aquifer.
Synergistic induction of microsomal heme oxygenase activity in rat liver and kidney by diethyldithiocarbamate and nickel chloride.

Abstract Microsomal heme oxygenase activity was measured in liver and kidney of rats killed after administration of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) and nickel chloride (NiCl2), singly and in combinations (DDC dosages: 0.33 to 1.33 mmol/kg, im, 17 hr before death; NiCl2 dosages: 0.125 and 0.25 mmol/kg, sc, 17 hr before death). Syngergistic induction was observed at all dosage combinations. At the highest dosages of DDC and NiCl2, the dual treatment induced heme oxygenase activity 11-fold in liver and 16-fold in kidney; at the same dosages given individually, DDC induction of heme oxygenase activity was 3-fold in liver and 2-fold in kidney, and NiCl2-induction was 1.3-fold in liver and 6-fold in kidney. Synergistic induction of heme oxygenase activity in liver occurred when DDC was injected 6 hr before to 6 hr after NiCl2; synergistic induction in kidney occurred when DDC was injected 6 hr before to 3 hr after NiCl2. Actinomycin D prevented the induction of heme oxygenase activity by DDC or NiCl2, given individually; the effect of actinomycin D on synergistic induction could not be measured, since the rats all died following treatment with DDC, NiCl2, and actinomycin D. Administration of cysteine to rats, po, 18 hr before death, partially suppressed the induction of hepatic heme oxygenase activity by DDC, singly or in combination with NiCl2. Synergistic induction of hepatic heme oxygenase activity also occurred in rats that received dual injections of DDC (1.33 mmol/kg, im) and hemoglobin (0.3 g/kg, iv); the synergism of DDC and hemoglobin, although statistically significant, was small in comparison to the striking synergistic effect of DDC and NiCl2.
Signal current probability distribution for optical heterodyne receivers in the turbulent atmosphere. 1: theory.

Approximate expressions are derived for the probability density functions of the i.f. signal magnitudes from optical heterodyne detection systems operating in the presence of clear air turbulence. The effects of log-normal amplitude fluctuations and Gaussian phase perturbations, in addition to local oscillator shot noise, are considered for both passive receivers and those employing active tilt-tracking systems to eliminate angle-of-arrival fluctuations. In Part 2, experimental results are presented that verify the density functions developed here.
Importance-Weighted Marginal Bayesian Posterior Density Estimation

Abstract Markov chain sampling schemes generate dependent observations {Θi, 0 ≤ i ≤ n} from a full joint posterior distribution π(θdata). Frequently, only certain marginals of this full posterior density are of interest; thus an interesting problem is how to estimate the marginal posterior densities based on the dependent observations {Θi, 0 ≤ i ≤ n} from π(θ data). We propose a new importance-weighted marginal density estimation (IWMDE) method. An IWMDE is obtained by averaging many dependent observations of the ratio of the full joint posterior densities multiplied by a weighting conditional density w. The asymptotic properties for the IWMDE and the guidelines for choosing a weighting conditional density w are also considered. A bivariate normal model and a constrained linear multiple regression model are used to illustrate how to derive the IWMDE's for the marginal posterior densities.
Occurrence and Dispersal of Magmas in the Jurassic Ferrar Large Igneous Province, Antarctica

Tholeiitic rocks of the Ferrar Large Igneous Province (FLIP) occur in a linear belt from the Theron Mountains to Horn Bluff in the Transantarctic Mountains and extend into southeastern Australasia. The FLIP was emplaced during the initial stages of Gondwana break-up from a source suggested to be in the proto-Weddell Sea region. Magma transport from its source (Weddell triple junction) was controlled by an Early Jurassic zone of extension. The FLIP comprises the Dufek intrusion, Ferrar Dolerite sills and dykes (sheet intrusions), and extrusive rocks consisting of pyroclastic strata overlain by Kirkpatrick Basalt lavas. The Dufek intrusion occurs in deformed supracrustal rocks of the foldbelt along the paleo-Pacific Gondwana margin. A few sills were emplaced in basement rocks, but the majority of the sheet intrusions occur in flat-lying Devonian to Triassic Beacon strata. Only in the central Transantarctic Mountains (CTM) and south and north Victoria Land (SVL, NVL) are extrusive rocks preserved overlying Beacon strata. The greatest cumulative thicknesses of magmatic rocks (ca. 2 km) occur in areas where lavas are preserved (CTM and SVL). Sheet intrusions have complex relationships. Dyke swarms (sensu stricto) are unknown and dykes cutting basement rocks are uncommon. Nevertheless, these dykes, including a 30-m-wide dyke in SVL, suggest that some magmas locally migrated up through basement rocks. In CTM and NVL the outcrop belt has a width of about 160 km. Sills originally extended farther toward the plate margin but have been cut out by erosion and Cenozoic faulting, most clearly in CTM; geophysical data suggest extension under the East Antarctic ice sheet for at least 100 km. Although Early Jurassic extension is documented in CTM, major rift-bounding faults have not been observed. Models for magma emplacement include transport along the axis of the Transantarctic Mountains and off-axis transport from major rift-bounding faults. Contrasts in geochemistry between lavas of NVL (MgO=67%) and CTM (MgO=24%) and the presence of massive dolerite bodies (CTM, SVL) suggest discrete episodes and locations of magma emplacement, and that there was no long range interconnection along the mountain range in supracrustal rocks.
Analysis of association between Alzheimer disease and the K variant of butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE-K)

Butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE) is an enzyme expressed in most human tissues. Recently, an increased odds of carrying the K variant of BCHE (BCHE-K) was reported among Alzheimer disease (AD) cases as compared with controls. We tested our data set of 245 sporadic AD cases and 241 controls for an association between BCHE-K, APOE4, and AD using logistic regression and chi-square analyses. The sib transmission disequilibrium test (S-TDT) was also used to test for differences in BCHE-K allele frequencies between 163 discordant sib-pairs selected from multiplex AD families. No statistically significant differences were noted between BCHE-K case and control allele frequencies even after stratifying by APOE4 status. S-TDT analysis between the BCHE-K variant and AD was also not significant (P = 0.52). We conclude that BCHE-K is not a major genetic risk factor for AD in our study population.
Using VIX Entropy Indicators for Style Rotation Timing

In this article, the authors examine the feasibility of market timing between large-capitalization value and growth portfolios with the use of entropy measures as compared with previously tested methods of market timing using stock market volatility (using the CBOE’s Volatility Index, VIX). Including transaction fees, style rotations using entropy measures appear to provide superior risk-adjusted returns and may offer a desirable alternative strategy for risk-averse investors seeking equity exposure.
The immunologic and histopathologic changes of BCG-mediated tumor regression in patients with malignant melanoma.

Six patients with intradermal metastases of malignant melanoma were treated with intralesional bacile Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Four patients showed a good response with regression of injected, and in some cases, uninjected lesions, whereas two developed metastatic viscereal disease and died. Three of the six patients had complete regression of all lesions, and one exhibited complete regression of untreated lesions. All remain free of disease. The fourth patient had complete regression of injected and of some untreated lesions, but developed widespread dissemination and died. Preliminary experiments suggest the presence of a blocking factor in his sera which abrogates the lymphocyte stimulation in response to melanoma antigens. Three of four responders (i.e. those patients in whom treated lesions decreased in size by more than 50% for more than 1 month) showed a dramatic increase in lymphocyte stimulation to melanoma antigens. All responders (four out of four) had a marked increase to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), whereas non responders had no increase in lymphocyte stimulation either to melanoma antigens or PHA. Two of four responders showed inhibition of leukocyte migration to melanoma antigens before BCG, and two of four responders were positive after BCG. Of the nonresponders, one was positive and one negative before BCG; this remained the same after. There was a marked increase in active rosette forming cells in all responders and in one of the two nonresponders. Histopathologic studies at 3 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, 14 days, and 4 weeks after BCG showed a definite sequence of events occurred, progressing from 1) inflammatory cell response at the periphery of the lesion, disruption of melanogenesis, extensive dumping of pigment from melanoma cells, proceeding to actual cell death at 24 hours, to 2) macrophages containing melanin and granulomas replacing tumor by 2 weeks. These studies suggest that BCG activates both specific and nonspecific immune responses. Thus, in vitro parameters of cellular immunity, including migration inhibitory factor production and inhibition of leukocyte migration, are affected by intralesional BCG, and some, particularly the lymphocyte stimulation and rosette test, seem to correlate with the clinical response of the patients.
Patterns of nasalance in a sample of normal gerontologic subjects

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate velopharyngeal adequacy in gerontologic subjects using an acoustic analysis strategy. Sixty normal older subjects (30 male, 30 female), ranging in age from 50 to 80, read three passages developed by Fletcher (1976) that differ in number of nasal sounds. In addition, all subjects sustained the vowel /a/. The speech samples were analyzed using TONAR II, which calculates the ratio of nasal sound pressure level to nasal + oral sound pressure level (nasalance). Tonagrams (plots of nasalance over time) were obtained from all subjects. Results demonstrated that older subjects generally evidenced abnormally high nasalance values for the Zoo Passage (contains no nasal sounds). In addition, females exhibited significantly higher nasalance values than males. Inspection of the tonagrams revealed three abnormal acoustic patterns: (1) pervasively high nasalance, (2) momentary loss of velar control, (3) progressive deterioration in velar control. These results are discussed with reference to known neuroanatomical changes associated with advancing age.
A theoretical examination of the construct validity of operationalizations of goal difficulty

Abstract The goal setting literature has failed to specifically define the construct of goal difficulty. This has resulted in research using various operationalizations of goal difficulty which may or may not be construct valid. This manuscript explores how various motivational theories have defined goal difficulty and presents a conceptual definition. The construct validity of past operationalizations of goal difficulty is examined in light of this definition. Implications for operationalizing goal difficulty in future goal setting research are discussed.
RESILIENCY AND SPIRITUALITY: FOUNDATIONS OF STRENGTHS PERSPECTIVE COUNSELING WITH THE ELDERLY

Old age is characterized as a period of resiliency when the older person uses internal and external resources to overcome the challenges presented by this stage of life. By acknowledging older adults’ resiliency and spiritual resources in light of past and present risk factors, care providers can focus on capabilities, assets, and positive attributes rather than problems and pathologies. This paper presents a conceptual and practical framework for teaching strengths perspective counseling for older clients in which resiliency and spirituality best describe the application or operationalization of strengths.
Climate variability during warm and cold phases of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) 1871–2008

Abstract An extended reanalysis, a combination of observations and model output, is used to examine the spatial patterns of physical variables associated with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) from 1871 to 2008. The results are presented as anomalies during positive and negative phases of the AMO. As in previous studies, during positive (negative) AMO phases the sea surface temperature (SST) is anomalously warm (cold) over most of the North Atlantic, with the exception of the east coast of the United States. The atmospheric patterns, associated with the positive phase of the AMO, include anomalous low pressure over the Atlantic between 20°S and 50°N, cyclonic surface winds around the low, reduced wind speeds over the tropical Atlantic and enhanced precipitation in the eastern tropical Atlantic, with roughly opposite conditions during negative AMO phases. There are, however, substantial differences in the SST and the atmospheric anomalies between periods of the same phase, especially in the extratropics. Correlations between the AMO and air temperature anomalies are positive over much of the globe between 40°S and 50°N, with correlations exceeding 0.6 (~ 95% significance level) over the Maritime Continent and northern rim of the Pacific Ocean. Most of the sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies beyond the Atlantic are not statistically significant.